7-Day Albania Highlights Tour: Hiking and culture

Arrival in Tirana
Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in the capital. Take some time to relax, settle in, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city at your own pace.

Tirana City Tour at 16:00
We start our 7-Day Albania Highlights Tour at 16:00, we gather for a guided walking tour through the heart of Tirana. Explore the city’s fascinating blend of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era architecture while discovering its rich cultural heritage and local lifestyle.

Dinner Included
In the evening, we enjoy a welcoming dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant, an excellent opportunity to taste authentic local dishes and get to know your fellow travelers.

Overnight in Tirana

Depart from Tirana
After breakfast, we start our journey south, leaving behind the vibrant capital as we make our way toward one of Albania’s most important archaeological treasures.

Visit Apollonia Archaeological Park
Our first major stop is Apollonia, an ancient city founded in the 6th century BCE. Nestled between rolling hills and olive groves, Apollonia was once a thriving Greek and later Roman center of culture, trade, and learning.
Here, we’ll explore impressive ruins, including temples, theaters, fortification walls, and the iconic Bouleuterion, all set within a peaceful natural landscape.

Continue Toward Llogara
After our visit, we continue our scenic drive toward the Albanian Riviera. As we ascend into the mountains, the road leads us into the heart of Llogara National Park—a protected area famous for its fresh alpine air, dense pine forests, and sweeping views of the Ionian Sea.

Stop at Qafa e Çesarit
Along the way, we make a stop at Qafa e Çesarit (Caesar’s Pass), a historic and panoramic point said to be crossed by Julius Caesar during the civil war. It’s an excellent spot for photos and a moment to enjoy the dramatic landscape.

Overnight in Llogara
We arrive in Llogara for a relaxing evening in the mountains. Enjoy the cool climate, peaceful surroundings, and regional cuisine before settling in for the night.

Morning in Llogara
After breakfast surrounded by the fresh mountain air of Llogara National Park, we begin our descent toward the Albanian Riviera. As the landscape shifts from alpine scenery to crystal-blue coastlines, you’ll experience one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Explore Coastal Villages
Along the way, we pass through some of the Riviera’s most charming villages, each offering stone houses, traditional architecture, and unforgettable Ionian views. We take time for short stops and photo opportunities to fully enjoy this spectacular coastal route.

Hike from Küdhes to Qeparo
Next, we embark on a beautiful hike from the village of Küdhes to the historic village of Qeparo. This trail offers a mix of mountain paths, traditional stone streets, and panoramic views of the sea.
It’s a rewarding journey that connects travelers with the untouched charm and slower pace of life in Albania’s coastal region.

Overnight in Himara
After the hike, we continue to Himara, a laid-back seaside town known for its clear waters, promenade, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the coast before settling into your accommodation.

Depart from Himara
After a relaxing morning by the sea, we leave Himara and continue our journey along the southern Riviera, passing through stunning coastal landscapes and small seaside villages.

Visit Butrint National Park
Our highlight of the day is Butrint, Albania’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rich in history and surrounded by lush wetlands, Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric times and later became an important Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian city.
During our guided tour, we explore its ancient theater, basilica, Roman baths, Venetian tower, and the impressive city walls—all set within a peaceful natural oasis.

Continue to Saranda
After the visit, we drive to Saranda, the Riviera’s largest city and a vibrant seaside destination known for its promenade, sunsets, and lively atmosphere.

Overnight in Saranda
Enjoy the evening at leisure—walk by the waterfront, try local seafood, or relax at your hotel as the Ionian Sea glows under the night lights.

Depart from Saranda
After breakfast, we leave Saranda and begin our journey inland, heading toward the historic heart of southern Albania.

Visit Labova e Kryqit Church
Our first stop is the remarkable village of Labova e Kryqit, home to one of Albania’s oldest and most significant churches. Known for its Byzantine architecture and peaceful rural setting, the Church of the Holy Cross is believed to date back to the 6th century.
Here, you’ll discover beautifully preserved frescoes, ancient stone carvings, and fascinating legends tied to the church’s history.

Continue to Gjirokastra
We then continue toward Gjirokastra, the UNESCO-listed “Stone City.” Famous for its Ottoman-era houses, cobbled streets, and dramatic hilltop castle, Gjirokastra offers a step back in time and a deep connection to Albania’s cultural heritage.

Overnight in Gjirokastra
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy an evening wandering the old bazaar or sampling local cuisine in a traditional stone-house restaurant.

Morning in Gjirokastra
After breakfast in the UNESCO “Stone City,” we begin our day exploring more of Gjirokastra’s surroundings, rich in history, nature, and rural traditions.

Visit Antigonea Archaeological Park
Our first destination is Antigonea, an ancient city founded in the 3rd century BCE by King Pyrrhus of Epirus. Set in a peaceful valley, the ruins offer beautiful views and a glimpse into Albania’s ancient past.
While walking through the site, you’ll discover remnants of old streets, defensive walls, and foundations of once-important public buildings.

Hiking Around Saraqinishte
We continue with a scenic hike around the village of Saraqinishte, a rural area known for its natural beauty, stone pathways, and authentic countryside life. The trail offers a mix of gentle terrain, panoramic landscapes, and opportunities to connect with local traditions.

Home-Style Lunch
After the hike, we enjoy a warm, home-style lunch prepared by a local family. This experience highlights Albanian hospitality and offers the chance to taste traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Return to Gjirokastra
In the afternoon, we head back to Gjirokastra for a relaxing evening in the old town.

Depart from Gjirokastra
After breakfast, we leave the stone-built charm of Gjirokastra behind and head north through scenic landscapes toward one of Albania’s most iconic heritage cities.

Explore Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows
Upon arrival in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we explore its beautifully preserved Ottoman quarters, hillside houses, and rich cultural history.
You’ll have time to stroll through the traditional Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods or enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop castle.

Wine Tasting Experience
Our journey continues with a delightful wine tasting at a local winery. Here, you’ll sample some of Albania’s finest wines, paired with regional flavors and guided by local experts who share insights into the country’s growing wine culture.

Return to Tirana
In the late afternoon, we make our way back to Tirana. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital or explore its vibrant nightlife and dining scene.

Overnight in Tirana