Albania Explorer Tour

5 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania

Visiting: Tirana, Shkoder, Berat

Tour operator:

Albania Explorer

Tour code:

728041

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

12-89

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Gluten Free

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $346

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Albania Explorer Tour and uncover the hidden charms of this captivating Balkan nation. Once a closed society under Communist rule, Albania now welcomes curious travelers to explore its rich cultural tapestry, shaped by Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Slavic, and Ottoman influences. Begin your journey in Tirana, visiting iconic sites like Skanderbeg Square and the Archaeological Museum. Discover the historical treasures of Lezha, Shkodra, and Kruja, including castles, ancient ruins, and vibrant bazaars. Experience the coastal allure of Durres, home to the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans. In Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, admire the stunning architecture and Onufri's masterpieces. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and guided tours throughout, with seamless transfers and modern transportation. This cultural adventure promises an unforgettable glimpse into Albania's storied past and vibrant present.

Highlights

  • Tirana's Skanderbeg Square and the Mosque of Et'hem Bey

  • Explore the ancient city of Lezha and its castle

  • Visit the Castle of Rozafa in Shkodra with views of the Albanian Alps

  • Discover the Skanderbeg Museum and castle in Kruja

  • Explore the ancient port city of Durres and its Roman amphitheater

  • Visit Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its castle and Onufri Museum

  • Experience the cultural crossroads of Europe’s East and West in Albania

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival - Tirane.

Location: Tirana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar


Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. After arrival and check in the hotel. We start exploring Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in

Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Visit the Skanderbeg Square, Mosque of Et’hem Bey (1824), the Clock Tower (1822), the National Museum, Grand Park and government buildings, and BunkArt. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar.

Day 2 : Lezhe - Shkoder - Tirane.

Location: Shkoder

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast


After breakfast, the, next stop will be in Lezha city. In the ancient period it was called Lissus. Visit to its castle and Mausoleum of Skanderbeg (Albanian National Hero).

Afterward, we will continue to Shkodra. A nice landscape with highland (Albanian Alps on the north) is a full contrast. City tour of Shkodra, Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral and Mosque. Visit the Castle of Rozafa and the museum inside it and we enjoy wonderful views of mountains, Shkodra’s lake, Drini, Buna and Kir rivers with the valleys around from the top of Rozafa castle, and “Ura e Mesit'' over Kir River. Return to Tirana for overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar. (B)

Day 3 : Kruje - Durres - Tirane

Location: Tirana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast


After breakfast we head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old

bazaar. Then heading to Durres. This port city, is the most important ancient central mediterranean metropol until medieval time in the 15th century when it got occupied by

ottomans until 1912 when Albania proclaimed its independence, and Durres became its capital until 1920. (Durres is also more than 3500 years old (mentioned first time in Odisea where Ulicsus spent part of his time in Taulantia (ancient Pelasgian-Illyrian name of Epidamn-Durrah-Durres) on his way back toItaka after Troyan war. This city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan region (about 20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century which we will  visit with an archeological museum, ancient city castle wall and bizatine bazaar/forum, Roman public baths, etc. Return to Tirana for overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar. (B)

Day 4 : Berat (Unesco) - Tirane.

Location: Berat

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast


After breakfast we continue to Berat where we have a short visit in Elbasan city and Belsh Lake (part of Dumrea group of carstic lakes in central Albania, also so-called little-Toscana). Then we will continue to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania, more than 2400 years old, and with special status from UNESCO. Visit to its

castle of Berat with Onufri museum and other churches inside; Mosque of Berat and the old Bridge of Gorica, Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th. Many of his wonderfully painted icons still remain in the museum while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked. Lunch at traditional restaurant. Then continue to tirana for overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar. (B)

Day 5 : Departure

Location: Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast


Transfer to Tirana Airport for departure. End of services. (B)

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 3*/4* hotels (as indicated, or similar) is included.

  • Transportation

    Transportation with modern AC car/minibus/bus during all tour itinerary is included.

  • Guides

    English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides (as applicable) are included.

What's Not Included

  • International Airfare

    International airfare and airport taxes are not included.

  • Entry Tickets

    All museums and other sites entry tickets as per itinerary are not included.

  • Tips

    Driver/guides tips are not included.

  • Gratuities and Personal Expenses

    Gratuities and individual daily expenses and porterage are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Trip Cancellation

    Trip/tour cancellation is not included.

  • No Show

    No show is not included.

  • Other Exclusions

    Everything not mentioned in 'Inclusions' is not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with airport transfers and modern air-conditioned vehicles, including cars, minibuses, and buses, ensuring a smooth journey across Albania as per the tour itinerary.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays in standard double occupancy rooms at 3* or 4* hotels, such as Freddy’s Hotel, ensuring a pleasant and restful experience throughout your journey in Albania.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Albania Explorer Tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 3* or 4* hotels, such as Freddy’s Hotel or similar.

  • Are airport transfers included in the Albania Explorer Tour?

    Yes, airport transfers and all other transfers as per the itinerary are included in the tour.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide will be present during the entire tour itinerary, along with local guides as applicable.

  • What is not included in the Albania Explorer Tour?

    The tour does not include international airfare and airport taxes, entry tickets to museums and other sites, driver/guide tips, gratuities, individual daily expenses, porterage, travel insurance, trip/tour cancellation, and costs for no-shows.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Archaeological Museum in Tirana, the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg in Lezha, the Castle of Rozafa in Shkodra, the Skanderbeg Museum and castle in Kruja, and the Roman amphitheater in Durres. Additionally, the tour visits Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including its castle and the Onufri Museum.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation during the tour is provided by a modern air-conditioned car, minibus, or bus, depending on the itinerary.

  • Do I need Travel insurance?

    We do not offer insurance packages but we highly recommend travel protection, it’s important to protect your trip investment and loved ones. We will offer you the best option for your vacation.

  • Do you book group travel ?

    Yes, we book group travel all the time! We specialize in helping groups of all sizes plan their dream trips. From family reunions to corporate retreats, we can take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

  • How do I set up the consultation with the Albania Explorer agent ?

    To set up a consultation with Albania Explorer's travel expert, you can contact us directly via phone or email us at contact@albaniaexplorer.com. You can even reach us on Whatsapp at +355 68 399 9480 . local operation working hours during week monday to friday : 08.00-18.00 , saturday 09.00-14.00 , Sunday - off.

  • Will you available while I am on my vacation?

    Yes, we will be available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. You can get in touch with us anytime. We are committed to providing the best possible service and helping our clients create memorable vacations that they will always remember.

Reviews of this operator

Armand Zhgaba (Google Reviewer)  

I recently had an amazing...

02-Aug-2024

I recently had an amazing experience with Albania Explorer when we traveled from Canada to Albania for vacation. From start to finish, their service was exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ready to assist with any needs related to the tours and accommodation. Albania Explorer exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a seamless and memorable travel experience in Albania.

Camelia Stefanuc (Google Reviewer)  

I discoverd a new face...

04-Jun-2024

I discoverd a new face of Albania, with the help of Mr. Sokol. He is an herudit and all the Information we received were argumented and well documented. All the places we vizite were put în value, show in the right light. There were no questions remained without answer. Thank you and congratulations for having such a competent guide in your team. Camelia Stefanuc Tamara Balea

meir shabtai mazar (Google Reviewer)  

as a 50 years experience...

05-Sep-2019

as a 50 years experience as guide myself i can said that the 7 days of tour in Albania was orgenized perfectly by the travl company was perfect. the guide Dashi did more then we could expect to introduce his country to us.. the cost more then fair.

CARMEN DOGARU (Google Reviewer)  

It was a better experience...

16-May-2024

It was a better experience than I expected. The guide was very knowlegeble and ready to help us

Jawad Mohammed (Google Reviewer)  

I visited Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo...

13-Aug-2019

I visited Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia with this company. We had a wonderful time and a trip full of adventure and beautiful memories. Before the visit, I had a lot of doubt about the safety and the tourism potential of those countries compared to other countries that I visited in western, northern, central and eastern Europe. I started contacting a number of tour agencies in the Balkan region for the arrangements. The moment I dealt with Albania Explorer, I felt very comfortable because of their professional dealing and prompt responses. Moreover, their price was reasonable and competitive compared to other agencies. All the arrangements were perfect. Ms.Alma, the booking/ arrangements manager was very helpful. In addition, the tour guide and driver, Mr. Stive, was very professional, friendly and knowledgeable about all the countries we visited with him. Moreover, we found all the above mentioned countries to be very charming, safe and full of tourist attractions and places worth visiting. I highly recommend dealing with this agency for visiting Albania and the surrounding Balkan countries. You can rely on their professionalism and expertise to have an unforgettable trip

Karmen Louis  

Review

23-May-2020

Albania Explorer helped me during my trip to Albania. Being an outsider, this place was unknown for me. But they helped me very well and made my trip awesome. Thanks.

Ziad S. Abdul Majid (Google Reviewer)  

I recently used Albania Explorer...

25-Apr-2023

I recently used Albania Explorer Tour for my vacation and I was blown away by their amazing service! From start to finish, the team was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. They took the time to listen to my needs and preferences, and created a personalized itinerary that exceeded my expectations. Throughout my trip, everything ran smoothly thanks to the excellent planning and attention to detail. The accommodations were top-notch, the activities were well-organized, and the guides were friendly and informative. Overall, I had an unforgettable experience thanks to Albania Explorer Tour and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. Thank you to the entire team for their exceptional service!

Christopher Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

Illyria Route tour of Albania We...

28-May-2024

Illyria Route tour of Albania We chose to book directly with Albania Explorer rather than Exoticca or other Travel Companies providing package tours of Albania because : • Albania Explorer is the main Provider for other Tour Companies • Flights are NOT provided, so we could plan a tailor-made tour of Albania and other Balkan countries • Other services such as car rental and extra hotels can be booked with Albania Explorer We booked the 8 day Albania Explorer Tour “Illyria Route” which was subsumed into the 10 day Best of Albania Tour, who were all Exoticca package tour guests. This was ideal for us, as Albania was just part of our tour of a number Balkan countries, the first 10 days starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Kotor, Montenegro, with a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia Herzogovina. We booked an extra night in Tirana giving us the opportunity to explore the City before the Illyria Tour, including a walking tour and the Bunker art museum. The Tour itself was excellent, covering all the main Cities and archeological sites of Albania, including the Albanian Riviera, with Gesi our Tour Guide providing a running commentary of background information and historical facts, and Claude our driver transporting us safely round the Country in the minibus with wifi. Afte leaving the Tour at Gjirokaster, we caught a public bus back to Tirana to pick up a rental car to spend the last week of our trip to North Macedonia and Kosovo. We relied heavily on Albanian Explorer to book the car and sort out the insurance and paperwork (inc Senior Driver) to take the car to neighbouring Balkan countries and how to obtain green cards at the borders. The car was delivered to the Hotel, and everything went smoothly. Booking direct with Albania Explorer suited us for our Trip around the Balkans. If you just want an Albanian full package tour with flights and transfers, book with Exoticca or other Tour companies – you will get the same base holiday, which is excellent. I commend Albania Explorer to you. Chris & Jackie

Olesea Alexandra (Google Reviewer)  

When you consider a trip...

14-Apr-2024

When you consider a trip and get to know a country, the first thing you want is safety and then satisfy your curiosity, get to know another culture, live experiences and rest from the routine life of your place of origin. Companies that work in the travel sector work with hopes and expectations. Clients make a significant financial effort and many sacrifices to be able to have a few pleasant days/weeks, in this case in Albania. A single person can ruin the work of an entire team. When you hire an agency like this, the visible face of the company is the tour guide who is the coordinator and the person who spends the most time with you. For a travel agency, this figure should be carefully selected because behind that choice there are many other people involved, in the selection of hotels, in the chosen itinerary, in administration, in the purchase of tickets and flights (in many cases). , drivers etc. In our case, the person chosen, Florian xhekaj, was a total mistake and nightmare, horrible experience. His knowledge of Spanish was level A2 (lower intermediate), to be generous. He didn't understand you nor did we understand him in the explanations. When I asked him the first day how long he had been a tour guide, the first lie came and he told me 6 years which was not true. Their lack of knowledge of the history of Albania was proverbial (without being experts in history, their disorientation in dates, centuries and historical people was obvious) their lack of interest in explaining important things was absolute (He did not even explain to us that we could not drink tap water) He did not announce the meeting times nor did he tell if we were all there (we organized ourselves among the people in the group) he did not know the Orthodox liturgy (my partner is Orthodox and had to correct him on numerous occasions for giving wrong information) and also the Muslim one. He boasted of knowing Spain and its history, of having studied philology and a master's degree in tourism, but we really came to the conclusion that either he was the worst in the class or the level of demand in Albania is limited. On the last day he didn't even say goodbye to the group after having been together for 10 days. That is a sign of very serious lack of respect for the company and for us as clients or people, but even though it is serious, it was worse that he vented his frustration every day with the driver (Uzur, who was an excellent and professional driver) speaking badly about the group (we called aristocrats ) spoke badly about the agency and its salary conditions, selected itineraries and in general everything bothered him and he took it on the bad side. We sat next to the driver and the new mobile phones with artificial intelligence translate everything from Albanian to Spanish or English in real time, so we couldn't believe what the phone was translating to our endless surprise. I don't know if the guides in Albania have this profile, if they are not used to tourism or if they take us for ignorance but in the end they play with illusions and with a lack of respect and there is only one person in charge and it is the agency that hires this type of people who are not prepared to perform a function as beautiful as teaching your country, your culture and your history. Please don´t day this person not worked for Albanian explorer and please don´t send us a template message of apologies because it is too late. You should know at this point who you work with and who represents your company.

Anthony Peters (Google Reviewer)  

Horrible experience with tour guide...

14-Apr-2024

Horrible experience with tour guide in Spanish called Florian. He has not an attitude to be a guide, to coordinate anything or to explain elementary things about culture or history about Albania. He looks to be more interested in video games or stuff like that. He looks to be another tourist rather than a person that organizes times, schedules or meetings. His level of Spanish is so poor as his knowledge of history. This type of persons ruins a company.

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Monday - Friday

Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
$346

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Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024
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Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
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Nov 25, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
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Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024
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Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
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Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
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Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
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Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
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Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Jan 13, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Jan 27, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
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Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
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Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
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Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Feb 24, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

May 05, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

May 19, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$346

Monday - Friday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$346

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Albania Explorer requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of albania explorer charges.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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