Discover Albania in April

ALBANIA - 27 April - 4 May 2026
On this tour you will see evidence of Albania’s history from being conquered by the Romans, the Ottoman rule from the 15th century, the gray and gloomy image in the 1980s to the colourful, warm country it has become.
Albania has a beautiful coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas with pristine beaches and clear waters. Inland are rugged mountains with castles, deep valleys and clear lakes.
We will visit some of the many historical treasures including the ancient city of Butrint and the well preserved Ottoman architecture in Berat and the mountain town of Gjirokaster. And we will have the chance to sample traditional Albanian cuisine which is known for its use of fresh ingredients, herbs and olive oil. Most meals are included and they are at wonderful restaurants.

Itinerary
Day 1 : Tirana Airport - Fishte - Shkodra
Meet with local guide at airport/hotel and depart to Lezha.
Lunch at Agritourism Mrizi I Zane
Dinner and overnight in Shkodra
Day Two : Shkoder - Tirana
Breakfast at hotel
In the morning we visit Rozafa Castle where the main cultural attraction is Rozafa Fortress, rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun. From its ancient Illyrian walls and the medieval ruins of the Balshaj, to the Towers of the Bushatllinj, Rozafa Castle is a monumental testament to the beauty of an everlasting fortress
Next we stop at the Venetian Art Mask Fabric, which displays masks styles and colors, that transport you to the atmosphere of the Venice Carnevale. But, here we are in Shkodër, where the passion, creative genius and business acumen of Edmond Angoni has enabled the creation of one of the most important mask factories in the world.
Depart to Tirana (1 hr 50 minutes)
Dinner and Overnight in Tirana
Day Three : Tirana - Cable Car - Tirana
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Bunk’Art 1. This museum was built inside the atomic bunker of the dictator Enver Hoxha, which is located 5 kilometers from Tirana. It is built 5 floors underground and has 106 rooms. It is dedicated to the history of the communist Albanian army and the daily life of Albanians during the years of the regime
Ride the Cable Car - Dajti Express. Located just 20 mins from the centre of Tirana, “Dajti Ekspres” provides it’s visitors with an unforgettable experience. Take the 15 minute trip up the Dajti Mountain on the longest cableway in the Balkans and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. At the summit, relax and enjoy the surroundings, take a stroll and enjoy the view.
Tour of Tirana
Free time and overnight in Tirana.
Day Four : Tirana - Berat - Vlora
Breakfast at hotel
Explore the National Onufri Iconographic Museum. This is an Albanian national museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary in the castle quarter Berat. The museum was named to honor Onufri, a painting Headmaster of the 16th century and it features treasures from Albanian churches and monasteries.
Wine tasting at Cobo Winery. Nestled in the Berat county, near the historic city in southern Albania, Çobo Winery continues a centuries-old family tradition. Immerse yourself in their stories and experiences as they bring them to life at their table. A tour of the facilities includes an extensive viewing of the wine making process and explanations, punctuated by alternating poignant and comic vignettes that paint a glowing picture of the family's history and the origins of their wines.
Depart to Vlora
Dinner and Overnight in Flora
Day Five : Flora - Butrint - Saranda
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Butrint Archeological Park. Butrint National Park is a national park, located 18 kilometres (11 mi) south of Sarandë. Encompassing 9,424 hectares, the park boasts a fascinating blend of freshwater lakes, wetlands, and historical treasures. From the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, Butrint has witnessed a rich history, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological artifacts and structures. Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance, highlighting its significance on multiple levels.
Dinner and Overnight in Saranda
Day Six : Saranda - Blue Eye - Gjirokastra
Breakfast at hotel
Explore the Blue Eye National Park. Take a walk in the beauty of The Blue Eye, a natural spring with vibrant blue waters so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. The lighting in the early morning is particularly magical. The spring is an easy hike from the parking area on paved roads—enjoy the walk through lush vegetation along the way and refresh at the small cafe before you make the return journey back to the bus.
Depart to Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra City Tour. Start the walk throught the old town of Gjirokastra UNESCO Heritage Site. Slate-roofed houses, vertiginous streets paved with limestone and a castle assembled from rock hewn from the surrounding mountains. Albania’s ‘Stone City’ is a silvery beauty that shimmers in the rain. Of a great importance and interesting to be visit is the Castle, the old town & the bazaar, with its characteristic shops and great opportunity to interact with local folks.
Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastra.
Day Seven : Gjirokastra - Ardenica - Durres
Breakfast at hotel
Departure to Ardenica
Visit the Monastery of Ardenica. Ardenica has been an important historical, cultural, and spiritual center of the Orthodox Church for many centuries. Enjoy visit of fantastic interiors – particularly the iconostasis of saints and sinners, dragons and angels of the 18th-century Church of St Mary. Equally impressive is the golden pulpit, which positively heaves with adornments, not to mention the frescoes of the Zografi brothers that can be seen on display upstairs.
Visit the Archeological Museum of Apollonia. This museum contains artifacts unearthed nearby from the ancient town of Apollonia and is housed in a 14th century building which was previously the monastery of St. Mary. The museum has 7 pavilions, a gallery and 2 porticos. An impressive collection of statues is located in a portico on the east side and number of historically important frescoes remain in the building from medieval times; these are mainly housed in the refectory. Fragments of inscriptions can be found on the walls and the museum also has a collection of medieval mosaics.
Dinner at Winery Abala in Durres
Overnight in Durre
Day Eight : Durres - Tirana Airport
Breakfast at hotel
Depart Durres for Tirana Airport
Price:
GBP £1580 per person not including flights. Single supplement GBP £220
Included:
Accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels on a BB basis (seven nights)
All transportation during the tour
Local guide throughout the tour
1 x lunch at Agritourism Mrizi I Zane
5 x dinners at restaurants (3 course meal with water)
1 x dinner at Abuja winery (not including drinks)
1 x wine tasting at Coco winery
All entrance fees for sightseeing, museums and cable carThere are direct flights with British Airways, WizzAir and Ryanair. They all have morning flights and we will meet at the airport at 12.30pm and go directly to a wonderful country lunch. If anyone decided to fly the day before, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Tirana and brought to the airport to meet the group.