Escorted Tours
Discovering Albania Tour – The Land of the Double Headed Eagle
Explore the fascinating history, archaeology and culture of Albania. This tour offers a heady mix of castles, monasteries, classical sites and historic UNESCO World Heritage towns, all set amidst spectacular scenery.
Beginning in Kruje, we visit Tirana and then move gradually south visiting the classical site of Apollonia. A breathtaking scenic drive takes us through the Llogara National Park. We visit the impressive sites of Butrint and the historic towns of Gjirokastër, ‘the city of stone’, and Berat, ‘the city of a thousand windows’. This tour provides a fantastic insight into the history, both ancient and more recent, of this fascinating country.
what’s included
At A Glance
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Tirana
Transfer to Kruja, approximately 50 minute drive. Check-in at the Panorama Hotel for a two-night stay. This comfortable hotel is well-located for visiting the sites of Kruja on foot. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Exploring Kruje
Our first day is devoted to the story of Albania’s great hero Skanderbeg, who led the resistance against the Ottomans in the 1400s. We will explore the sites of Kruje, visiting its castle, which houses the modern Skanderbeg Museum, the excellent ethnographic museum, and wander through the old bazaar. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Tirana
Our visit today is Albania’s lively capital, Tirana, which has positively blossomed since Albania left communism behind and today is a thriving modern city.
Our visits here include the National Historical Museum, the early 19th-century Ethem Bey Mosque and the secret nuclear bunker from the Cold War era, known today as the Bunk’Art 2 Museum. This huge bunker, one of thousands built throughout Albania due Hoxha’s paranoia of a nuclear attack, was built specifically for Hoxha and his political companions and remained secret for much of its existence. It’s a fascinating place to visit, especially knowing it was built as recently as the 1970’s.
Check-in to the Hotel Opera or Hotel Oxford for a one-night stay. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Ardenica and Apollonia
Leaving Tirana behind we travel south to a fine little monastery, Ardenica, where Skanderbeg was married in 1451. Then it’s on to the UNESCO listed site of Apollonia, one of the most well-known classical sites found in Albania, dating from the 6th century BC. It’s a lovely site with the ruins scattered amongst open nature.
After our visit here, we continue to Vlorë, set on a beautiful bay, for a one-night stay. Check-in to the Hotel Kraal or Hotel Partner for a one-night stay. Evening at leisure. Restaurants can be easily reached on foot from the hotel.
Day 5: Vlorë to Sarandë
We journey along the beautiful Radhima Bay and through the stunning scenery of the national park of Llogara, finding time to stop for lunch at a picturesque spot by the sea before visiting to the Ali Pasha castle at Porto Palermo.
Then its on to Sarandë for a two-night stay. The lovely scenery today is what has rightly become known as ‘ the Albanian Riviera’. Check-in to the Hotel Demi or Hotel Al-Yacht for a two-night stay. Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 6: Full day Butrint and Sarandë
A short and picturesque journey takes us to the wonderful site of Butrint, whose classical remains lie hidden in woods beside an evocative lake, one of the most beautiful sites in Albania.
After visiting the site, we head to Ksamil Village with a beautiful seaside setting, and have time for lunch at a restaurant on the spectacular coastline. Returning to Sarandë, we will climb up (with our bus) to Lekursi Castle that overlooks Sarandë and the island of Corfu, to enjoy the splendid views. Evening at leisure. Restaurants can be easily reached on foot.
Day 7: Sarandë to Gjirokastër
A wonderful drive takes us over hills and across mountains to the valley of Gjirokastër, with an en-route visit to the beautiful Blue-eye Lake, an exquisitely coloured natural fresh water pool. The old quarter of Gjirokaster is known as the ‘City of Stone’, because the tall houses here used solid stone slabs for roofing.
Our visits begin with the impressive 8th century castle, formerly used as a prison. The castle has spectacular views across the town and its splendid traditional houses, one of which is now a fascinating folk museum and was the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the Albanian Stalinist dictator. Check-in to the Kalemi or Rose Garden Hotels, Gjirokastër for a one-night stay. Evening at leisure.
Day 8: Gjirokastër to Byllis and Berat
The final leg of our journey takes us through yet more beautiful scenery to the Hellenistic and Roman city of Byllis, an extensive site set within great Hellenistic walls in a spectacular mountainous region.Then its on to Berat, a UNESCO World heritage site known as the “city of one thousand windows”. Overshadowed to the east by Tomorr Mountain at 2415m, it was founded in the 4th century B.C. The old part of the city has a remarkable collection of fine traditional houses of great architectural importance, as well as Byzantine churches, a mosque, and a fortress.
Overnight at either the Mangalemi Hotel or Hotel Onufri in Berat. Dinner at the Mangalemi Hotel.
Day 9: Journey home
Transfer from Berat to connect with our homeward flight from Tirana to London Heathrow.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“This trip was fantastic. We were able to enjoy the excellent knowledge of the guide Genti throughout the entire trip. All of the meals were great, including accommodation. Thank you for a wonderful trip.”
Bridget Craig, May 2025
“I really enjoyed this tour. What made such a big difference was being guided through Albania with an Albanian tour guide – an unexpected revelation! For this reason, we absolutely loved Albania, Thank you!”
Ms E, May 2025
“Albania was brilliant: learning about the history and seeing the very ancient sites of the city was fantastic. Jane and Genti, the tour guides, were excellent and contributed to a very good trip!”
Mr C, May 2025
“This trip was great. I really liked Albania, and everyday there was enjoyable. If I had to pick a favourite thing it would be the day we travelled to and visited Berat. Lovely scenic drive there, beautiful spot for a coffee break along the way, picture perfect Berat when we got there, dramatic castle visits and a superb meal there to finish the day off. Overall, a fantastic trip from Travel Editions.”
Ms B, May 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Excellent quality three and four star hotels are used throughout this tour, all offering a high standard of service, facilities and comfort in ideal locations for exploring the sites visited. Please note some of these hotels may change prior to departure as many of the hotels used on this tour are relatively small, especially in the historic UNESCO towns of Gjirokaster and Berat, they may on occasion be substituted for alternative hotels due to a limit on occupancy, which is why we state on booking confirmations two hotel names at some places. If it is necessary to change any of the advertised hotels, the alternative hotels used will be of the same high standard as the advertised hotel.
Hotel Panorama, Kruje
This excellent four-star hotel is well-situated in the centre of Kruje and enjoys beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hotel has a choice of two restaurants and has a bar area to relax in. Rooms all have private bathroom facilities with bath/shower, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and free wi-fi.
Hotel Panorama Website
Hotel Opera, or Hotel Oxford, Tirana
Situated in Tirana, both hotels are four-star centrally located hotels offering modern rooms with easy access on foot to the sites of Tirana. Rooms have private bathroom facilities with bath/shower, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and free wi-fi.
Hotel Opera Website
Hotel Partner or Hotel Kraal, Vlore
Modern four-star hotel located on the seafront in Vlore. Rooms all have private bathroom facilities, TV, minibar, air-conditioning, telephone and free wi-fi.
Hotel Kraal Website
Hotel Demi or Hotel Al-Yacht, Sarande
Good standard four-star hotels, situated along Sarande’s coast road. Rooms all have private bathroom facilities, air-conditioning, TV and free wi-fi.
Hotel Demi Website
Hotel Al-Yacht Website
In Gjirokaster and Berat the hotels are all quite small so it is necessary to use two hotels, the Mangalemi and the Hotel Portik, which sit within 100m of each other. Both hotels offer an equally comfortable standard for your stay.
Hotel Rose Garden and Hotel Kalemi 2, Gjirokaster
Excellent four-star hotel situated just below the Old Castle at Gjirokaster. Built in the typical and attractive traditional design of Gjirokaster, hotel facilities include a bar, garden, lounge and seasonal swimming pool.Rooms all have private bathroom facilities, telephone, air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV and free wi-fi.
Hotel Rose Garden Website
Hotel Kalemi 2 website
Hotel Mangalemi, Berat
Charming historic hotel set in the old Mangalemi quarter in the heart of Berat. The hotel has a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine, and a terrace which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and mountains. Rooms all have private bathroom facilities, hairdryer, TV, air-conditioning/heating, minibar, telephone, safe and free wi-fi.
Hotel Mangalemi Website
Hotel Onufri, Berat
The four-star traditional style Hotel Onufri is situated in the heart of Berat, and just a two minute walk from the Osum river. This attractive hotel, offers spacious rooms featuring dark woods and high windows with views to the historic centre. The bedrooms have private bathroom facilities with shower, as well as air-conditioning, TV, wi-fi and telephone.
Hotel Onufri website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking..
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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