Best of Albania
Explore Albania's best beaches and mountains
Trip Highlights
- Hike in the mountains of Valbona
- Beach-hop in the Albanian Riviera
- Cruise Lake Komani’s turquoise waters
- Explore stunning fortress cities
- Tick off two countries: Albania and Kosovo
Trip Overview
Albania is unmatched. One day you’re hiking in the mountains. Next, it’s a Kosovo day trip (that’s right, two countries in one adventure!) And after that? Beach-hopping by the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. Welcome to Europe’s biggest secret…
Trip Gallery 38 Images
- 7 or 8 nights of accommodation
- Some meals
- All in-trip transport
- Group leader
- Tirana exploring
- Fishtë vineyard visit
- Prizren visit (Kosovo)
- Valbonë hiking and village visit
- Lake Komani ferry ride
- Dajti Mountain cable car ride*
- Day trip to Himare and Porto Palermo Bay*
- Iso-Polyphony performance*
- Blue Eye visit**
- Gjirokastёr exploring**
- Berat visit**
- 24-hour emergency support
*2026 only
**2027 only
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
- Some meals and drinks
- Return airport transfer
Select an option to view the relevant itinerary:
Day 1: Start in Tirana
Your adventure around Albania begins in Tirana: a small and vibrant capital city that moves at an exhilarating pace! Meet your group this evening and head out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Tirana
Start your day with a cable car ride to the summit of Dajti Mountain for gorgeous views over Tirana, before heading back down for a tour around the capital led by a local guide. Learn a little more about Tirana's complex history while taking in the eclectic architecture and stopping to try some fresh "White Olive" oil: a regional speciality. Then the rest of today is yours to freely explore Tirana!
Day 3: Tirana to Vlore
Hop onto our coach for a short drive to Vlore, a beautiful city on the sun-kissed Albanian coast. Once we've arrived, you can spend all day freely exploring the golden beaches or come along for an optional boat trip. Tonight, you can either stay in Vlore or join an optional dinner and wine experience at a family-owned vineyard.
Day 4: Albanian Riviera
Visit the sleepy town Himare, known for its strikingly bright azure waters, and the scenic Porto Palermo Bay. Attend a traditional Iso Polyphony performance: Albanian folk singing which has been practised for centuries. Tonight's a free evening in Vlore.
Day 5: Shkoder via Fishte
Enjoy a free morning in Vlore before leaving for Fishte: a quaint countryside region that is easily one of Albania's best-kept secrets. Sit down for a delicious, homegrown and homemade dinner with the most dreamy view of rolling emerald hills and vineyards imaginable. Tonight, we'll rest up in the northern city of Shkoder.
Day 6: Lake Komani and Valbona National Park
Hop onto a ferry this morning which will guide you through the valleys tucked inside Lake Komani. Then it's time for an afternoon of hiking inside the spectacular Valbona National Park in the heart of the Accursed Mountains: also known as the Albanian Alps. Wander through unbelievably emerald-green and untouched landscapes before finishing the day with a hearty dinner at our guesthouse.
Day 7: Tirana via Prizren (Kosovo)
Before we return to Tirana, we have a detour across the border into Kosovo planned. Today you'll be able to tick this tiny Balkans country off your list and explore the charming cobblestone streets of Prizren. Join us for dinner tonight in Tirana, as we have plans to head to a local restaurant in the city and celebrate our trip coming to an end.
Day 8: End trip in Tirana
Your mini adventure around Albania has come to an end! You can leave at any time.
Day 1: Begin in Tirana
Our Albania adventure starts now! Tonight you'll meet your future mates in Tirana, the epic capital. Your group leader will take you to a traditional local spot where hot stews, breads and pies are all on the menu. Gëzuar (that's "Cheers" in Albanian)!
Day 2: Tirana to Valbonë via Fishtë and Prizren
Rise and shine, we've got places to be! First, soak in Tirana's must-see sights before we swap it for the rolling hills of Fishtë. Enjoy a delicious lunch over vineyard views, then tick off Kosovo as we hit two countries in one day! Explore the magical city of Prizren and then back in Albania, we'll roll into Valbonë for a cosy evening with dinner at our guesthouse.
Day 3: Valbonë National Park
The Albanian Alps are calling, so breathe in the fresh mountain air along the Stani Rames trail. We'll arrive at a traditional village for a coffee break and chat with a local family. Then set off on a riverside forest trail this afternoon.
Day 4: Lake Komani and Krujë
Cruise turquoise bays backed by hilltops this morning, as we hop on a ferry along Lake Komani. Head onto Krujё, famed for its fortress walls and bazaar markets high in the mountains. Then enjoy a free afternoon to shop, café-hop, or dig into the unique history.
Day 5: Krujë to Ksamil
Did someone say beach time? Grab a window seat as we journey down south to Ksamil, a dreamy village on the Albanian Riviera. From that insanely bright ocean to the white sandy stretches, no wonder it's nicknamed the 'Maldives of Europe'! Tonight's yours to chase sunsets and sip cocktails... We're literally in paradise.
Day 6: Ksamil
Free day alert! Claim your sun lounger, go for long walks on the beach, or optionally join a boat cruise. Tonight's vibe is also yours to set, so go clubbing until the sun comes up, or take it easy breezy. Ksamil is iconic at any pace!
Day 7: Blue Eye and Gjirokastёr
Blue Eye is truly something else! Hike through the trails to reach Albania's most beautiful gem, famed for its electric turquoise shades that you can see straight through. Later, switch it up for Gjirokastёr, the enchanted 'Stone City.' Climb up to the mountaintop castle, or optionally join a local cooking class.
Day 8: Berat and Tirana
Get your playlist ready as we head back north. On the way, we'll explore Berat together. It's nicknamed the 'City of a Thousand Windows', and one look at the unique riverside views will tell you exactly why. Back in Tirana, your night is completely free to go bar-hopping, or optionally attend a traditional ceremony with dinner, drinks and dancing to folk music.
Day 9: Finish in Tirana
Pack your bags, hug your friends and reminisce on all the memories we've made together. You're free to go whenever. Sooo, same time next year?
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Accommodation
2026: 7 nights’ accommodation is included in this trip. 6 nights will be spent in centrally located hotels in twin-share rooms with good facilities, while 1 night is spent at a cosy homestay in the Albanian countryside.
2027: 8 nights of accommodation are included in simple twin or triple-share hotels.
Meals
2026: 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included in this trip.
2027: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners are included.
Albanian cuisine is fresh and hearty, with a similar vibe to Greek food. Expect savoury pastries, barbecued meats, fresh salads and more.
Your group leader has got the best local recommendations for where to eat and drink during your free time.
If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know upon booking so that we can assist with alternatives.
Booking Options Payment plans available
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Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
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Arrival Information:
This trip starts on Day 1 in Tirana. There is a welcome meeting at 4pm, therefore we recommend you arrive before midday. An airport transfer isn't included but a taxi from the airport to the starting accommodation is easy to arrange.
The trip finishes on Day 8 (2026) or Day 9 (2027) in Tirana and travellers can leave at any time. Airport return transfers are not included, but can easily be arranged locally.
Age & Eligibility:
This trip is designed for travellers between the ages of 18 to 35.
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