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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Albanie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Albanie, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée du séjour et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants de l'Union européenne peuvent également entrer en Albanie avec une carte nationale d'identité valide en lieu et place du passeport.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours sur le territoire albanais.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement ou une adresse de séjour sur place.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout visiteur séjournant en Albanie est en principe tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités de police locales dans les 30 jours suivant son arrivée. Dans la pratique, cet enregistrement est généralement effectué automatiquement par l'hôtel ou l'hébergement touristique. En cas de logement chez un particulier, il appartient à l'hébergeur ou au voyageur de procéder à cette démarche.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport ou carte d'identité valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Albanie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
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
Non, les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 90 jours en Albanie sans visa. Passeport valide au moins 3 mois après l'entrée requis (ou carte d'identité selon la règle en vigueur). Confirmez les conditions à jour auprès du consulat avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 100 et 170 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (200-450 euros A/R) sont en supplément. L'Albanie est l'une des destinations les plus abordables d'Europe.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
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
