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DAY 1 – WELCOME TO ALBANIA!
Departure from Italy to Tirana, with arrival scheduled by late morning.
Meet our local representatives at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Free lunch.
The first day is entirely dedicated to a guided tour of Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Starting from the central Skanderbeg Square, surrounded by some of the country’s most important landmarks and institutions, we explore several characteristic districts of the historic city centre on foot. At the recently renovated Pazari i Ri, the city’s largest open-air market, we browse among stalls and meet local vendors and artisans. Following the monumental boulevard dedicated to the Martyrs of the Nation, we reach Blloku, once the restricted residential area of dictator Enver Hoxha and today one of the liveliest districts in Tirana. During the day we will stop at one of the city’s historic cafés to enjoy coffee in true Albanian style.
Our first introduction to Albanian cuisine takes place over dinner in a traditional restaurant renowned for preserving regional culinary traditions.
Overnight stay in a charming family-run historic hotel in the heart of Tirana.
Experience: The city tour will be enriched by a meeting with an intellectual from Tirana, who will offer insights into contemporary Albanian society and current affairs.
DAY 2 – TIRANA – DURRËS – APOLLONIA – PËRMET
A day dedicated to discovering Albania’s ancient history and gastronomic traditions.
Our first stop is Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city and principal port. It was from here that many Albanians departed during the major migration waves to southern Italy in the early 1990s, a chapter of recent history that we will explore during the journey.
Guided visit of the historic centre, including the Byzantine walls, the impressive Roman amphitheatre, and the seafront promenade.
Lunch at leisure in a traditional byrektore, where participants can sample different varieties of byrek, Albania’s most popular savoury pastry, together with the traditional yoghurt drink dhallë.
In the afternoon we continue to Apollonia, one of Albania’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Guided visit of the ruins, museum, and Byzantine monastery.
Late afternoon arrival in Përmet, a charming town on the banks of the Vjosa River and one of Albania’s leading Slow Food destinations.
Dinner featuring local specialties. Overnight stay in a historic family-run hotel overlooking the Vjosa River.
Experience: Discover the gastronomic traditions that have made Përmet one of Albania’s flagship Slow Food destinations.
DAY 3 – PËRMET – BËNJA – LUNXHËRIA – GJIROKASTËR
Morning excursion to Bënja, famous for its thermal springs and beautiful Ottoman stone bridge.
Return to Përmet to visit a local artisan workshop that preserves traditional agricultural processing techniques. Travelling through the protected landscapes of the Vjosa Valley, Europe’s last major wild river, we reach the rural region of Lunxhëria.
Traditional lunch with a local family in the Drino Valley before continuing to Gjirokastër.
Guided visit of the UNESCO-listed “Stone City”, including the Old Bazaar, the imposing fortress, historic houses, and stories of its most famous residents, including writer Ismail Kadare and former dictator Enver Hoxha.
Free evening.
Overnight stay in a traditional family-run hotel in the historic centre.
Experiences: Optional bathing in the thermal springs of Bënja, lunch with a local farming family, and a meeting with a resident of Gjirokastër’s historic centre.
DAY 4 – GJIROKASTËR – BUTRINT – MESOPOTAM – GJIROKASTËR
Morning guided visit of Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to legend, Butrint was founded by refugees from Troy and later became one of the Mediterranean’s most significant ancient cities.
Following a free lunch, we explore the fertile region of Vrina, known for its citrus plantations and beautiful Ionian coastline. Guided visit of the remarkable Church of Saint Nicholas in Mesopotam, part of a medieval monastic complex and considered architecturally unique.
Dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Overnight stay in the same historic hotel in Gjirokastër.
Experience: Visit Butrint accompanied by a park archaeologist and learn about ongoing excavations, conservation efforts, and contemporary challenges.
DAY 5 – GJIROKASTËR – IONIAN RIVIERA – LLOGARA NATIONAL PARK – ZVERNEC – BERAT
A spectacular journey along some of Albania’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. Following the famous Ionian Riviera, we enjoy panoramic views over bays, coves, beaches, and olive groves. Stops include Porto Palermo and Himarë.
Lunch in Llogara National Park, where we discover distinctive local dishes and traditions.
In the afternoon we continue through the Bay of Vlora region before visiting the picturesque island monastery of Zvernec, located within the protected natural area of Narta Lagoon. .
Late afternoon arrival in Berat.
Free evening and overnight stay in a charming central hotel.
Experience: Meet the family who runs the traditional guesthouse restaurant in Llogara and learn about local culinary traditions.
DAY 6 – BERAT – TIRANA
Guided visit of Berat, the famous UNESCO World Heritage “City of a Thousand Windows”. Explore the historic districts of Mangalem and Gorica, the fortress quarter of Kala, Byzantine churches, mosques, caravanserais, and the renowned Onufri Museum.
Free lunch during the day.
In the afternoon we travel through the scenic landscapes of the Dumrea Lakes region before returning to Tirana. Continuation of the city tour, including visits to lesser-known neighbourhoods beyond the usual tourist routes.
Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a historic family-run hotel in central Tirana.
Experience: Visit the working-class district of Ali Demi and meet representatives of local development projects supported through community-based tourism initiatives.
DAY 7 – RETURN TO ITALY
Free morning for independent sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation in one of Tirana’s many garden cafés. Transfer to the airport and return flight to Italy.
A personalized programme of optional visits will be suggested for travelers departing later in the day.
Please note: Please note: The itinerary may be subject to changes. Any updates or modifications will be communicated at the time of booking.
Registration fee, including Travel Assistance, Medical Expenses, Baggage, and Trip Cancellation Insurance.Services of a certified, accredited Albanian cultural guide and tour leader, Italian-speaking throughout the journey.Private coach transportation with driver for the entire duration of the tour.Accommodation in twin/double rooms in 3- and 4-star hotels and local guesthouses (family-run where specified).Half-board accommodation as outlined in the itinerary, including tastings of traditional Albanian specialties.Entrance fees and visits included in the programme.Solidarity contribution (€35) supporting local development projects.
Lunches (average cost approximately €15-20 per person)Beverages during mealsPersonal expenses and extrasTipsInternational flights to and from AlbaniaAnything not expressly listed under "What's Included"For many Italians, Albania was long associated primarily with migration. Through its partnership with the Albanian Cultural Centre, Viaggi Solidali offers the opportunity to discover firsthand how much the country has changed over the past decades.
Throughout the journey, participants meet local residents in Tirana, Gjirokastër, and Llogara, explore Albania's rich culinary traditions, encounter artisans in Përmet, and engage with cultural heritage experts in Berat, Apollonia, and Butrint.
The experiences and relationships developed through this program inspired the publication of the first responsible tourism guidebooks dedicated to Tirana and Albania, released by Feltrinelli and Morellini Editore.
The solidarity contribution included in this journey supports community-based projects promoted by the Albanian Cultural Centre, an organization formed by Albanians living both in the country and abroad, including returning migrants. Its mission is to promote sustainable development through the preservation and enhancement of Albania's cultural heritage and the growth of responsible tourism.
These contributions help fund local development initiatives in partnership with the Tirana Adventist Center, research and cultural heritage projects, and the work of small artisan businesses, particularly in rural areas of Albania.
Accommodation is provided in locally owned hotels. Meals are served in small traditional restaurants, allowing travelers to discover the rich flavors of Balkan cuisine, influenced by both Turkish and Greek culinary traditions.
As a precaution, participants are advised to drink bottled water, which is readily available throughout the country, unless otherwise advised by the tour leader.
A private air-conditioned minibus will accompany the group throughout the entire journey. While some roads and connections may not always meet Western European standards, no excessively demanding transfers are foreseen.
The climate is similar to that of southern Italy, with generally mild temperatures and limited rainfall along the coast. Mountainous inland areas tend to be cooler, particularly during the evening.
A valid ID card for travel abroad or a passport with at least three months' validity beyond the planned return date is required.
No visa is required.
No specific vaccinations are required, although a tetanus vaccination is recommended.
The itinerary is suitable for all travelers and does not present any particular physical difficulties.
Balkan hospitality is renowned for its warmth and generosity. Traditions remain strong throughout the country, and visitors are genuinely welcomed as guests.
The tour includes Travel Assistance, Medical Expenses, Baggage Insurance, and Trip Cancellation Coverage.
Our tours are covered by an ERGO insurance policy (Policy No. 69180175-PV19), a company specialized in travel insurance protection.
Coverage includes:
Full terms and conditions can be found in the Pre-Contractual Information Document (DIP) published on the Viaggi Solidali website.
Additional insurance coverage can be arranged on request through Allianz Assistance products.
Betania Travel collaborates with Viaggi Solidali in promoting selected destinations. This specific tour is organized and operated by Viaggi Solidali.
For more 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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