Albania, Montenegro & Corfu in 13 Days: Cities, Coast & Mountains
A private, fully guided journey for two through the Albanian Alps, the Bay of Kotor, two UNESCO stone cities and the Ionian coast.
This 13-day private tour is fully guided by a driver-guide and runs from Tirana through the Albanian Alps at Theth, across the border to Montenegro (Budva, Kotor, Durmitor), back to Albania for UNESCO Berat and Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, Butrint and the Ksamil islands, a Corfu day trip, and home along the Albanian Riviera. From €2,100 per person, two sharing, private departure on your dates.
Unlike our self-drive trips, this journey is fully guided: a private English-speaking driver-guide is with you the whole way, in a fully insured SUV, handling the driving, the two border crossings, the hotels and the timing. You simply travel. It is built for couples who want to see the Western Balkans properly, in comfort, without planning a thing. It stays fully customizable: add nights in a place you love, swap a stop, add experiences or tastings, or upgrade hotels further. Booking is instant and any date is open. Travel insurance and international flights are the only big items not included.
The trip is shaped as a long, relaxed loop out of Tirana and back, so a single private driver-guide can carry you the whole way without you ever handling logistics. You begin in the Albanian capital, climb north into the Alps at Theth, then cross into Montenegro for the Adriatic coast and the mountains behind it.
Montenegro is the first big contrast. Ulcinj and Budva for the old Venetian coast, the Bay of Kotor for its fjord-like drama and a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, then Durmitor National Park and the cliff-built Ostrog Monastery before you drop back to the Albanian shore at Shengjin.
The southern half is Albania at its richest. Berat and Gjirokaster, two UNESCO stone cities, sit a day apart; between the mountains and the sea you reach the turquoise Blue Eye spring, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and the island beaches of Ksamil. A ferry day trip to Corfu adds a Greek island to the week.
The finish is the coast road home. From Saranda the route runs the full Albanian Riviera, Borsh, Qeparo, Porto Palermo, Himara, Dhermi and over the Llogara Pass where the mountains drop straight to the sea, before a last night in Vlora and the easy drive back to Tirana.
Why you'll love this trip
- Private driver-guide and insured SUV for all 13 days, including both border crossings
- Tirana sunset city tour
- Kruja castle and bazaar, with a farm-to-table lunch at Fishte
- A day in the Albanian Alps at Theth
- Shkodra food tasting of over 20 local dishes
- Montenegro: Budva old town and the UNESCO Bay of Kotor
- Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks in the Bay of Kotor
- Durmitor National Park and the cliff-set Ostrog Monastery
- UNESCO Berat, the city of a thousand windows
- UNESCO Gjirokaster, the stone city
- Blue Eye spring, Butrint ruins and Ksamil island-hopping
- A ferry day trip to Corfu, the Albanian Riviera and the Llogara Pass
Suitability
Is this trip right for you?
Physical level
Easy to moderate. Gentle town walking on cobbles and a few short strolls; no hiking required. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Driving
You never drive. A few long but scenic transfers, such as Durmitor and the Riviera, are handled by your private driver-guide.
Accessibility
Old towns and castles involve cobbles and steps. The pace is comfortable and your driver-guide can adapt; tell us about mobility needs in advance.
Safety & inclusivity
Two border crossings (into Montenegro, and a Corfu ferry) are arranged for you, with 24/7 local support throughout.
✓ Who should book
Couples and pairs who want a comfortable, fully guided tour across Albania, Montenegro and Corfu, with no driving or planning.
✕ Who should not book
Not built for budget travelers, self-drivers, or anyone wanting only beach time. The pace is full, with a town or region most days.
Day by day
Your 13-day itinerary
Tirana: arrival and sunset tour
Tirana
Your private driver-guide meets you at Tirana airport and transfers you to a heritage hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, a Tirana city tour at golden hour: Skanderbeg Square, the New Bazaar, the colourful boulevards and the communist-era landmarks.
Kruja, Sari Salltik and Shkodra
Kruja, Fishte, Shkodra
Drive to Kruja for its castle and Ottoman bazaar, then up to the mountain sanctuary of Sari Salltik for panoramic coastal views. Lunch is a farm-to-table feast at Fishte. Continue to Shkodra for the night.
Theth in the Albanian Alps
Theth, Shkodra
A scenic drive into the Alps to Theth: stone houses, the iconic church and free time in the valley. Return to Shkodra, where the evening is a food tasting of more than twenty local dishes.
Into Montenegro: Ulcinj and Budva
Ulcinj, Budva
Cross the border into Montenegro and follow the Adriatic. Explore Ulcinj old town above the sea, pause for a photo at the islet of Sveti Stefan, and take a guided walk through Budva old town.
Bay of Kotor
Kotor
A scenic drive around the Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Guided walk through UNESCO Kotor old town, then a boat trip to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Durmitor, Ostrog and back to Albania
Durmitor, Ostrog, Shengjin
Drive up to Durmitor National Park for its dramatic glacial scenery, then stop at the cliff-built Ostrog Monastery on the way south. Cross back into Albania to the coast at Shengjin.
Berat, the city of a thousand windows
Berat
Drive south to UNESCO Berat. Guided tour of the castle, the Mangalem and Gorica quarters and the Ottoman old town. Evening at leisure.
Gjirokaster, the stone city
Gjirokaster
A scenic drive to UNESCO Gjirokaster. Guided walk through the cobbled old town, the bazaar and the hilltop castle. Evening at leisure.
Blue Eye, Butrint and Saranda
Blue Eye, Butrint, Saranda
Head to the turquoise Blue Eye spring, then an optional stop at the UNESCO archaeological park of Butrint, with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins. Continue to the seaside town of Saranda.
Ksamil islands
Ksamil, Saranda
A morning speedboat island-hopping tour from Ksamil, swimming and relaxing on the twin islands and beaches. Afternoon free on Ksamil beach. Return to Saranda.
Corfu day trip (Greece)
Corfu, Saranda
A ferry across the Ionian to Corfu. Guided tour of the old town, Spianada Square and the Liston promenade, with free time and lunch at a local tavern. Return by ferry to Saranda.
The Albanian Riviera to Vlora
Borsh, Himare, Dhermi, Llogara, Vlora
The coast road from Saranda to Vlora: stops at Borsh beach, the stone village of Qeparo, the Porto Palermo fortress, then Himara and Dhermi, and over the Llogara Pass where the mountains meet the sea.
Vlora to Tirana, departure
Vlora, Tirana Airport
After breakfast, drive back toward Tirana with optional photo stops along the way, and transfer to the airport for departure.
Route & places
Tirana › Kruja › Fishte › Shkodra › Sari Salltik › Theth › Ulcinj › Budva › Kotor › Durmitor › Ostrog › Shengjin › Berat › Blue Eye › Butrint › Ksamil › Borsh › Dhermi › Llogara › Vlora › Our Lady of the Rocks › Porto Palermo › Qeparo › Sveti Stefan
What's included
✓ Included
- 🏨12 nights in heritage and 5-star hotels, private bathrooms
- 🍳Daily breakfast and 6 selected meals from the itinerary
- 🧭Private English-speaking driver-guide for the entire trip
- 🎟️Fully insured SUV, fuel, fees, taxes and tolls
- 🎟️All entry tickets listed in the itinerary
- ✓All experiences listed in the itinerary (Tirana, Kruja, Theth, Shkodra tasting, Budva, Kotor and Our Lady of the Rocks boat, Berat, Gjirokaster, Ksamil, Corfu)
- ✓Both Montenegro and Albania border crossings handled
- ✓Corfu ferry day trip
- 🍽️Farm-to-table lunch at Fishte and the Shkodra food tasting
- 📞24/7 local support and personalized planning
Not included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Personal travel insurance, strongly recommended
- ✕Personal expenses
- ✕Optional entrance tickets not listed, such as Butrint if chosen
- ✕Lunches and dinners beyond the 6 selected meals
- ✕Single supplement for solo travelers
Trip details
Where you'll stay
Good to know
What to bring
- 👟Comfortable walking shoes for cobbles and old towns
- 🧥Light layers and a light jacket for the mountains
- 🩱Swimwear for the islands and coast
- 🧴Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- 🎒A valid passport for the Montenegro and Greece crossings
- 🔌A European-plug power adapter
- 🎒A small daypack for excursions
- 💶Some cash in local currency for cafes and tips
Not suitable for
Budget travelers, self-drivers, or anyone wanting a slow, single-base holiday.
Visa & entry
Most visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia enter Albania, Montenegro and Greece visa-free for short stays. Check the requirements for your nationality before travel.
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. Bring any personal medication and a basic travel kit.
Money & tipping
Albania uses the Lek; Montenegro and Greece use the euro. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, around 5 to 10 percent for good service.
Climate & weather
Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant; summer is warm and best for the coast and islands. Pack a light layer for the mountains.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a self-drive trip?
No. This one is fully guided. A private English-speaking driver-guide is with you for all 13 days in a fully insured SUV, handling the driving, both border crossings, the hotels and the timing. You just travel.
Which countries does it cover?
Albania and Montenegro by road, plus a ferry day trip to Corfu in Greece. The route crosses into Montenegro for the Adriatic coast, the Bay of Kotor and Durmitor, then returns to Albania for the south.
How much driving is there each day?
It varies, with a town or region most days, but you are never the one driving. The longest stretches, such as Durmitor and the Riviera, are also the most scenic, so the drive is part of the experience.
Are meals included?
Daily breakfast plus six selected meals from the itinerary, including the Fishte farm-to-table lunch and the Shkodra food tasting. Other lunches and dinners are free so you can choose, and your guide will recommend local spots.
Do we need visas for the border crossings?
Most visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia enter Albania, Montenegro and Greece visa-free for short stays. Carry your passport for the crossings; your driver-guide handles the rest.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. It is fully customizable before you confirm: add nights, swap a stop, add experiences or upgrade hotels. Once the trip starts, small changes are possible depending on availability.
When is the best time to go?
Spring through autumn. The shoulder seasons are mild and quiet; summer is warm and best for the coast and islands.
How much does the Albania, Montenegro & Corfu tour cost?
The tour costs from €2,100 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, covering accommodation, transport, guiding and the listed activities across all three countries. International flights and travel insurance are extra.
Cancellation policy
A deposit of 30 percent secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before arrival. Once services are booked, standard supplier cancellation terms apply and are shared transparently before payment. In cases of force majeure we work with you on alternatives or refunds.
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