This 12-day trip reveals Albania’s Ionian Gems, rich traditions and stunning landscapes, from mountains to turquoise seas, with stops in North Macedonia and Corfu.
Activities
Description:
Your adventure begins the moment you land in Tirana. We head north to Kruja, where Albania’s history springs to life in the shadow of Skanderbeg’s fortress. You’ll wander its cobbled bazaar, alive with the scent of leather and the shimmer of handmade crafts, before climbing to the castle for panoramic views. A short drive leads to Sari Salltik, a peaceful mountain sanctuary tucked into the rock. By evening, you’ll be in Shkodra, one of Albania’s most vibrant and historic cities. After checking in, the city invites you out, broad boulevards lined with cafés, music drifting in the air, and locals enjoying the evening light.
Accommodation in Shkodra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Wake in Shkodra and set off for Koman Lake, often called the “Thailand of Europe.” The boat ride is a feast for the senses, emerald waters hemmed in by towering cliffs, reflections of forests shimmering in the morning sun. We’ll follow the Shala River to a secluded spot where the water is so clear you can see the pebbles on the bottom. By afternoon, we return to Tirana, where you can settle in, enjoy a casual dinner, or take an evening stroll through the city’s buzzing streets.
Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Today we journey east to Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes. First stop: Lin, a tranquil lakeside village with roots in prehistoric times. We pause in Pogradec before crossing into North Macedonia to explore Ohrid, cobblestone lanes, ancient churches and the gentle sparkle of the lake at your side. In the afternoon, we head to Korca, the “city of serenades,” where the old bazaar hums with charm.
Accommodation in Korca Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We begin with a sweet encounter, meeting a local beekeeper to learn about this ancient craft and tasting fresh honey. In Voskopoja, once a cultural hub, you’ll find centuries-old churches adorned with remarkable frescoes. The mountain village of Dardha offers another layer of charm with stone houses and fresh mountain air. By evening, we reach Leskovik and your agritourism stay by the Vjosa River, where nature’s soundtrack will lull you to sleep.
Accommodation in Farma Sotira
Activities
Description:
Wake to the gentle sounds of farm life—horses, sheep and rabbits roaming freely. The drive to Permet is one of the most scenic in the Balkans, ending at Benja’s thermal pools, where warm mineral waters bubble beneath a medieval stone bridge. Optionally, you can raft the wild Vjosa River before heading to Gjirokastra, the “Stone City,” where Ottoman architecture and winding lanes transport you back in time.
Accommodation in Gjirokastra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Spend the morning wandering Gjirokastra’s slate-roofed streets, exploring its fortress and old bazaar. Lunch at “Grandpa’s” is a feast of traditional flavors served with pride. In the afternoon, we descend toward the Ionian coast, pausing at the Blue Eye, a natural spring so deep and vividly blue it feels almost unreal, before reaching Saranda.
Accommodation in Saranda Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
History and leisure share the stage today. We start at Butrint, where Greek temples, Roman baths and Venetian towers stand in a lush lagoon setting. In the afternoon, the turquoise waters and white sands of Ksamil call for relaxation. As night falls, join an Albanian Night celebration of music, dance and culture.
Accommodation in Saranda Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
A short ferry ride carries us to Corfu, where Venetian, French and British influences shape its architecture and atmosphere. We wander the Old Town’s winding alleys, admire Spianada Square and walk the elegant Liston promenade. The evening is yours to enjoy Greek island hospitality.
Accommodation in Corfu Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We set sail for a full-day adventure, swimming in the Caribbean-blue waters of Antipaxos and marveling at the ethereal Blue Caves of Paxos. By late afternoon, we return to Corfu for a relaxed evening.
Accommodation in Corfu Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We return to Albania’s coast, tracing the Riviera through olive groves and secluded bays. In Borsh, the beach stretches for kilometers, while Qeparo charms with stone houses and quiet lanes. Porto Palermo Castle, a romantic fortress by the sea, adds a touch of history before we arrive in Himara.
Accommodation in Himara Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Begin the day with a dip in Himara’s calm waters before visiting Dhermi, one of the Riviera’s most beautiful villages. We then ascend into Llogara National Park, where sweeping views of the coastline unfold below. Meeting the friendly deer that roam here is an unforgettable bonus. Our day ends in Vlora.
Accommodation in Vlora Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
On your final morning, soak in the coastal energy of Vlora, walk its lively promenade, or visit the Independence Monument before your transfer to Tirana Airport.
Accommodation in boutique hotels and authentic guesthouses, chosen for comfort and local character
Expert Tour Guide: English-speaking, present throughout the trip
Entrance Fees & Tickets: All museums, castles, monasteries and national parks listed in the program
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
Tour Name: 12 Days Albania, The Last Wild Jewel & Its Balkan, Ionian Gems
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Start Location: Tirana, Albania
End Location: Tirana, Albania
Group Size: Small group (max 10–14 travelers)
Tour Type: Guided / Cultural Immersion / Nature & History
Accommodation:
Boutique hotels
Best Season: May– October
Transportation:
Private air-conditioned vehicles throughout the tour
Ferry crossings (Koman Lake, Corfu)
Meals Included:
Daily breakfast
Selected traditional lunches and dinners (as per itinerary)
Three Worlds in One Journey: From Albania’s wild mountains and Riviera beaches to North Macedonia’s lakeside heritage and Corfu’s elegant UNESCO Old Town, experience the Balkans and Ionian at their most captivating.
Immersive Local Encounters: Taste honey fresh from the hive, stay on family farms, soak in thermal springs, and enjoy traditional feasts from alpine villages to coastal towns.
From Turquoise Seas to Alpine Air: Cruise Koman Lake and the Shala River, swim in Ksamil’s crystal waters, wander Ionian islands and ascend into Llogara National Park for panoramic views.
Countries & Islands Covered This tour passes through Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece (Corfu and the Paxos islands). Each destination adds a completely different flavour to the journey — Albania’s raw, authentic beauty, North Macedonia’s ancient lake culture and Ottoman heritage, and the Venetian elegance and crystal-clear Ionian waters of Corfu and its surrounding islands. Together they form one of the most diverse and rewarding itineraries available in the eastern Mediterranean.
Visas Travellers from the EU, USA, UK, and Australia do not need a visa for Albania, North Macedonia, or Greece. If you are travelling on a different passport, please contact us before booking and we will check the exact requirements for your nationality.
Currency Euros are accepted or official across all destinations on this tour. Albania (Lek, but Euros accepted everywhere), North Macedonia (Denar, but Euros are widely accepted and credit cards work in most places), and Greece (official Euro currency). You can travel the entire 12 days using Euros and a credit card without any currency exchange needed.
Language Albanian is spoken in Albania. Macedonian is spoken in North Macedonia. Greek is spoken in Corfu and the Paxos islands. English is widely understood at all tourist destinations, hotels, and restaurants throughout the route. All your local guides speak English and your InAlb travel documents are provided in English.
Driving All countries on this route drive on the right. The average daily driving time is approximately 2 hours — comfortable and scenic rather than tiring. Roads are well-maintained throughout. Your ecological rental car comes with a built-in navigator and all route notes, maps, and destination guides are provided by InAlb before departure. No international driving licence is required for EU, UK, US, or Australian licence holders.
Note: The rental car does not travel to Corfu — you take the ferry as foot passengers and explore Corfu and the Paxos islands by local transport, guided tours, and the included boat excursion. Your car remains safely in Saranda during your Corfu days.
The Ferry to Corfu The ferry between Saranda and Corfu is a short and enjoyable crossing of approximately 35–40 minutes each way. There are multiple departure times throughout the day and InAlb coordinates your ferry tickets as part of the tour — both tickets are included in the price. The sea crossing is generally calm and very comfortable. In rare cases of very bad weather causing cancellations, InAlb will adjust the itinerary accordingly — you are always in safe hands.
Weather & Best Months This tour runs from April to October. Best overall months are May, June, and September — warm enough for swimming, beaches are less crowded, and all ferry and boat services are running at full schedule. July and August are excellent for beach and island days but popular spots like Ksamil, Saranda, and Corfu Old Town get busy. If you visit in peak summer, InAlb will steer you towards the quieter, more beautiful beaches that most tourists never find.
Health & Safety Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece are all safe destinations for tourists. Standard European travel precautions apply. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and not included in the tour price. Tap water in Albania is not recommended for drinking — bottled water is cheap and widely available. In Greece and North Macedonia tap water is generally safe.
What is the 12 Days Albania, Greece & North Macedonia tour? This is a 12-day self-drive journey that combines the very best of three remarkable destinations — Albania’s wild, authentic landscapes and UNESCO cities, North Macedonia’s ancient Lake Ohrid and cultural heritage, and the Venetian grandeur and crystalline waters of Corfu and the Paxos islands. The route covers the full length of Albania from north to south, crosses into North Macedonia for Lake Ohrid, descends through southern Albania to Saranda, crosses by ferry to Corfu, explores the Paxos islands by boat, and returns along the Albanian Riviera before finishing in Vlora. It is one of the most varied and visually spectacular tours in the region.
Who is this tour best for? This tour is particularly popular with couples and families. It offers the perfect balance of culture and coast, guided discovery and free time, active exploration and relaxed beach days. Families with children enjoy the farm stay, the beach days, the boat trips, and the animal encounters. Couples love the combination of romantic settings — Corfu Old Town, Kotor evenings, Riviera sunsets, and the magical Blue Eye spring. It is also an excellent choice for anyone who has visited Greece many times but never Albania — this tour shows you something genuinely new while including the comfort of a familiar Greek island setting.
Is this tour suitable for people who have already been to Corfu? Absolutely. Most visitors to Corfu see only the Old Town and the crowded southern beaches. On this tour you experience Corfu differently — focused on its cultural heart, its elegant Liston promenade, and a full-day boat excursion to the far less visited Paxos and Antipaxos islands, which many consider more beautiful than Corfu itself. If you already know Corfu, this tour shows you the side of it that most visitors never reach.
What is the difficulty level? Easy — lighter than our other Balkan tours. There are no demanding hikes. Physical activity is limited to gentle walks through old towns and archaeological sites, easy beach walks, and optional swimming. The most active optional element is white-water rafting on the Vjosa River on Day 5. Everything else is relaxed and accessible. This tour suits any fitness level and can be further adjusted for guests with physical limitations — just inform us at booking.
Is the ferry to Corfu included in the price? Yes — both the outward and return ferry tickets between Saranda and Corfu are included in the tour price. InAlb coordinates the timing based on your itinerary. The crossing takes approximately 35–40 minutes and is a pleasant, scenic journey across the Ionian Sea with views of both coastlines.
Do we bring the rental car to Corfu? No — you cross as foot passengers on the ferry. Your ecological rental car stays safely in Saranda while you are in Corfu. On Corfu and during the Paxos boat trip, you explore by foot, local transport, and the included boat excursion.
Can I get seasick on the ferry? The Saranda–Corfu crossing is short (around 35–40 minutes) and the sea is generally calm in the Ionian. Most passengers experience no discomfort. If you are prone to seasickness, taking a standard over-the-counter motion sickness tablet beforehand is a sensible precaution.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather? Ferry cancellations due to bad weather are rare in the Ionian Sea during the April–October season. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, InAlb will adjust the itinerary — either rescheduling the crossing or finding an alternative plan to ensure your days in the area are still enjoyable and well-spent.
Is Corfu crowded? It depends on where you go. The southern part of the island around Kavos and some popular beach areas can be very busy in July and August — this is the party end of the island and not the focus of this tour. Corfu Old Town and the central area offer a much more cultural and elegant experience. The western side of the island has lesser-known beaches that are far more peaceful and beautiful. On this tour we focus on the best of Corfu — the UNESCO Old Town, the Liston promenade, and the boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos — which are enjoyable even in peak season.
Can we extend our stay in Corfu? Yes — if you want to spend extra days in Corfu, we can adjust the itinerary accordingly. Just let us know when you enquire and we will build the extended version into your personalised proposal.
Is the Paxos and Antipaxos boat trip included? Yes — the full-day boat excursion to Paxos and Antipaxos is included in the tour price. The trip uses a comfortable shared boat with up to 30 passengers. If you prefer a more private experience, a smaller boat can be arranged for a small additional fee — contact us to discuss.
Is Antipaxos really as beautiful as the photos suggest? Yes — and even more so in person. Antipaxos is one of the most stunning small islands in the entire Mediterranean. The water is a vivid Caribbean blue and the beaches are pristine. Unlike Corfu, Antipaxos receives very few visitors and feels genuinely unspoiled. You can snorkel directly off the boat and in the shallow bays — the underwater visibility is exceptional.
What are the Blue Caves of Paxos? The Blue Caves are sea caves on the eastern coast of Paxos where sunlight filters through the water and illuminates the cave interiors in extraordinary shades of blue and turquoise. The boat passes through and pauses at the caves during the excursion — it is one of those rare natural phenomena that genuinely lives up to and exceeds expectations.
What if the weather is bad on the boat day? In the rare event of conditions that make the boat excursion unsafe, InAlb will arrange an alternative activity in Corfu. The Ionian Sea in summer is generally very calm and boat trip cancellations are uncommon.
Do we need a visa for North Macedonia? No — EU, USA, UK, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for North Macedonia. Entry is straightforward with a valid passport.
Do we need Macedonian currency? No — Euros are widely accepted and credit cards work in most restaurants, hotels, and shops in Ohrid. You can visit North Macedonia without exchanging currency.
How long do we spend in Ohrid and is it enough? We spend one full day in the Ohrid area, which is more than enough to experience its highlights — the UNESCO old town, ancient churches, the lakeside promenade, and the remarkable setting on one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes. The pace is relaxed and unhurried. If you want to swim in the lake, you can — during summer the water can be surprisingly warm, which delights many guests who do not expect it.
Is the Albanian Riviera really comparable to Greece or Croatia? The Albanian Riviera is genuinely one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean — a mix of Croatia’s dramatic scenery and Greece’s turquoise water, with a fraction of the crowds and at much lower prices. The mountains drop almost vertically into the Ionian Sea, creating a landscape that is both wild and spectacular. The water is exceptionally clear. For many guests, the Albanian Riviera is the biggest surprise of the entire trip.
Are the beaches crowded in summer? Some are. Ksamil, Saranda, and Himara get busy in July and August — especially Ksamil which is very popular with Albanian and regional visitors. However Albania has many lesser-known beaches that remain peaceful even at the height of summer — places like Borsh, Qeparo, Livadh, and several hidden coves accessible only on foot or by boat. On this tour InAlb steers you towards the most beautiful and least crowded options for your travel dates.
Is Borsh beach good for families with children? Borsh is one of the best family beaches in Albania — a long, wide stretch of smooth pebbles and clear, shallow water that is perfect for children. It is far less crowded than Ksamil or Saranda, the setting is beautiful with mountains behind and the Ionian in front, and the pace is calm and unhurried. It is genuinely one of the finest beach experiences on the entire Albanian Riviera.
What is the most underrated stop on this tour that guests are always surprised by? Without question — the farm stay in Leskovik. Guests almost always arrive uncertain about what to expect and leave saying it was one of the highlights of the entire trip. Waking up to farm animals, tasting fresh honey from the beekeeper, the possibility of fishing, the evening around a fire with locally grown food and real quiet — it is the kind of experience that is becoming increasingly rare in Europe and feels genuinely special precisely because it is not staged for tourists.
What is the agritourism farm stay in Leskovik like? The farm is a genuinely special place set in nature near the Vjosa River. It is comfortable — not rustic or rough — with proper accommodation and warm hospitality. The farm has horses, sheep, rabbits, bees, and various other animals that guests are welcome to interact with. Children in particular love the animal encounters. You can also try fishing. Evenings at the farm are calm and memorable — a fire, a barbecue, fresh local food, good conversation in the open air. It is the kind of evening that slows you down in the best possible way.
What is “Grandpa’s” in Gjirokaster? Known locally as “the barrels,” Grandpa’s is a legendary restaurant in Gjirokaster where everything on the table is freshly picked that morning and cooked slowly with care throughout the day. It is the antithesis of tourist food — honest, generous, deeply local, and full of flavour. It is the kind of place that regulars keep coming back to and that visitors remember long after everything else has faded. Lunch here is one of the three gastronomic experiences included in this tour.
Are there enough food options for vegetarians on this tour? Yes — Albanian, Macedonian, and Greek cuisines all have strong vegetarian traditions. Dishes like byrek, fërgëse, tavë, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, legume stews, Greek mezze, and fresh cheeses mean vegetarians eat very well throughout this tour. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at booking and we will brief all restaurants and hosts along the route accordingly.
How does the self-drive work on this tour? You drive yourself in a fully insured ecological rental car with a built-in navigator. At each major destination, a local licensed guide meets you for tours and experiences. Average daily driving is approximately 2 hours. All route notes, maps, and destination guides are provided before departure. Our 24/7 support team is always reachable for anything you need on the road.
What if I prefer a full-time driver-guide? A full-time driver-guide who travels with you for the entire 12 days can be arranged. Pricing for this tour’s driver-guide option is slightly lower than our longer Balkan tours — approximately €3,000 total for up to 4 people, including fuel, parking, and all vehicle-related costs. For groups of more than 4 people a second vehicle would be used and costs may increase slightly. Driver-guides are available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Contact us to discuss based on your group size, language, and travel dates.
What is included in the €1,800 per person price? The base price of €1,800 per person (double occupancy, self-drive option) includes:
Not included: international flights, personal expenses, travel insurance, fuel costs, optional activities, and private boat upgrade for Paxos.
Can this tour be customised? Yes — completely. Additional nights in Corfu, extended time on the Riviera, alternative accommodation, private boat for Paxos, or any other adjustment can be arranged. Contact your InAlb travel specialist and we will build your personalised version.
What is the cancellation policy? Please refer to our full cancellation policy on the Terms and Conditions page. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before booking.
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Curated routes, smart timing, and authentic stops.
Curated routes, smart timing, and authentic stops.
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