9 days of Culture and Activities Tour (Essential Albania)
Duration
9 days
Max Group Size
50
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
moderate
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
18 - 75 Ages
Tour Overview
This 9-day “Essential Albania” itinerary offers a rich combination of culture, nature, and authentic local experiences across the country. Travelers begin with a warm arrival in Tirana, followed by a panoramic introduction to the capital. The journey continues to historic Kruja and vibrant Shkoder, including artisan visits such as the Venetian Mask Factory. A full-day excursion to Koman Lake and the Shala River provides one of Albania’s most breathtaking landscapes, with crystal waters and optional outdoor activities. The tour then heads south to UNESCO-listed Berat for wine tasting, castle exploration, and charming old neighborhoods. In Gjirokaster, guests explore the Old Bazaar and the Cold War Tunnel before continuing to the coastal town of Saranda. A full jeep adventure reveals the highlights of the Riviera, including Lëkursi Castle, a secret beach, Porto Palermo, Qeparo village, and the magical Blue Eye. The route back to Tirana includes a stop at Apolonia Archaeological Park and free time for leisure or shopping. A dedicated Tirana city day allows guests to visit key landmarks such as BUNK’ART 2, Skanderbeg Square, and the National Museum. The tour concludes with a farewell folklore dinner and a smooth transfer to the airport for departure.
Route
Starts from
Tirana
Ends in
Tirana
Pickup Location
Tirana
Dropoff Location
Tirana
Highlights
Itinerary
- Arrival
at Tirana International Airport.
- Meet
& greet with local guide and transfer to 4-star hotel in Tirana.
Check-in & freshen up.
- Panoramic
tour of Tirana city center or free time.
- Overnight
in Tirana.
- Breakfast
at hotel
Depart for Kruja (30-40 min drive) - Coffee
break and walking tour stroll at the Old Bazaar and Kruja Castle.
- Lunch
at Mrizi Zanave, agrofram in Fishte village, enjoy fresh seasonal food and
enjoy a tour in the farm, where artisan create food with much care.
- Continue
to Shkoder (2h drive approx), arrival and guided tour of Shkoder,
visit at Venice Mask Fcatory where you can see up close how all the processes
of mask production are done, and a visit of showroom.
- Overnight
in Shkoder.
08:00 AM – Our journey begins
from Shkoder to Komani Lake(approx. 1 hour 30
minutes), enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.
10:00 AM – Koman Lake Departure
All travelers gather at Koman Lake Pier, where our team will assist you in
boarding our safe and modern boats for an unforgettable boat tour to Shala
River.
11:00 AM – Already there
Set sail across the stunning Koman Lake, often called the "Norway of
Albania" due to its dramatic cliffs and emerald waters. Capture
breathtaking photos as you cruise toward Shala River.
11:30 AM – Arrival at Shala River
Welcome to Shala River, the "hidden paradise of Albania"! Swimming in
the crystal-clear waters or relaxing on the white-pebble shores. Lunch in a traditional inn, near the river.(included)
Optional
activities:Zip
lining,Hiking,Kayak ,Sunbeds
3:00 PM – Check-in for the return trip
Gather
at the boat for your return journey, taking in the last glimpses of this
untouched paradise.
3:15 PM – Departure from Shala River
Enjoy a scenic boat ride back, soaking in the breathtaking mountain views one
last time.
4:00 PM – Return Boat Ride to Koman Lake
Say goodbye to Shala River as we embark on a scenic boat ride back through
Koman Lake’s breathtaking canyons.
5:30 PM – Arrival back in Shkoder
- Breakfast
& check-out and transfer to Tirana (2h)
- Stop
in route in Tirana for a coffee or refreshings.
- Continue
to Berat (approx. 2h from Tirana)
- Visit
a local winery for wine tasting and light snacks.
- Later
free time for lunch, and proceed with Berat touring.
- Late
noon walking tour of Berat’s UNESCO Old Town:
Berat Castle, Onufri Iconographic Museum, Mangalem & Gorica neighborhoods. - Dinner
on your own or optional traditional restaurant.
- Overnight in Berat.
- Breakfast
at hotel.
- Drive
to Gjirokaster (approx. 3.5h)
- Walking
tour of Gjirokaster into Old Bazaar, visit in the The Cold War Tunnel
Museum.
- Lunch
time, traditional food is always better in Gjirokaster.
Continue to Saranda (approx. 2h). - Evening
free to stroll Saranda promenade or relax at the hotel.
- Overnight in Saranda.
·
8:30-9:00
Tour starts
·
9:30
Saint Vasil Village
·
10:00
Lukova village
·
10:15
Stop at a view to take some photos.
·
10:20
Piqeras Village
·
10:40
Borsh Village (Where we stop to go to the beach)
·
12:20
We go to the restaurant for lunch.
·
13:20
Departure from the restaurant
·
14:30
Delvinas City
·
15:30
Blue Eye
·
17:00
Lekursi Castle and return to hotel
Breakfast
& check-out.
·
Leisure morning, enjoy beach time and transfer to Vlore at 4.30pm
- Start
the trip at 8.00-11.30am
- Explore
Tirana city tour: BUNKART’ 2, National Museum, Skanderbeg Square etc and stop for lunch.
Transfer at TEG, Toptani center at 13.30-15.30, transfer to hotel and free time.
19.30pm Farewell group dinner with traditional restaurant with Folklore Show. - Overnight in Tirana.
- Breakfast
at a hotel.
- Transfer
to Tirana International Airport according to flight times.
Departure.
Trip includes
Included
· Accomodation for 8 nights , 4* hotel.
Professional guide throughout the tour
Guiding Method
Fully guided
English1 Folklore dinner show in Tirana- See & dance traditional dances that have been passed down through the generation.
· 7 Breakfasts
1
Wine tasting at a local winery, Berat
· Lunch at Mrizi I Zanave, agrofarm
Lunch at Jeep Safari in Sarande
All airport transfer services mentioned inside the itinerary
Arrival airport transfer to Tirana International Airport
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Return airport transfer
Entrance fee:
Venetian Mask Museum and Workshop
Koman Lake & Shala River daily tour
Onufri Iconography Museum
Gjiropkaster Castle
Blue eye
Sunbed at Borsh Village
Apolonia Archeological Park
Bunk Art 2
*NOTE: The tour is suitable only for 20 April -15 Oct,
it can’t be done in Autumn-Winter due to
activities, that require warm and sun
conditions. We can work on this itinerary removing the belonging tours and
offer you a lower price.
Visit and bathing at Shala River can be done only during June-August, earlier
or later this dates, will be only boat ride at Koman Lake.
Excluded
International or Domestic flights
Insurance: All types
·
Visas: we don't arrange visas of any nationality.
·
Other lunch and dinner/ Personal expenses
·
Anything not mentioned in the included section.
·
City tax.
·
Please note, optional
tour prices are not fixed and start from the amount mentioned.
·
Optional tours in Shala River, cash pay on spot:
Zip line 10€/ ride
Kayaks 10€/h
Hiking 15€ / 40 min
Sunbeds 10€
Availability
Loading. Please wait.
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with Travelshopbooking
Best price quaranteed.
100% financial protection.
Earn $20+ in travel credits.
Cancellation Policy
On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
We're ready to help.