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Between the Balkans and the Adriatic Sea

Albania in 11 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

From

$4,299

$2,999

/person

-30%

Natalie, Travel Expert

Natalie
Travel crafter

A well-rounded tour of Albania! Explore the history of this fascinating Balkan country, a true melting pot of Ottoman and Soviet-era successful survival stories that define a now thriving free nation.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Berat
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Butrint
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Durres
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Elbasan
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Gjirokastër
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    Korca
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    Kruja
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    Shkodra
  9. map-pin-check-icon
    Tirana
  10. map-pin-check-icon
    Vlora

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until November 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. Add up to 4 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

1 778 807 9750

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Exoticca is a member of ASTA

Itinerary

Begin in Tirana, visit castles in Lezhe and landscapes in Shkodra. Continue to Kruja, the home Skanderbeg and medieval Durres. Discover the ancient city of Berat, Ardenica Monastery, Apollonia with its Roman remains and the coastal city of Vlora. Head to resort town Saranda and onto the ruins of Butrint. Visit stone city Gjirokaster, Tepelena Castle and cultural Korca. Finally, discover Elbasan.

1st Day: Canada - Night on board

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Arrive at your Canadian departure airport, ready for a flight* to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Tirana

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Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, famous for its colourful combination of architectural styles and the pastel buildings surrounding Skanderbeg Square, named for the national hero immortalized in an equestrian statue. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest after your trip. Accommodation in Tirana.

*Important: if you are traveling with Ryanair or Wizz Air, we recommend that you check-in online on the website to avoid additional charges. Online check-in will be available until 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.

The reservation includes only one piece of carry-on baggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm), which must be placed under the front seat on the aircraft. Additional baggage can be purchased in advance through the airline's website. Any extra baggage that does not comply with the specified dimensions and is not booked in advance will be subject to additional fees at the airport.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albanopolis Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

13 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Tirana - Kruja - Tirana

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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, meet the tour guide, who will lead the day’s excursion. First, head to Kruja, one of Albania's most important cities, known for its role in the resistance against the Ottomans and as the home of the national hero, Skanderbeg. You will also visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the castle.

After the tour, you'll have free time to have lunch in Kruja. In the afternoon, return to Tirana, where you can join a nighttime walking tour to continue exploring the city's charm. Overnight stay in Tirana. 

Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 120 km via a busy highway, although an alternative road is under construction that will make the transfer faster.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albanopolis Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

13 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tirana night tour

Moderate

See more
included
City Tour of Kruja

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Tirana - Lezhe - Shkodra

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you’ll travel to the city of Lezhe, known as Lissus in ancient times. Visit the Lezha Fortress atop the hill and the mausoleum of Skanderbeg. 

Next, enjoy some free time at a pleasant lakeside café before continuing to Shkodra, a city in northwest Albania renowned for its stunning landscapes. You will explore the city, stopping at the centre, the old bazaar, the cathedral, and the mosque, where you can savour local cuisine with a delicious lunch (not included).

After that, travel to the Rozafa Castle, which is 4,000 years old and located between two rivers, offering a new view of Shkodra. You’ll take a walking tour included in the visit, admiring the impressive mountains and Lake Shkodra. Finally, in the afternoon, you will return to Shkodra to complete check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Shkodra.

Note: the route for this day covers an approximate distance of 224 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Alis Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

24 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha

Moderate

See more
included
City Tour of Shkodra

Active

See more

5th Day: Shkodra - Durres - Berat

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will continue exploring Albania. In the morning, head to the port city of Durres, the most important Mediterranean metropolis until the 15th century.

Here, you will take a walking tour and visit the ancient city walls and the famous 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, the largest in the Balkans. Next, you’ll have free time to enjoy the local cuisine.

In the afternoon, continue to the city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. With over 2,400 years of history, Berat is one of the oldest inhabited regions in Albania and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit the castle and the Berat Museum. Finally, you’ll head to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Berat.

Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 100 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Republika Berat or similar
tripadvisor rating

17 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
City Tour of Durres

Active

See more
included
City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)

Active

See more
included
Visit to the Belsh Lake

Light

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6th Day: Berat - Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlora

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll travel to the Monastery of Ardenica, erected by the Byzantine emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 in honor of his victory over the kingdom of Sicily. This Byzantine monument is famous for having hosted the wedding of the famous Skanderbeg.

Continue next to Apollonia, a group of Roman ruins located on a distant hillside that, long ago, gave shape to an important city. Depart for the coastal town of Vlora, surrounded by the Ceraunian Mountains and bathed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Discover the most important sites including the museum*, where the independence of Albania from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. Overnight stay in Vlora.

Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 120 km.

*The visit to the museum may change depending on seasonal political or cultural events, alternatively there would be more free time.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Partner or similar
tripadvisor rating

156 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
City Tour of Vlora

Light

See more
included
Ardenica Monastery

Light

See more
included
Ruins of Apollonia

Active

See more

7th Day: Vlora - Himare - Saranda - Butrint

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After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to the south of Albania. Make a short stop at a beach town called Himare, and continue on through picturesque coastal villages with time for lunch (not included) in Ksamil, well-known for its colorful and beautiful beaches.

Continue your day with a visit to the ruins of Butrinto, the most important UNESCO archaeological site in Albania. Butrinto dates back to the 7th century B.C., later became a Roman colony and then fell under the rule of the Venetians and the Turks. Explore numerous historical buildings, such as the acropolis, the basilica and the palace.

Make your last stop of the day at Saranda, a tourist center of the Albanian Riviera surrounded by the Ionian Sea and beautiful hills of olive groves. Overnight stay in Saranda.

Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 158 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Havana or similar
tripadvisor rating

17 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)

Active

See more

8th Day: Saranda - Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning continue on your journey to Gjirokaster, also known as the Stone City. En-route stop at Mesopotam to visit its famous 13th century Orthodox monastery dedicated to St. Nicholas. 

Next, travel to Blue Eye National Park, a water spring and stunning natural phenomenon, before reaching the UNESCO listed town of Gjirokaster. Known for the intensive use of stone in the building of the houses, which look like small fortresses and its quaint cobblestone streets, which all lead to the Bazaar. Once you arrive, enjoy free time to explore this less-known city that has been tagged ‘Albania’s best kept secret’. Overnight stay in Gjirokaster.

Note: Estimated transfer distance 64km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Bineri Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

34 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Blue Eye National Park

Active

See more
included
Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)

Challenging

See more

9th Day: Gjirokaster - Permet - Voskopoja - Korca

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, drive to Voskopoje and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Vjosa river valley and panoramic views on the way. Make a stop at a natural hot spring near Permet and have time for lunch (not included) in a beautiful lakeside house.

Continue driving to Voskopoje to discover the traditional way of life and some outstanding examples of Orthodox Christian churches. Finally, drive to Korca, a historic town with a rich cultural tradition and interesting buildings from the Ottoman period, including one of Albania’s most important mosques. Take a walking tour to discover this Albanian jewel. Overnight in Korca.

Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 245 km. In addition, we will also cross a stretch of road under construction, which may extend the duration of the journey.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
MIK Hotel Korce or similar
See our full selection

10th Day: Korca - Pogradec - Lin - Elbasan - Tirana

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head first to Pogradec, where you’ll make a short stop at Lake Ohrid. Continue to Lin to visit some fascinating ruins and enjoy views of the Balkan mountain scenery with northern Macedonia and Lake Ohrid in the background.

Afterwards, drive to Elbasan, a very important city in ancient Illyrian times and famous for its historical ruins from the Roman and Ottoman periods.Take some time for lunch (not included) near a beautiful castle. Then take a short walk to see the 4th century castle, the clock, the main church and an ancient mosque. Finally, drive to Tirana for your final night in Albania. Overnight in Tirana.

Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 165 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albanopolis Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

13 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
City Tour of Elbasan

Light

See more
included
Visit to Pogradec

Active

See more

11th Day: Tirana - Canada

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Breakfast at the hotel.* It’s time to bid farewell to the historical nation of Albania. At the indicated time, take your transfer to Tirana Airport for your departure and return to Canada. Night on board**.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada today.

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October 2024
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Categories Available:

charm

From $2,999

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 9 Nights

Included activities

Included

Tirana night tour

Included activity for day 3 in Tirana

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tirana as you stroll through its illuminated streets and squares, explore the dynamic Blloku neighborhood, and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the local cafes and bars.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 18:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

City Tour of Kruja

Included activity for day 3 in Kruja

Start with a stroll through the bazaar followed by a guided tour of the Skanderbeg Museum, where you'll climb to the top and enjoy the view of Kruje.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha

Included activity for day 4 in Lezhe

Visit the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, an Albanian feudal lord and military commander who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire considered an Albanian National Hero.

Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

City Tour of Shkodra

Included activity for day 4 in Shkodra

Visit the most emblematic attractions of the city of Shkodra including the Old Bazaar, the Centrum, the Cathedral and Mosque, the Castle of Rozafa among other stops.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

more information

Show more

The price includes

  • Departures from main Canadian airports.
  • International flights: Canada - Tirana - Canada*.
    more information
  • 9 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 9 breakfasts.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides.
  • Escorted tour.

Not included

Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes* and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*The tourist tax in Albania must be paid in cash directly at the hotels. The amount will vary according to the city and the category of accommodation chosen:
  • Charm: 80 to 150 ALL (Albanian Lek), per room per night.
  • Superior: 300 to 400 ALL (Albanian Lek) per room per night.

*If you are traveling with Ryanair or Wizz Air, we recommend completing online check-in on the website to avoid additional charges. The reservation includes only one piece of hand luggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm), which must be placed under the seat in front on the plane. Additional luggage can be purchased in advance through the airline's website. Any extra luggage that does not meet the specified dimensions and is not reserved in advance will be subject to additional fees at the airport.

 

This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes an extensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Albania. You can expect several early morning departures and many driving miles throughout the trip.

Please keep in mind that some roads may be in poor condition. For this reason, we cannot predict the volume of traffic ahead of time.

• We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Albania. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.

• Hotel ratings in Albania are not governed by the same standards as those in Canada.

• Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.

• For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity required.

  • Visa

    No visa is required to enter the country.

  • Currency

    Lek.

  • Language

    Albanian.

  • Electricity

    Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from Canada.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 01:00.

  • Tourist Office website

    https://albania.al/

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 778 807 9750 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

 

Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

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