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Traveler's Choice Semi-guided self-drive

Couples Trip in Albania: 8 Days in the Alps, UNESCO Towns & Coast

This 8-day self-drive trip loops out of Tirana through the Albanian Alps at Theth, the UNESCO old towns of Berat and Gjirokaster, and the Vlora coast, with boat days on Komani Lake and the Karaburun peninsula. You drive an insured rental car at your own pace, and local guides join you at each stop. From €1,100 per person, two sharing, private departure on your dates.

Planned and operated by InAlb, Tirana. Last updated .

8 days7 nights
Tiranastart and finish
AlbaniaPrivate & Self-Driving
Easysoft adventure
4.793 verified reviews
Couples Trip in Albania: 8 Days in the Alps, UNESCO Towns & CoastSkanderbeg Square in central TiranaThe famous stone church of Theth in morning mist with wildflowers, in the Albanian Alps, on a Theth day trip from TiranaThe white Ottoman houses of Berat stacked up the hillside, the town of a thousand windowsTirana skyline at sunset on the first day of a private Albania tour

What's included

  • 7 nights in comfortable 3-4 star boutique hotels
  • Daily breakfast, plus the meals listed in the itinerary
  • New eco rental car for the whole stay, fully insured, unlimited mileage, no deposit
  • Local guide in Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra
  • Entry tickets to the museums and attractions listed in the program
See everything included ↓

Highlights

  • Collect your car at Tirana airport and start with a guided street-food walk
  • Albanian Night show: folk costume, music and dance
  • Kruja castle and Ottoman bazaar, town of national hero Skanderbeg
  • Farm-to-table feast at Fishte, Albania's best-known agritourism
  • Theth in the Alps: stone church, lock-in tower, Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye

Couples Trip in Albania at a glance

Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Price
From €1,100 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
Easy to moderate. Expect short hikes at Theth and the Blue Eye, plus walking on old-town cobbles in…
Hotels
7 nights, 3-star hotels
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Driving
980 km. New eco rental car (Kia 2025 or similar) for the whole stay, fully insured, unlimited mileage, no deposit
Activities included
1 boat trip, 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 destination rather than riding along between cities. You keep full freedom over your pace and your mornings, with 24/7 local support a message away all week. It is also fully customizable: add a guide in any language, swap or add experiences and tastings, upgrade hotels, add extra nights, or hand the wheel to a full-time driver-guide if you would rather not drive. Booking is instant and any date is open.

The week is built as a clean loop, so you never backtrack and never pay a one-way drop fee. You start in Tirana, drive north into the Alps, come back down through the capital, then run south along the coast and the old stone cities before closing the circle back at the airport. It is a lot of Albania in eight days, but the driving days are short and the route is paced so each place gets its own afternoon.

The north is the dramatic part. Day three takes you from Shkodra up into Theth, where the road itself is half the experience and the valley opens onto stone houses, the old lock-in tower and the Blue Eye spring. The next morning is the Komani Lake and Shala River boat day, the stretch people call the Thailand of Europe, all cliffs, hidden inlets and green water.

The south trades mountains for history and sea. Berat, the city of a thousand windows, and Gjirokaster, the grey stone city above the valley, are both UNESCO World Heritage old towns. Between them sit the Roman ruins of Apollonia and the cold spring and castle at Tepelene.

The coast is the breather. Two nights in Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian meet, with a boat day out to Sazan Island, the Haxhi Ali cave and the wild Karaburun peninsula. Mornings on the Lungomare promenade, afternoons on the water, then the easy drive back to Tirana to fly home.

Your 8 days, day by day

Driving route 980 kmover 8 driving days

Tirana > Shkodra > Theth > Komani Lake > Tirana > Berat > Vlora > Gjirokaster > Tirana

Day1 Tirana: arrival, street food and Albanian Night Tirana
Tirana: arrival, street food and Albanian Night

Land in Tirana and our greeter hands you the keys to your eco rental car. Settle into a central hotel, then meet your local guide for a walk through the city: Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the New Bazaar and the Pyramid, with street food along the way. In the evening, the Albanian Night show brings traditional costume, music and dancing.

Drive
Airport car pickup
Walking
Easy city walking
Meals
Lunch
Hotel in Tirana (name to confirm)
Tonight · Tirana Hotel in Tirana (name to confirm)

Central 3-star hotel

Day2 Kruja, the Fishte feast and Shkodra Kruja, Fishte, Shkodra
Kruja, the Fishte feast and Shkodra

Drive north to Kruja, the hill town of Skanderbeg, for its castle, museums and old bazaar. Continue to Fishte for a farm-to-table feast at Albania’s most celebrated agritourism, where everything is seasonal, organic and grown on site. Carry on to Shkodra, Albania’s cultural capital, and an evening on its cafe-lined pedestrian street.

Drive
120 km · About 2.5 hours total
Walking
Easy to moderate
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel in Shkodra (name to confirm)
Tonight · Shkodra Hotel in Shkodra (name to confirm)

3-star hotel

Day3 Theth in the Albanian Alps Theth
Theth in the Albanian Alps

A few hours’ drive lifts you from Shkodra into the Accursed Mountains and the village of Theth. Visit the stone church, the Kulla e Ngujimit lock-in tower, and take gentle walks to the Grunas Waterfall and the turquoise Blue Eye spring. Return to Shkodra for the night.

Drive
150 km · About 2.5 hours each way
Walking
Moderate, short mountain trails
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel in Shkodra (name to confirm)
Tonight · Shkodra Hotel in Shkodra (name to confirm)

3-star hotel

Day4 Komani Lake and Shala River boat day Komani Lake, Shala River, Tirana
Komani Lake and Shala River boat day

After breakfast, drive to Lake Koman and board a speedboat into the Thailand of Europe: cliffs, hidden caves and the green Shala River, with a riverside lunch (optional). In the late afternoon, drive south to Tirana.

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

Central 3-star hotel

Day5 Berat, Apollonia and Vlora Berat, Apollonia, Vlora
Berat, Apollonia and Vlora

Drive south, with a short stop at lakeside Belsh, to Berat, the UNESCO city of a thousand windows. Explore the inhabited castle, the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, the Onufri museum and the Gorica Bridge. In the afternoon, walk the Roman ruins of Apollonia, then finish in Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian meet, with an evening stroll on the Lungomare.

Drive
160 km · About 3 hours with stops
Walking
Moderate, old-town cobbles
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel in Vlora (name to confirm)
Tonight · Vlora Hotel in Vlora (name to confirm)

3-star coastal hotel

Day6 Vlora boat day: Sazan and Karaburun Sazan Island, Karaburun Peninsula, Vlora
Vlora boat day: Sazan and Karaburun

A full boat day along the Vlora coast: Sazan Island’s clear water, a snorkel stop at the Haxhi Ali cave with its local legends, and the wild beaches and rock formations of the Karaburun peninsula. Back in Vlora, the afternoon is yours.

Drive
Boat day
Walking
Easy
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel in Vlora (name to confirm)
Tonight · Vlora Hotel in Vlora (name to confirm)

3-star coastal hotel

Day7 Tepelene and Gjirokaster Tepelene, Gjirokaster
Tepelene and Gjirokaster

Drive inland toward Gjirokaster. Stop at Tepelene for the Uji i Ftohte cold-water spring and the castle of Ali Pasha. Arrive in Gjirokaster, the UNESCO stone city, for a guided walk through its steep cobbled streets, Ottoman houses and old bazaar.

Drive
140 km · About 2.5 hours with stops
Walking
Moderate, steep stone lanes
Meals
Breakfast
Tonight
Boutique hotel in Gjirokastra (or similar)Boutique hotel in Gjirokastra (or similar)
Day8 Gjirokaster to Tirana, departure Gjirokaster, Tirana Airport
Gjirokaster to Tirana, departure

After breakfast, drive back toward Tirana, stopping for photos, a coffee or last souvenirs as your flight time allows. Return the car at Tirana airport and fly home.

Drive
230 km · About 3.5 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 eco rental car (Kia 2025 or similar) for the whole stay, fully insured, unlimited mileage, no deposit.
Arrival and check-in
Our greeter meets you at Tirana airport with the car; hotels 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 easy

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

Difficulty
EasyLevel 2 of 5. Easy to moderate. Expect short hikes at Theth and the Blue Eye, plus walking on old-town cobbles in Berat and Gjirokaster. Average fitness is enough.
Pace
BalancedLevel 3 of 5
Walking
Easy to moderate; short hikes at Theth and the Blue EyeLevel 2 of 5
Driving
980 kmLevel 3 of 5. Short driving days, the longest being the return from Gjirokaster to Tirana. The Theth road is mountainous but fully paved since 2021.

Good for. Couples and pairs who want to drive themselves but skip the logistics, and who like mixing mountains, history and coast in one week.

Not for you if not ideal if you want only beach time, no driving at all, or completely flat walking throughout. If you would rather not drive, add a private driver or driver-guide and we run the same route for you.

Mountain trails and steep stone lanes mean this trip is not step-free. Tell us in advance about mobility needs and we will adapt where possible. 24/7 local support by phone and WhatsApp throughout. Roads are straightforward; mobile coverage is patchy in the highlands but guesthouses have Wi-Fi.

Book this tourContact the teamFrom €1,100 pp · 30% deposit · reply within 24 hours

What is included in the €1,100 price?

Included in the price

  • 7 nights in comfortable 3-4 star boutique hotels
  • Daily breakfast, plus the meals listed in the itinerary
  • New eco rental car for the whole stay, fully insured, unlimited mileage, no deposit
  • Local guide in Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra
  • Entry tickets to the museums and attractions listed in the program
  • Komani Lake and Shala River boat day
  • Vlora boat day to Sazan Island and the Karaburun peninsula
  • Albanian Night show in Tirana
  • Farm-to-table feast at Fishte
  • 24/7 local support and personalized route planning

Not included

  • Fuel, parking, tolls and traffic fines, unless a driver or driver-guide upgrade is added
  • International flights
  • Guides, meals and experiences not listed in the program
  • Personal travel insurance, strongly recommended
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional entrance tickets not listed in the program
  • 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 attractions 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.€800 per trip
English driver-guidePrivate transport and an English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip.€1,600 per trip
Other-language driver-guideDriver-guide in Spanish, French, German or another language, subject to availability.€1,920 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
Wine or raki tastingfrom EUR 40 pp
Albanian cooking classfrom EUR 50 pp
Extra night in any townon request

Price per person by travellers and rooms

TravellersRoomsPer person
1 traveller1 single€1,650
2 travellers1 double/twin€1,100
2 singles€1,265
3 travellers1 triple€880
1 double/twin + 1 single€935 double/twin · €1,100 single
4 travellers1 triple + 1 single€825 triple · €1,045 single
2 double/twin€880
1 double/twin + 2 singles€880 double/twin · €1,045 single
5 travellers1 triple + 1 double/twin€825 triple · €880 double/twin
1 triple + 2 singles€825 triple · €1,045 single
2 double/twin + 1 single€880 double/twin · €1,045 single
6 travellers2 triples€770
1 triple + 1 double/twin + 1 single€770 triple · €825 double/twin · €990 single
3 double/twin€825
2 double/twin + 2 singles€825 double/twin · €990 single
7 travellers2 triples + 1 single€770 triple · €990 single
1 triple + 2 double/twin€770 triple · €825 double/twin
1 triple + 1 double/twin + 2 singles€770 triple · €825 double/twin · €990 single
3 double/twin + 1 single€825 double/twin · €990 single
8 travellers2 triples + 1 double/twin€770 triple · €825 double/twin
2 triples + 2 singles€770 triple · €990 single
1 triple + 2 double/twin + 1 single€770 triple · €825 double/twin · €990 single
4 double/twin€825
3 double/twin + 2 singles€825 double/twin · €990 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

4.7out of 5

93 travellers rated this trip

✓ Every review from a confirmed booking
We had 8 days travelling from Durres to do the highlights of the south west ...Butrint, Himara , Berat, Gjirokastër to name but a few. The itinerary prepared for us suited our requirements to…
Emmmc15 · 9 July 2026
From Tirana I went to Kruje and Durres (musium not worth visiting in my opinion) then we headed to Berat then Gjirokaster. Afterwards I travelled on the coast through Butrint, Llogara and Vlora. On…
Seif · 19 September 2025
Read all 93 reviews

Before you travel

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes for cobbles and mountain trails, light layers and a rain jacket, mountain weather changes quickly, swimwear for the boat days, sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, valid driving licence, plus an International Driving Permit for non-EU licences, some cash in Lek for remote villages like Theth.

Roads and driving

The Theth road is mountainous but fully paved since 2021. Drive with care; elsewhere roads are straightforward.

Money

The currency is the Albanian Lek. Euros are accepted in tourist areas, but change comes in Lek. Cards work in cities; carry cash for villages.

Connectivity

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

Local respect

Dress modestly in villages and religious sites, and ask before photographing people, especially elders.

Not suitable for

Travelers who want no driving at all, only beach time, 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 mountains are cooler and can change quickly, so pack layers year-round.

FAQs

Is 8 days enough to see this much of Albania?

Yes. The route is a single loop with short driving days and two boat days where you are not driving at all, so you cover the Alps, two UNESCO towns and the coast without retracing your steps. It is a full, well-paced week rather than a slow one.

Do we really drive ourselves the whole way?

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

How hard is the driving, especially to Theth?

Easy to moderate. The road to Theth is mountainous but fully paved since 2021, so it just needs careful, unhurried driving. Roads elsewhere are straightforward, and we send route notes in advance.

Are the boat days included?

Yes. Both the Komani Lake and Shala River speedboat day and the Vlora boat day to Sazan and Karaburun are included.

Is this trip good for couples specifically?

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

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast plus the special meals on the route: the Tirana street-food tasting and the Fishte farm-to-table lunch. Other meals are left free so you can choose, and we are happy to recommend local spots.

When is the best time to go?

Spring through autumn, roughly April to October. Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack light layers and a rain jacket even in summer.

How much does the Couples Trip in Albania cost?

The trip costs from €1,100 per person, two sharing, with a 30% deposit to book and the balance due 30 days before the trip. It runs privately for the two of you on dates you choose, 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 issue a full refund.

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

4.793 reviews

siti archeologici al di sopra di ogni aspettativa accompagnati da sistemazioni logistiche particolari fuori dal turismo di massa

✓ eugenio

Wir haben eine 3-tägige Reise im Norden Albaniens angefragt, Die lokale Agentur hat uns die Route zusammengestellt. Anfahrt mit Jeep ins Thethital. 2 Fahrer und ein lokaler Reiseleiter haben uns im Hotel mit einem Jeep abgeholt und uns mit Wasser und frischem Obst versorgt. Der letzte Teil der Strecke nach Thethi war im wahrsten Sinn eine Rumpelpiste. Nach einem guten, traditionellen Mittagessen haben wir einen Ausflug zum Wasserfall gemacht. Auf der Wanderung zurück zum Berg-Hotel haben wir die Landschaft und das urtümliche Dorf (Kirche, Bauernhöfe, Landwirtschaft, Turm, ....) sehen und erleben können. Am zweiten Tage ging es mit dem vierbeinigen Gepäckstransporter über den Pass ins nächste Tal nach Valbona. Beim Frühstück bekamen wir ein Lunchpacket mit frisch gebratenem Steak, Tomaten und Salat. Toll! Entlang des Weges gab es viele Labstellen mit frischen Getränken (Kafe, Cola, Bier, Wasser, ...). Die Berge hier im zweiten Tal scheinen noch imposanter. Nachdem wir Hilfe beim Gepäck hatten, waren wir viel früher als erwartet bei der zweiten, gut geführten Unterkunft. Am dritten Tag ging es schon früh mit einem Oldtimerbus nach Fierze, von wo aus wir die Fähre über den legendären See nahmen. Dies war das absolute Highlight der Tour. Wir wurden dort von einem Minibus abgeholt, wo wir wieder mit Obst und Wasser verwöhnt wurden. Unser Crew war so flexibel, dass sie auch unserem erst auf der Reise gehegten Wunsch entsprochen haben, beim 'besten' Restaurant Albaniens Mrizi i Zanave einzukehren. Da wir erst einen Tag vorher bestellten und nicht sofort ein Tisch frei war, mussten wir etwas warten - es hat sich aber 1000 Mal gelohnt. Auf der Rückfahrt nach Tirana machten wir noch Halt im historischen Kruja. Unser Tourguide hat uns die mit diesem Ort und dessen Geschichte sehr interessant nähergebracht. Alles in allem eine tolle Reise und eine gute Unterstützung vom gesamten Team.

✓ Elisabeth

I found the company on Internet. I always organise personalised trips for us using a driver/guide. In discussions with the local agent, Fiona, and following her suggestions, I then finalised the schedule to suit us. We were most interested in the history & culture of Albania so the tour was based around this. Loved the funky hotels. Alban took us to some lovely local restaurants. The whole trip was a success.

✓ Jwd2005

Del viaggio mi è piaciuta soprattutto la varietà di paesaggi, persone, monumenti da visitare e buon cibo. Da Nord a Sud il paese cambia molto dal punto di vista morfologico e antropologico. Consiglierei di aggiungere la visita a Apollonia. Essa darebbe un po’ di “sostanza” alla giornata Durazzo-Valona.

✓ Sara

No tuvimos ningún contacto con personal de la agencia una vez comenzado el viaje, dispusimos de dos guias conductores, uno para cada parte del trayecto, correctos y serviciales ambos, pero uno de ellos sin ninguna experiencia como guia. Cumplieron todo lo pactado.

✓ José Antonio.

Wir lieben Überraschungen, hatten in diesem Jahr keine Zeit für eine eigene Planung und haben einfach gesagt 'plane mal Du' und sind nicht enttäuscht worden.

✓ SUSANNE

Planned and operated by InAlb, Tirana. Last updated 12 October 2026.

€1,100pp · 8 days