11 Days in Albania, A Tapestry of Time & Taste

This 11-day journey showcases Albania’s rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes, blending ancient sites with authentic local experiences.

Tour Highlights

A Journey Through the Ages: Walk in the footsteps of Illyrians, Ottomans, and communists as you explore castles, UNESCO cities, and ancient archaeological sites across Albania.

A Feast for the Senses: Indulge in farm-to-table meals, fine wine tastings, and immersive culinary events, from village feasts to interactive Albanian Night celebrations.

Culture, Coast & Connection: Hear haunting polyphonic songs, meet local artisans, and balance rich heritage with relaxation on pristine Ionian beaches and in charming coastal villages.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tirana’s Historic Layers & Culinary Revelation

Activities

  1. Explore Skanderbeg Square, Tirana Castle, Museum of Leaves & Pyramid
  2. Visit Petrela Castle & meet locals
  3. Farm-to-table lunch in an ex-military base & Albanian Night dinner show

Description:
Your journey begins in Tirana’s vibrant heart, where Ottoman, communist and modern influences intertwine. After exploring key landmarks, travel to Petrela Castle for panoramic views and a taste of village life. Midday brings a unique agrotourism lunch inside a repurposed military base, surrounded by nature and farm animals. End the evening dressed in traditional attire at an interactive Albanian Night show with an 8-course feast.

 

Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Visit Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar & Sari Salltik Cave
  2. Renowned farm-to-table dining at Mrizi i Zanave
  3. Explore Shkodra’s Rozafa Castle, museum & lake village of Shiroka

Description:
Travel to Kruja, the heart of Albania’s resistance, and wander its bazaar and fortress. Pause at Sari Salltik, a serene mountain cave, before heading to Lezha and then Mrizi i Zanave for an extraordinary rural dining experience. In Shkodra, explore Rozafa Castle, the Ethnographic Museum and the lakeside village of Shiroka for boat rides or birdwatching.

Accommodation in Shkodra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Visit Rana e Hedhun sandy cliff beach
  2. Explore Durres & its Roman amphitheater
  3. Evening in UNESCO-listed Berat

Description:
From Shkodra, head to the striking dunes of Rana e Hedhun. Continue south to Durres, where Roman history lives on in its amphitheater and ancient walls. By evening, arrive in Berat, where you can relax or join a folkloric music and dance event.

Accommodation in Berat Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Visit Berat Castle & Onufri Church
  2. Wine & gastronomy tasting in Rroshnik
  3. Explore Apollonia archaeological site en route to Vlora

Description:
Stroll through Berat’s fortified quarters and admire its medieval art before heading to Rroshnik for wine tasting and a gourmet farm lunch. Continue to Apollonia, where Illyrian, Greek and Roman ruins tell stories of a once-thriving city. Arrive in Vlora and walk the seaside Lungomare.

Accommodation in Vlora Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities:

  1. Kuzum Baba viewpoint & Llogara National Park
  2. Visit Dhermi, Himara & Porto Palermo Castle
  3. Evening in Borsh

Description:
Enjoy breathtaking vistas at Kuzum Baba and in Llogara, where friendly deer roam. Explore Dhermi’s village and beach, Himara’s coastal charm and Porto Palermo’s romantic fortress before ending the day in tranquil Borsh.

Accommodation in Borsh Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Morning leisure on Borsh Beach
  2. Optional visit to Borsh Castle
  3. Discover the Shrine of the Waterfall

Description:
Relax by the Ionian Sea or explore Borsh’s hilltop castle. Visit the mystical Shrine of the Waterfall, a hidden site believed to hold spiritual blessings, before an evening of fresh seafood and local cuisine.

Accommodation in Borsh Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Visit Lekursi Castle & Butrint archaeological park
  2. Relax at Ksamil Beach
  3. Interactive Albanian Night in Saranda

Description:
Take in sweeping views from Lekursi Castle before exploring UNESCO-listed Butrint’s ancient ruins. Swim in Ksamil’s turquoise waters, then enjoy an evening of music, dance, and traditional flavors at an Albanian Night show.

Accommodation in Ksamil Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Visit the Blue Eye spring
  2. Tour Gjirokastra Castle, Skenduli House & Kadare House
  3. Explore ancient Antigonea & enjoy polyphonic singing

Description:
Marvel at the Blue Eye’s vivid waters, then head to Gjirokastra to explore its fortress, bazaar and historic homes. Visit the ancient ruins of Amantia before ending the day with a hauntingly beautiful polyphonic performance.

Accommodation in Gjirokastra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Visit Ali Pasha’s Castle in Tepelena
  2. Explore Elbasan Castle’s inhabited quarters
  3. Return to Tirana

Description:
Discover Tepelena’s fortress history before heading to Elbasan to see its rare castle with a living neighborhood inside. Return to Tirana for a relaxed evening.

Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Explore Tirana’s modern neighborhoods & museums
  2. Optional final culinary experience
  3. Farewell dinner in the capital

Description:
See a different side of Tirana in its trendy Blloku district or museums. Enjoy free time for shopping before a final farewell dinner celebrating your Albanian adventure.

Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)

Activities

  1. Final breakfast in Tirana
  2. Airport transfer
  3. Depart with memories of Albania’s history & hospitality

Description:
Savor one last Albanian breakfast before your private transfer to the airport, leaving with the country’s flavors, stories and friendships in your heart.

Map of Tour

What's Included

  • Accommodation in carefully selected boutique hotels and guesthouses

  • Daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners (including gourmet farm-to-table meals)

  • Private eco-friendly vehicles throughout the tour
  • All activities listed in the itinerary, entrance fees to castles, museums, archaeological sites and natural parks

  • Expert Tour Guide: English-speaking, present throughout the trip

  • Airport transfer

  • 24/7 in-country support

What's Excluded

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks not included in meals, tips)

  • Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary

  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

  • Visa fees, if applicable

Tour info

Tour Name: 11 Days: Albania, A Tapestry of Time & Taste

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Start Location: Tirana, Albania

End Location: Tirana, Albania

Group Size: Small group (max 10–14 travelers) / Private options available

Tour Type: Guided / Cultural & Culinary Immersion / Active & Relaxed mix

Accommodation: Boutique hotels and charming guesthouses blending comfort with local character

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate, suitable for most travelers

Best Season: May to October

Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicles

Meals Included: Daily breakfast, selected gourmet lunches and dinners, including exclusive farm-to-table experiences and tastings

Why is this tour unique?

  • Depth & Diversity: Ancient ruins, medieval castles, communist history and coastal relaxation in one seamless itinerary.
  • Culinary Excellence: Farm-to-table meals, wine tastings and immersive food experiences.
  • Authentic Encounters: From polyphonic singers to local artisans, meet the people who keep Albania’s traditions alive.

Who is this tour for?

  • Travelers passionate about history & heritage
  • Food lovers seeking authentic flavors in their cultural context
  • Guests who enjoy balanced pacing with time for both exploration and relaxation

Places You Will Visit

Tirana: Skanderbeg Square, Tirana Castle, Museum of Leaves, Pyramid, Blloku district.

Petrela Castle: Medieval hilltop fortress.

Kruja: Castle, Old Bazaar, Sari Salltik Cave.

Lezha: Historical town en route to Mrizi i Zanave.

Mrizi i Zanave: Famous farm-to-table dining.

Shkodra: Rozafa Castle, Ethnographic Museum, Shiroka lakeside village.

Rana e Hedhun: Unique sandy cliff beach.

Durres: Roman amphitheater, ancient walls.

Berat (UNESCO): Castle, Onufri Church, historic quarters.

Rroshnik: Wine and gastronomy tasting.

Apollonia: Illyrian-Greek-Roman archaeological site.

Vlora: Lungomare promenade, coastal views.

Kuzum Baba Viewpoint: Panoramic Riviera lookout.

Llogara National Park: Mountain pass with forest and deer.

Dhermi, Himara: Riviera villages with beaches.

Porto Palermo Castle: Seaside fortress.

Borsh Beach & Castle: Long sandy beach, hilltop ruins.

Shrine of the Waterfall: Spiritual natural site.

Saranda: Lekursi Castle, seaside promenade.

Butrint (UNESCO): Ancient city with Greek, Roman, and Venetian heritage.

Ksamil: White sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Blue Eye Spring: Deep, vivid blue natural spring.

Secure Payment Options

Book now pay when you want , use Klarna to get monthly low payments starting from 70 euro per month

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the tour and where does it start/end?
The tour lasts 11 days / 10 nights. It starts and ends in Tirana, Albania.
You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, guesthouses and authentic lodges that reflect Albania’s charm and hospitality.
This is a moderate cultural tour with light hikes, walking tours, castle climbs and coastal activities. Suitable for travelers with normal fitness.
Private eco-friendly vehicles (car, van, or minibus depending on your group size) and walking tours.
This is a tailor-made tour, organized according to your needs and group size. There is no fixed group size.
Yes. For couples, families, friends, or larger groups, we adapt the itinerary to your needs. Larger groups can also request more flexible arrangements.
Yes, you can cancel or adjust the dates with a fee. To avoid cancellation fees, we recommend getting travel insurance.
For tailor-made tours: 30% deposit at booking (non-refundable). The rest is due 30 days before departure.For larger groups, we can discuss flexible payment options.You can also pay with Klarna, allowing you to pay later in installments.
Yes, all entries to castles, archaeological sites, museums and cultural activities (such as Albanian Night shows, wine tastings, and polyphonic performances) are included.
It is strongly recommended. Insurance will cover cancellations, delays, baggage issues and medical emergencies, helping you avoid cancellation fees.
Yes, this tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. Adjustments can be made for younger kids.
Yes, a self-drive version is available. You will have more freedom and flexibility, with 24/7 local support.
Yes. Depending on your choice, we will provide you with the best available driver-guide in your preferred language, or you will meet local guides in each place you visit.
Yes, you’ll connect with farmers, winemakers, artisans and hosts at cultural evenings and agritourism farms.
Yes. While cards are widely accepted, smaller villages and local markets prefer cash.
This tour is perfect for couples, friends, families and groups.
It blends Albania’s past and present in one tapestry: Ottoman castles, communist heritage, Roman ruins, agrotourism dining, Albanian Night shows, Riviera beaches and UNESCO towns, all paired with local cuisine and wines.
Yes. Daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners (including gourmet farm-to-table meals).

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