7-Day Albania Heritage Tour: 5 UNESCO Wonders Included

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Saranda port -Butrint -Ksamil-Lekuresi Castle-Saranda Overnight
3 stops
1
Butrint National Park
After meeting at Sarandë Port and a short introduction to the program and the city, we will depart towards Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar site. Your visit here will be both informative and relaxing, as you explore ancient ruins set within a lush natural park filled with dense vegetation, serene landscapes, and the refreshing atmosphere of the nearby lake.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Ksamil
The tour continues to Ksamil, facing the famous three islands with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Here you will have free time to relax, swim, or enjoy your lunch on your own while taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
3
Lekuresi Castle
Next, we head to Lëkurësi Castle, the highest viewpoint above Sarandë, offering a stunning 360-degree panorama and a magical sunset over the bay. Enjoy the fresh air and unforgettable atmosphere as the sun goes down. Afterwards, we transfer you to your hotel in Sarandë for a relaxing evening, with optional strolls along the promenade, restaurants, bars, and music. Overnight stay in Sarandë.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Sarandë – Blue Eye – Gjirokastër – Sarandë (overnight)
2 stops
4
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart towards Blue Eye, a stunning natural park featuring one of the most fascinating water springs in the region. Known for its crystal-clear waters and mysterious depth of around 50 meters, this magical place surrounded by lush, almost tropical vegetation will give you an energetic and refreshing start to the day.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Next, we head to the stone city of Gjirokastër, an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit the castle, the old bazaar, and a traditional museum house. You will have free time in the bazaar for shopping, enjoying a traditional lunch, and taking photos of this unique historic city. In the evening, we return to Sarandë for overnight stay at the same hotel.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Sarandë – Albanian Riviera – Porto Palermo Castle – Himarë – Dhërmi –Vlorë (overnight)
4 stops
6
Porto Palermo
After breakfast, we depart towards the beautiful Albanian Riviera, with scenic stops along the way for photos and coffee. Your first visit will be Porto Palermo Castle, also known as Ali Pasha’s Castle. This unique triangular fortress, originally dating back to Venetian times, is set in a stunning natural bay in a highly strategic location. The castle features impressive walls and distinctive architecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. In total with the driving is around 3 h .
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Himare
Next stop is Himarë. We first visit the castle, set in a highly strategic and scenic position, featuring narrow stone alleys and traditional houses inside the fortress with stunning views over the Ionian Sea. This unique castle offers a truly special atmosphere. Afterwards, we continue with a walk along Himara’s promenade, where you will have free time to swim, relax, and enjoy a seaside lunch.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Dhermi
Dhërmi is one of the most beautiful and charming villages of the Albanian Riviera, known for its white houses stacked on the hillside, all facing the Ionian Sea. In the heart of the village stands the iconic Church of Saint Spyridon, a figure also revered as the protector of Corfu, and widely respected along the Albanian Riviera. We will take time to explore Dhërmi’s narrow stone alleys, traditional houses, and unique coastal atmosphere. After the visit, we return to Sarandë in the evening.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
After Dhërmi, we continue to the Llogara Pass, one of the most breathtaking roads in Albania, reaching over 1,000 meters above sea level. In the evening, we will arrive in Vlora to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the promenade, which is full of bars, cafes, and music. overnight in Vlora 4 stars hotel .
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Vlore -Apoloni Berat
2 stops
10
Apollonia Archaeological Park
After breakfast, we continue to Apollonia, once one of the most important cities of antiquity, where the first Roman emperor, Octavian, studied. Apollonia is also known as the "Pompeii of Albania" due to the high number of artifacts discovered here. We will explore the archaeological site of Apollonia for about 2 hours, including a visit to its museum.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
11
Berat
After the visit, we continue towards another UNESCO world heritage site, the ancient city of Berat, the oldest in Albania. Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," Berat is one of the most beautiful Albanian cities. After visiting the castle, the Onufri Icon Museum, and the historic neighborhoods of Gorica and Mangalem, you will have free time to explore the beautifully illuminated city. Overnight stay in a selected hotel in Berat.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Berat - Durres- Tirane
2 stops
12
Durres
After breakfast, we continue to the coastal city of Durrës, known as the "Gateway to the Adriatic." This is where the ancient Via Egnatia began, connecting the two major cities of Rome and Constantinople. Durrës is also home to the second-largest amphitheater in the Balkans, which once held around 20,000 spectators. We will explore the city's top attractions, including the amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum, before heading towards Tirana. with driving and time of the visits around 5 hours we spend here.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Tirana
Tirana is the capital of Albania and its economic, administrative, and cultural center, offering a wide range of attractions. It is the liveliest city in the country, where life never stops for a single moment. Check-in at the hotel will be followed by an orientation walk to visit the city center and Skanderbeg Square. accommodation in Tirana
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Tirana
4 stops
14
Xhamia Et'hem Bej
The classic tour of Tirana includes the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the most interesting in the Balkans. With rare frescoes painted both inside and outside, it is one of the most unique mosques in the region. We will visit the mosque for about 20 minutes.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Bunk'Art 1
Next, we visit the Bunk'Art 2 museum. Once used as a secret tunnel connecting to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it has been transformed into a fascinating museum. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the police, the Sigurimi (secret police), and the country's fortification during the communist regime, while also honoring the dissident victims of that era. The visit lasts about 40 minutes.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Kalaja Tiranes Familja Topitani
Next, we head towards the Fortress of Tirana (Tirana Castle), where today you can find a very charming pedestrian street filled with cafes and souvenir shops. You will have free time to explore and enjoy this lively and beautiful spot.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
Blloku
Next, we visit the Pyramid of Tirana, originally built in honor of the communist leader Enver Hoxha. Today, it has been transformed into a top attraction; climbing its stairs to the top allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of Tirana from above. Afterward, we head towards the Blloku area, a vibrant neighborhood packed with trendy cafes, restaurants, and fancy shops, which was once the exclusive residential area for the communist leader and other high-ranking politicians. We will spend time exploring and discovering its history before continuing to other landmarks in the area, such as Mother Teresa Square, the University Corpus, and Italia Square.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Transfer to the airport: After breakfast, departure to Tirana International Airport. End of the tour.
1 stop
18
Tirana County
Transfer to the airport: After breakfast, departure to Tirana International Airport. End of the tour.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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