Day 1: Visit Kruja and Shkodra

Kruje - Start your adventure with a visit to the historic Kruja Bazaar, a market that has been around for 500 years. This Ottoman-style bazaar extends from the center of Krujë to the Krujë Castle, featuring a single cobblestone street lined with wooden stalls where vendors sell various goods.

The bazaar leads to the Castle of Kruja, whose walls encapsulate 1500 years of history. During a walking tour inside the castle, you’ll visit several notable spots, including: -The Scanderbeg’s tree -The castle’s secret tunnel -Old residences -Mosque of Sultan Mehmet -The watchtower -The castle’s summit, and more.

Drive up Kruja Mountain to its peak, where you’ll find the Sari Salltik cave, a religious site for Bektashi practitioners offering a panoramic view of Tirana, Kruja, Durres, and the Adriatic Sea.

Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm - Savor a traditional lunch at Albania’s most famous restaurant, “The Frost of the Fairies.” The food is incredibly fresh, sourced directly from the restaurant’s own farm and animal stalls, which travelers can visit.

Shkoder - Continue to Shkodra, starting with a visit to the Rozafa Castle, which holds 2000 years of the city’s history within its walls. Enjoy a walking tour of the castle and its museum.

After the castle, head to the city center to relax with a beer or coffee along Shkodra’s famous promenade.

Spend the night in Shkodra City, also known as the capital of North Albania.

Day 2: Explore Theth Village and the Albanian Alps

Boge - Begin your journey from Shkoder. Before reaching Theth village, take a short coffee break and snap some photos of the stunning mountain ranges of the Albanian Alps. The picturesque mountain views are breathtaking and will leave you in awe.

Theth - Discover the hidden village of Theth, nestled in a circular mountain range. Visit the main Catholic church and the Reconciliation Tower. Then, seek out the beautiful Grunas waterfall, hidden in the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a traditional northern lunch in Theth.

Blue Eye of Theth - Continue to the stunning Blue Eye. Follow the river and hike for 45 minutes through the jungle to reach this natural wonder. Challenge yourself to dip in the Blue Eye, the coldest waters in Albania. Several stops will be made during the hike to appreciate the nature and small ponds created by the river. A true adventure!

Return to your hotel in Shkoder.

Day 3: Komani Lake and Shala River, the fjords of Albania

Shala River - Depart Shkoder and head to the northern region. Embark on a 90-minute boat tour through the Albanian Fjords via the Shala River, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Day 4: Visit Belshi town and Berat City

Belsh - Start your day in Tirana. In Belsh town, take a brief coffee break by the largest of the town’s 84 lakes.

Berat Castle - Arrive in Berat City, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Before entering the city center, ascend the castle hill for a tour of the castle. Learn about the city’s ancient history while visiting sites like: -Saint Mary of Blachernae Church, the oldest church in Berat -Church of the Holy Trinity -The castle’s water cisterns -The Red Mosque -Constantine the Great Garden, and more.

After this immersive experience, enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch with a local family living within the castle. You’ll be served traditional alcohol, food, desserts, and music for a true Albanian experience.

Berat - After the castle visit, descend to the city center, specifically the Mangalemi neighborhood. The well-preserved architecture makes it feel like a journey back to the Middle Ages. People still live in these Ottoman-era houses. The walking tour will cover landmarks such as: -The city gate and former Pasha’s residence -The Sultan’s Mosque -Bachelors’ Mosque -The Hanging Bridge -Berat’s bustling boulevard -Gorica Bridge, and more. Walk to the Gorica Bridge, one of Albania’s oldest and most beautiful bridges, which once connected the two parts of the city divided by the Osumi River, Gorica, and Mangalemi neighborhoods. Stroll through the stone roads of the Gorica neighborhood, just as people did hundreds of years ago.

Cobo Winery - (OPTIONAL) After relaxing at your hotel, you can take a wine production and tasting tour at a local winery. Enjoy local wine made in Berat.

Day 5: Explore the ancient city of Apollonia and the Thermal Baths of Benja

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Depart Berat for Apollonia, an important center for education, philosophy, and arts in antiquity (Greek and Roman periods). Explore the ancient archaeological park and visit landmarks like the Temple of Apollonia, the Amphitheatre, the Triumph Arch, the museum, and more.

Tepelene - Take a short break at the Cold Water of Tepelena, where clean water flows from the mountain. A small market offers locally-produced goods such as honey, olive oil, tea plants, and other agricultural products.

Benja Thermal Baths - In the historic town of Permet, discover the enchanting hot springs of Benja. These natural hot springs, heated by the earth, offer a warm haven amidst the landscape. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters, which maintain a comfortable temperature of 28°C. Enjoy a picnic with sandwiches by the springs while taking in the breathtaking views.

In the afternoon, explore the charming streets and sights of Permet at your own pace, soaking in the unique ambiance of this picturesque town.

Day 6: Discover Gjirokastra City

Gjirokastra Bazaar - Upon arriving in Gjirokastra, your first stop will be the bustling bazaar, a vibrant marketplace offering local crafts, textiles, and traditional Albanian products.

Gjirokaster Castle - After the bazaar, ascend the winding road to the magnificent Gjirokastra Castle, an architectural marvel. Inside, you’ll find an array of guns, weaponry, fortifications, the castle’s museum, and its notorious old prison. Continue to the highest point of the castle, where the iconic clock tower is located, offering a stunning panoramic view of Gjirokastra.

Zekate House - Make a final stop at the Zekate House, a local fortress where you can learn about the lifestyle of wealthy families in the past.

Day 7: Explore the Blue Eye of Saranda, Ksamil Islands, and Butrinti Archaeological Park

The Blue Eye - Just 30 kilometers from Gjirokaster, a hidden gem awaits in the heart of the forest. Discover the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Blue Eye.

Kalaja e Lëkurësit - Ascend to the highest hill in Saranda to visit Lekursi Castle, which overlooks the city.

Ksamil - Spend 2 hours at the beautiful Ksamil beach, enjoying the view of the three islands located less than 100 meters from the shore. Take the opportunity to swim in the inviting waters.

Butrint National Park - Explore the ancient city of Butrinti, which is 2500 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit landmarks such as: -The Roman forum -The ancient theater -The Baptistery and Basilica -The Venetian fortress -The city’s defensive walls, and more.

Return to Saranda for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Albanian Riviera

Porto Palermo - Travel through the enchanting Albanian Riviera, enjoying the stunning landscapes where hills meet the shoreline. Take breaks at various beaches, including Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, Qeparo, and more.

Enjoy a one-hour stay at an ex-submarine military base beach.

Qeparo - Take breaks at various beaches, including Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, Qeparo, and more.

Dhermi - Spend two hours by the shoreline, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and the beach’s melodic ambiance. Recharge with lunch before continuing your journey.

Himare - Visit the beautiful village of Himare. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the village’s atmosphere.

Day 9: Return to Tirana, exploring attractions along the way

Vlore - On your return, stop by the port city of Vlora. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the famous Lungomare.

Laguna e Karavastase - Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Karavasta Lagoon and observe the wildlife. Enjoy a private boat ride, marveling at the diverse bird species such as swans, flamingos, and pelicans.

Durres - Visit Durres City. Explore the Durres amphitheater, the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans, with a capacity of 20,000 people. Discover the abandoned King’s Villa, a vacation house of Albania’s first and last ruler, King Zogu. Enjoy a walk along Durres’ boulevard by the shore.

Day 10: Return to Tirana, exploring attractions around the city

Lake Bovilla - After returning to Tirana, head to Bovilla Lake. Start at the Bovilla Dam, an impressive structure standing 91 meters tall, which serves as the primary source of electricity and water for Tirana.

For a better view, drive up Gamti Mountain. At an elevation of 850 meters, the road ends, and a 10-minute hike up the rocky slopes leads to one of Albania’s most amazing views.

Dajti Ekspres Cable Car - On the way back, take the Dajti Cable Car, the longest cable car ride in the Balkans, offering the most beautiful view of Tirana. Explore Dajti National Park and head to the other side of the mountain.

Tirana - Conclude the tour with a walking tour of Tirana’s center. Enjoy the beautiful capital of Albania!

• Lunch

• Personal expenses