Highlights of Albania

Explore past civilisations in an undiscovered country of outstanding natural beauty

Albania is a fascinating, little known Mediterranean country situated just north of mainland Greece with an incredible history set impressively against a wild and rugged landscape. Past civilisations have each left their mark, mainly the Romans and Greek, which we see in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Butrint and the famous Berat Fortress, but the real highlight is the warm hospitality received all over this wonderfully undiscovered country.

From the green pastures of Permet to the narrow cobbled streets of Gjirokastra situated high on a mountain slope, we enjoy a warm welcome in each unique village. Albania also boasts some outstanding natural beauty with jagged mountains, golden sand beaches and lush meadows. This itinerary shows the best of this little country in just ten days and includes breathtaking views driving through the mountains, entry to incredible fortresses as well as free time on a truly stunning beach.

What makes this trip responsible?

This tour makes every effort to support the local economy by staying in family run hotels who source locally produced food. Some have also installed solar panels for heating water to help reduce the impact on our environment. It is important to generate income for the local economies, which are predominantly agricultural. We also visit a winery and other small cooperatives that incentivise more agricultural production.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Albania

Day 1

Fly to Tirana.

Day 2

Visit Durres amphitheatre; drive to Elbasan Fortress, built by the Romans; arrive early afternoon at Pogradec to enjoy clear waters and spectacular mountain views across Lake Ohrid.

Day 3

Transfer to Voskopoja Village, known as the centre for Albanian painters; to Korca, an important trading centre situated at the foot of Morava Mountain.

Day 4

Drive to Permet, famous for its good cooking and wines, via Erseke, the highest mountain village at 1050m.

Day 5

To Gjirokastra via the archaeological site of Antigonea. Gjirokastra is a beautiful town set on a mountain slope with windy cobbled streets and houses in the form of mediaeval towers.

Day 6

Visit Blue Eye, a natural water spring that descends more than 50m; travel to Butrint, a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine; arrive Sarande late afternoon.

Day 7

Short transfer to Dhermi; free day to relax on the stunning pebble or sand beach or wander around this quaint village.

Day 8

Transfer to Apollonia, a city found by Corinthian colonists around 600 BC; to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat via Ardenice.

Day 9

Guided tour of Berat; late afternoon transfer to Tirana.

Day 10

Fly to London.

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Images from HIGHLIGHTS OF ALBANIA

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Old ladies in a doorway in Albania

What makes this trip responsible?

Itinerary

Images from HIGHLIGHTS OF ALBANIA