Self-Drive Tour - Hidden Treasures of Albania
From the turquoise lake of Komani to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, a 21-day self-drive tour between cursed Alps and pristine riviera.
Duration
21 days
From
€1,330/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Immerse yourself in one of Europe's most preserved regions and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Albanie. Discover a country rich in history, varied cultures and authentic gastronomy, while enjoying the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.
Between majestic mountains and idyllic beaches, Albanie promises you a journey of discovery.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Albanie: Start Your Adventure in Tirana
Upon your arrival at Tirana Airport, take advantage of a private transfer to reach the heart of the Albanian capital.
Once settled at your hotel, discover Tirana, a city undergoing complete transformation.
Once marked by its communist past, this city has managed to reinvent itself to become a vibrant metropolis, where history and modernity meet.
Today, the capital attracts visitors with its colors, dynamism and unique atmosphere. Stroll through its lively streets, admire its contrasting architecture and soak in its distinctive ambiance.
🔹 Overnight stay in Tirana, in the heart of this fascinating city.
Discovery of Tirana, a capital in full transformation
Embark on a fascinating exploration of Tirana, a city in constant evolution. Once marked by its communist past, it has transformed into a dynamic and colorful metropolis, where tradition and modernity coexist. Tirana embodies both the past and future of Albanie, offering a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Discover the emblematic sites of the city:
Skanderbeg Square, historic heart of the capital
Et'hem Bey Mosque (1824), preserved architectural jewel
Clock Tower (1822), offering panoramic views
Government buildings, witnesses to the country's history
At the end of the day, enjoy a stroll in the Grand Park of Tirana, a peaceful green space, home to an artificial lake.
🛑 Optional activities: Excursion to the Erzen canyon for an immersion in the heart of nature
🔹 Night in Tirana.
Gastronomy and Heritage: from Mrizi i Zanave to Shkodra
After breakfast, head to the famous Albanian restaurant "Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm". Lost in the Albanian countryside, you will enjoy lunch in an eco-friendly restaurant where all the products consumed come from the restaurant and local families located in the surrounding area.
Continue your journey to Shkodra.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the city, stop at ROZAFA CASTLE, built by the Illyrians and witness to numerous sieges and occupations throughout the centuries.
🛑 Optional activities: Wine tasting in Shkodra to discover the wine flavors of the region.
🔹Overnight stay in Shkodra.
Day of exploration at Lake Koman and on the Shala River
After breakfast, leave early in the morning for an immersive day in one of Albania's natural wonders: Lake Koman.
Created in 1979 during the construction of a hydroelectric dam, this artificial lake, nicknamed at the time "The Light of the Party", connects the Shala and Valbona rivers. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful attractions in Albania and the Balkans.
Embark on a boat for a picturesque crossing through spectacular gorges, before heading to the Shala River, a true haven of peace with crystal-clear waters, ideal for an afternoon of relaxation and swimming.
Return to Shkodra in the afternoon.
🛑 Optional activities: Overnight stay in accommodation on the shores of Lake Koman or the Shala River for a complete immersion in nature.
🔹 Overnight stay in Shkodra.
Immersion in Theth, authentic village of the Albanian Alps
After breakfast, take the mountain road in northern Albanie and reach Theth, a preserved village nestled in the heart of a spectacular valley. This historic place was once inhabited by Albanian tribes, living according to ancestral traditions.
Upon arrival, settle into your guesthouse and spend the afternoon exploring the village. Visit its old tower, an iconic building once used to negotiate business between families according to the Kanun law, an Albanian customary code of laws.
🛑 Optional activities :
Quad excursion to explore the surrounding mountains
Zip-lining for an aerial adventure over the alpine landscape
🔹 Dinner and overnight stay in Theth.
Hiking to "Syri i Kaltër", the Blue Eye of Theth
After breakfast, set off for an unforgettable hike to "Syri i Kaltër", also known as the Blue Eye (or blue eye).
This Blue Eye Spring (blue eye), nestled in a paradise setting, offers a fascinating natural spectacle. Enjoy a moment of relaxation and, for the more daring, a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear but cool waters.
Savor lunch in the heart of nature, set up on wooden tables arranged by local residents on the banks of the spring.
🔹 Dinner and overnight stay in Theth.
From Theth to Rubik: Nature Immersion in Eco-camp
After breakfast, enjoy a final moment in Theth, then head to Rubik, where you will stay in an eco-camp perched on the heights of a preserved valley.
Upon arrival, settle into your bungalow before heading out for a walk in the heart of pristine and peaceful nature.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner composed of local products, showcasing the flavors of the region.
🛑 Optional activities:
Hiking with your host to a wild waterfall
Kayaking excursion on Lake Shkopet
Discovery of Berat, the city of a thousand windows
After breakfast, head towards Berat, nicknamed the city of a thousand windows.
Upon arrival, begin exploring Berat, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Climb up to the "Kala" fortress, built in the 13th century, and admire a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding valley.
Continue your visit with the Onufri National Museum of Iconography, which houses a remarkable collection of religious icons.
🛑 Optional activities:
Visit to a family vineyard for an immersion in the Albanian wine world
Guided tour of Berat to deepen your discovery of its history and architecture
🔹 Overnight in Berat.
Free day in Berat: relaxation and discoveries
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Berat to explore the city at your own pace or simply soak up its unique atmosphere.
🛑 Optional activities :
Traditional cooking class: Discover Albanian gastronomy and taste your own preparations.
ATV excursion for an adventure through the region's landscapes.
Hiking on Tomorr mountain to enjoy panoramic views.
Electric mountain biking on Tomorr mountain for a more dynamic exploration.
Meeting with a Sufi dervish for a moment of spirituality and cultural discovery.
Off-road 4x4 excursion and vineyard visits for an immersion in Albanian wine heritage.
🔹 Overnight in Berat.
From Apollonia to Himarë: Between History and Coastal Landscapes
After breakfast, head towards the ancient city of Appolonia d'Illyrie, the ruins of the largest ancient Greek city in Albanie, founded in 625 BC. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this mythical site, with the possibility of a guided tour by an English-speaking archaeologist working on site.
After lunch, continue your journey to Himarë, crossing the Llogara National Park, a majestic natural space offering breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Upon arrival in Himarë, settle into your hotel before enjoying a seaside dinner.
🔹 Overnight stay in Himarë.
Himarë
After breakfast, enjoy these free days to relax on the beaches of Himarë or explore those in the surrounding area.
You also have the possibility to visit Dhermi, renowned for its paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters.
🛑 Optional activities:
Boat excursion in Himarë
Kayaking at Drymades
Rappelling and paddling
Canyoning at Gjipe
🔹 Night in Himarë.
From the Albanian coast to Gjirokastër: historical immersion
After breakfast, follow the Albanian coast and take the road to Butrint, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Albanie, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this ancient city, successively occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians, and admire its well-preserved ruins, witnesses to the civilizations that succeeded one another there.
Then continue your journey to Gjirokastër, a city remarkable for its typical Ottoman architecture, with its stone houses and timeless charm.
🛑 Optional activities : Guided tour of Butrint to deepen your exploration of the archaeological site.
🔹 Overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
Exploration of Gjirokastër, UNESCO-listed Ottoman City
After breakfast, set off to discover Gjirokastër, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nicknamed the city of a thousand windows.
Admire the remarkable architecture of its two-story houses, dating from the 17th century, which give the impression of a painting frozen in time.
Visit the Gjirokastër Citadel, overlooking the city and offering breathtaking views of the region.
Continue with the discovery of the Skenduli House, a typical 18th-century Ottoman residence, perfectly preserved.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at an eco-restaurant "The Barrel", located outside the city.
🛑 Optional activities:
Guided tour of Gjirokastër for a complete immersion in its history
Horseback riding in the surrounding mountains for nature discovery
🔹 Overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
From Gjirokastër to Korça: between nature and culture
Cross spectacular landscapes blending green plains and imposing mountains, offering an authentic glimpse of rural Albanie.
Make a stop at the hot springs of Leskovik, located in the heart of the mountains. These natural mineral-rich sources are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, particularly for relieving skin, muscle and joint problems. Surrounded by pristine nature, this place is ideal for a moment of relaxation.
Along the way, enjoy a lunch break at a small ranch, nestled in the heart of the mountains, where you will taste a traditional Albanian meal.
Arrival in Korçë in the afternoon. Nicknamed the "little Paris", this city is a cultural and historical center, recognized for its connection with English-speaking culture and its café culture.
Stroll through its picturesque streets and explore its emblematic monuments, such as:
The Cathedral of the Resurrection, the largest Orthodox church in Albanie
The old bazaar, an unmissable place steeped in history
🔹 Night in Korça.
From Pogradec to Ohrid: between nature and spiritual heritage
After breakfast, head towards Pogradec, a charming village located on the shores of the Lake Ohrid.
Enjoy lunch in the heart of the Drilon National Park, where you can taste an endemic fish from the lake, a prized local specialty.
Continue your journey to North Macedonia, heading towards Ohrid, the cradle of orthodoxy and a city with a rich historical heritage.
🛑 Optional activities: Guided tour of Ohrid for an in-depth discovery of the city.
🔹 Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Ohrid
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Ohrid to relax on the city beaches and explore the old town at your own pace.
Discover the Monastery of Saint Naum, built in the 10th century and nestled in the heart of lush greenery. Located on the border between Albanie and North Macedonia, this emblematic place is a true haven of tranquility.
Make a photo stop at the "Bay of Bones", a faithful reconstruction of a settlement dating from 1200 to 700 BC.
🛑 Optional activities :
Diving
Kayaking on the lake
Boat ride on the lake
ATV in Galicica
Paragliding
🔹 Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Return to Albania and immersion in the Dibër region
After breakfast, leave North Macedonia and return to Albania, heading towards the Dibër region.
Located in northeastern Albania, Dibër is a still-unspoiled destination, offering spectacular landscapes between valleys and mountains of the Korab massif. Mount Korab, the country's highest peak, attracts hikers with its picturesque trails and exceptional panoramas over the Drin valley.
For an authentic experience, spend the night in a Kulla, an Albanian fortified house. This historic building combines heritage and modernity, with its thick stone walls, wooden beams and a warm interior offering all necessary comfort.
🛑 Optional activities:
Rafting in Dibër for an exhilarating water adventure
Hiking Mount Korab for an unforgettable climb
Cooking class to discover local flavors
Horseback riding to explore the region on horseback
🔹 Night in Bulqizë in a traditional Kulla.
Discovery of Krujë, historic Albanian city
After breakfast, head towards the city of Krujë, one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a rich historical past.
Immerse yourself in the history of this emblematic city by exploring:
The old bazaar, an authentic market where Albanian craftsmanship is highlighted.
The medieval fortress of Skanderbeg, an unmissable site steeped in history.
A symbol of Albanian resistance, Skanderbeg Square, often compared to Alexander the Great, is recognized for having unified the Albanians and led the struggle against the Ottoman Empire.
🔹 Overnight stay in Krujë.
End of stay and departure for Tirana airport
After breakfast, enjoy your free time for a final immersion in Krujë City before your transfer to the airport of Tirana for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- Insurance
- The round-trip flight
- All activities mentioned in the program and entries to monuments
Included
- Airport transfer from Tirana to Tirana on day 1
- Car rental from Tirana on day 3 to Tirana airport on day 21
- Nights at local homes and in 3* and 4* hotels in double/twin rooms with breakfasts (local standards subject to availability)
- Telephone assistance throughout the entire trip duration
- The travel journal with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Si vous souhaitez annuler votre voyage, vous devez en informer Breathe in travel avant le départ par e-mail, en expliquant les motifs de votre annulation et en joignant vos documents de voyage. En cas d'annulation, les frais suivants seront retenus par Breathe in travel sur le montant versé :
60 à 31 jours avant le départ : 30% du paiement effectué ;
30 à 22 jours avant le départ : 50% du paiement effectué ;
21 à 15 jours avant le départ : 80% du paiement effectué ;
14 à 0 jours avant le départ ou si la personne ne se présente pas le jour du départ : 100% du paiement effectué
Un montant de 11,5% du circuit ne sera pas remboursable pour tout dossier confirmé.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Albania for a tourist stay. Entry rules can change, so we recommend verifying this information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Albania, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Nationals of the European Union can also enter Albania with a valid national ID card instead of a passport.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period on Albanian territory.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking or address of your place of stay.
Registration with local authorities
Any visitor staying in Albania is required in principle to register with local police authorities within 30 days of arrival. In practice, this registration is usually completed automatically by the hotel or tourist accommodation. In the case of lodging with a private individual, it is the responsibility of the host or the traveler to complete this process.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport or ID card covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should check with the embassy or consulate of Albania in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these policies, the terms and conditions detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for compliance with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Albania, a valid passport for at least 3 months after your entry date is required (or an identity card depending on current regulations). No visa is necessary for this length of stay. We recommend confirming the current conditions with the Albanian consular authorities before your departure, as entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, expect between 100 and 170 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (200-450 euros round trip) are additional. Albania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize a relaxed pace, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Alps
Hidden Balkans Explorer, based in Pristina
What struck me in Albania is this feeling of constant discovery. You often get the impression of arriving in places that haven't yet lost their spontaneity.
— Quentin
