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An 8-day journey to discover Albania, starting from the capital Tirana and heading south, passing through traditional villages and enchanted nature, all the way to the beaches of Saranda to enjoy the sea.

Is this trip for me?

Party and nightlife
Relax
Nature and adventure
City and cultures
Monuments and history
Physical effort
Trip type
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Itinerary

Albania in eight days, a loop from Tirana south along the coast and back. We cross Lake Koman by speed boat to the Shala River, drive to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then reach the beaches of Himara and the Pirate's Cave by private boat. Further south sit Butrint, from the Greek era, and Ali Pasha Castle, before two nights of sea and nightlife in Saranda. The way home offers Apollonia or rafting on the Vjosa River. Half culture, half beach and downtime.

A bronze equestrian statue on a stone base in a grassy square, with a large Albanian flag and historic buildings in the background.

Check-in: our adventure starts in Tirana

Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs. Everyone lands in Tirana at their own time, so the trip really begins the moment the whole group is finally in one place.

 

  • We check in and head straight out into Tirana, a capital that wears its colour openly, and let the walk set the pace for the week.

  • Dinner is our first proper Albanian meal, somewhere traditional, ideally Tavë Kosi, the lamb, egg and yogurt quiche the country is known for.

 

A small boat moves across turquoise water in a canyon surrounded by steep, rocky mountains with green slopes under a blue sky with white clouds.

Kayaking or relaxing!

The city stays behind for a full day as we drive north to water that looks nothing like the coast ahead.

  • Lake Koman is narrow and winding, hemmed in by sheer cliffs with the odd waterfall dropping into it, artificial yet astonishing, its three hydroelectric plants covering 70% of Albania's electricity.

  • A speed boat carries us across and up to the Shala River for lunch, with an optional farmhouse dinner on the way back to Tirana.

 

A collection of historic white houses with tiled roofs clustered on a green hillside overlooking a river, with a fortress on the peak.

To Himara through Berat

We swap the minivan for rental cars, and the trip now runs on our own timetable as we head south.

  • Rural Albania rolls past the windscreen, simple and unposed, before we stop in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main detour of the day.

  • Inside the ancient castle people still live among restaurants and the remains of churches and mosques, and we walk on through the Gorica and Mangalemi districts.

  • Then it is back on the road to Himara, where the sea turns up all at once and the beach half of the trip starts.

 

An elevated view of a crowded beach with many straw umbrellas, clear turquoise water, and a forested mountain coastline.

Finally at the sea: let's discover the Pirate's Cave

No driving today. Himara's beaches carry a reputation as the finest in Albania, and this is the day we get to test it.

  • The first swim of the trip happens here, in water clear enough to explain why people keep talking about this stretch of coast.

  • Lying still on sand is not really the plan, so a private boat takes us out along the coastline to the Pirate's Cave.

 

Ancient stone ruins of an amphitheater nestled into a hillside covered with green trees under a blue sky.

History and culture

We keep driving south, close enough to the Greek border that Corfu sits right there across the water, almost within reach.

  • Butrint is an archaeological site reaching back to the Greek era, and standing in it explains how Albanian traditions blend with those of the countries next door.

  • Before turning north we climb to Ali Pasha Castle above the water, then settle into Saranda for two nights and whatever the evening becomes.

 

An aerial view of a small, tree-covered island in turquoise waters, with several yellow pedal boats floating nearby.

Among the most beautiful beaches

Nothing to drive towards today: Saranda is the whole point of it, and the pace drops right down to nothing.

  • Saranda takes its name from the monastery on the hill of the 40 Saints, and from June to September its bars and clubs make it the loud, young corner of the coast.

  • The beaches are the real draw, reached by boat along the coastline or simply walked to, and we take them lazily before going out on our last night.

 

A WeRoad group trip poses on a dirt path framed by trees, overlooking a volcanic landscape and the ocean.

Returning to Tirana

The last full day is a long drive north, and what we do with it is up to the group.

  • On the way there is Apollonia, an archaeological site near the Vjosa River, or a rafting run through the same landscape if we want adrenaline instead.

  • Whatever we pick, we reach Tirana with time, if the day allows, to walk the Land of Eagles capital where modern and historic architecture sit together.

  • There is room for some souvenir shopping before the final dinner together, the one where the whole week gets talked through one more time.

 

An illuminated clock tower and a mosque's minaret stand in a city square at dusk, with people walking in the foreground.

Check-out and goodbyes

Check-out, goodbyes at the hotel, and the part where everyone is already working out which WeRoad adventure comes next.

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Meals and drinks unless specified

  • Petrol, and any parking fees and tolls

  • Any extras you would like to bring back home with you :)

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Kayaking in Koman Lake with lunch - approx. USD65

  • Shala River speed boat in Koman Lake with lunch - approx. USD43

  • Full day boat tour in Saranda - approx. USD39

  • Rafting on the Vjosa river - approx. USD47

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Hotels and B&Bs.

  • Transportation

    Rental car and any necessary local transport

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Group Leader.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalTirana (TIA)
ReturnTirana (TIA)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Albania

From$ 984
-17%
$ 810
Book with $ 0
Free trip change
Interest-free installments