Tirana to Santorini: The Albanian Riviera & Iconic Greek Islands

Tirana to Santorini: The Albanian Riviera & Iconic Greek Islands

• Trip code: 424X019
• Dauer: 18
• Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Escape the ordinary and dive into something extraordinary on this 18-day adventure through Albania and Greece. With just a backpack and your new crew, you’ll create unforgettable memories from the sparkling Albanian Riviera to the dreamy Greek islands. Get a true taste of local culture with an immersive cooking experience, then hit the trails for breathtaking hikes through these beautiful landscapes. Sail across crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, explore hidden beaches, and take in those jaw-dropping Greek sunsets that feel straight out of a postcard. It’s the kind of journey where every moment feels like magic.

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

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 10

Meals Included

17 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD375-490 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Corfu
- Archäologisches Museum (3EUR pro Person)
- Schloss Achilleion, Museum und Garten (10EUR pro Person)
- Tempel der Artemis (Gratis)

Athens
- Ancient Agora Visit (20EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Akropolis und des Parthenon (20EUR pro Person)
- Besuch im Akropolis-Museum
- Besuch auf dem Syntagma-Platz (Verfassungsplatz) (Gratis)
- Besuch des Archäologischen Nationalmuseums (12EUR pro Person)

Start / Finish

Tirana nach Santorini

Transport

Private bus, public bus, ferry, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Besuch bei Shedia Home und ein Getränk, Athens
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Foodie-Moment: Tirana Cooking Class, Tirana
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Corfu
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Einen draufmachen, Athens
Dein Discover-Moment: Athens. Orientation walk of Tirana. Explore Kruje on foot. Walking tour of Berat including the castle. Visit the coastal wetlands of the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Walking tour of Himarë. Corfu Trail hike across the island to Benitses. Meteora Monasteries hike from Kalabaka. Orientation walk of Athens. CEO-led orientation walk in Paros. Free time in Paros and Ios. Half-day Paros beaches tour. Orientation walk in Ios. Best of beaches tour Ios. Caldera walk in Santorini. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts, twin share), hostel (10 nt. multi share with 4-5 people)

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide

Highlights

Witness the beauty of wild horses on a sunset jeep safari, Immerse yourself in Albanian traditional life in the mountains on a hike to a shepherd outpost, Hike across the island of Corfu, Go island-hopping as you cruise through the Mediterranean, Soak up the epic views in Santorini

Introduction

Escape the ordinary and dive into something extraordinary on this 18-day adventure through Albania and Greece. With just a backpack and your new crew, you’ll create unforgettable memories from the sparkling Albanian Riviera to the dreamy Greek islands. Get a true taste of local culture with an immersive cooking experience, then hit the trails for breathtaking hikes through these beautiful landscapes. Sail across crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, explore hidden beaches, and take in those jaw-dropping Greek sunsets that feel straight out of a postcard. It’s the kind of journey where every moment feels like magic

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

Mindestalter für diese Reise sind 18 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana

Arrive at any time, and welcome to Albania's capital! After a welcome briefing, in the evening head out with your CEO on a brief orientation walk to get to know Tirana a little better. Walk through Skanderbeg Square and see the Et'hem Bey Mosque, famous for the clock tower that is the symbol of the city. Enjoy an optional dinner out and take the rest of the evening to relax with new friends

Day 2 Tirana

There is no better way to get to know a country than to dive head first into their cuisine. Connect with your fellow travellers and learn about the local specialties with an immersive cooking class this morning, ending with a well-deserved and delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day for yourself to explore the city or explore museums, like Bunk'Art 1 or 2 which are located in underground nuclear bunkers

Day 3 Tirana/Berat

Head from Tirana to Berat today with a stop in Kruje along the way. Stretch your legs with a walk around town, one of the most historically significant villages in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this little village is steeped in history and is the epicentre of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Explore the small centre, roam around one of the country's oldest bazaars, and climb to the Krujë Castle. Upon arrival in Berat, head out with your CEO on a walking tour of the city and the Berat Castle, then enjoy the rest of the evening free

Day 4 Berat/Himarë

Transfer to Himarë today with a stop at the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Check out the natural beauty of the wetlands and coastal lagoons and see an old Byzantine monastery before continuing the drive to the beautiful beach town of Himarë. After settling into the hotel, set off on a walk with your CEO to explore the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening

Day 5 Himarë

Experience authentic 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 Himarë. The rest of the day is free to explore more of the town or just relax on the beach

Day 6 Himarë/Corfu

Head down the coast to the town of Sarandë to catch the ferry to Greece, and the island of Corfu. Transfer to the hostel and settle in with time to relax before heading out in the evening for an optional farewell dinner and a Big Night Out at a couple of bars with your new friends on this Greek Island paradise

Day 7 Corfu

Enjoy a full free day in beautiful Corfu to do as much or as little as you please. Hit up one of the local beaches, explore some of the nearby villages or maybe rent a sea kayak. In the evening head out for an optional dinner with the group to sample some of the delicious local flavours, made from fresh and local ingredients

Day 8 Corfu

Start your day by exploring Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history, charm, and Venetian elegance. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful neoclassical buildings, uncover hidden squares and lively cafes, and soak up the timeless beauty of this enchanting town. Whether you're browsing local boutiques, visiting historic landmarks, or simply enjoying the vibrant morning atmosphere, this cultural journey is the perfect start to your day.

In the evening, lace up your hiking boots for the Corfu Achilleion Sunset Hike. This scenic trail offers stunning views of the island bathed in golden light as the sun sets over the sea. And for those craving an extra thrill, there’s a cliff jumping opportunity at sunset—an unforgettable experience for the adventurous! Get ready for a perfect blend of natural beauty, adrenaline, and epic views

Day 9 Corfu

Take advantage of a full day in paradise to bask in the glory of everything that the island of Corfu has to offer. Take an optional boat tour, rent a kayak or visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island. Otherwise relaxing at the hostel or at one of the local beaches is always a great option too

Day 10 Corfu/Meteora

Think planes, trains, and automobiles, only a private bus, a short local transfer, a ferry, and a public bus working together to take you to the town of Kalambaka, in the heart of Meteora. Upon arrival, head out on a hike to the mountaintop monasteries amidst stunning rock formations and landscapes. Return to Kalabaka for the rest of the evening and relax for the evening

Day 11 Meteora/Athens

Travel south by bus to Athens today, arriving in the afternoon. After settling into the hotel, visit Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place. Later, head out on a CEO-led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on some of the famous landmarks and ancient monuments and then finish off the day with a Big Night Out in the lively Plaka neighborhood

Day 12 Athens

Enjoy a free day in Athens to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; choose to visit iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora, or check out some museums like the new Acropolis Museum, or the National Archaeological Museum. In the evening head out with the group for an optional dinner out at a local restaurant to sample the fantastic Greek cuisine

Day 13 Athen nach Paros

Mit der Fähre geht es nach Paros, eine Insel voller malerischer Dörfer inmitten von grandioser Natur und mit herrlichem Blick aufs Mittelmeer. Ein Orientierungs-Spaziergang durch die Hafenstadt Paroikla mit ihren würfelförmigen weißen Häusern führt dich vorbei an Kirchen, der venezianischen Burg am Hügel und dem Archäologischen Museum. Danach hast du freie Zeit, um die vielen Restaurants, Cafés und Läden in der Altstadt zu besuchen

Day 14 Páros

Bei einem halbtägigen Ausflug siehst du mehr von der Insel Paros. Du besuchst das von Hügeln, Kiefernwäldern und Olivenhainen umgebene Dorf Lefkes im Inneren der Insel. Danach geht es weiter in den Badeort Naousa und zum Strand Kolymbithres mit dem klarsten Wasser und den coolsten Felsformationen, die du dir zum Sonnenbaden nur wünschen kannst. Den Rest des Tages kannst du auf eigene Faust weiter erkunden, über den Strand spazieren, dir was zu essen holen und diese paradiesische griechische Insel ohne Menschenmassen genießen

Day 15 Paros nach Ios

Heute geht es mit der Fähre weiter zur nächsten Insel. Nach der Ankunft auf Ios gibt es einen Orientierungs-Spaziergang mit dem CEO durch die Chora, den größten und einzigen richtigen Ort auf Ios. Spaziere durch das Labyrinth der engen gepflasterten Gassen und sieh dir die kleinen quadratischen Häuser mit den Flachdächern an. Danach hast du freie Zeit, um die Bars und Restaurants im Ort zu besuchen, am Strand zu liegen oder auf den höchsten Punkt der Insel zu steigen und den Panoramablick über Ios zu genießen. Der ist wirklich unvergesslich, vor allem bei einem bunten Sonnenuntergang

Day 16 Íos

Today is all about beaches, swimming, and living out those Greek Island bucket-lists. In the morning, the group embarks on the Best of Beaches Tour of Ios. The trip is four hours and you’ll visit seven different beaches along the island. Lunch is included and you’ll have opportunities to swim and try snorkelling at Neverbay. Take advantage of free time this evening to stroll through town before dancing the night away at an island nightclub and bar!

Day 17 Ios nach Santorin

Nach einem Vormittag auf Ios geht es am Nachmittag mit der Fähre zur Insel Santorin. Nach der Ankunft gibt es eine vom CEO geführte, 11 km lange Wanderung entlang des Randes der Caldera zwischen Fira und Oia. Danach kannst du am letzten Abend in Santorin nochmal mit der Gruppe Abendessen gehen

Day 18 Santorini

Abreise jederzeit möglich

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana

Day 2 Tirana

Tirana is known for it's colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet era architecture. Skanderbeg Square acts as the city's focal point, surrounded by pastel buildings. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.

Day 3 Tirana/Berat

Berat is known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows", due to the large windows found on old, decorated houses overlooking the town.

Day 4 Berat/Himarë

The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian times, these ancient structures are revered as vital historical landmarks. The old town surrounds the castle and the Spilea coastal area serving as both a tourist hub and an economic centre.

Day 5 Himarë

Day 6 Himarë/Corfu

Day 7 Corfu

Day 8 Corfu

Day 9 Corfu

Day 10 Corfu/Meteora

Six monasteries reside atop the impressive cliffs of Meteora and research shows evidence of early human settlements dating back 50,000 years. This natural and manmade landmark provides once in a lifetime views that will take your breath away.

Day 11 Meteora/Athens

Day 12 Athens

Day 13 Athen nach Paros

Day 14 Páros

Day 15 Paros nach Ios

Day 16 Íos

Day 17 Ios nach Santorin

Day 18 Santorini