Classic Albania – 8 Days
Get a snapshot of beautiful Albania with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. In just over a week, you’ll take in many of the country’s best highlights: see ancient ruins in Butrint National Park, stroll the seaside promenade of charming Sarandë, and tour multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. End your journey with a fun night in Blloku, one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods.
Highlights
- See Greek and Byzantine ruins in Butrint National Park
- Stroll the seaside promenade of Sarandë on the Ionian coast
- Take a walking tour of the historic UNESCO-listed Berat
- Enjoy the nightlife of Tirana’s hip Blloku neighborhood
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tirana | Tirana |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Kruje, Discover Shkodër | Kruje |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Vlorë, Visit Ardenica Monastery & Apollonia | Vlorë |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Sarandë via Ioannina Castle & Butrint National Park | Sarandë |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Gjirokastra, the “Stone City” | Gjirokastra |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Berat | Berat |
| Day 7 | Return to Tirana, Explore | Tirana |
| Day 8 | Depart Tirana |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tirana
Arrive in Tirana at Tirana International Airport. Depending on your flight time, you may have the option of a city tour with a local guide. If not, unwind at your hotel or grab a bite in a specialist-recommended restaurant.
Day 2: Transfer to Kruje, Discover Shkodër
Today you’ll leave for Shkodër, a town on the Montenegro border. This town is a symbol of harmony between all the coexisting religions in Albania, and you’ll see Catholic, Orthodox Muslim, and Bektashi monuments while there.
Next, head to Kruje, the hometown of Skanderbeg, a 15th-century national hero who fought the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, where you’ll learn more about local culture, lifestyle, family traditions, and the legend himself. Afterward, browse the old market located on a charming square with cobbled streets, ideal for souvenir shopping.
Day 3: Transfer to Vlorë, Visit Ardenica Monastery & Apollonia
Spend your morning in Ardenica, touring the last operating Orthodox monastery in Albania (Manastiri i Ardenicës). Its well-preserved frescos and spectacular views all the way to the sea make this a popular destination.
Next, travel to Fier to visit the archaeological site of Apollonia. A former massive antique city, Apollonia is the country’s largest archaeological park. Marvel at the surviving structures, like the Bouleterion, theater, Odeon, and the library where the emperor Octavius once studied. Stop for the night in Vlorë, where Albanian independence was declared.
Day 4: Transfer to Sarandë via Ioannina Castle & Butrint National Park
After breakfast, start your journey along the Ionian coast. The drive will take you through the charming village of Himare, with a stop at the Ali Pasha of Ioannina Castle on the way. In the afternoon, take an archeological tour of Butrint National Park and enjoy its riches—you’ll have Greeks and Byzantine ruins to explore, along with nature trails and beautiful views. Arrive in Sarandë in the late afternoon, where you’ll stay the night near its beautiful seaside promenade.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Gjirokastra, the “Stone City”
In the morning, continue your journey in the direction of Gjirokastra—the “Stone City.” Enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the city’s castle and the Skenduli House, a famous example of the region’s architecture.
Day 6: Transfer to Berat
Today you’ll visit another UNESCO-listed site: the historic city of Berat. Nicknamed the “City of A Thousand Windows,” Berat is known for its characteristic architecture, and you’ll be charmed by its white houses and steep streets on a walking tour. Stops include the castle, a number of mosques, the Onufri Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.
Day 7: Return to Tirana, Explore
Return to vibrant Tirana for your last full day in Albania. Explore at your leisure, discovering the city’s iconic sites. A visit to the National Museum located near Skanderbeg Square provides an excellent introduction to Albanian history. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife of the capital in the district of Blloku. Once reserved for the elite of the communist regime, Blloku is now a trendy neighborhood where you can have a drink or find a nice restaurant to relax in on your last day.
Day 8: Depart Tirana
Enjoy one last coffee with your guide at the airport before saying mirupafshim (farewell) and catching your departing flight.
More Great Albania Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Albania? Check out these other Albania itineraries or discover the best time to visit Albania.
Map
Map of Classic Albania – 8 Days
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