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InAlb Signature Semi-guided self-drive

Albania in 13 Days: Wild North, UNESCO Cities, Food & Coast

This 13-day self-drive trip crosses Albania from the Alps to the Ionian Sea: Theth National Park, the remote villages of Tamare and Lepushe, the Koman Lake fjords, UNESCO Berat and Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye and Butrint, and the beaches of Saranda and Ksamil. You drive an insured rental car, with local guides and farm-to-table meals along the way. From €1,660 per person, two sharing, private departure on your dates.

Planned and operated by InAlb, Tirana. Last updated .

13 days12 nights
Tiranastart and finish
AlbaniaPrivate & Self-Driving
Moderatesoft adventure
4.551 verified reviews
Albania in 13 Days: Wild North, UNESCO Cities, Food & CoastAlbania in 13 Days: Wild North, UNESCO Cities, Food & CoastAlbania in 13 Days: Wild North, UNESCO Cities, Food & CoastA boat crossing Koman Lake between the mountains of northern AlbaniaMangalem old quarter below the castle in Berat, Albania

What's included

  • 12 nights in 3-4 star hotels and mountain guesthouses, private bathrooms
  • Daily breakfast and the farm-to-table lunches listed (The Base, Fishte, Alpeta)
  • New insured rental car for the whole trip, unlimited mileage, no deposit
  • Local guides at the listed stops (Tirana, Kruja, Berat, Gjirokaster, Butrint)
  • Petrele zipline
See everything included ↓

Highlights

  • Collect your insured rental car at Tirana airport, with a city tour and a zipline at Petrele
  • Farm-to-table lunch at The Base, an agrotourism on a former military site above Tirana
  • Kruja castle and bazaar, plus the Sari Salltik mountain sanctuary
  • Theth National Park: stone village, reconciliation tower and optional Alps hikes
  • The remote Kelmend highlands: Tamare and a horseback ride in Lepushe

Albania in 13 Days at a glance

Duration
13 days, 12 nights
Price
From €1,660 per person, two sharing, standard season. Price varies by season and room type
Countries
Albania
Start and finish
Tirana, Albania
Trip type
Adventure, Beach, Couples, Culture, Food & Wine, Nature, UNESCO
Travel style
Semi-guided self-drive. You drive and local guides meet you in the main towns. Optional driver or driver-guide
Group
2 to 8 people, private departure on your dates
Fitness
Moderate. Easy to moderate. Optional hikes at Theth, plus horseback riding and rafting; the rest is gentle town and…
Hotels
12 nights, Comfort
Meals
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Driving
1,295 km. New insured rental car for the whole trip, unlimited mileage, no deposit
Activities included
2 boat trips, 1 walk or hike, guided visits, entrance tickets
Payment
30% deposit to book, balance 30 days before. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Bank transfer
Availability
On request, any start date. Book at least 7 days before your start date
Best months
April to October
Borders and visas
Most visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia enter Albania visa-free for up to…
Support
InAlb local team on WhatsApp, 24/7 during the trip
Read the full overview

This is a self-drive trip: you drive your own new, fully insured rental car (no deposit), and a local guide or host meets you at each stop rather than riding along between towns. You keep full freedom over your pace and your mornings, with 24/7 local support a message away the whole trip. It is also fully customizable: prefer not to drive the long northern roads? Add a private driver-guide for all or part of the route. You can also add experiences and tastings, upgrade hotels, add nights, or include the optional shows and food tastings. Booking is instant and any date is open.

The trip is built to move from one landscape to the next without backtracking, so a single rental car carries you from the mountains to the sea. You start in Tirana, climb north into the Alps, dip into the remote Kelmend highlands near the Montenegrin border, then come back down through Koman Lake before turning south.

The north is the wild part. Theth National Park, the stone village and its reconciliation tower, then two nights deeper still in Tamare and Lepushe, where the road follows the Cemi River and the day’s highlight is a horseback ride through alpine pasture. The Koman Lake speedboat day, the stretch locals call the fjords of Albania, links the mountains back to the lowlands.

The middle is history and food. UNESCO Berat, the city of a thousand windows, and UNESCO Gjirokaster, the stone city, each paired with a long agrotourism lunch. Albania’s culinary side is not a side dish here; it is half the point.

The south is the coast. The turquoise Blue Eye spring, the ancient ruins of Butrint, sunset from Lekursi Castle over Saranda, a rafting morning on the Bistrica, and two unhurried days on the white-sand beaches of Ksamil before the drive back to Tirana.

Your 13 days, day by day

Driving route 1,295 kmover 13 driving days

Tirana > Shkodra > Theth > Tamare > Lepushe > Shkodra > Durres > Berat > Gjirokaster > Saranda > Ksamil > Tirana

Day1 Tirana: city, zipline and a farm lunch Tirana, Petrele, Surrel
Tirana: city, zipline and a farm lunch

Collect your rental car at Tirana airport and meet your local guide for a city tour: the New Bazaar, the National History Museum and the Blloku district. Then a zipline at Petrele, and a long farm-to-table lunch at The Base, an agrotourism built on a former military site. Overnight Tirana.

Drive
40 km · Airport pickup plus short drives
Walking
Easy city walking, plus a zipline
Meals
Lunch
Tonight · Tirana Heritage hotel in Tirana (name to confirm)

Heritage hotel, city center

Day2 Kruja, Sari Salltik and Shkodra Kruja, Sari Salltik, Fishte, Shkodra
Kruja, Sari Salltik and Shkodra

Drive north to Kruja for its castle and Ottoman bazaar, then up to the Sari Salltik sanctuary for Adriatic views. Farm-to-table lunch at Fishte, then on to Shkodra.

Drive
110 km · About 3 hours with stops
Walking
Easy to moderate
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight · Shkodra 4-star hotel in Shkodra (name to confirm)

4-star hotel

Day3 Theth National Park Theth
Theth National Park

Drive into the Alps to Theth: the stone village, the historic Reconciliation Tower, and an optional hike to the Blue Eye of Theth and the Grunas Waterfall. Overnight in the valley.

Drive
75 km · About 2.5 hours
Walking
Moderate, optional Alps hikes
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Theth Guesthouse in Theth (name to confirm)

Mountain guesthouse

Day4 Into the Kelmend highlands: Tamare Tamare, Kelmend
Into the Kelmend highlands: Tamare

A remote drive deeper into northern Albania to the alpine village of Tamare in the Kelmend region, far from the crowds and surrounded by peaks.

Drive
60 km · About 2.5 hours, mountain roads
Walking
Easy
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Tamare Guesthouse in Tamare (name to confirm)

Alpine B&B

Day5 Tamare to Lepushe, horseback riding Lepushe
Tamare to Lepushe, horseback riding

A scenic drive along the Cemi River to Lepushe, then a horseback ride through alpine pasture, with time to walk the village or hike to a viewpoint over the border mountains.

Drive
30 km · About 1.5 hours plus riding
Walking
Easy, plus horseback riding
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Lepushe Guesthouse in Lepushe (name to confirm)

Alpine B&B

Day6 Back to Shkodra Shkodra
Back to Shkodra

A scenic mountain drive back to Shkodra. Afternoon free, with the option of a Shkodra food tasting of more than 20 local dishes with a local family.

Drive
70 km · About 3 hours, mountain roads
Walking
Easy
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Shkodra 4-star hotel in Shkodra (name to confirm)

4-star hotel

Day7 Koman Lake and Shala River Komani Lake, Shala River, Durres
Koman Lake and Shala River

Drive to Lake Koman and board a speedboat through the fjords of Albania to the turquoise Shala River, with about three hours of free time to swim and relax (optional kayaking). Return by boat and drive to Durres for the night.

Drive
180 km · Boat day, then drive to Durres
Walking
Easy, with optional swims
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Durres Hotel in Durres (name to confirm)

Coastal hotel

Day8 Berat, the city of a thousand windows Berat, Roshnik
Berat, the city of a thousand windows

Drive south to UNESCO Berat. Guided tour of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, the Ottoman bridge and the inhabited castle, then a three-course agrotourism lunch at Alpeta in Roshnik.

Drive
140 km · About 3 hours
Walking
Moderate, old-town cobbles
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight · Berat Hotel in Berat (name to confirm)

Old-town hotel

Day9 Gjirokaster, the stone city Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster, the stone city

A scenic drive to UNESCO Gjirokaster. A countryside horseback ride, then a guided walk through the stone old town, the bazaar and the hilltop castle. Evening free.

Drive
150 km · About 3 hours
Walking
Moderate, plus horseback riding
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Gjirokaster Hotel in Gjirokaster (name to confirm)

Stone-city hotel

Day10 Blue Eye, Butrint and Saranda Blue Eye, Butrint, Saranda
Blue Eye, Butrint and Saranda

Drive south to the turquoise Blue Eye spring, then the UNESCO ruins of Butrint. Continue to Saranda, with an afternoon swim and sunset dinner at hilltop Lekursi Castle.

Drive
90 km · About 2.5 hours with stops
Walking
Easy to moderate
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Saranda 4-star hotel in Saranda (name to confirm)

Seafront hotel

Day11 Rafting and Ksamil Bistrica, Ksamil, Saranda
Rafting and Ksamil

A morning rafting the clear Bistrica River, then the white-sand beaches and turquoise water of Ksamil, the Maldives of Europe. Evening on the Saranda promenade.

Drive
50 km · Short transfers plus rafting
Walking
Easy, plus rafting
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Saranda 4-star hotel in Saranda (name to confirm)

Seafront hotel

Day12 A free day on the Ionian coast Saranda, Ksamil
A free day on the Ionian coast

A full day at your own pace on the beaches of Saranda or Ksamil, with optional paragliding from the Llogara Pass over the coast.

Drive
20 km · Free day
Walking
Easy, beach
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight · Saranda 4-star hotel in Saranda (name to confirm)

Seafront hotel

Day13 Departure Saranda, Tirana Airport
Departure

Drive back toward Tirana and return the car at the airport for your departure.

Drive
280 km · About 4 hours
Walking
Easy
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight
Departure day

Practical information

How do you get there and back?

Starts
Tirana, Albania
Ends
Tirana, Albania
Flights
Not included. International flights are not included.
On the ground
New insured rental car for the whole trip, unlimited mileage, no deposit. A private driver-guide can be added as an upgrade.
Arrival and check-in
Our greeter meets you at Tirana airport with the car; hotels and guesthouses are pre-booked and details are sent before arrival.
Borders and visas
Most visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the requirements for your nationality before travel.

Who is this trip for? Graded moderate

Each scale runs 1 to 5, from very easy to demanding.

Difficulty
ModerateLevel 3 of 5. Easy to moderate. Optional hikes at Theth, plus horseback riding and rafting; the rest is gentle town and beach walking. Average fitness is enough.
Pace
BalancedLevel 3 of 5
Walking
Easy to moderate, with optional hikes in the AlpsLevel 2 of 5
Driving
1295 kmLevel 2 of 5. Some long, scenic days, especially the remote north and the final drive back to Tirana. The Theth and Kelmend roads are mountainous, so drive unhurried.

Good for. Couples and pairs who want the full range of Albania, mountains, villages, UNESCO towns, food and coast, and are happy to drive scenic northern roads.

Not for you if not ideal if you want only beach time, no driving, or flat walking throughout. Prefer not to drive? Add a driver-guide and we run the same route for you.

The northern leg involves remote mountain roads, and old towns have cobbles and steps, so this is not step-free. Tell us about mobility needs in advance. 24/7 local support by phone and WhatsApp throughout. Mobile coverage is patchy in the highlands; guesthouses have Wi-Fi.

Book this tourContact the teamFrom €1,660 pp · 30% deposit · reply within 24 hours

What is included in the €1,660 price?

Included in the price

  • 12 nights in 3-4 star hotels and mountain guesthouses, private bathrooms
  • Daily breakfast and the farm-to-table lunches listed (The Base, Fishte, Alpeta)
  • New insured rental car for the whole trip, unlimited mileage, no deposit
  • Local guides at the listed stops (Tirana, Kruja, Berat, Gjirokaster, Butrint)
  • Petrele zipline
  • Horseback rides in Lepushe and Gjirokaster
  • Koman Lake and Shala River speedboat day
  • Bistrica River rafting
  • All entry tickets to the museums and national parks listed
  • 24/7 local support and personalized route planning

Not included

  • Fuel, parking, tolls and traffic fines, unless a driver-guide upgrade is added
  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance, strongly recommended
  • Optional activities (Albanian Night show, Shkodra food tasting, kayaking, paragliding)
  • Personal expenses and meals beyond those listed
  • Optional entrance tickets not listed
  • Single supplement for solo travelers

Dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free can be arranged with prior notice.

Entry fees. Entry tickets to the museums and national parks listed in the itinerary are included. Optional sites not listed are paid locally.

Optional extras

Add them in the booking box, or tell us when you enquire.

Private driver (no guiding)Driving, fuel, tolls, parking and driver expenses for the whole trip. Local guides still meet you at each stop.€1,300 per trip
English driver-guidePrivate transport and an English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip.€2,600 per trip
Other-language driver-guideDriver-guide in Spanish, French, German or another language, subject to availability.€3,120 per trip
Superior hotel upgradePer person, per day, for a superior room or property.€40 per day
Luxury or boutique hotel upgradePer person, per day; best available property in remote areas.€150 per day
Half board (breakfast plus one meal)Per person, per day.€22 per day
Full board (all meals)Per person, per day.€44 per day
Albanian Night show in Tiranafrom EUR 55 pp
Shkodra food tasting (20+ dishes)from EUR 45 pp
Kayaking on the Shala Riveron request
Paragliding from Llogara Passon request

Price per person by travellers and rooms

TravellersRoomsPer person
1 traveller1 single€2,490
2 travellers1 double/twin€1,660
2 singles€1,910
3 travellers1 triple€1,325
1 double/twin + 1 single€1,410 double/twin · €1,660 single
4 travellers1 triple + 1 single€1,245 triple · €1,580 single
2 double/twin€1,330
1 double/twin + 2 singles€1,330 double/twin · €1,580 single
5 travellers1 triple + 1 double/twin€1,245 triple · €1,330 double/twin
1 triple + 2 singles€1,245 triple · €1,580 single
2 double/twin + 1 single€1,330 double/twin · €1,580 single
6 travellers2 triples€1,160
1 triple + 1 double/twin + 1 single€1,160 triple · €1,245 double/twin · €1,495 single
3 double/twin€1,245
2 double/twin + 2 singles€1,245 double/twin · €1,495 single
7 travellers2 triples + 1 single€1,160 triple · €1,495 single
1 triple + 2 double/twin€1,160 triple · €1,245 double/twin
1 triple + 1 double/twin + 2 singles€1,160 triple · €1,245 double/twin · €1,495 single
3 double/twin + 1 single€1,245 double/twin · €1,495 single
8 travellers2 triples + 1 double/twin€1,160 triple · €1,245 double/twin
2 triples + 2 singles€1,160 triple · €1,495 single
1 triple + 2 double/twin + 1 single€1,160 triple · €1,245 double/twin · €1,495 single
4 double/twin€1,245
3 double/twin + 2 singles€1,245 double/twin · €1,495 single

Prices per person, all nights included. Sharing a triple costs a little less per person; a room to yourself costs the single supplement more. Infants up to 2 travel free. For more than 8 people, talk to one of our local experts. Prices shown are for the standard season. The price depends on the season.

Reviews

4.5out of 5

51 travellers rated this trip

✓ Every review from a confirmed booking
Most hotels were cozy and well located but one in Vlora felt old and noisy. On the positive side the food everywhere was delicious and very fresh.
Omar Farouk
Albanien ist ein wunderschönes Land was über Gebirge, Strand und interessante UNESCO Weltkulturerbe besitzt. Weiterhin ist die Freundlichkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft der Menschen bemerkenswert. Albanien ist mehr als ein Geheimtipp und ist stets weiter zu…
Andreas · 10 January 2025
Read all 51 reviews

Before you travel

What to pack

Comfortable walking and light hiking shoes, light layers and a rain jacket for the Alps, swimwear for the rivers, lakes and coast, sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, a valid driving licence, plus an International Driving Permit for non-EU licences, a European-plug power adapter, a daypack and a refillable water bottle, some cash in Lek for remote villages and guesthouses.

Roads and driving

The Theth and Kelmend roads are mountainous and remote; drive carefully and unhurried. Southern roads are straightforward.

Money

The currency is the Albanian Lek. Euros are accepted in tourist areas, but change comes in Lek. Carry cash for villages and guesthouses.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage is patchy in the northern highlands. Most guesthouses have Wi-Fi.

Optional experiences

Some experiences, such as the Albanian Night show and the Shkodra food tasting, are optional add-ons and can be arranged in advance.

Not suitable for

Travelers who want only beach time, no driving at all, or fully step-free walking. Consider adding a driver-guide if you prefer not to drive.

Travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, accidents and cancellations is strongly recommended and is the responsibility of each traveler.

Health

No special vaccinations are required for Albania. Bring any personal medication and a small first-aid kit for the mountain days.

Money and tipping

The local currency is the Albanian Lek, roughly 100 to 110 Lek to the euro. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, around 5 to 10 percent for good service.

Climate and weather

Spring and autumn are mild and green; summers are hot on the coast. The northern mountains are cooler and can change quickly, so pack layers.

FAQs

Is this a self-drive trip?

Yes. You collect an insured rental car at Tirana airport and drive the route at your own pace, with local guides meeting you at the listed stops. If you would rather not drive the long northern roads, add a private driver-guide and we run the same route for you.

How hard is the driving, especially in the north?

Moderate. The Theth road and the Kelmend highlands are mountainous, so they need careful, unhurried driving, but they are manageable and deeply scenic. Roads in the south are straightforward, and we send route notes in advance.

What makes this an all-senses trip?

It deliberately mixes wild nature (the Alps, Koman Lake, the coast), history (two UNESCO cities and Butrint), and food (farm-to-table lunches and tastings), with hands-on experiences like horseback riding, ziplining and rafting.

Which meals are included?

Daily breakfast plus the farm-to-table lunches on the itinerary. Some experiences, such as the Albanian Night show and the Shkodra food tasting, are optional and can be added. Other meals are free so you can choose.

Is it good for couples specifically?

It is built around two travelers, one rental car and double rooms, with a rhythm that leaves your evenings free. It works just as well for any pair; nothing on the route is couples-only.

When is the best time to go?

Spring through autumn. The northern Alps are best from late spring to early autumn; the coast is warmest in summer.

How much does the 13-day Wild North tour cost?

The tour costs from €1,660 per person, two sharing, with a 30% deposit to book and the balance due 30 days before the trip. It runs privately on your dates from a minimum of 2 travellers, covering accommodation, transport, guiding and the listed activities. International flights and travel insurance are extra.

Cancellation and refunds

A deposit of 30 percent secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before arrival. The 30% deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full 30 days or more before departure, 70% is refunded 15–29 days before departure, 50% is refunded 1–14 days before departure, and no refund is given on the departure day or for a no-show. For a valid reason, you may request to reschedule your multi-day tour at least one month before departure. Rescheduling is free of charge, subject to availability and approval by InAlb. In cases of force majeure we work with you on alternatives or refunds.

Full booking and sustainability policies →

Ask us anything about this trip

A local expert replies within 24 hours, in English, Spanish or Albanian.

Or WhatsApp us.

Every review

4.551 reviews

Die Reise war bestens organisiert, die ausgewählten Unterkünfte waren gut. Besonders gefielen uns die liebevoll geführten Boutiquehotels in Corce und Berät in denen wir auch absolut sensationell bewirtet wurden. Unser persönliches Highlight war aber unser 'Driver' Ermal, der vielmehr war als nur unser Fahrer und zu jedem Zeitpunkt um unser Wohl bemüht war und uns sein Land auf eine hervorragende Art präsentiert hat

✓ Martin

Schon bei der Planung lief alles sehr unkompliziert ab, Wir bekamen auf unsere Anfragen umgehend Antworten und auf unsere Wünsche wurde direkt eingegangen. Der Plan für unsere Rundreise stand in wenigen Tagen und die Buchung war unkompliziert. Die Unterkünfte waren allesamt sehr sauber und haben unsere Erwartungen (teilweise weit) übertroffen. Außerdem wurden wir überall sehr herzlich empfangen und trafen auf große Hilfsbereitschaft. Die Führungen in Berat und Gjirokastra waren auf unsere Wünsche zugeschnitten und auch hier war der persönliche Austausch sehr freundlich.. Wir hatten durchweg eine Ansprechperson (per WhatsApp), die immer erreichbar war und unser Programm vor Ort koordiniert hat, uns z.B. die Route zum nächsten Hotel geschickt hat. Auch wenn kurzfristig Änderungen eingetreten sind, wurde immer sehr schnell (innerhalb weniger Minuten) eine Lösung gefunden..Die Reiseorganisation in Kombination mit der wunderschönen Natur, den netten Menschen und dem guten Essen in Albanien hat uns einen wunderbaren und eindrucksvollen Urlaub beschert.

✓ Nicole

viaggio con guida in auto di tre giorni nella parte nord dell'albania

✓ paolo

Il viaggio in Albania è stato progettato da Sara in modo perfetto, adeguato alle nostre esigenze e tenendo conto delle nostre osservazioni/ richieste di modifica. Sara poi ci ha seguito costantemente durante il viaggio, per assicurarsi che non ci fossero problemi ed ha risposto prontamente ad ogni nostra richiesta. Consiglio la visita di tutti posti compresi nel nostro itinerario, in particolare Berat, le terme di Benje, Girokastro, il parco archeologico di Butrinto e le spiagge di Ksamil. Unico consiglio: il viaggio all'interno del paese meglio farlo forse in un periodo meno caldo, tipo giugno o settembre.

✓ Sonia - Albania una piacevole scoperta

We requested a customized trip to Albania. In total, we were on the road for two weeks. We spent one week on a road trip in a rental car (Kia Sportage), and the second week we spent on a “beach vacation” in Saranda (without a rental car). During the road trip, we visited the following destinations: Shkodra, Valbona, Lezha, Kruja, Berat, Llogara Park, Dhermi, Porto Palermo, Himara, Saranda, Gjirokastra, Permet, Benja, Syri i Kalter, and Butrint. We also stayed overnight at some of these destinations. The accommodations ranged from good to very good. The stay in the old castle in Berat was particularly lovely. Breakfast and dinner were included during the road trip. We spent our beach vacation in Saranda. There, we stayed in an apartment and took a public bus every day to Ksamil, which has very beautiful beaches and very clean water.

✓ Paul

Lo que mas no ha gustado ha sido la zona de montaña de los Balcanes y las ruinas de Butrinto. La zona de playas es la que mas ha crecido un tanto erráticamente y la que menos hemos disfrutado. La agencia ha estado pendiente siempre de nosotros y nos ha parecido de gran ayuda y profesionalidad.

✓ Manuel Romero

Planned and operated by InAlb, Tirana. Last updated 2 October 2026.

€1,660pp · 13 days