Self-drive tour - Immersion in Albanie
From the Ottoman alleyways of Berat to the mountain thermal springs, Albania reveals its treasures between the Adriatic and wild massifs.
Duration
8 days
From
€550/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Live an unforgettable experience by exploring one of Europe's most pristine regions. Immerse yourself in Albanie, a country rich in history, fascinating cultures and authentic traditions.
Let yourself be seduced by its savory gastronomy, its legendary hospitality and its spectacular landscapes, between majestic mountains and paradise coastline.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Tirana, a capital in full transformation
Upon your arrival at Tirana airport, enjoy a private transfer to reach the heart of the Albanian capital.
Once settled at your hotel, discover Tirana, a city undergoing full transformation.
Once marked by its communist past, Tirana has reinvented itself to become a vibrant metropolis, where history and modernity meet.
Today, the capital captivates with its colors, its dynamism and its unique atmosphere.
Stroll through its lively streets, admire its contrasting architecture and immerse yourself in its distinctive ambiance.
🔹 Night in Tirana, in the heart of this fascinating city.
Discovery of Berat, the city of a thousand windows
After breakfast, pick up your rental car and head towards Berat, one of the few cities in Albania that has preserved its authentic Ottoman architecture.
Discover Berat, a city marked by the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious and cultural communities throughout the centuries.
Climb up to the "Kala fortress", built in the 13th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From its heights, enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding valley.
🛑 Optional activities :
Wine tasting in an Albanian cellar to explore the country's wine heritage.
Traditional cooking class, followed by a tasting of the dishes prepared.
Guided tour of Berat for an in-depth immersion in its history.
🔹 Overnight stay in Berat.
Exploration de Gjirokastër, ville de pierre et d'histoire
After breakfast, head towards Gjirokastër(or Gjirokastra) 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 residences, classified as remarkable sites, offer a timeless panorama, worthy of an old painting.
Continue your visit with the Citadel of Gjirokastër, perched above the city and offering breathtaking views of the region.
🛑 Optional activities :
Guided tour of Gjirokastër for an in-depth immersion in its history
Horseback riding in the mountains of Gjirokastër to explore the surrounding landscapes
🔹 Overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
Langarica Canyon & Permët Hot Springs
After breakfast, head to the Langarica canyon for a unique experience in the thermal baths of Bënja in Përmet.
Enjoy a moment of relaxation in these natural hot springs or explore the surrounding landscapes by taking a hike on the heights of the springs.
From Përmet
Continue your walk to the village of Bënjë Novoselë, known for its ancient buildings bearing witness to the region's architectural past.
📍 Optional hike: Cross the Bënjë 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 a former bunker
Electric bike ride near the Vjosa River
Hiking 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, testimonies of the civilizations that shaped its history.
Continue your journey towards the north of the Albanian coast and stop at the Castle of Ali Pacha, a historical remnant of a famous Ottoman governor, often compared to Napoleon for his strategies and military alliances.
Then head to 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.
Himarë
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 join Dhermi, renowned for its paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters.
🛑 Optional activities:
Boat excursion in Himarë
Kayaking at Drymades
Abseiling and paddleboarding
Canyoning at Gjipe.
🔹 Night in Himarë.
Discovery of Vlora and Relaxation near Tirana
After breakfast, head to Vlora, the emblematic city where Albanian independence was born.
Visit the monastery of Zvërnec Island, a peaceful site nestled on a small island, accessible only by a wooden pontoon. Take advantage of this unique setting for an immersive experience between history and nature.
Continue your journey to your unique accommodation, located north of Tirana, where you can relax in a peaceful environment.
🛑 Optional activities:
Kayak rental to explore the surroundings from the water.
Visit to a farm and hiking for an authentic immersion.
🔹 Night in unique accommodation near Tirana.
Price per person
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 entrances to monuments
Included
- The transfer from Tirana airport to Tirana on day 1
- Car rental from Tirana on day 2 until Tirana airport on day 8
- Nights at local homes and in 3* and 4* hotels in double/twin rooms with breakfasts
- Phone assistance throughout the duration of the tour
- The travel journal with essential travel information
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 — Historic Centre
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
