Albania: Cultural Cities & Saranda Beach Stay – 8 Days 

Take in the rich culture of Albania and its stunning beaches.

Experience the relaxed lifestyle and meet friendly locals as you discover the character and history of Albania. Absorb our heritage in ancient Butrint before anchoring on the beaches of lively Saranda.

Group size: Min 4 – Max 12 travelers

Day-by-day itinerary

Tirana   |   1 night
Day 1: Travel Day & Tirana

Included meals: Welcome Dinner

Airport pick-up service available throughout the day (included).

Welcome to Albania! Transfer to Tirana and settle into your hotel. For those of you not too tired, there is a guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid and the Blloku area.

Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Saranda  |   6 nights
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokaster (UNESCO)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included entrances: Castle of Gjirokaster, Skenduli House

Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”, driving through small villages.

• Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family.
• Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above.
• Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses and visit Gjirokastra Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokastra and enjoy the 360º view from there.
• Head out for lunch in a small, local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes.

Transfer in Saranda in the late afternoon.

Day 3: The Blue Eye Spring and Butrint National Park (UNESCO) 

Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: Blue Eye Spring, Butrint Archaeological Park, On-site expert guide

In the morning we travel to the Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it, before reaching Ksamil.

• Travel to Butrint Archaeological Park where a local guide explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the castle, the churches, and the Lion Gate.
• Enjoy free time in the idyllic beach of Ksamil before transfer in Saranda.

On the way to Saranda, stop for coffee-break Lekursi Castle for a view from above of the city of Saranda.

Beach Stay | Day 4 – Day 7

Included meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your beach town in the unspoiled sand backed by rolling hills covered in olive groves, the grilled meats and cold beers.

Excursion options: Jeep Safari, Mussel Tour with a boat, Diving Lessons, Corfu day tour

Tirana   |   1 night
Day 8: Tirana via Berat (UNESCO)

Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: Berat Castle

Transfer to Berat passing through suggestive hills full of olive trees.

Set out for a walking guide through the UNESCO – recognized old town.

• Admire the White Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church, Gorica Bridge and the Berati citadel/castle
• Enjoy a coffee and raki break inside the castle of Berat
• Visit Onufri National Iconographic Museum, built in 1986. The Museum’s name honors the Albanian master painter of the 16th century, Onufri, who is responsible for a rich legacy of iconography in the country. The museum contains an immense collection of one-hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries.
• Wander around this pretty town with free time for lunch.

Transfer to Tirana in the late afternoon.

Flight Home | 0 nights
Day 9: Departure Day

Included meals: Breakfast

Please note that the airport drop off is not included on tour. If you want to include this service, you can book it during your reservation.