Albania Discovery

Albania Discovery

• Trip code: 4A1X000
• Dauer: 7
• Stil: Classic

Get ready to soak in Albania's dazzling coastline and rugged mountains on this epic seven-day loop through the countryside. Start and finish in Tirana, where colourful Soviet-era architecture meets a vibrant city vibe. Head south to the mountains for a scenic hike, then cross the Adriatic to explore “the eternal city” and the legendary Castle of Ali Pasha — yes, the one from The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes that'll leave you craving even more adventures in the Balkans.

Übersicht

Checklist

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Meals Included

6 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD120-160 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

von Tirana

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Dein Foodie-Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër. Evening orientation walk of Tirana. Tour of the Durrës archaeological site. Orientation walk of Vlorë. Visit Himare. Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle. Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park. Walking tour of Gjirokastër. Walking tour of Berat. Farewell Dinner. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

Accommodation

Hotels (6 nts)

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Highlights

Explore the 3000 year old Roman remains of Durrës, Be immersed in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost, Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera and visit the Ali Pasha Castle, Have dinner at a local winery with traditional Albanian polyphonic singing, Explore the castle of Berat and see the typical white Ottoman houses

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

Introduction

Get ready to soak in Albania's dazzling coastline and rugged mountains on this epic seven-day loop through the countryside. Start and finish in Tirana, where colourful Soviet-era architecture meets a vibrant city vibe. Head south to the mountains for a scenic hike, then cross the Adriatic to explore “the eternal city” and the legendary Castle of Ali Pasha — yes, the one from The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes that'll leave you craving even more adventures in the Balkans

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner

Day 2 Tirana/Vlorë

Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlorë and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea

Day 3 Vlorë

Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlorë. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax

Day 4 Vlorë/Gjirokastër

Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokastër with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himarë and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokastër in the evening and check into the hotel

Day 5 Gjirokastër

Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokastër. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel

Day 6 Gjirokastër/Berat

Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for an optional traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner

Day 7 Berat/Tirana

Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 11am

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana

Day 2 Tirana/Vlorë

Day 3 Vlorë

Day 4 Vlorë/Gjirokastër

Day 5 Gjirokastër

Day 6 Gjirokastër/Berat

Day 7 Berat/Tirana

Please do not book onward travel from Tirana before 2pm