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DAY 1 – WELCOME TO ALBANIA!
Departure from Italy to Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa”.
Meet and greet upon arrival with the local guide, who will accompany the group throughout the journey. (Arrival is recommended by 12:00 p.m. to make the most of the day.)
The first day is dedicated to a guided tour of Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Starting from Skanderbeg Square, surrounded by some of the country’s most iconic buildings and monuments, we explore several characteristic districts of the historic centre on foot.
At the recently restored Pazari i Ri, the city’s largest open-air market, we browse among stalls while meeting local vendors and artisans. The monumental boulevard dedicated to the Martyrs of the Nation leads us to Blloku, once the restricted residential area of dictator Enver Hoxha and today the heart of Tirana’s social and cultural life.
During the visit we will stop in one of the city’s historic cafés to enjoy the traditional Albanian coffee break. Dinner offers a first introduction to Albanian cuisine in a traditional restaurant that celebrates the region’s culinary heritage.
Overnight stay in a family-run 3-star hotel in the heart of Tirana.
Experience: The city tour includes a meeting with a local intellectual who will provide insights into contemporary Albanian society and current affairs.
DAY 2 – TIRANA – BERAT
Breakfast and departure for Berat through the rural landscapes of inland Albania.
By mid-morning we arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”.
A comprehensive guided tour includes the historic districts of Mangalem and Gorica, famous for their remarkably preserved Ottoman architecture, as well as the impressive Kala Fortress and its historic quarter.
Visits include Byzantine churches, medieval monuments, ancient mosques, caravanserais, and the renowned Onufri Museum, dedicated to Albania’s most celebrated icon painter.
In the late afternoon, we join local residents for the traditional evening stroll along the city’s pedestrian boulevard.
Dinner in a traditional restaurant and overnight stay in a centrally located 3-star hotel.
Experience: The visit to the Onufri Museum is enriched by a meeting with one of the museum’s restorers and curators, offering fascinating insights into art conservation in Albania.
DAY 3 – BERAT – APOLLONIA – PËRMET
A day dedicated to archaeology, history, and local gastronomy.
Our first stop is Apollonia, one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites, beautifully located near the Adriatic coast. We enjoy an exclusive guided visit of the ruins, museum, and Byzantine monastery.
On the way south we stop for lunch (not included) in a traditional byrektore, where we can sample byrek, Albania’s most beloved savoury pastry, accompanied by the traditional yoghurt drink dhallë.
Later we arrive in Përmet, a charming riverside town known for its strong connection to the Slow Food movement.
Dinner includes a tasting of traditional local dishes.
Overnight stay in a family-run superior 3-star hotel.
Experience: Discover the gastronomic traditions of Përmet, one of Albania’s leading Slow Food destinations.
DAY 4 – PËRMET – BËNJA – LUNXHËRIA – GJIROKASTËR
Morning departure for the thermal area of Bënja, home to natural hot springs and a beautiful Ottoman stone bridge.
After returning to Përmet, we visit a local artisan producer preserving traditional food-processing techniques.
The journey continues through the scenic landscapes of the Vjosa Valley, home to Europe’s last major wild river.
Lunch with a local family in the Lunxhëria region before travelling to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër.
The afternoon is dedicated to the famous “Stone City”, including the Old Bazaar, the fortress, and one of the city’s most beautiful historic houses.
Free evening and overnight stay in a central 3-star hotel.
Experiences: Optional bathing in the thermal springs of Bënja, lunch with a local family, and a meeting with a resident of Gjirokastër’s historic centre.
DAY 5 – GJIROKASTËR – BUTRINT – IONIAN RIVIERA – VLORA BAY
Morning visit to Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded according to legend by refugees from Troy, Butrint became one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean world.
After the visit and free lunch, we follow one of the most scenic stretches of the entire journey: the Ionian Riviera, with its stunning beaches, coves, olive groves, and panoramic viewpoints.
Stops include Porto Palermo and Himarë.
Dinner along the famous Llogara Pass inside Llogara National Park, featuring regional specialties.
Overnight stay in the Vlora Bay/Llogara area.
Experience: Guided visit of Butrint with a park archaeologist and meeting with a local family who preserve regional traditions.
DAY 6 – VLORA BAY – TIRANA
Morning visit to Vlora and its surroundings.
A walk from the seafront promenade leads into the restored historic centre and then to the nearby Narta Lagoon, where we visit the picturesque island of Zvernec and its Orthodox monastery.
Return to Tirana and continuation of the city tour, this time exploring lesser-known neighbourhoods such as Ali Demi.
Meeting with representatives of local development projects supported through solidarity-based tourism initiatives.
Farewell dinner in a popular traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a superior 3-star or 4-star hotel in central Tirana.
Experience: Visit a historic working-class district of Tirana and meet people directly involved in local community projects.
DAY 7 – RETURN TO ITALY
Free time before transfer to the airport and return flight to Italy.
Please note: the itinerary may be subject to changes. Any updates or amendments will be communicated before departure.
Registration feeAccredited Italian-speaking cultural tour leader and guide in AlbaniaTransportation by private coach with driver throughout the tourAccommodation in twin/double rooms in local 3- and 4-star hotels and guesthouses (family-run where specified)Half-board accommodation as per itinerary, including opportunities to taste traditional Albanian specialtiesEntrance fees and visits included in the programmeSolidarity contribution (€35.00) supporting local development projectsMedical, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance
Lunches (average cost approximately €15-20 per meal)Beverages during mealsPersonal expenseTipsFlights to and from ItalyAnything not specifically listed under “Included Services”A Responsible Travel Experience in Albania
A responsible tourism journey through a small country where the Balkans meet the Mediterranean. Albania is a young nation where traces of its communist past coexist with the search for a modern European identity. It is a land both unique and diverse, once described by journalist Indro Montanelli as "one and many at the same time."
The itinerary explores the country from north to south. Starting in Tirana, with its museums and buildings dating back to the Italian period, the journey continues to the historic bazaar of Kruja and the citadel of the legendary national hero Skanderbeg.
Travelling eastward, we discover the beautiful Byzantine churches and icons of Voskopoja before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, remarkable examples of Ottoman architecture. The journey also includes some of Albania's most important archaeological sites, such as Butrint and Apollonia, as well as the spectacular Albanian Riviera with its pristine beaches and hidden coves.
Responsible Tourism Means:
Your Hotels (or similar accommodations):
Flights Not Included
International flights to and from Albania are not included in the travel package.
Viaggi Solidali Partnership
Betania Travel collaborates with Viaggi Solidali in promoting selected destinations. This particular tour is operated by Viaggi Solidali.
For further information: https://www.viaggisolidali.it/
Write to us to receive information about our tours or to design your next journey together.
Via Manzoni 56 – 20900 Monza (MB)
Tel +39 039 832716
betania@betaniatravel.it
Aut. n. 16143 Prov. MB
Ass. RC 8827666 – P.I./C.F. 03140200969
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