Albania: Cultural Cities & Saranda Beach Stay – 8 Days

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Albania’s captivating cultural heritage and picturesque coastline. This 8-day tour immerses travelers in the vibrant capital of Tirana, the UNESCO-listed gems of Berat and Gjirokaster, and the stunning Dhermi Beach along the Albanian Riviera. With expert-led excursions, authentic local cuisine, and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an enriching experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Albania’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-day group tour exploring Albania’s vibrant capital Tirana, UNESCO sites Berat and Gjirokaster, and the picturesque Dhermi Beach on the Albanian Riviera.
• Maximum of 12 participants for a personalized travel experience with daily breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners, guided tours, and private deluxe transportation included.
• Discover the architectural heritage and cultural scene of Tirana, the "City of a Thousand Windows" in Berat, and the impressive castle in Gjirokaster.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the Albanian Riviera, including a visit to Butrint National Park, a Roman and Byzantine archaeological site.
• Highly rated tour with knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and authentic local cuisine, providing an excellent introduction to the diversity of Albania.

Tour Overview

This 8-day group tour explores the stunning Albanian Riviera and the country’s UNESCO-recognized historical cities.

Travelers will visit Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, Dhermi Beach, Butrint National Park, and Vlore.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Included are daily breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners, guided sightseeing tours with entrance fees, transportation in a private deluxe motor coach, and an expert Tour Director and local guides.

Hotel pickup is available from Tirana and Durres city centers, and infants can be accommodated.

The starting price is $1,820.95 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Destinations

The tour explores a diverse range of destinations across Albania, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Travelers will visit:

• Tirana, the vibrant capital city, with its eclectic architecture and lively cultural scene.

• Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" for its perfectly preserved Ottoman-era houses.

• Gjirokaster, another UNESCO gem boasting an impressive castle and well-preserved historic center.

• Dhermi Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline along the Albanian Riviera, and Butrint National Park, a Roman and Byzantine archaeological site.

Inclusions

The tour package includes daily breakfast, selected lunches, and dinners, ensuring travelers are well-fed throughout their journey.

Guided sightseeing tours with entrance fees for four attractions provide an in-depth exploration of the region’s cultural highlights.

Private deluxe motor coach transportation offers a comfortable and hassle-free way to navigate between destinations.

Expert Tour Directors and local guides lend their knowledge and expertise, enhancing the overall experience.

Optional single room supplements and gratuities allow for customization based on individual preferences.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Albania’s cultural cities and Saranda Beach.

Pickup and Meeting Details

How convenient for travelers is the hassle-free hotel pickup available from Tirana and Durres city centers.

This service ensures a seamless start to the tour, eliminating the need for guests to navigate transportation on their own. Within 48 hours of booking, travelers will receive confirmation, subject to availability.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infant seats are provided.

• Hassle-free hotel pickup from Tirana and Durres city centers

• Confirmation received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

• Infant seats available

• Not wheelchair accessible

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Starting at $1,820.95 per person with group size variations, this tour offers flexibility through its free cancellation policy of up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing added convenience. The pricing is competitive, and there are no ratings below 3 stars from Viator and Tripadvisor, ensuring a quality experience.

With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour, the personalized attention from the expert Tour Director and local guides is sure to create an unforgettable journey through Albania’s cultural cities and Saranda Beach.

Reviews and Ratings

With an overall rating of 4.7 across 3 reviews, this tour has consistently received high praise from previous travelers.

Reviewers highlighted several standout aspects of the experience:

• "Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, bringing the history and culture of Albania to life."

• "The pacing was perfect, allowing us to see the highlights without feeling rushed."

• "The accommodations were comfortable, and the included meals were delicious and authentic."

• "This tour provided an excellent introduction to the beauty and diversity of the Albanian Riviera."

Itinerary: Tirana

The tour begins in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital city.

Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, serves as the starting point for this captivating tour.

Travelers will explore the mosaic of Ottoman, Fascist, and communist-era architecture that defines the city’s character. Visit the National History Museum to learn about Albania’s tumultuous past.

Stroll Skanderbeg Square, named after the national hero, and see the Ethem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower.

After lunch, discover the Bunk’Art museum, a once-secret communist bunker now transformed into an impressive art gallery.

The afternoon is free to wander the lively neighborhoods, browse shops, and sample delicious local cuisine before the group convenes for a welcome dinner.

Itinerary: Albanian Riviera

After departing Tirana, the tour ventures south along the stunning Albanian Riviera. The first stop is Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Ottoman-era architecture and historic castle.

Next, the group visits Gjirokaster, another UNESCO site with its remarkably preserved Ottoman-era town. The tour then heads to the picturesque beach town of Dhermi, where travelers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

The final destination is Butrint National Park, a remarkable archaeological site with ancient Greek and Roman ruins.

• Explore Berat’s historic castle and Ottoman-era buildings

• Wander through the Ottoman-style town of Gjirokaster

• Relax on the beaches of the charming town of Dhermi

• Discover the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park

The Sum Up

This 8-day tour of Albania offers an enriching blend of cultural and natural experiences. Explore the historic cities of Tirana, Berat, and Gjirokaster, then unwind on the stunning Saranda Beach along the Albanian Riviera. With guided tours, authentic local cuisine, and comfortable accommodations, this intimate group experience provides an immersive and well-rounded introduction to Albania’s captivating heritage and breathtaking landscapes.