ALBANIA AND NORTHERN GREECE Tour
Country Roads, Old Towns, & Delicious Rustic Flavours
What to expect on this Albania and Northern Greece tour:
Tour Highlights
Explore country roads and quaint towns, enjoy authentic farm-to-table meals with local hosts, and marvel at the breathtaking Meteora monasteries.
Old Towns of Albania & Zagori
Travel back in time in the charming stone villages of Zagori and the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat and Gjirokastër.
Albania Farm-to-Table Experiences
Enjoy a locally hosted farm-to-table lunch and try fresh local products directly from producers.
The Stunning Meteora Monasteries
Visit the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries in Greece, with breathtaking views and profound spiritual legacy.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tirana, Albania
Arrive at your conveniently located hotel in Tirana, Albania’s lively capital. Meet your fellow travellers and tour host at a welcome dinner, where you’ll get a taste of Albanian cuisine and learn more about the culture and culinary journey ahead.
Welcome Dinner | Ebel Boutique Hotel or Similar
Day 2: Tirana Sightseeing Tour and First Glimpse of Albania's Countryside
Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Tirana – a bright and very lively city despite the country’s heavy communist legacy. During the tour, see and learn about its main sites of interest, including Skanderberg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the 19th-century Clock Tower. Enjoy free time for shopping or perhaps an optional visit to Bunk’Art 2 – a museum housed in a former nuclear bunker that offers insights into Albania’s communist past. After lunch, proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat. Enjoy a short orientation tour and an evening at leisure.
Driving time: ~2.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Boutique Hotel Muzaka or Similar
Day 3: Explore Berat, Town of a Thousand Windows
Start your day with a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, known as the “town of a thousand windows” due to its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture. After the tour, visit a local family winery and learn about the production of wine and raki while walking the ripe vineyards. Enjoy a tasting of local wines and a superb farm-to-table lunch made with local ingredients. This afternoon, proceed to Gjirokaster, another one of Albania’s UNESCO gems. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Driving time: ~2 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel Argjiro or Similar
Day 4: Gjirokaster and Lunch with a Local Host
Spend the morning discovering Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed city known for its dramatic hilltop setting and distinctive stone architecture. A guided walking tour will take you through the old bazaar, past elegant Ottoman houses, and up to the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, which offers sweeping views over the Drino Valley. Travel to a nearby village where a local host will warmly welcome you for a home-cooked lunch. Return to Gjirokastër for a relaxed afternoon at your own pace.
Driving time: ~1 hr | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel Argjiro or Similar
Day 5: Welcome to Zagori, the Hidden Gem of Northern Greece
Say goodbye to Albania as you cross the border into northern Greece and make your way to the scenic stone villages of Zagori — an area famed for its untouched nature and traditional architecture. With a local guide, spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes and quaint villages of the Vikos Gorge. In the late afternoon, continue to the lakeside city of Ioannina. Enjoy a leisurely evening to stroll the old town or relax by the water.
Driving time: ~3 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Cens Gold Luxury Suites or Similar
Day 6: Explore Ioannina
Begin the day with a guided tour of Ioannina, a beautiful lakeside city steeped in history and Ottoman charm. Visit the atmospheric old town and take a short boat ride to the island of Ali Pasha, where you’ll explore its monasteries and learn about the legendary ruler’s dramatic story. Back in Ioannina, enjoy some free time to browse the local shops — this city is a historic center for silver and copperware, making it a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs. The region is also famous for its dairy products, so your guide will point out where to sample traditional cheeses and try the famous Greek yoghurt ice cream. Evening at leisure.
Driving time: ~0.5 hr | Breakfast | Cens Gold Luxury Suites or Similar
Day 7: Visit Meteora, Greece's Awe-Inspiring Monasteries
In the morning head to one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring sites — Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries perch dramatically atop towering rock pillars. Formed millions of years ago by geological shifts and once accessible only by rope ladders or baskets, Meteora remains one of the most remarkable monastic centers in the Orthodox world. Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide and visit three of the still-active monasteries, each offering breathtaking views and insight into the spiritual traditions of the region. Overnight in the area.
Driving time: ~3 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Amalia Hotel Kalambaka or Similar
Day 8: Explore Thessaloniki, Greece's Culinary Capital
This morning, head northeast to Thessaloniki – Greece’s second largest city, often dubbed as its Culinary Capital. Dicover the city on a guided walking tour from the seaside promenade to the UNESCO-listed early Christian and Byzantine monuments. Learn about the city’s rich multicultural heritage shaped by Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Jews. Thessaloniki is also known for its dynamic food scene and is an excellent place to explore food culture – from the street food and market stalls to modern fusion restaurants. This evening gather at a Greek restaurant for a farewell dinner meal with your fellow travellers and share stories and memories.
Driving time: ~0.5 hr | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Noa Hotel or Similar
Day 9: Goodbye, Dear Travellers
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end. Take home unforgettable memories and perhaps a few traditional or culinary souvenirs from this beautiful experience through Albania and Northern Greece.
Breakfast & Goodbyes
What's included
- 8 nights in 4-star hotels or boutique accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- 6 lunches and 2 dinners (not including drinks)
- Professional Tour Host throughout the tour
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned coach (not including airport transfers)
- Admission to iconic cultural sites: Gjirokaster Castle, Ali Pasha Museum, 3 Meteora Monasteries
- Special Experiences: Albanian farm-to-table lunch, Albanian home-made lunch, Wine and Cheese tasting
Not included
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visas and passport fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Bevarages and meals outside of those described
- Gratuities for Driver, Tour Host and Local Guides: for guidelines, please click here
Dates & Prices
*Before booking, feel free to check our Terms & Conditions to see what applies to this tour.
June 6 – June 14, 2026 New Date
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,780
Single Room Supplement: EUR €380
Sept 12 - Sept 20, 2026
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,780
Single Room Supplement: EUR €380
Albania & Northern Greece Tour FAQs
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you enjoy country roads, rustic vibes, and discovering places that are a little off the typical tourist trail, you’re going to love this journey through Albania and northern Greece. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone who appreciates a good meal, you are sure to enjoy the farmhouse lunches, select meals, and traditional flavours of the region up close.
The pace of the tour is moderate, with around 2 to 3 hours of driving on most days and light to moderate walking. All in all, it’s a relaxed and immersive way to explore this part of the Balkans.
Why is Albania known for its farm-to-table experiences?
Albania’s farm-to-table culture has its roots both in traditions and in the country’s recent history. After the fall of communism, many Albanians left the country in search of work —especially to nearby Italy. Over time, some brought back the concept of agritourism—combining hospitality, farming, and local food traditions in a way that supports rural communities. In the past decade, more and more small-scale, family-run farm-to-table places have been popping up across Albania, serving both locals and visitors.
Albanian food is one of Europe’s most underrated. While it doesn’t get much attention, it’s a delicious mix of Mediterranean and deep Ottoman culinary traditions — all coming together into satisfying, organic-tasting flavours.
Is northern Greece worth exploring?
Northern Greece is a place where nature, history, and everyday life come together in a way that feels real and unhurried. Epirus, once one of the most hard-to-reach parts of Greece, remains a place where traditions and community are still an important part of daily life. Ioannina is the capital city of Epirus and a lively mix of lake views, beautiful Ottoman-era architecture, and a welcoming, slow-life atmosphere.
Zagori is a smaller region in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, where you’ll find charming villages, rugged landscapes, and famous stone bridges that have stood for centuries.
Last but not least are the “sky-suspended” Meteora monasteries — a place of beauty and spirituality unlike anything else!
Northern Greece might not get the same attention as Athens or some of the islands, but it’s absolutely worth exploring – especially for people seeking natural beauty, history and authentic experiences, away from the crowds.
What is Thessaloniki known for?
As the locals say, Thessaloniki is a city for food.
Thessaloniki is officially recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and once you start eating, you’ll wish you had a second stomach!
Its cuisine is a delicious blend of Balkan, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences, shaped by centuries of exchange and upheld to the highest standarts. From bustling markets and seaside tavernas to modern eateries reimagining tradition, Thessaloniki offers layers of flavour at every turn.
Aside from its culinary delights, Thessaloniki is renowned for its profound Byzantine heritage. The city is home to several UNESCO sites, including the some spectacular churches like the Rotunda, Hagios Demetrios, and Hagia Sophia.
Should I carry cash or rely on card payments in Albania and Greece?
What are the visa requirements?
Visa requirements for both depend on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Bulgaria and Turkey. While these are the general guidelines, it is essential to confirm the visa requirements with your local authorities, as rules may change. Travellers from certain countries may need to apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa before arrival.
Please, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. We recommend consulting your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Many of our participants are solo travellers, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others. You can choose to be paired with another solo traveller (subject to availability) or opt for a single room supplement.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, but we ask that you inform us at the time of booking to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is flexible, and partial refunds may be available. For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for such cases.
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