This tour is rated as easy, but good health is recommended. The walks in Kruja, Berat and Gjirokastra castles, are manageable but require some effort, especially in the hot summer months.

This tour can be done year-round, but it is best enjoyed from early March to the end of November. During the winter months, some adjustments to the program may be needed depending on weather conditions like rain or cold. The tour can also be a great fit during the festive season of Christmas and New Year, with the necessary modifications.

We’ve carefully selected boutique hotels for your stay, ensuring both comfort and a seamless match with our tour experience. In Kruja, Berat, and Gjirokastra, the hotels are located in historic areas, such as castles or old hamlets. In Tirana, the hotel is situated in the city center. Here are some of our preferred hotels, though the list may vary seasonally: • Kruja Albergo Diffuso: Nestled within the Castle of Kruja. • Hotel Mangalemi: Located in the historic heart of Berat. • Hotel Kalemi 2: Situated in the Old Bazaar of Gjirokastra. • Art Hotel: Located in the bustling city center of Tirana.

• This is a private group guided tour, meaning the number of people is composed by the number of your group. • The tour prices change based on the group size. Check at the Availability/Booking section for more info on prices. • Alternatively, we organize small, shared groups of a maximum of 12 to 15 participants. If you choose to join this tour as part of a shared group, Up Albania reserves the right to add other participants to the tour program. If you are interested in a shared group guided tour, please contact us for a quotation. • For those who prefer more flexibility, we also offer self-guided options. If you're interested in these alternatives, please contact us for a personalized quote. • Please note that arrivals at Tirana International Airport on Day 1 should be scheduled no later than 6 PM. If your flight arrives after this time, maybe you will lose the activities in Tirana and Welcome dinner. To avoid so, we recommend considering traveling to Albania a day (or a few days) earlier. In this case, you would need to cover the costs of accommodation and meals for the additional night/s on your own. • 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. • All clients must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances.

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.

This tour is rated as easy, but good health is recommended. The walks in Kruja, Berat and Gjirokastra castles, are manageable but require some effort, especially in the hot summer months.

This tour can be done year-round, but it is best enjoyed from early March to the end of November. During the winter months, some adjustments to the program may be needed depending on weather conditions like rain or cold. The tour can also be a great fit during the festive season of Christmas and New Year, with the necessary modifications.

We’ve carefully selected boutique hotels for your stay, ensuring both comfort and a seamless match with our tour experience. In Kruja, Berat, and Gjirokastra, the hotels are located in historic areas, such as castles or old hamlets. In Tirana, the hotel is situated in the city center. Here are some of our preferred hotels, though the list may vary seasonally: • Kruja Albergo Diffuso: Nestled within the Castle of Kruja. • Hotel Mangalemi: Located in the historic heart of Berat. • Hotel Kalemi 2: Situated in the Old Bazaar of Gjirokastra. • Art Hotel: Located in the bustling city center of Tirana.

• This is a private group guided tour, meaning the number of people is composed by the number of your group. • The tour prices change based on the group size. Check at the Availability/Booking section for more info on prices. • Alternatively, we organize small, shared groups of a maximum of 12 to 15 participants. If you choose to join this tour as part of a shared group, Up Albania reserves the right to add other participants to the tour program. If you are interested in a shared group guided tour, please contact us for a quotation. • For those who prefer more flexibility, we also offer self-guided options. If you're interested in these alternatives, please contact us for a personalized quote. • Please note that arrivals at Tirana International Airport on Day 1 should be scheduled no later than 6 PM. If your flight arrives after this time, maybe you will lose the activities in Tirana and Welcome dinner. To avoid so, we recommend considering traveling to Albania a day (or a few days) earlier. In this case, you would need to cover the costs of accommodation and meals for the additional night/s on your own. • 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. • All clients must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances.

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.

Taste of Albania: Gastronomy and Wines

Highlights

LOCAL RECIPES · GOURMET FOOD · ORGANIC INGREDIENTS · FINE WINES · COOKING CLASSES · HISTORIC TOWNS · SCENIC LANDSCAPES · AGRITOURISM VISITS

6-Days of Culinary and Cultural Exploration in Albania!

This tour is a tailored journey designed exclusively for your private group, filled with local recipes, gourmet food, and fine wines. From the vibrant vibes of Tirana to the agritourism wonders of Mrizi i Zanave, the historic charm of Kruja and Berat, and the ancient marvels of Apollonia, each day offers a unique blend of experiences. You’ll participate in cooking classes, explore historic towns, and enjoy scenic landscapes. Discover the “Stone City” of Gjirokastra, savor authentic flavors, and indulge in tasting local products: olive oil, wines, raki, cheese etc. Create lasting memories on this extraordinary adventure and get ready to immerse yourself in Albania’s rich culture, history, and gastronomy.

Map

Itineraries Expand all

Day 1: Arrival and Tirana vibes, tour city walk and special dinner

Welcome to Albania!

After arriving at the airport, you'll be transferred to Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, and check into your hotel. Once you’re settled in, we'll have an introductory tour session with our tour leader.

Depending on your flight schedule, we can organize a walking tour of the city to explore its rich history, culture and flavours, with stops at notable locations such as Pazairi i Ri market, Bunk'Art, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square.

As we stroll through lively Tirana, known for its vibrant cafes and boutiques, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Albanian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 0.5 hours
Day 2: The magic of Mrizi i Zanave & Kruja

On the second day, we travel north to explore Mrizi i Zanave Agritourism in Fishtë. This model of responsible tourism and Albanian slow food is dedicated to revitalizing villages through collaborative farming. We’ll enjoy a guided tour led by passionate experts who will share insights into authentic products and sustainable practices. We will see how the villagers collaborate to produce local products, as cheese, wine and raki. After the tour, we’ll savor a delicious lunch made with fresh, local ingredients.

Next, we head to Kruja to visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu. Known for uniting Albanians and defending the land against Ottoman forces for 25 years, Skanderbeg is celebrated as ‘Athleta Christi’ (Champion of Christ) for his role in protecting Christian Europe.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, where we’ll immerse ourselves in Albania's rich cultural heritage. We’ll discover traditional costumes, handcrafted artifacts, and historical exhibits that vividly portray the daily life and customs of the Albanian people.

In the afternoon, we’ll have free time to visit the Old Bazaar. Here, you can browse local crafts and souvenirs, including the “qeleshe,” a traditional wool skull cap meticulously handcrafted by expert artisans.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Kruja
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Day 3: Berat: Historical Gems, Local Delicacies, and Authentic Wines

We travel to Berat, UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as the “City of a Thousand Windows” for its unique and charming architecture. The ancient Berat Castle, dating back over 2,400 years, is a treasure trove of Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques. We’ll explore the National Iconographic Museum Onufri, located within the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, where we can admire Onufri's celebrated icons and vibrant frescoes. Our journey continues with a visit to the Holy Trinity Church, perched on a hillside, offering breathtaking views and insights into the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

After exploring Berat, we’ll head to a nearby rural winery and agritourism site. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the winery, followed by a tasting of wines crafted from authentic local grape varieties. We’ll then savor a lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy Berat. Take this time to explore the town, indulge in local cuisine, or unwind in a cozy café.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch+wine tasting
Overnight: Hotel in Berat
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Day 4: Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: From Apollonia to Gjirokastra

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel to Apollonia, an ancient Illyrian city founded in the 7th century BCE. We’ll explore Apollonia’s rich history as a prominent trade center where Illyrian, Greek, and Roman cultures intersected. Under Roman rule, Apollonia flourished and was praised by Cicero as a "magna urbs et gravis."

Next, we’ll head to Hekal village, home to another significant archaeological site. Our focus here will be a nearby agritourism location, where we’ll enjoy a lunch featuring fresh, locally produced food.

Our journey continues to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Stone City." In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Gjirokastra.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Gjirokastra
Drive time: 3 hours
Day 5 Historic Gjirokastra and Authentic Albanian Cooking

We spend the morning exploring Gjirokastra, visiting the impressive Gjirokastra Castle, and wandering through its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses.
We’ll then leave the Old Bazaar in Gjirokastra to head to a nearby village for an authentic Albanian experience. Here, we’ll visit a rural family for a traditional cooking class, learning how to prepare classic Albanian dishes and enjoying a home-cooked lunch with the family.
Our journey from Gjirokastra to Tirana will offer scenic views. In the evening, you have the option to explore Tirana’s vibrant nightlife, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lively streets, or relax in one of the city's many bars and cafés.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch+cooking class
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Day 6: Departure from Tirana

Before your departure, take some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Tirana. You might visit the New Bazaar or enjoy a relaxing walk through the Grand Park of Tirana.

Finally, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure, taking with you wonderful memories of Albania’s rich culture, history, and gastronomy.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: N/A
Drive time: 40 min.

Trip Infos

Language English/German/Italian
Guiding method Guided
Best season March to November
Difficulty Level 2/5
Duration 6 days · 5 nights
Group size Private Group

Trip Includes & Excludes

Multilingual, licensed tour leader
Airport transfers and all necessary transfers as per itinerary
Accommodation in 3* or 4* hotels, shared twin/double rooms
Meals: Daily breakfast, special lunches on all days except arrival and departure, dinners on Days 1 and 6 (Welcome and Farewell dinners include a drink)
Wine tastings in Berat and Tirana,
Cooking class in Lazarat
Guided visits to Berat, Gjirokastra, Mrizi i Zanave
Entrance fees for museums, parks, and attractions
Tourist taxes

International flights
Meals not mentioned
Drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, bar drinks)
Tips for guides and drivers
Other services not listed in the inclusions

Gallery

Availability

loading..

View more departure

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Expand all

ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour is rated as easy, but good health is recommended. The walks in Kruja, Berat and Gjirokastra castles, are manageable but require some effort, especially in the hot summer months.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
This tour can be done year-round, but it is best enjoyed from early March to the end of November. During the winter months, some adjustments to the program may be needed depending on weather conditions like rain or cold. The tour can also be a great fit during the festive season of Christmas and New Year, with the necessary modifications.
WHERE WE STAY
We’ve carefully selected boutique hotels for your stay, ensuring both comfort and a seamless match with our tour experience. In Kruja, Berat, and Gjirokastra, the hotels are located in historic areas, such as castles or old hamlets. In Tirana, the hotel is situated in the city center. Here are some of our preferred hotels, though the list may vary seasonally: • Kruja Albergo Diffuso: Nestled within the Castle of Kruja. • Hotel Mangalemi: Located in the historic heart of Berat. • Hotel Kalemi 2: Situated in the Old Bazaar of Gjirokastra. • Art Hotel: Located in the bustling city center of Tirana.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• This is a private group guided tour, meaning the number of people is composed by the number of your group. • The tour prices change based on the group size. Check at the Availability/Booking section for more info on prices. • Alternatively, we organize small, shared groups of a maximum of 12 to 15 participants. If you choose to join this tour as part of a shared group, Up Albania reserves the right to add other participants to the tour program. If you are interested in a shared group guided tour, please contact us for a quotation. • For those who prefer more flexibility, we also offer self-guided options. If you're interested in these alternatives, please contact us for a personalized quote. • Please note that arrivals at Tirana International Airport on Day 1 should be scheduled no later than 6 PM. If your flight arrives after this time, maybe you will lose the activities in Tirana and Welcome dinner. To avoid so, we recommend considering traveling to Albania a day (or a few days) earlier. In this case, you would need to cover the costs of accommodation and meals for the additional night/s on your own. • 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. • All clients must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances.
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.

3 reviews

Helen - USA says:

11 July 2025 at 18:17

Rated 5 out of 5

My first time in Albania and it was beyond amazing!

The tour was a mix of great food, warm people, and hidden corners I would have never found on my own. From wine-tasting in family-run wineries to learning recipes during the cooking class, which I’m definitely taking back home 😋, everything felt authentic and full of good vibes.

The villages, towns, the landscapes, the flavors… it all came together perfectly. I left not only with memories but also with new tastes and stories to share. Honestly, I can’t wait to come back!

Reply
George, UK says:

26 September 2025 at 16:41

Rated 5 out of 5

Exceeded every expectation! This tour gave us real Albanian flavors and traditions we wouldn’t have found on our own. From wine tastings at boutique vineyards to home-cooked meals with local families, every moment was rich with culture and taste. Highly recommend for foodies!

Reply
Jennifer, UK says:

15 October 2026 at 10:17

Rated 5 out of 5

Absolutely unforgettable!
The Taste of Albania tour was one of the highlights of our entire trip! Incredible wines, delicious local cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made every stop feel special. Best way to experience Albanian food culture!

Reply