Visit Albania in 5 Days from Tirana

Explore Tirana
Your Balkan adventure begins in Tirana, Albania’s energetic capital. During a guided walking tour, we’ll discover Skanderbeg Square, the city’s vibrant heart, surrounded by landmarks that reflect different periods of Albanian history. We’ll continue through the lively New Bazaar, stroll inside Tirana Castle, explore the fashionable Blloku district, and admire the iconic Pyramid of Tirana. We’ll also walk along the elegant main boulevard, lined with government buildings and important cultural institutions.

Visit Durres
Leaving Tirana, we continue to Durres, Albania’s oldest city and one of the Adriatic’s most important ancient ports. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, which once hosted thousands of spectators. We’ll then explore the nearby Venetian Tower before enjoying a relaxing walk along the seaside promenade.

Drive to Berat
In the afternoon, we travel inland to Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful historic cities. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkably preserved Ottoman architecture and hillside houses overlooking the Osum River.

Overnight in Berat
After exploring the highlights of Berat, we’ll settle in for the night and rest before continuing our Balkan adventure the following day.

Explore Berat Castle
Begin the day by exploring Berat Castle, one of the few inhabited castles in Europe. Within its ancient stone walls, we’ll discover historic churches, charming cobbled streets, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the city. We’ll then continue through the traditional neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, known for their beautiful Ottoman-style houses and historic atmosphere.

Visit the Onufri Museum
Our next stop is the Onufri Iconographic Museum, located inside Berat Castle. The museum houses a remarkable collection of religious icons and artworks created by Onufri, one of Albania’s most celebrated icon painters.

Visit Apollonia Archaeological Park
Later, we travel to the Archaeological Park of Apollonia, one of the most important ancient Greek colonies in the Balkans. Founded in the 6th century BC, Apollonia flourished under Roman rule and was once visited by the young Octavian, who later became Emperor Augustus. We’ll explore the ancient ruins and discover more about the city’s fascinating history.

Drive to Vlora
Our journey continues to Vlora, one of Albania’s most important coastal cities and the place where the country declared its independence in 1912. In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore the lively waterfront promenade and take in views of the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

Overnight in Vlora
After a day filled with history, culture, and beautiful coastal scenery, we’ll spend the night in Vlora, ready to continue our Balkan adventure the following day.

Explore Vlora
Begin the day in Vlora, one of Albania’s most important coastal cities and the place where the country declared its independence in 1912. We’ll continue south along the spectacular Albanian Riviera, enjoying beautiful views of the Ionian Sea, dramatic mountains, and picturesque coastal landscapes along the way.

Visit Dhermi
Our journey continues to Dhermi, one of the most beautiful destinations along the Albanian Riviera. Surrounded by rugged mountains and turquoise waters, Dhermi is known for its charming stone houses, narrow streets, and stunning coastline. We’ll take some time to enjoy the scenery and experience the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque coastal village.

Visit Porto Palermo Castle
We then continue along the Riviera to Porto Palermo, home to the impressive Porto Palermo Castle. Set on a small peninsula surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, the castle offers spectacular coastal views. We’ll explore this historic fortress and discover more about its fascinating past.

Drive to Saranda
Our journey continues south toward Saranda, following one of the most scenic stretches of the Albanian Riviera. Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and rugged coastline. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to relax by the waterfront or take in the lively atmosphere of this popular coastal city.

Drive to Gjirokaster
Later, we leave the coast behind and travel inland to Gjirokaster. The route takes us through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of southern Albania, offering a striking contrast to the coastal scenery we have experienced throughout the day. We’ll arrive in Gjirokaster in the evening and settle in for the night.

Overnight in Gjirokaster
After a day filled with beautiful coastal scenery, historic landmarks, and dramatic landscapes, we’ll spend the night in Gjirokaster, ready to continue our journey through southern Albania the following day.

Explore Gjirokaster Castle
The morning begins with a visit to Gjirokaster Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. Standing high above the city, the castle reflects centuries of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Albanian history. From its walls, we’ll enjoy magnificent views across the Drino Valley and the surrounding mountains.

Visit Permet
We continue towards the picturesque town of Permet, often known as Albania’s greenest town. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Permet is famous for its warm hospitality, delicious local cuisine, and traditional gliko preserves. We’ll have time to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town.

Relax at Benja Thermal Baths
Nearby, we’ll visit the famous Benja Thermal Baths, where naturally heated mineral waters flow beneath historic Ottoman stone bridges. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful natural scenery, the thermal baths provide a relaxing break during our journey through southern Albania.

Drive to Pogradec
Later, we travel through southeastern Albania towards Pogradec, a peaceful lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Enjoy the scenic drive and take in the changing landscapes as we make our way towards the lake.

Overnight in Pogradec
After a day of exploring castles, mountain towns, and natural thermal springs, we’ll spend the night in Pogradec, ready to continue our Balkan adventure the following day.

Cross the Border into North Macedonia
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Pogradec before crossing the border into North Macedonia. Take in the beautiful scenery as we continue towards the historic city of Ohrid.

Explore Ohrid
Arrive in Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its exceptional cultural heritage and stunning lakeside setting, Ohrid is one of the highlights of our Balkan tour. We’ll explore Samuel’s Fortress, which stands high above the Old Town and offers spectacular views over Lake Ohrid.

Discover the Old Town
Continue through the charming historic center of Ohrid, where traditional houses, artisan shops, and cobbled streets create a unique atmosphere. We’ll also visit the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo, dramatically positioned on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid and widely considered one of the most photographed churches in the Balkans.

Free Time in Ohrid
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Ohrid at your own pace. Take a relaxing walk along the lakeside promenade, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or browse traditional Ohrid pearl workshops before the evening.

Retrun to Tirana
In the afternoon, we begin the scenic drive back to Tirana, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way. As we return to Albania, our unforgettable journey comes to a memorable conclusion, leaving us with wonderful memories of four countries, historic cities, and spectacular landscapes.