Albania & The Balkan Treasures

ALBANIA & THE BALKAN TREASURES

Discover the beauty of Albania, from historic towns and stunning coastlines to spectacular natural scenery, with all excursions and entrance fees included.

Group A: 23–31 March 2027
Group B: 23 April–1 May 2027
Group C: 18–26 June 2027

Day 1 – Tirana

We meet at Malta International Airport at 06:20 for our direct Ryanair flight FR6339 to Tirana, departing at 08:20 and arriving at 09:50. On arrival, we meet our local representative and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Bazaar in Tirana. After checking into our rooms, we have free time to relax or explore the surroundings and enjoy our first taste of the Albanian capital.

Day 2 – Tirana & Kruja

After breakfast, we begin a guided walking tour of Tirana, a city combining history with modern life and colourful buildings. During our tour, we learn more about the capital and its past. In the afternoon, we travel to Kruja, a historic hillside town closely associated with Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. We visit the Skanderbeg Museum, where we learn about his life and battles. Afterwards, we have time to explore the Old Bazaar, with its narrow cobbled streets and shops selling handicrafts, carpets and traditional souvenirs. Later, we return to our hotel in Tirana.

Day 3 – Berat

Today’s full-day excursion takes us to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, Berat is distinguished by its traditional white houses rising along the hillsides. Together with our guide, we explore the historic centre and visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Iconographic Museum, home to a collection of religious icons and works of art. The castle also offers beautiful views over the town and the Osum River valley. In the evening, we return to Tirana.

Day 4 – Durres, Vlore, Llogara, Dhermi & Saranda

We leave Tirana and begin our journey towards southern Albania, passing through Durres and Vlore before continuing along the Albanian Riviera. During our journey, we pass through the surroundings of Llogara National Park and Dhermi, known for its beautiful coastline. We enjoy varied scenery, from mountains and greenery to views of the Ionian Sea, with photo stops along the way. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Saranda, one of Albania’s most popular seaside destinations, and check into the 5-star Hotel Bougainville Bay.

Day 5 – Butrint & Saranda

At 09:00, we depart for Butrint Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in beautiful natural surroundings, this ancient city reveals traces of the different civilisations that shaped its history. Among the remains are the ancient theatre, historic walls and buildings reflecting the city’s importance throughout the centuries. After our visit, we return to Saranda for an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, stop at one of the cafés or simply relax by the sea.

Day 6 – Gjirokaster & the Blue Eye

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion to Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye. We stop at the Blue Eye, locally known as Syri i Kaltër, a natural spring celebrated for its clear water and striking shades of blue and green, surrounded by lush vegetation. We continue to Gjirokaster, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “City of Stone”, it is characterised by traditional stone-roofed houses and narrow streets. We explore the historic centre and visit Gjirokaster Castle, overlooking the town and offering beautiful views across the valley. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Saranda.

Day 7 – Saranda, Vlore & Berat

We leave Saranda and travel to the coastal town of Vlore, where history meets the sea. Vlore holds a special place in Albania’s history, as the country’s independence was declared here in 1912. We visit the old town, with its restored traditional buildings, attractive streets and cafés. There will also be free time to explore and enjoy the local atmosphere. In the afternoon, we continue to Berat and check into the 5-star Hotel Colombo.

Day 8 – Berat & Pupa Winery

In the morning, we travel by coach to Berat Castle to further explore this historic area. Traditional houses and ancient churches still stand within its walls, giving the castle a distinctive character. Our programme also includes a visit to the Onufri Iconographic Museum, located within the castle. Around midday, we depart for Pupa Winery, approximately half an hour from Berat. Here, we discover Albania’s winemaking tradition, with lunch and wine tasting included. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Berat.

Day 9 – Tirana

We transfer from our hotel to Tirana Airport for our direct Ryanair flight FR6340, departing at 12:00 and arriving in Malta at 13:35.

Please note: For Group A, the flight from Malta to Tirana departs at 10:30. The meeting time at Malta International Airport is 08:30.

PRICE PER PERSON
Excursions, Entrance Fees & Taxes Included

The price includes:

• Direct Ryanair flights to Tirana

• 20kg checked baggage

• Transfers and excursions as per programme

• Entrance fees

• Lunch and wine tasting at Pupa Winery

• Accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels in Tirana, Saranda and Berat

• Daily buffet breakfast

• Airport taxes

• Maltese tour leader

• Insolvency protection

Minor changes to the programme may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.

Please ask for our General Terms and Conditions.