7 Day Discover Albania: Guided Walking Tour

What to expect

This guided group tour is designed for travelers eager to explore both the well-known and hidden gems of Albania in a well-paced itinerary. The group size is intentionally kept small, ranging from 6 to 16 participants, to ensure a more social and interactive experience without feeling crowded. The trip offers a blend of nature, culture, short hikes, scenic drives, local cuisine, and visits to historical landmarks. Accommodation is provided in comfortable 3-star or boutique hotels, and transport is arranged with modern, air-conditioned vehicles.

You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide throughout the tour. Optional activities, such as wine tasting or rafting, are available depending on the season.

• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Comfortable hotels with private rooms available and breakfast included
• Small group size: 6–16 travelers
• Moderate level of physical activity (some walking and light optional hiking)
• Designed for curious travelers, solo adventurers, couples, and friends

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Tirana and City Tour

• Arrival in Tirana - Welcome to Albania! Upon landing at Tirana International Airport, our team will greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the capital.
• Free time and Tirana city tour - You’ll have free time to rest or explore the city on your own until 17:00, when you regroup for a guided city tour.

Tirana is a city of contrasts, where Ottoman, Italian, and communist architecture blend into a colorful and dynamic atmosphere. You’ll explore the city’s key landmarks in a slow-paced walking tour.

• Overnight in Tirana

Day 2 - Theth National Park and Shkodra Exploration

• Journey to Theth - After breakfast, you leave Tirana early for Theth, a remote village in the Albanian Alps, famous for its dramatic landscapes and untouched nature. This is one of Albania’s most stunning destinations for eco and adventure tourism.
• Explore Theth - Highlights include the Grunas Waterfall – a beautiful natural spot accessible by an easy hike, the Lock-In Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit) – a historical reminder of the Kanun’s code and the region’s unique traditions.
• Optional: Blue Eye of Theth – a dazzling natural pool known for its turquoise color.
• Drive to Shkodra and city tour - By late afternoon, you make your way to Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. You’ll enjoy a relaxing city tour through the historic center, visiting the city’s key landmarks.

Day 3 - Komani Lake and Shala River Adventure

• Komani Lake Ferry Ride - You depart early for Komani Lake, where you board a local ferry for one of the most scenic boat rides in Europe — often compared to Norwegian fjords. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and emerald water, this trip is a nature lover’s dream.
• Visit Shala River - Often called the “Thai Maldives of Albania,” the Shala River is a hidden paradise only accessible by boat. You’ll have time to swim, relax, or enjoy lunch at a riverside guesthouse.
• Return to Shkodra - After a full day of nature and exploration, we head back to Shkodra for the night.

Day 4 Kruja, Durres, and Berat

• Visit Kruja: The City of Skanderbeg - In the morning, you head to Kruja, a historical town perched on a mountainside. Here you explore the Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg Museum – dedicated to Albania’s national hero, and the Old Bazaar – perfect for handcrafted souvenirs.
• Optional wine tasting - On your way south, you offer an optional wine tasting experience at a local winery, where you can sample traditional Albanian varieties.
• Durres Stop: Ancient and Seaside - Next, you arrive in Durres, Albania’s second-largest city and main port. Here we’ll visit: (Roman Amphitheatre – one of the largest in the Balkans, A walk along the Adriatic seaside promenade)
• Evening in Berat - By late afternoon, we arrive in Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows.” The evening is free to explore the beautifully preserved *Ottoman quarters
• Overnight in Berat

Day 5 Albanian Riviera Road Trip

• Berat Castle and Museum - After breakfast, you explore Berat Castle, which is still inhabited and offers panoramic views of the Osum River valley. You’ll also visit the Onufri Museum, housed within an old Orthodox church and showcasing some of Albania’s most treasured icons.
• Drive to the Albanian Riviera - You then journey south through the winding roads of the Albanian Riviera, stopping in picturesque seaside villages.
• Expect dramatic coastal views, turquoise beaches, and charming stone towns.
• Overnight in Saranda, the Riviera’s largest town, known for its seaside promenade and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 6 Blue Eye and Gjirokastra

• Visit Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) - In the morning, you stop at the Blue Eye, a natural spring of stunning clarity and deep blue color. This mystical site is one of Albania’s most iconic attractions.
• Explore Gjirokastra – UNESCO Stone City - You continue to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO site famous for its unique Ottoman-style stone architecture.
• Overnight in Gjirokastra

Day 7: Apollonia and back to Tirana

As you journey from Gjirokastër to Tirana, you’ll take a memorable stop at one of Albania’s most important ancient sites: Apollonia. Tucked away in the hills near the city of Fier, Apollonia was once a bustling Greek and Roman city, founded in the 6th century BCE by Greek settlers from Corinth.

What makes Apollonia truly special is its rich blend of cultures and stunning ruins, set against a peaceful natural backdrop. At its height, the city was a major center of learning and commerce, home to over 60,000 inhabitants, and even attracted the attention of the Roman Emperor Augustus, who studied philosophy here before rising to power.

After Apollonia, we head to Tirana, where the tour finishes with a hotel drop-off for all participants.