ALBANIA PRIVATE TOUR
Discover the Beauty of Albania: one of Europe's Last Hidden Destinations
⬥ You prefer “Off the Beaten Path” Europe: You are drawn to destinations that still feel authentic and undiscovered, offering a glimpse of Mediterranean life before the arrival of mass tourism.
⬥ You Love History and Old Towns: You are fascinated by the “layering” of civilizations. You enjoy exploring ancient cities and UNESCO-protected old towns that haven’t been turned into sterile museums, but are still vibrant, inhabited communities.
⬥ You Enjoy Regional Gastronomy: You value a “farm-to-table” approach to dining, where the focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional wine-making practices unique to the local landscape.
⬥ You Love Scenic Landscapes: You appreciate a travel route defined by dramatic transitions – where rugged mountain passes drop away to reveal a pristine, turquoise coastline.
Tour Highlights
Explore country roads and quaint towns, enjoy authentic wines and farm-to-table meals, and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Ionian Sea.
Berat Wine & Farm-to-table
Enjoy a regional wine tasting and farm-to-table with fresh local ingredients directly from producers.
Remarkable UNESCO-listed Heritage
Travel back in time in the millenniua-old Butrint, and the beautiful old towns of Berat and Gjirokastër.
Sunset at the Ionian Sea
Admire the stunning sunset at Dhermi, situated amphitheatrically at the Ionian coast.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tirana, Albania's Vibrant Capital
Upon arrival at Tirana Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. As Albania’s vibrant capital, Tirana is a city of contrasts, known for its renovated, colourful Soviet-style buildings and modern skyscrapers. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure: shake off the travel fatigue or enjoy a gentle stroll through the centre.
Accommodation: Hotel Starlight or Similar
Day 2: Berat Town & Wine Region
After breakfast, meet your driver for a transfer to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”.
Explore the Berat Fortress (Kala), a massive 13th-century citadel perched high above the town. The fortress is still inhabited today; as you walk its cobbled paths, you might see laundry drying and locals walking between Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner at a rural estate. Berat is one of Albania’s oldest and most productive wine regions, specifically famous for the Puls (Pulsi) grape—an indigenous white variety that has been cultivated around the foothills of Mount Tomorr for centuries.
Overnight in Berat.
Accommodation: Koroni Boutique Hotel or Similar | Driving Time: ~ 3 hrs
Day 3: Gjirokaster - Albania's Southern Jewel
Travel south to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as “The Stone City”. Gjirokastër’s homes are built of heavy local stone and topped with grey slate roofs to withstand the harsh mountain winters. These houses, known as Kullas (tower houses), were built by the landed Ottoman nobility (the beys) as fortified residences; they often feature windowless ground floors for defense and ornate “wooden rooms” on the top floor for hosting guests.
You will tour the Gjirokastër Fortress, the second-largest citadel in the Balkans. It has served as a military stronghold since the 12th century, and was later expanded by Ali Pasha of Tepelena to include a massive clock tower and an aqueduct. Afterward, wander the Old Bazaar, which was reconstructed in the 19th century following a fire and remains the heart of the city’s traditional artisanal stone-carving industry.
Overnight on Gjirokaster.
Accommodation: Dam Stone Boutique Hotel or Similar | Driving Time: ~ 2 hrs
Day 4: Butrint and the Ionian Coast
This morning, transfer to Butrint, Albania’s most significant archaeological site. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint evolved from a Greek colony to a Roman city, and later a Byzantine and Venetian outpost. Key sites include the 3rd-century BC Greek Theater and the 6th-century Baptistery, which features one of the most complex Paleo-Christian mosaic floors in the Mediterranean.
After your tour with a local guide, travel north along the Ionian Coast, a stretch of shoreline known for its deep turquoise waters and steep limestone cliffs. Proceed to Dhërmi along the Ionian Coast and perhaps stop at some of the viewpoints along to admire the Ionian sea. Perched 200 meters above the sea, Dhërmi’s old town is composed of whitewashed alleys and churches like the Church of St. Mary, offering a glimpse of traditional Mediterranean life overlooking the very coast where Julius Caesar landed his legions in 48 BC. Enjoy the beautiful sunset with aperitivo or dinner facing the Ionian Sea.
Overnight in Dhermi.
Accommodation: Casa Boha or Similar | Driving Time: ~ 4 hrs
Day 5: Discover Tirana & Albania's Communist Past
.After breakfast, undertake your return journey to Tirana .
After checking into your hotel in Tirana, take some time to relax, before meeting your local guide for a two-hour tour of the city center. You will visit Skanderbeg Square and the Et’hem Bey Mosque, completed in the early 19th century. The mosque is unique for its rare frescoes depicting landscapes, trees, and waterfalls – motifs typically forbidden in Islamic sacral art. The mosque also served as a symbol of the rebirth of religious freedom in 1991 when 10,000 people entered its gates to pray for the first time in decades.
Overnight in Tirana.
Accommodation: Hotel Starlight or Similar | Driving Time: ~ 4 hrs
Day 6: Goodbye, Albania!
Your tour comes to an end – it’s time to bid Albania goodbye. Check out and transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your departure flight.
We hope you’ve experienced an unforgettable holiday, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Balkans again!
Breakfast & Departure Transfer
INCLUSIONS
What's included
- 5 nights in the listed or similar hotels throughout the tour
- Daily breakfast
- Departure and arrival airport transfers
- All inter-city transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Wine tasting and farm-to-table dinner in Berat
- Private guided tours with included entrance fees (where applicable) in Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, and Butrint
EXclusions
Not included
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visas and passport fees
- Bank or credit card processing fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Beverages and meals
- Gratuities for driver and local guides
Dates & Prices
Please note that our private tours are subject to availability and last-minute inquiries cannot be guaranteed. To ensure we can secure the best accommodation, guides, and transportation, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
*Before booking, feel free to check our Terms & Conditions to see what applies to this tour.
November to April
Price per Person: €1,310 EUR
Accommodation: Double / Twin Room Occupancy
*Rates are valid for a minimum party of two travellers.
May, September, October
Price per Person: €1,390 EUR
Accommodation: Double / Twin Room Occupancy
*Rates are valid for a minimum party of two travellers.
June, July, August
Price per Person: €1,460
Accommodation: Double / Twin Room Occupancy
*Rates are valid for a minimum party of two travellers.
Love the tour, but need some changes?
We are happy to customise it for you! Simply get in touch.
Albania Private 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.
The pace of the tour is moderate, with around 2 to 4 hours of driving on most days and light to moderate walking. It’s a relaxed and immersive way to explore this less-explored European country.
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 Albania. 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 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 or download the detailed itinerary. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for such cases.