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Albania Discovered: Tirana & Beyond

From £1,324
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: Mar 2026 - Sept 2026
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From £1,324
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: Mar 2026 - Sept 2026

Tour Overview

Prepare for a journey which will take you into the heart of this Balkan gem. From the fascinating city of Tirana to the stunning Albanian Riviera, this tour will delve into the history and vibrant culture of this beautiful corner of Europe. The capital city, Tirana, is known for its colourful Ottoman, Italian and Soviet-era architecture and its secret surveillance museum gives you an insight into the country's communist past. Still on the history trail, there's an array of medieval mountain towns and villages to explore, each with their own stories to tell, as well as archaeological sites to visit for that step-back-in-time encounter on your travels, with Apollonia a particular highlight. The spectacular Albanian Riviera is a sight to behold and the resort of Sarande enjoys an enviable location on the Riviera, nestled between the Ionian Sea and hillsides overflowing with olive groves.
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Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights
  • 7 nights in 4 star hotels
  • 11 meals: 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners, including a traditional folklore show and dinner
  • Welcome drink upon arrival
  • Overseas transfers and other transportation
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Tirana House of Leaves
  • Berat Onufri Museum
  • Gjirokastra Castle, weapon museum, ethnographic museum
  • Butrint archeological site
  • Porto Palermo Castle
  • Apollonia archeological site
  • Durres Amphitheatre and Venetian Tower

Itinerary

UK - Tirana

Day 1 UK - Tirana

Today your Albanian adventure begins as you fly to Tirana and transfer to your hotel on arrival. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner. Meals included: D
Next day
Gjirokastra

Day 2 Gjirokastra

Today we begin with a visit to Apollonia, an ancient Greek colony in Illyria. Explore the vast remains, including the well-preserved Amphitheatre, once hosting 20,000 spectators, the Monument of Agonotheteve, and the elegant Odeon. Don't miss the Mosaics House, and the tranquil courtyard of the Monastery, where you’ll find the Byzantine-style church of Saint Mary. There is also time here for a visit to the archaeological museum. Later, we’ll travel to the stunning “Museum City” of Gjirokastra renowned for its distinctive stone houses, resembling medieval towers. Visit the Skenduli House, a fine example of local architecture, offering insight into the town's rich cultural heritage. Meals included: B
Next day
Sarandë

Day 3 Sarandë

We'll start today with a visit to Argjiro castle, a 12th-century fortress steeped in local legend. Perched high above Gjirokastra , the castle dominates the city and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The castle's National Museum of Weapons houses an impressive collection spanning from Illyrian bronze swords to World War II artillery, telling the story of Albania's martial history. Our journey continues with a short visit at the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër). Here you'll discover a natural spring where crystal-clear water bubbles up from a deep karst hole, this creates an intense turquoise-blue colour resembling an eye that travellers describe as mesmerising. Our final destination is Sarandë, this afternoon there is free time for you to relax at the hotel or unwind at the nearby beaches, enjoying the coastal charm of this vibrant city. Meals included: B
Next day
Butrint

Day 4 Butrint

This morning, we will travel down the coast to Butrint a UNESCO site. A scenic narrow road leads you to the ancient city where you’ll explore the ruins of the Old Amphitheatre, Temple of Aesculapius, the colourful mosaics in the Baptistery and the ancient city walls. There’s time to visit the small museum that tells the story of a site which is one of the last unspoiled natural and ancient historical areas in Mediterranean. We’ll head back to Sarandë for a tour of its charming centre before gathering for a traditional Albanian dinner, where you’ll savour delicious local flavours and hospitality. Meals included: B,D
Next day
Berat

Day 5 Berat

Journey along the Albanian Riviera, where the Ceraunian Mountains plunge dramatically into the Ionian Sea. Pass through historic villages like Lukova, Borsh and Qeparo. We travel the Riviera as far as the town of Vlora, where we visit Independence Square, commemorating Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912. Continue to Berat where we’ll enjoy dinner at one of the local vineyards this evening. Meals included: B,D
Next day
Tirana

Day 6 Tirana

This morning we’ll explore Berat, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows' for its distinctive Ottoman houses cascading down the hillside. The 13th-century castle, one of the largest inhabited fortresses in the Balkans, houses Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri Museum, showcasing wooden icons and religious artifacts including works by the 16th-century iconographer known for his signature red pigment.
Later, we travel up the Adriatic Coast to visit Durres. Looking out towards Italy, this port city has a well preserved Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved in the Balkans. Afterwards, we travel to Tirana for the evening. Meals included: B
Next day
Kruje

Day 7 Kruje

Head to Kruja, a medieval settlement with a rich history. Visit Kruja Castle, home to the National Hero Museum, dedicated to Skanderbeg, who led resistance against the Ottoman and visit the Ethnographic Museum which provides a deeper understanding of local traditions. Following this, stroll through Kruja’s historic bazaar - A number of cobblestone streets and wooden shops give you the opportunity to find different kinds of souvenirs such as local handicrafts, woollen goods, and carpets.
This afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour to explore central Tirana. Enjoy a walk along the main boulevard where Tirana Main University, Presidential Palace, Pyramid building are situated. The next area to visit will be the lively Blloku district and then approach the main square of the city, named after the National Hero “Skanderbeg”. You will then visit the “House of Leaves” museum. Later, we’ll gather together for a farewell dinner to end this unforgettable journey.
Meals included: B,D
Next day
Tirana - UK

Day 8 Tirana - UK

After breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for your journey home. Meals included: B

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Tirana International Hotel

The Tirana Internation is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Tirana. The hotel was constructed in the late 1960's and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. Guest bedrooms are modern and comfortable including facilities such as; wireless internet, safe box, bathroom with tub or shower and air conditioning.

The Tirana Internation is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Tirana. The hotel was constructed in the late 1960's and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. Guest bedrooms are modern and comfortable including facilities such as; wireless internet, safe box, bathroom with tub or shower and air conditioning.
Next accommodation

Hotel Cajupi

Located in the city of Gjirokastër, just beneath the Gjirokastër Castle, Hotel Cajupi features free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning in all rooms. The on-site restaurant serves Italian and Albanian delicacies and buffet breakfast.

Located in the city of Gjirokastër, just beneath the Gjirokastër Castle, Hotel Cajupi features free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning in all rooms. The on-site restaurant serves Italian and Albanian delicacies and buffet breakfast.
Next accommodation

Santa Quaranta

This hotel features a beachfront location set in Sarandë. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and views of the sea. Free WiFi is available. Each air conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant.

This hotel features a beachfront location set in Sarandë. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and views of the sea. Free WiFi is available. Each air conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant.
Next accommodation

Hotel Colombo

Comfort is key in Hotel Colombo. It is where elegant design and modern conveniences come together in a tastefully and luxuriously styled hotel. Colombo offers a cozy stay with modern amenities in a pleasantly decorated ambience. Spaciously and luxuriously designed with modern styled furniture, the rooms offer stunning views of the main city’s attractions.

Comfort is key in Hotel Colombo. It is where elegant design and modern conveniences come together in a tastefully and luxuriously styled hotel. Colombo offers a cozy stay with modern amenities in a pleasantly decorated ambience. Spaciously and luxuriously designed with modern styled furniture, the rooms offer stunning views of the main city’s attractions.
Next accommodation

Tirana International Hotel

The Tirana Internation is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Tirana. The hotel was constructed in the late 1960's and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. Guest bedrooms are modern and comfortable including facilities such as; wireless internet, safe box, bathroom with tub or shower and air conditioning.

The Tirana Internation is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Tirana. The hotel was constructed in the late 1960's and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. Guest bedrooms are modern and comfortable including facilities such as; wireless internet, safe box, bathroom with tub or shower and air conditioning.

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person
  • Ocean & River Cruises - £400 per person

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

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