Self-drive tour - Between Mountains and Shores: Unusual Albania
From the peaks of the Albanian Alps to the turquoise shores of the Ionian Sea, 16 days of total immersion.
Duration
16 days
From
€1,150/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Albanie and explore one of the most overlooked regions of the continent.
Immerse yourself in its fascinating history, savor a rich local gastronomy and let yourself be seduced by the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.
Between majestic mountains and paradisiacal coastline, Albanie promises you a journey off the beaten path.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Tirana, a capital in full transformation
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, set out to discover Tirana, a city undergoing full transformation. Once marked by its communist past, Tirana 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 singular ambiance.
🔹 One night in Tirana, in the heart of this fascinating city.
Gastronomic immersion and historical discovery in Albania
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 arrival at the entrance to the city, stop at the Rozafa Castle, built by the Illyrians and witness to numerous sieges and occupations throughout the centuries.
🔹Overnight in Shkodra.
Exploration of the Albanian Alps: Immersion in Lepushë
After a delicious breakfast, head to the Albanian Alps to discover the authentic village of Lepushë.
Located in the heart of the preserved Kelmend region, Lepushë is a true hidden gem offering a unique immersion into Albanian nature.
Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, this mountain village captivates with its peaceful atmosphere and its deeply rooted traditions. It is the ideal place for travelers seeking serenity, hiking and complete disconnection.
🛑 Option: Before leaving Shkodra, enjoy a wine tasting to savor local flavors and discover the region's wine heritage.
🔹 Overnight stay in Lepushë, in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
Unforgettable hiking to Maja e Vajushes
After an invigorating breakfast, prepare yourself for an exceptional hike towards Maja e Vajushes, one of the most beautiful peaks of the Albanian Alps.
Peaking at 2,056 meters altitude, this ascent offers a challenge that is both demanding and rewarding. The trail crosses lush meadows, dense forests and rocky passages, offering hikers a complete immersion in a pristine natural setting.
At the summit, let yourself be amazed by a spectacular panoramic view over the surrounding valleys and alpine peaks.
Distance: 9 km
Starting altitude: 1,279 m
Maximum altitude: 2,056 m
Elevation gain: 878 m
Nature getaway in Rubik: eco-camp stay
Lëpushë → Rubik
After a revitalizing breakfast, hit the road to Rubik, a haven of peace nestled in the heights of a preserved valley. You will stay in an eco-camp in the heart of pristine nature, ideal for an immersive and authentic experience.
Settle into your bungalow and enjoy a rejuvenating walk through the surrounding landscapes. Breathe in the fresh air and let yourself be seduced by the tranquility of the region.
🛑Optional experiences :
Hiking with your host to a wild waterfall, perfect for a moment of relaxation in nature.
Kayaking excursion on Lake Shkopet, to discover alpine landscapes from a new angle.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with local flavors, prepared with fresh regional products.
Authentic immersion in the Dibër region
Rubik → Bulqizë
After breakfast, head towards Dibër, a region in northeast Albanie still little-known, but rich in natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Surrounded by the mountains of the Korab massif, it offers a spectacular setting for hiking enthusiasts. Mount Korab, the highest point in Albanie, captivates with its picturesque trails and panoramic views over the Drin valley.
For an authentic experience, spend the night in a Kulla, an Albanian fortified house combining historical heritage and modern comfort. With its stone walls and wooden beams, this traditional dwelling will immerse you in local history while offering a warm atmosphere.
🛑 Optional activities:
Rafting in Dibër
Hiking at Mount Korab
Albanian cooking class
Horse riding
🔹 Night in Bulqizë in a Kulla.
Excursion to Ohrid, jewel of North Macedonia
Bulqizë → Ohrid
After breakfast, set off for a day in North Macedonia, to Ohrid. Discover its well-preserved historical heritage, with iconic sites such as:
The Church of Saint Jovan
The ancient Roman theatre, dating from the Roman Empire
The Ohrid Fortress, which offers stunning views over the city and the lake.
Continue towards the Saint Naum Monastery, surrounded by lush greenery. Built in the 10th century, this site is a place of tranquility located on the border between Albanie and North Macedonia.
🛑 Optional activities: Guided tour of Ohrid
🔹 Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Free day in Ohrid and discovery of its treasures
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Ohrid to relax on the city's beaches and explore the old town at your own pace.
Discover the Saint Naum Monastery, 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.
Stop for a photo 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 tour on the lake
ATV at Galicica
Paragliding
🔹 Overnight in Ohrid.
Discovery of Berat, the city of a thousand windows
After breakfast, head towards Berat, a rare example of typical Ottoman period architecture.
Upon arrival in Berat, enjoy lunch in the fortress, a site rich in history. Then set off for a panoramic tour of Berat, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the fortress perched on the heights of the city dating from the 13th century, offering stunning views over Berat.
Continue with a visit to the Onufri National Museum of Iconography, which houses a remarkable collection of Byzantine icons.
🛑 Optional activities :
Wine tasting in an Albanian winery to discover the country's winemaking heritage
Guided tour of Berat for a complete immersion
🔹 Overnight stay in Berat.
Berat - River Hiking in the Osumi Canyon
After breakfast, set off for a unique experience in the Osumi canyon, one of the most spectacular natural sites in southern Albanie.
Stretching over 25 km, this canyon impresses with its steep cliffs reaching over 200 meters in height, its crystal-clear waters, its waterfalls and its narrow gorges.
Your hike begins at Çorovoda, where local guides can accompany you for a 5 to 6 hour excursion. Throughout the route, alternate between walking in water, crossing rocks and swimming in natural pools.
Duration : 5 to 6 hours (depending on the group's pace) Recommended equipment: non-slip hiking shoes, swimsuit, towel and change of clothes Difficulty: Variable depending on weather and water level
🔹 Night in Berat.
Discovery of Gjirokastër, the Stone City
After breakfast, head towards Gjirokastër for a walk through its historic center.
Upon arrival, be amazed by the remarkable architecture of its two-story houses, dating from the 17th century. These mansions, classified as remarkable sites, offer a timeless panorama, worthy of an ancient painting.
Continue your visit with the Gjirokastër Citadel, perched above the city and offering a stunning view over the region.
🛑 Optional activities :
Guided tour of Gjirokastër for an in-depth immersion into its history
Horse riding in the Gjirokastër mountains to explore the surrounding landscapes
🔹 Overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
Langarica Canyon & Permët Hot Springs
After breakfast, head to Langarica Canyon for a unique experience in the thermal baths of Bënja in Përmet. Enjoy a relaxing moment in these natural hot springs or explore the surrounding landscapes by starting a hike in the heights of the springs.
Continue your walk to the village of Bënjë Novoselë, known for its old buildings testifying to the region's architectural past.
📍 Optional hike: Cross the Bënjës bridge and reach the Saint Mary Orthodox Church, a building dating from the 18th century. Duration: 3h30 Distance: 4.5 km Elevation gain: 370 m Elevation loss: 470 m
Return to Gjirokastër in the late afternoon.
🛑 Optional activities:
Rafting on the Vjosa river
Cheese tasting in an old bunker
E-bike ride near the Vjosa river
Hike to Sopoti waterfall
🔹 Overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
Exploration of Butrint and route to Himarë
After breakfast, head to Butrint to explore its archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded by the Trojans after the fall of Troy, this ancient city was successively occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. Discover its impressive ruins, testimony to the civilizations that shaped its history.
Continue your journey north along the Albanian coast and stop at the Ali Pasha castle, a historical remnant of a famous Ottoman governor, often compared to Napoleon for his military strategies and alliances.
Then reach Himarë, a picturesque seaside resort, and settle into your guesthouse.
🛑 Optional activities :
Guided tour of Butrint
Visit to a farm near Ksamil
🔹 Night in Himarë.
Relaxation and exploration of Himarë beaches
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to relax on the beaches of Himarë or explore those in the surrounding area.
You also have the option to visit Dhermi, renowned for its paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters.
🛑 Optional activities:
Boat excursion in Himarë
Kayaking in Drymades
Rappelling and paddling
Canyoning in Gjipe
From Antiquity to Medieval History: Apollonia, Ardenica and Krujë
After breakfast, head to Apollonia of Illyria, the largest ancient Greek city in Albanie, founded in 625 B.C.. Explore the impressive ruins of this historic city, a testament to the grandeur of Greek civilization in Albanie.
Continue your day with a visit to the Ardenica Monastery, built in the 13th century, considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in the country.
Then join The city of Krujë, one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before setting out to discover the city, its old bazaar and the Skanderbeg medieval fortress. This Balkan hero, often compared to Alexander the Great, is famous for his resistance against Ottoman invasion.
At the end of the day, relax in the rooftop pool of your hotel, offering breathtaking views of the region.
🔹 Overnight in Krujë.
End of stay and departure for Tirana airport
After breakfast, enjoy your free time until your departure for Tirana airport 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
- Round-trip flight
- All activities mentioned in the program and entries to monuments
Included
- The transfer from Tirana airport to Tirana on day 1
- Car rental from Tirana on day 2 to Tirana airport on day 16
- 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 tour
- The travel guide with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
- Dinners in Bulqize and Rubik
- Water hiking and lunch near Berat
- Car insurance for North Macedonia
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 45 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:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
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
Advisor
Albania is a country that constantly surprises. You come for its landscapes, mountains and coastline, but you leave above all marked by the encounters and the incredible hospitality of its people.
— Alan
