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Summer in Albania

10 Days / 9 Nights

Tirana, Vlore, Dhermi, Gjirokastra, Tirana

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Enjoy quiet beaches, memorable scenery, and plenty of history and good food as you follow the Albanian coast over 10 days/9 nights. You'll start in Tirana, the eccentric capital, with its unusual history and rugged surroundings. You'll head to the coast for a stay at Vlore, with its surrounding national park, caves, monasteries, and beaches. You'll head further off the beaten path to quiet Dhermi, home to pristine beaches, countless small churches, and sweeping views. Then it's time to head into the mountains to the UNESCO-protected town of Gjirokastra, with its distinctive white buildings and opportunities for day trips to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally, you'll return to Tirana for one last night before flying home, although this tour can naturally be extended to include neighbors. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. You'll enjoy door-to-door private transfers to get you from place to place, for maximum comfort. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique and luxury hotels as well as charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Tirana, Vlore, Dhermi, Gjirokastra, Tirana tour

2 Nights in Tirana

2 Nights in Tirana

3 days in Tirana
3 days 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.

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.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

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 city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at good rates.

Tirana by Night

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Tirana

Tirana Like a Local - Full Day Private Tour

Tirana Like a Local - Full Day Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Tirana's past on this tour. You'll visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Skanderbeg Square, the New Bazaar, Martyrs' of the Nation Boulevard, Enver Hoxha's Pyramid and various government buildings. You'll also visit the Art Gallery and Socialism Museum, along with the former Communist Party elite’s residential area, Blokku, now a buzzing district packed with modern bars and restaurants This tour includes a visit to a unique collection of Albanian memorabilia, and visiting Bunk'Art, a bunker built to survive nuclear war, converted into an art and history exhibition. On this tour you will have the chance to visit the Dajti Mountain with a cable car, while enjoying amazing landscape sightseeings and delicious local cuisine. Finally you'll enjoy a coffee in the rotating Sky Tower and admire fantastic views of Tirana.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 7-8 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Vlore by Private Transfer

Today you will be traveling to the beautiful Albanian Riviera. We will arrange for a private driver to pick you up at your accommodations at your preferred departure time. The drive to Vlore takes about 2.5 hours, but we have added a stop en route at Berat. This town is UNESCO-protected thanks to its unique style of architecture, with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries. In Berat, you'll enjoy a tour with a local licensed guide.

Vlore by Private Transfer with a Tour in Berat

2 Nights in Vlore

2 Nights in Vlore

3 days in Vlore
3 days in Vlore

2 Nights in Vlore

Vlore has a history as extensive as the beaches and sea caves that line the nearby coast. Founded by the Greeks, and expanded by the Romans and Byzantines, the concrete-heavy center of this city is unremarkable, but the surrounding national park, sea caves, monasteries, beaches, and birding opportunities are anything but.

Vlore has a history as extensive as the beaches and sea caves that line the nearby coast. Founded by the Greeks, and expanded by the Romans and Byzantines, the concrete-heavy center of this city is unremarkable, but the surrounding national park, sea caves, monasteries, beaches, and birding opportunities are anything but.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Vlore

Upon arrival in Vlore, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Vlore

Sazan Private Boat Tour

Sazan Private Boat Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the island of Sazan. The adventure begins by boarding a boat in Rradhima, a village just south of Vlora. Upon reaching the island of Sazan, you'll head inland to visit its ghost town. Once home to a sizable garrison, this strategic island hosted quarters for officer's families, as well as a hospital, schools, cinema, and quite a few bunkers. After exploring the ruins, and the time spent snorkeling, you'll get to savor a delicious picnic lunch before heading back to the mainland.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 6-7 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Dhermi by Private Transfer

Today you'll continue to explore Albanian Riviera, with a scenic drive to one of the Adriatic's most beautiful spots, Dhermi. En route, you'll enjoy a stop in Tragjas for a nice local lunch. In total, this journey will take about 2.5 hours. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer with a local English speaking driver.

Dhermi by Private Transfer with  with a stop in Tragjas (including lunch and 1 drink)

3 Nights in Dhermi

3 Nights in Dhermi

4 days in Dhermi
4 days in Dhermi

3 Nights in Dhermi

Located at one end of the stunning Llogara Pass, Dhermi has been blessed with long, beautiful beaches, clear water, and rugged scenery, including a ridge that runs alongside the sea. Despite its small size, Dhermi has coffee shops, bars, and plenty of water activities, plus two monasteries (and the ruins of a third) perched above the village. This village somehow features another 35 churches, one for every 20 inhabitants! Many homes in the older part of town have been built into the side of a mountain. Amidst small beaches with only a smattering of tourists, this area has plenty of terrain for hiking, and the dramatic Pirate's Cave, accessible from the sea. This village's budding new nightlife scene has begun to draw locals.

Located at one end of the stunning Llogara Pass, Dhermi has been blessed with long, beautiful beaches, clear water, and rugged scenery, including a ridge that runs alongside the sea. Despite its small size, Dhermi has coffee shops, bars, and plenty of water activities, plus two monasteries (and the ruins of a third) perched above the village. This village somehow features another 35 churches, one for every 20 inhabitants! Many homes in the older part of town have been built into the side of a mountain. Amidst small beaches with only a smattering of tourists, this area has plenty of terrain for hiking, and the dramatic Pirate's Cave, accessible from the sea. This village's budding new nightlife scene has begun to draw locals.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Dhermi

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the seaside town of Dhermi.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Dhermi

Chill out on the Adriatic

Suggestion to explore on your own

Exactly on the border of Adriatic and Ionian Sea, Dhermi is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed day of sea and sun. Dhermi has no bad beaches, only great and better! Take your time sunbathing and swimming on these quiet, pebbled shores, and enjoy refreshments and some of the best seafood in the area in one of its local taverns.

Chill out on the Adriatic

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Dhermi

Free Day

Explore on your own or choose from our many excursions and suggestions presented in your online trip proposal.

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer

Today your driver will take you on a scenic ride down the Albanian Riviera and up into the mountains inland. Before you reach Gjirokastra, you'll make a stop at Butrint, a fascinating ancient archeological site and nature reserve. After a bit over two hours of exploration, you'll continue on to Gjirokastra. Including the stop, this drive's duration is about 5.5 hours.

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

Gjirokastra By Private Transfer with a Stop in Butrint

1 Night in Gjirokastra

1 Night in Gjirokastra

2 days in Gjirokastra
2 days in Gjirokastra

1 Night 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.

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 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Gjirokastra

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

Delve into Gjirokastra's Past

Suggestion to explore on your own

There are several excellent museums in Gjirokastra, but the two we like best are the ethnographic museum and the Zekate House, otherwise known as the Ottoman Tower House. You’ll find the ethnographic museum in the Palorto Quarter, one of the most picturesque parts of Gjirokastra’s Old Town. This is the former home of the communist dictator of Albania, Enver Hoxha.

The Zekate House is the best surviving example of the classic Albanian Ottoman tower house. Constructed in 1811, it features twin towers and a large double-arched facade. Each of the rooms is stunningly decorated, and the view of the town and the river below is incredible.

Delve into Gjirokastra's Past

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Tirana by Private Car

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

You'll get to know the best of Gjirokastra, also known as "Museum City," on this informative and fun four-hour tour. From the architecture of Old Town to the amazing views from the castle, you'll get to know the layout of the streets while hearing all about the city's unique history from your expert guide.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Today you'll be wowed by the impressive vistas along the Albania Riviera from Gjirokastra to Tirana, and you'll make a few stops along the way. It’s quite a journey, with breathtaking views and mountainous areas winding through national parks. The scenic drive offers potential stops in Vlore, Dhermi, Palermo Castle, Muzine Pass and Buret Mountain, or make a foodie day of it and stop for a seafood lunch close to Vlore. You can also enjoy some delicious organic goat milk yogurt with honey, walnuts and fabulous views in the Llogara National Park. Duration of the drive is about 6 hours.

Tirana by Private Car with a Drive along the Coast

1 Night in Tirana

1 Night in Tirana

2 days in Tirana
2 days in Tirana

1 Night 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.

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 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Tirana

Once in Tirana, your private driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

We will arrange for a transfer to Tirana's Mother Teresa airport. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in central Tirana and get you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 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
Tirana Like a Local - Full Day Private Tour
Tirana - Vlora Private Transfer with a Berat Walking Tour

Vlore

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Sazan Private Boat Tour
Vlore - Dhermi Private Transfer with a stop in Tragjas (including lunch and 1 drink)

Dhermi

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Dhermi - Gjirokastra Private Transfer with Stop in Butrint

Gjirokastra

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour
Gjirokastra - Tirana Private Transfer with a Drive along the Coast

Tirana

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Tirana 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.
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