Name: Highlights of Albania
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.4 (64 reviews)

Highlights of Albania Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Albania
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
10 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: AVL
Carbon Footprint: 22kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover the Land of Eagles before everyone else does

Albania has a history to rival its better-known (and busier) neighbours and an equally impressive wild landscape. Past civilisations have left their mark here, mainly the Romans and Byzantines, which we see throughout the tour, including at the ancient Greek colony of Butrint and the 13^th-century Berat Castle, both UNESCO listed. We also discover modern Albania, visiting the cities of Tirana, Korçë, Durrës and foodie-favourite Përmet. Expect a warm welcome wherever we go.

At a Glance

Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 8 Classic nights (hotels)
Group normally 6 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by air-conditioned private bus
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

Visit Unesco World Heritage sites: Pogradec, Butrint, Berat and Gjirokaster
Journey through the beautiful Albanian Riviera
Discover historic monuments, including Durres Amphitheatre and Korce Museum of Medieval Arts
Explore Llogora National Park

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate).For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Travelling: There will be some long drives (maximum: five hours). The road surfaces in Albania have improved drastically in the last decade; however, many stretches (especially in the south) are winding and have poor signage, making for slower travelling times. Prepare for some bumpy journeys where roads have not been resurfaced.

Tourism: Albania is an emerging tourist destination, one of the many reasons to visit now. However, that does mean service can be a little slow, while transactions are still mainly done in cash.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 6

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Tirana
End City: Kruje

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

The tour starts at our hotel in Tirana, the capital of Albania. There will be a welcome briefing at 4.30pm, followed by an orientation tour of the renovated New Bazaar, very close to our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Europa (or similar)

After an early breakfast, we take a walking tour of Tirana, which was made the capital of Albania in 1920, visiting the remains of an old castle; the modern Pyramid of Tirana, which was opened as a museum and served as a NATO base during the Kosovo War; and the Prime Minister’s Office. We will also visit Bunk Art 2 or 1 (depending on seasonality), which is an Albanian history museum inside a preserved, Communist-era nuclear pit bunker.

Afterwards we reach the Blloku neighbourhood, where villas were once occupied by members of the Politburo, a former leading group of the Albanian Labour party. It is now the nightlife hub of Tirana, home to trendy bars, cafes and clubs.

We then drive to Pogradec (approximately 2hr 30min), making a short stop at the 15^th-century fortress of Elbasan. Pogradec is one of the most charming resort cities in Albania, next to beautiful Lake Ohrid and surrounded by mountains. On the way we will stop in Lin to walk through the village and have a coffee in one of their bars.

Accommodation: Hotel Pogradeci (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we drive for about an hour to Voskopojë Village (formerly known as Moscopole), an important and well-known centre for the arts, where many talented Albanian icon painters worked. The village has suffered over the years, with many treasures stolen during the second half of the 18th century and this continued during the world wars. We take a 40-minute walk to visit one of the oldest churches representing Voskopoja religious art.

Another drive (approximately 30 minutes) takes us to Korçë, the largest city in southeast Albania, which sits at the foot of Moravia Mountain, 2,625ft (800m) above sea level. This city became an important trading and handicraft centre in the 18th century and has also been referred to as the City of Museums. Make sure to try the renowned local beer.

*Please note during March, April, October and November, the visits to the Medieval Arts Museum in Korcë and the visit to Voskopoja will be done in reverse order due to opening times of the museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Christi Borova/Hotel Kocibelli (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Our drive through the mountains today is truly spectacular, with sweeping views across the Gramos and Nemercka mountains. Along the winding route, we enjoy a short stop in Ersekë, which at 3,445ft (1,050m) is the highest town in Albania. This 17th-century town is surrounded by the beautiful green pastures of the Gramos Mountains. Continuing to beautiful Përmet, we make a stop at the hot springs, where we have time to relax and swim. After quite a long day (approximately five hours’ drive in total), we arrive in Përmet, in the heart of the white mountains on the Vjosë River. This evening you’re in for a treat: Përmet is celebrated for its food and wine, including gliko sweets and raki.

Accommodation: Hotel Alvero (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We drive (approximately two hours) to the beautiful town of Gjirokastër, pausing at the traditional village of Dhoksat for a homecooked lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided visit around mountainside Gjirokastër, where cobbled streets wind between old houses with interesting architectural features including medieval towers. The castle is the standout landmark here, with panoramic views of the landscape. We also visit Skenduli House, a centuries-old building and magnificent example of the local architectural style.

Please note: Lunch with the local family can sometimes be changed to dinner dependent on their availability.

Accommodation: Argjiro Hotel/Hotel Bineri (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, we travel to Unesco-listed Butrint National Park, an area that rose to fame in the fourth century BCE when it became home to a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine. The sanctuary was located on the south slope of the acropolis (hill) and was visited by worshippers to be healed. The city developed during the Roman period, but fell into decline after an earthquake and was abandoned towards the end of the Middle Ages. After our visit, we drive to Llogora National Park stopping along the coast on the way.

Accommodation: Llogora Tourist Village Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we take a walk in Llogora National Park, possibly reaching Caesar’s Field. Yes, Julius Caesar crossed into today’s Albania in his battle against Pompey, which was won in this territory.

Next, we stop at the wonderful ruins of Apollonia (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours’ drive). Originally occupied by Illyrian tribes and then colonists from Corfu and Corinth around 600 BCE, Apollonia flourished in the Roman period and was home to a renowned school of philosophy (emperor Augustus studied here) but began to decline in the third century CE when its harbour started silting up as a result of an earthquake. After Apollonia, we transfer for just over an hour further inland to the Unesco-listed town of Berat, where we spend the night.

Accommodation: Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to Berat, the gem of Albania. This morning, we enjoy a guided tour around the old district, with pretty white buildings perched on the hill amid pine forests. We walk through the narrow cobbled streets and reach Berat Castle on the slopes of Mount Tomorr, where we are rewarded with breath-taking views (and we find out why Berat is known to Albanians as the City of a Thousand Windows). Within the castle walls are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum (Museum of Iconography), which we have time to visit. On the way back to the hotel, we also visit the House of Cac Dollani. The rest of the day is free to explore the town.

Accommodation: Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

From Berat, we drive to the port of Durrës (approximately two hours), the second-largest city in Albania and home to the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. The amphitheatre dates to the second century CE, seats 15,000 people and contains an early Christian crypt with rare wall mosaics. The city was colonised by people from Corinth and Korkyra in 627 BCE and was named Epidamnus, but later became Dyrrachium.

We then drive to the medieval citadel of Krujë (approximately 45 minutes), where the national hero, Skanderbeg, led the resistance against the Ottomans. He kept them from crossing into western Europe for 25 years, earning the title Champion of Christ.

We check in at the hotel and in the afternoon visit the Skanderbeg Museum, from which you can enjoy inspirational views to the Adriatic Coast.

Accommodation: Hotel Panorama (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we have time to wander through the medieval bazaar of Krujë, which is stocked full of souvenirs and handicrafts.

After, we begin our return journey home (check the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information about catching your return flight).

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels

We stay in three-star hotels or pensions with good services and amenities. We are always within walking distance of local attractions and a variety of restaurants. The accommodation ranges from modern properties to older properties bursting with character.

Please note: In the older properties, the rooms vary in size, part of the charm of the buildings. Rooms are distributed at random.

Single supplement from £ 220

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and one lunch are included.

Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from Turkey, Greece and Italy. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced.

Under dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania was isolated from the world and therefore became a self-sustaining country. The fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate means it is still very much a subsistence culture and shows very little sign of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to be very locally sourced. Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey and coffee. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb, with fish dishes such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in meze form, complimented with a variety of vegetables and salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. In the coastal cities, there are several restaurants with an array of Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood available.

We recommend you always drink bottled water. The most environmentally friendly method is to share the larger reusable glass bottles served in most restaurants.

Transport

We use a private bus for this trip, the size of which will depend on the group size, with a local driver.

Weather & Seasonality

Albania generally experiences a Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures at 25C-30C (77F-86F) on average in the day. The warmest months are July and August, when temperatures can rise to 35C (95F) or above.

It’s cooler further inland towards Pogradec and Korçë during these months, especially in the evenings, with high temperatures around 25C (77F).

There is always a small chance of rain in the mountains; however, we do not to travel in the coldest, wettest months, November to January. Berat also experiences a Mediterranean climate but thanks to its location in the shadow of Mount Tomorr, summers are much warmer than expected for the Mediterranean.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Europa, Rruga Myslym Shyri, Tiranë
Phone: +355 67 204 6808
Recommended arrival time: There’s a welcome briefing at 4.30pm, followed by the orientation tour
Airport: Tirana Airport (TIA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Tirana
Location end: Kruje

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Water bottle
Day sack
Sturdy shoes – the terrain can be quite rough or slippery in some areas
Swimming costume and towel
Sandals/flip-flops

Optional Equipment

Shoes for swimming at pebbly beaches

Practical Information

Visa

Albania

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Albania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

The following establishments provide visa advice for citizens of the named country,

Australia: Smartraveller
Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories, Government of Canada
United Kingdom:  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
USA:  Bureau of Consular Affairs

Vaccinations and Health

Albania

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

You will, however, require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Local Time

Albania's time zone: Europe/Tirane (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Albania's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Albania's currency: Albanian lek (ALL)

ATM Availability

Albania has a good network of cash machines, which can be used to retrieve lek. However, currency exchange shops provide a better exchange rate than ATMs – we take the group to an exchange shop on Day 1 or 2.

Many shops and restaurants in the main cities also accept euros, which are exchanged by the businesses on the spot at a disadvantaged rate (change is given in local currency). Visa, Mastercard and credit cards are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Allow about 25,000-30,000 lek (€250-€300) for lunches, evening meals and drinks. You will notice that prices in the mountains and along the coast are very different. In the mountains, prices are generally much cheaper.

In the mountains, expect to pay approximately:

800-1,000 lek (€7.95-€10) for a meal
200-250 lek (€2-€2.50) for a local beer or glass of local wine
65 lek (€0.65) for a large bottle of water in the markets and 120-150 lek (€1.20-€1.50) in restaurants

In the coastal cities, expect to pay approximately:

1,500-2,000 lek (€14.90-€19.90) for a meal
300-500 lek (€3-€4) for a beer
2,500-3,000 lek (€24.85-€29.80) for a bottle of wine
130 lek (US$1.20) for a large bottle of water in the markets and 200-250 lek (€2-€2.50) in restaurants

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work; however, most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This is not compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guideline we would suggest a total of approximately 5,000 lek (about €50) per person in total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows:

3,000 lek for the leader
2,000 lek for the driver

Your leader will advise about tipping in restaurants. Usually, the bill is rounded up to include a tip.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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