Up Albania

Upon your arrival at Tirana Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the capital city. Depending on your flight schedule, we can explore Tirana on a guided walking tour, discovering its rich history and culture. Highlights include visits to notable sites such as Bunk’Art, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. In the late afternoon, after gathering the group, we will travel to Berat, a beautiful town known for its historic charm. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant within Berat Castle, where you can indulge in traditional Albanian cuisine, get to know fellow travellers, and share experiences in this enchanting setting.

Meals included: Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Berat
Drive time: 2 hours

In Berat, known as the ‘City of One Above Another Windows,’ we’ll begin with a guided tour of Berat Castle, a 2,400-year-old fortress overlooking the Osum River. Inside the castle, we’ll visit the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, where you can admire an impressive iconography exhibition by Onufri, a renowned 16th-century Albanian icon painter famous for his vibrant colors and detailed work. Leaving Berat, our focus shifts to the agritourism and wineries of the region. We’ll visit a family-run winery in the Roshnik village, renowned for producing wines exclusively from local grape varieties. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, paired with a tasting of their exceptional wines and traditional raki, showcasing the region’s rich agrarian heritage. After lunch, we’ll drive to the village of Hekal in the Mallakastra region, where we’ll spend the night in a quiet rural guesthouse on a hilltop with stunning views over the Vjosa River. In the evening, we’ll relax and enjoy the rural atmosphere, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the panoramic views, followed by a dinner featuring local specialties.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch+wine tasting
Overnight: Agritourism/Guesthouse in Hekal
Drive time: 2.5 hours

Start your day with the refreshing morning air of Hekal, where the scent of blooming flowers and the melody of birdsong create a tranquil village atmosphere. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to our next destination: Gjirokastra, the “Stone City” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, explore the Old Bazaar and tour the imposing Gjirokastra Castle, which houses the Museum of Weapons. This massive fortress, one of the largest in the Balkans, offers panoramic views of the city and the Drino Valley. Next, we’ll visit the village of Dhoksat, where we’ll experience the warmth of a local family. Participate in a cooking demonstration and enjoy a delightful lunch. Before our culinary adventure, our friendly local guide will take us on a brief tour of Dhoksat, revealing the rich history of this charming village. After lunch, we’ll drive to Labova e Kryqit, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy, traditional guesthouse. In the village, we’ll visit the 10th-century Saint Mary Church, a Byzantine masterpiece from Emperor Justinian’s era. Once a pilgrimage site for its relic of the True Cross, the church boasts stunning frescoes from the 9th to 11th centuries. In the evening, you’ll have free time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch (+cooking demonstration), dinner
Overnight: Hotel/Guesthouse in Labova e Kryqit
Drive time: 1.5 hours

Start the day with we drive to the Finiq region for a farm tour at a local agritourism site. On the way, we’ll make a brief stop to visit the Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring surrounded by lush greenery. At the agritourism site in Finiq, we will enjoy a very special farm tour, explore terraced gardens and vineyards, feed farm animals, and get hands-on experience milking a goat. During lunchtime, we’ll participate in a cooking class and savor a six-course meal accompanied by wines and infused teas. In the afternoon, we will return to Tirana, concluding our day with a free evening to explore at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch (+cooking class & drinks)
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 4.5 hour

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.