Highlights
- UNESCO · ANCIENT CHURCHES · MEDIEVAL FORTRESSES · VJOSA RIVER · BREATHTAKING VIEWS · TRADITIONAL CUISINE · THERMAL WATERS
Embark on a self-drive journey through the historic charm of Gjirokastra, where Ottoman architecture and vibrant local traditions come to life. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace, with the option to be guided through its medieval fortresses and rich cultural heritage. Continue to the serene beauty of Përmet, home to the Vjosa River—one of Europe's last wild rivers—therapeutic thermal waters, and amaizing local cuisine. This tour combines the freedom of self-exploration with expert guidance at key sites, offering a perfect balance of historical discovery, natural beauty, and authentic Albanian flavors. Visit the picturesque village of Leusa and its famous church, often called the Albanian Sistine Chapel, and relax in the thermal baths of Bënja.
Our team will help organize every part of your trip, making sure everything goes smoothly. During your journey, we offer 24/7 support, and our local partners are always available to help, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Itineraries Expand all
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Day 1: Arrival and Tirana vibes
Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, you’ll pick up your pre-arranged car and drive to your hotel in Tirana. After settling in, our tour organizer will meet you for a brief kick-off meeting, where you'll receive detailed itinerary information, important contact numbers, an Albanian map, and, if desired, a mobile phone with a prepaid Albanian SIM card to stay connected throughout your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, we can plan a city tour, or you can enjoy a leisurely day exploring the main attractions or visiting the Grand Park by the Lake. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, followed by free time to explore areas like Tirana Castle, the vibrant Blloku district, and the city's lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Meals included: No meals included
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 0.5 hours -
Day 2: Discovering Ancient Apollonia and Gjirokastra's Timeless Charm
After breakfast, you will leave Tirana and head south to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Stone City." En route, you will stop at Apollonia, an ancient Illyrian city founded in the 7th century BCE. Here, you will explore its rich history as a major trade center blending Illyrian, Greek, and Roman cultures, praised by Cicero and notable for its educational role in the lives of Julius Caesar’s nephew and future Emperor Augustus.
Upon arriving in Gjirokastra, you’ll have free time to explore the Old Bazaar and enjoy lunch. Our local guide will then meet you and accompany you for the rest of the day's city tour, starting with the imposing Gjirokastra Castle, which houses the Museum of Weapons. This fortress, one of the largest in the Balkans, offers panoramic views of the city and Drino Valley. Next, you will visit the Skenduli House, a beautifully restored Ottoman home from the early 1700s.
In the evening, you’ll have free time to further explore the surroundings, soak in the local atmosphere, and taste traditional food at a neighbourhood restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Gjirokastra
Drive time: 3.5 hours -
Day 3: Gjirokastra Surroundings: Authentic Traditions, History, and Culinary Delights
Start your day with an amazing authentic experience by dressing up in traditional Albanian attire, arranged through one of our local artisan partners. Men can wear the fustanella, a classic skirt-like garment from medieval times, while women can enjoy the elegance of a beautifully embroidered dress and headscarf. Then, dressed in these unique outfits, take a walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar, capturing stunning photos of the vibrant surroundings and timeless atmosphere.
Next, drive to Labova e Kryqit to visit the 10th-century Saint Mary Church, a Byzantine masterpiece dating back to Emperor Justinian’s time. Once a pilgrimage site for its relic of the True Cross, the church boasts stunning frescoes and architecture from the 9th-11th centuries.
For lunch time, you will drive on to a nearby village for a truly authentic Albanian experience: visit a local family for a traditional cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare classic Albanian dishes and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with the family.
In the afternoon, drive to Përmet, nestled by the pristine Vjosa River. Take in the scenic beauty of the Vjosa canyons along the way. Upon arrival, unwind at your hotel or explore the city center before enjoying dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Experiences included in the price and pre-reserved: Dressing like locals, cooking class.
Overnight: Hotel in Permet
Drive time: 2.5 hour -
Day 4: From Sacred Frescoes to Thermal Waters
Start your day with a roughly two-kilometer walk to the village of Leusa to admire Saint Mary's Church, renowned for its magnificent, colorful frescoes, often called the Albanian "Sistine Chapel."
Afterward, drive along the Vjosa River canyon to visit the healing Bënja thermal waters. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore the ancient Katiu Bridge and marvel at the stunning Langarica Canyon. Once at Bënja, you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich thermal baths, cherished by locals for their therapeutic properties, especially for ailments like rheumatism and skin conditions. Take a refreshing dip in the waters and experience the perfect combination of nature and wellness.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the Bënja area, drive to Tirana, the vibrant capital city.
Upon arrival, you’ll finalize the return of your rental car, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free handover process.
Enjoy a free evening to explore at your own pace and savor dinner at your leisure.Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 3 hours -
Day 5 Exploring Tirana’s Highlights & Departure
Before leaving, take advantage of a free morning. Depending on your departure time take a guided city walk across Tirana.
You can also visit the Tirana Castle, where you can relax at cafes and bars while enjoying the ambiance. If time permits, consider shopping at nearby centers for souvenirs and local products.Carry the vibrant Albania spirit with you, promising to return for more adventures and unforgettable memories.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: N/A
Drive time: 40 min.
Trip Infos
- Language English/German/Italian
- Guiding method Self-Drive /Partially Guided
- Best season March to November
- Duration 5 days - 4 nights
- Group size Private Group
- Difficulty Level Level 2/5
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Local guides in Gjirokastra and Permet.
- Standard Car Rental with GPS and Standard Package. Depending on the number of people, car options can range from sedans and SUVs to vans.
- Rental Car TPL Insurance (standard coverage) is included in the tour price. Full Casco Insurance is not included but can be added for an additional supplement, available upon request.
- Airport Transfer
- Meals: Breakfast daily. Lunch on Day 3.
- A mobile phone with an Albanian SIM card (optional)
- A road map of Albania
- 24/7 support
- Tourist taxes
- International flights
- Meals not specified
- Drinks (except water), unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Other services not specified in the inclusions
Gallery
Availability
FAQ's Expand all
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour is rated as easy, but good health is recommended. The walks in Gjirokastra and the activities in Benja and are manageable but do require some effort, particularly during the cold winter and hot summer months.
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WHEN TO TAKE THIS TOUR
This tour is best enjoyed between March and November. It can also be done during the winter months with some adjustments to the program, depending on weather conditions like rain or cold. July and August are also suitable, but it's important to note the possibility of high temperatures on some days.
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WHERE WE STAY
We’ve carefully selected boutique hotels to ensure your comfort and to complement the unique experience of our tour. Each hotel is conveniently located in the city centers of Tirana, Gjirokastra, and Përmet. Below are some of our preferred options, though availability may vary by season: • Hotel Opera: Located in the vibrant heart of Tirana. • Hotel Kalemi 2: Situated in the center of Gjirokastra. • Villa Përmeti: Nestled in the city center of Përmet.
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Private Tour: This is a private, self-drive tour, meaning you will not be mixed with other travelers. The minimum number of participants is two. • For groups larger than eight, you will need to be split into more cars. If you prefer to stay together as a group in one vehicle, a van or mini-bus a local driver can be added to accompany you. Please contact us for special arrangements. • Driving License: All participants intending to drive must possess a valid driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for non-EU citizens. • Car Rental Responsibility: Please note that the car rental is managed directly by the rental company (our partner), not by us. Any issues related to the rental, including the terms of the contract, damage, or insurance, should be addressed with the rental company. We are not responsible for any rental-related matters. • Driving License: All participants intending to drive must possess a valid driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for non-EU citizens. • Car Selection: The type of car you select for the tour must match the driver's experience and comfort level. • Our cars come with Rental Car Insurance: TPL Insurance (standard coverage) is included in the tour price. Full Casco Insurance is not included but can be added for an additional supplement, available upon request, offering 100% coverage in the event of an accident, excluding abusive damage or loss of keys. • Fuel and Mileage: Fuel is not included in the tour price, and you will be responsible for fuel costs during your trip. The car comes with a full tank at the start of the tour. • Driving Conditions: Albania has well-maintained roads in urban areas, but rural roads may be less developed. Please drive with caution, particularly in mountainous regions. • Roadbook and Mobile Phone: You will receive a detailed electronic roadbook and a mobile phone with an Albanian SIM card for easy navigation and emergency contact. • Local Guides: Local guides will be available in Berat, Gjirokastra, and Tirana to enhance your cultural experience. • Parking and Traffic: Pay attention to local parking regulations and traffic rules, as violations may result in fines. • Road Assistance: 24-hour roadside assistance is available if needed during the tour. • Suitable for age 6+. • Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control. • If you arrive or depart from an airport other than Tirana, we can advise you on the best transportation options available. Airports in neighboring cities, such as those in Kosovo (Pristina), Montenegro (Podgorica), Greece (Corfu, Preveza, Ioannina, Thessaloniki), and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid), can also be considered for your travel. • On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs.
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PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY
PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY Payments: A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining 80% balance is due 45 days before the tour departure. For shorter trips (3 days or less), the balance is due 20 days before the tour departure. Cancellations & Refunds: 70 days or more before departure: 100% refund of the deposit amount paid. 69–45 days before departure: Loss of the 20% deposit. 30–44 days before departure: Loss of 30% of the total tour price. 15–29 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the total tour price. 8–14 days before departure: Loss of 75% of the total tour price. 7 days or less before departure: Loss of 100% of the total tour price (no refund). Postponements: If you wish to postpone instead of cancel, you can do so free of charge up to 45 days prior to departure, and all payments will be credited toward future travel. Note: Paying with a credit or debit card is not possible at the moment. We accept payments in Euros and the best payment method is via bank transfer or cash. This cancellation policy is valid for individual bookings and private groups of up to 8 travelers. For bigger groups please contact us and we will do our best to suit your wishes. We still recommend purchasing reliable travel insurance. If you have any doubts, questions, concerns, or need to soften our cancellation policy for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to contact us we will be glad to help and find a solution that suits everyone. Our first and most important concern is the safety and good vibes with our travelers. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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Fantastic tour!
This trip was the perfect mix of adventure and discovery! We chose the self-drive option, which made it even more fun. The roads through the mountains were scenic (though some parts were a bit rugged and narrow!). The drive along the Vjosa River was stunning, and reaching the Benje thermal baths was just what we needed. The local food was amazing and fresh. Highly recommend!
This tour was a great way to experience Albania’s history and culture! Gjirokastra, with its stone houses and lively bazaar full of artisans, really showed how people have lived there for centuries. Visiting Saint Mary’s Church in a small village near Permet was truly special. The colorful frescoes and peaceful surroundings made it a memorable stop. Our guide, Elidian, shared amazing stories and experiences.
The whole trip was very well organized, from the rental car arrangement and pick-up to the very end, everything went smoothly. Thank you to Up Albania team!