Culture & Coasts of Southern Balkans

10 Days / 9 Nights

Tirana, Gjirokastra, Corfu, Athens

from$2,875 per person

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

This 10-day itinerary offers you the rare opportunity to understand the essence of the Southern Balkans, and more specifically, Albania and Greece. Start your journey in Albania, one of Europe's last hidden gems, where the vibrant capital of Tirana, with its bustling bars and restaurants, comes in fascinating contrast with the historic narrow alleys of Gjirokastra and the country's spectacular beaches, such as Ksamil. From there, continue your trip to Greece, with a ferry ride to Corfu, an elegant island known for its gorgeous Old Town, dominated by a splendid Venetian fortress. While in Corfu, don't miss out on exploring the island's unique cuisine that has been influenced by both Greek and Venetian cooking. You can also enjoy a boat tour on the emerald waters of Paleokastritsa or discover the prettiest villages that dot the island's mountains. End your trip in Athens, a city steeped in history, adorned by sun-drenched ruins, and blessed with mouthwatering cuisine and an unparalleled nightlife.
One of our team members will be available to answer any questions and arrange local services leading up to and during your trip. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these two countries offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data you can use throughout your trip to reach your local JayWay contact, whom you will meet in person. In all our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with a local ambiance.

2 Nights in Tirana

2 Nights in Tirana

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Tirana

Welcome to Albania! You will be met at Tirana's Mother Teresa Airport by our driver and taken directly to your accommodations in the city center. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

Tirana by Night

Suggestion to explore on your own

Tirana is a lovely city, night and day, as it's filled with countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can spend time in Grand Park or experience the busy bars and restaurants of the Blloku area, inside Tirana Castle, or behind the Pyramid situated on the main Boulevard. The Sky Tower offers a panoramic view of Tirana, especially at night when the city is illuminated. The revolving bar and restaurant on the top floor provide a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy drinks while taking in the city lights. The city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at reasonable rates.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Tirana

Agri-Bunkers and Cape of Rodon Beach Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This one-of-a-kind tour is designed for those who want to learn the history of Albania's nearly unique isolation from the rest of the world, while also delving into its lifestyle and food traditions. Steeped in authentic Albanian culture, with bunkers as a starting point followed by natural landscapes, you can expect to learn about the local people, history, and geography on the way. You'll visit bunkers that now host goats and are used for producing wine and raki, surrounding by scenic views. After lunch, you'll head to to Kepi i Rodonit, the Cape of Rodon, where you'll have time to enjoy and swim at a warm, natural beach. Here, you'll also be able to visit the ancient church of St. Anthony and hike to a castle belonging to Albania's greatest hero, Skanderbeg.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 8-9 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer

Today you're off to the mountains town of Gjirokastra. Your driver will meet you at the accommodations and take you for a scenic ride. On the way, you'll make a stop in the historic town of Berat, where you'll enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, you'll enjoy some free time before continuing your journal. The total duration of this drive, with the stop, will be eight hours.

Gjirokastra by Private Transfer With a Stop in Berat

We also offer the following excursions in Tirana

Agri-Bunker Private Tour

Light5-7 hours

Berat Private Tour

Moderate6-7 hours

Berat and Apollonia Private Tour

Light8 hours

Kruja Private Day Trip

Light4 to 5 hours

2 Nights in Gjirokastra

2 Nights in Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Gjirokastra

After the journey, your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the historic heart of Gjirokastra.

Sunset, Views, and Bazaar

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are looking for a great viewpoint for sunset and one of the best photo spots in the city, Gjirokaster Obelisk is a great place to be. Do not miss an opportunity to pay a visit to the almost centrally located Gjirokaster Obelisk around sunset so you can enjoy amazing panoramic (almost 360 degrees) views of the city. After sunset, walk around the alleys of the Old Bazaar, which gets especially lively at night. Once you are ready for your well-deserved dinner, you'll easily find quite a few great places to dine in that area.

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour with a Woodshop Visit

Included in your vacation package price.

At first glance, Gjirokastra is a small, harmonious town known unique vernacular architecture that helped bring about the place's UNESCO listing. Once you've spent a night there, though, you'll realize there's much more behind the scenes, thanks to the city's turbulent and rich history. With this extended, five hour walking tour, you will enjoy some of the best views of Gjirokastra, learn about local lifestyles, and will visit one of the area's best woodcarvers. We are sure the whole experience will not only be informative, but enjoyable as well!

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 5 hours

Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint Private Tour

Southern Highlights

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

One of our favorite day trips from Gjirokastra is a visit to the vibrant seaside town of Ksamil, combined with a stop in the UNESCO-listed ancient Greek and Roman settlement of Butrint. Ksamil has some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, so it’s an ideal place for a leisurely lunch and a quick dip. Parts of Butrint date back to the 7th century BC. There, you can visit the theater complex, Roman baths, a portico, and a temple devoted to Asclepius, the god of healing. If you opt for this day trip, you’ll enjoy a magnificent day of ancient history and modern leisure.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 7 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Corfu by Private Transfer

Your journey begins with a private transfer from your accommodation in Gjirokastra to the Albanian coastal town of Saranda (approximately 1.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through southern Albania’s beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival in Saranda, you will board a ferry for a 1-hour ride to the stunning Greek island of Corfu. Ferry tickets are included, ensuring a smooth and seamless crossing over the Ionian Sea. Your local English-speaking driver will assist you throughout the transfer to your accommodation on Corfu Island. Please note this is a non-guided service.

Corfu Private Transfer (via Sarande by ferry)

We also offer the following excursions in Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Light4 hours

3 Nights in Corfu

3 Nights in Corfu

The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Corfu

Upon arrival at Corfu's Port, your driver will meet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

For Your Eyes Only

Suggestion to explore on your own

After you arrive in Corfu, we recommend heading to one of the main town's must-sees: Palaio Frourio, a 15th-century Venetian fortress. Separated from the town by a moat, the fortress boasts two small peaks, or korypha, that are the source of Corfu's name. While the fort tends to draw visitors for its history, some come for its breathtaking views or because it was one of the locations in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only."

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Corfu

Paleokastritsa Private Boat Trip

Included in your vacation package price.

Escape the crowds and embark on a unique private boat trip in Paleokastritsa, the most exhilarating highlight of your holiday. A high-speed motor boat, navigated by an expert skipper intimately acquainted with Corfu's west coast, offers an exclusive exploration of secluded beaches, mesmerizing caves, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Palaiokastritsa. With crystal-clear blue waters and stunning landscapes, let this trip redefine your Corfu experience.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Unusual Flavor Combinations

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Corfu's cosmopolitan past is reflected in its cuisine, which blends Greek and Venetian flavors. One popular local dish is pastitsada, a traditional veal casserole. We would recommend that you seek out sofrito, another veal-based dish made with vinegar, parsley, and garlic, as well as bourdeto, a spicy fish stew. For something more unique, try some of the island's exclusive spoon sweets and kumquat liqueur! Another unique taste is traditional "loukoumades", which are little bite-sized fluffy sweet honey balls (the Greek version of donuts).

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 3 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Corfu

Mingle with Locals in Picturesque Villages

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Corfu is stuffed with humble hamlets, so don't spend all your time on the beach! If you're interested in history or just want to immerse yourself in the island's traditional culture, head to Old Perithia. As the name implies, this is Corfu's oldest village, although most of its traditional homes have been abandoned. Located at the base of Mt. Pantokrator, this village is located in a secure location, with views of the sea, but invisible from the coast. Corfu's second largest town, picturesque Lefkimmi, boasts astonishing architecture, with tall Venetian-style houses, quiet squares, hidden churches, and a canal linking the town to the sea.

Mingle with Locals in Picturesque Villages

A Day on the Beach

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Bordered by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Corfu boasts beautiful beaches along its coastline. A favorite local spot is Paleokastritsa, a fantastic spot for swimming or sailing. Just steps away are several restaurants serving drinks and many of Corfu’s culinary specialties. Set at the mouth of a beautiful valley, the horseshoe bay of Agios Georgios Pagon features a 2km (1.24 mile) stretch of beach that rarely gets crowded. Families tend to hang out at Afionas Beach, where the water is warmer and the sand finer. On the northwestern tip of the island lies Loggas Beach, a perfect location for enjoying the sunset. Fringed by stunning reddish cliffs, the beach is only accessible by sea or steep stairs. One of the most popular beaches on the island, Glyfada Beach, is located next to the protected Korission Lagoon on Corfu’s western coast.

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Athens by Airplane

Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Corfu's airport, with plenty of time to catch your flight to Athens.

Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

We also offer the following excursions in Corfu

Best of Corfu Half-Day Private Driving Tour

Easy4 hours 30 minutes

Cape Drastis and Loggas Cliffs Private Hiking Tour

Moderate4 hours

Corfu Old Town and Olive Oil Tasting Half-Day Private Tour

Easy4 hours 30 minutes

Corfu in a Day Private Tour

Light7 hours

2 Nights in Athens

2 Nights in Athens

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Love at First Sight

Suggestion to explore on your own

Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Athens

Athens Highlights Mythology Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Savor the essence of Greek cuisine with key ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and feta, crafting the distinctive flavors that define this culinary tradition. Infused with fresh vegetables, honey, fish, lamb, and cheese, the vibrant tapestry of Greek flavors comes to life. Indulge in iconic dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki, gyros, dolmathakia, spanakopita, loukoumades, authentic Greek yogurt, and amygdalota at local cafes and restaurants. Elevate your culinary experience by exploring our carefully curated food tours, each offering a delectable journey into the heart of Greece's gastronomic delights.

Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Seeking an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow an expert food guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? A wine tasting focused on indigenous local varieties (plus ouzo!)

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Delicious Athens Food Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

The Great Eats and Streets Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Athens came together through a mixture of cultures across the centuries, and there’s still a lot of that history around, in the food as well as in the city's neighborhoods. This tour explores the city's complex heritage, and its effects on contemporary Greek culture and cuisine.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 5 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Athens' airport, which is generally a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.

We also offer the following excursions in Athens

Acropolis & Parthenon E-Bike Group Tour

Moderate4 hours 30 minutes

Acropolis for Families Private Tour

Moderate2 hours

Ancient Corinth Tour & Nemea Wine-Tasting Private Tour

Moderate9 hours

Athens E-Bike Group Tour

Moderate2 hours 30 minutes

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Tirana

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Tirana Airport Transfer

Agri-Bunkers and Cape of Rodon Beach Private Tour

Tirana - Gjirokastra Private Transfer with Walking Tour in Berat

Gjirokastra

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour with a Woodshop Visit

Gjirokastra - Corfu Private Transfer (Gjirokastra - Seranda Private Transfer + ferry tickets from Seranda to Corfu)

Corfu

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Corfu Port Transfer

Paleokastritsa Private Boat Trip

Corfu Airport Transfer

Corfu - Athens Flight

Athens

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Athens Airport Transfer

Athens Highlights Mythology Group Tour

Athens Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Holly & Lynn

California

I love this way of traveling, the traveling logistics, guides, activities, and hotels are all taken care of for you. The decisions have been very sound and the activities and cities chosen have all been great. Very well thought out travel experience!

Year : 2024
Visited : Croatia, North Macedonia, Albania
Itinerary : Split, Skopje, Ohrid, Gjirokastra, Tirana
Rating :

4.75 / 5

Natalie & Scott

We found the natural landscapes of Albania breathtakingly beautiful and the history, both ancient and modern, fascinating. The food was amazing and we loved our guide. Albania was a surprise package for us, we didn’t know what to expect and we absolutely loved it.

Year : 2024
Visited : Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Italy
Itinerary : Athens, Delphi, Parga, Corfu, Ioannina, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Ohrid, Gjirokastra, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb, Rovinj, Ljubljana, Trieste, Venice
Rating :

5 / 5

Mark & Monica

California

We went to Albania in July 2024 for the history and scenery - and it was fantastic - but we were particularly surprised and impressed by the friendliness and warm hospitality of everyone we encountered. JayWay did a terrific job organizing our trip and we saw many wonderful places in every corner of Albania (with a lovely side trip to Lake Ohrid in Macedonia as well)

Year : 2024
Visited : Albania, North Macedonia
Itinerary : Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Tirana
Rating :

4.5 / 5

Get an Instant Price Estimate

Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.

Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.

Per Person Package Price from^*

Sending ...

Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.

Ooops!?

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.