Is this tour guaranteed to depart or are there other dates in september/ october that are guaranteed?

We have guaranteed departure dates on 19th or 29th Sept 25!

Can we join this tour? Also, have all hotels private en-suit bathrooms?

We've had other travelers in their 80s join our past tours, and they managed the experience just fine. However, we do want to mention that there are certain sections of the tour where you may encounter hilly and slippery terrain. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with these parts, you're more than welcome to rest and enjoy the view while waiting for the group to continue. All our hotels are excellent, with 3* and 4* ratings, offering comfortable standard rooms.

What activities are included in the itinerary?

The itinerary includes visits to UNESCO sites, local cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.

Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?

Yes, a single supplement fee applies for solo travelers wishing to have their own room.

What are the options for accommodation during the tour?

We offer various accommodations including 4-star hotels and 5-star resorts based on your preferences.

What is the maximum group size for the tour?

Our tours typically accommodate small groups, usually up to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

What is the main difference between the 2 Albania tours that you offer? What, of importance, is missed in the longer tour?

We are in our early 80's and can hike only modest trails up to 3 miles and 200 - 300 ft elevation. We are looking for a personalized service with your best hotels and to get a good feel for your country

What location is the hotel for the night before the itinerary starts? Is the hotel included? What is the cost? Also how much is the airport transport?

Airport transfer is 25 euro for private transfer for both of you. The group is staying at Hotel Destiny and Spa 4*. Extra night here is 80 euro / double BB. Up to now we have 13 participants. You can choose to stay in another hotel for the first night.

Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”

8 days

•

Start and end in Tirana

5.0

6 reviews

View all
The hotels exceeded expectations and ranged from good to excellent. The Albanian people were friendly and helpful.
Jill, traveled in October
5.0
View all

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Operator: Albania Explorer DMC
In-depth Cultural: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 2 - 20
Ages 18+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Tirana
Day 2
Tirana
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Skanderbeg Museum and Castle in Kruja
- Old Bazaar exploration in Kruja
- City tour of Tirana
Landmarks
Skanderbeg Museum and Castle
Kruja Old Bazaar
Day 3
Shkodra
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Lezha Castle with Adriatic Riviera views
- Explore ancient city walls in Lezha
- Visit Mausoleum of Skanderbeg in Lezha
- City tour of Shkodra including Old Bazaar and Centrum
- Visit Shkodra Cathedral
- Visit Shkodra Mosque
- Visit Rozafa Castle with mountain and lake views
Landmarks
Lezha Castle
Mausoleum of Skanderbeg
Shkodra Old Bazaar
Shkodra Cathedral
Shkodra Mosque
Rozafa Castle
Day 4
Berat
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Roman Amphitheater in Durres
- Explore ancient city castle walls in Durres
- Visit Byzantine bazaar/forum in Durres
- Visit Roman public baths in Durres
- Visit Berat Castle
- Visit Onufri Museum in Berat Castle
- Explore churches in Berat
- Visit Mosque of Berat
- Cross old Bridge of Gorica in Berat
Landmarks
Durres Roman Amphitheater
Durres Ancient Castle Wall
Berat Castle
Onufri Museum
Bridge of Gorica
Mosque of Berat
Day 5
Vlora
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ardenica Monastery
- Explore ruins of Apollonia
- Visit Vlora old town
- Visit Independence Square in Vlora
- Visit Albanian Independence Monument in Vlora
Landmarks
Ardenica Monastery
Apollonia Ruins
Vlora Independence Square
Day 6
Saranda - Butrint - Saranda
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Lunch break in Ksamil with beach option
- Visit Butrint Archaeological Site and UNESCO site
- Explore Butrint acropolis
- Explore Butrint basilica
- Explore Butrint palace and other buildings
Landmarks
Butrint
Ksamil Beach
Day 7
Gjirokaster - Tirana
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mesopotam Monastery
- Visit Blue Eye National Park
- City tour of Gjirokaster
- Visit Gjirokaster Castle
- Visit Castle Weapons Museum in Gjirokaster
- Explore Gjirokaster Bazaar
- Visit Mosque of Bazaar in Gjirokaster
- Explore UNESCO-listed stone city architecture
Landmarks
Mesopotam Monastery
Blue Eye National Park
Gjirokaster Castle
Mosque of Bazaar
Day 8
Tirana
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Skanderbeg Museum and Castle
Kruja Old Bazaar

Landmarks
Lezha Castle
Mausoleum of Skanderbeg
Shkodra Old Bazaar
Shkodra Cathedral
Shkodra Mosque
Rozafa Castle

Landmarks
Durres Roman Amphitheater
Durres Ancient Castle Wall
Berat Castle
Onufri Museum
Bridge of Gorica
Mosque of Berat

Landmarks
Ardenica Monastery
Apollonia Ruins
Vlora Independence Square

Landmarks
Butrint
Ksamil Beach

Landmarks
Mesopotam Monastery
Blue Eye National Park
Gjirokaster Castle
Mosque of Bazaar

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Adventure Type

Choose the type of organized adventure that suits your preferences.

Group Adventures
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
What to expect
- Group of 20 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
Starting at
US $0 / traveler
Check availability
Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Travel with your own group of min. 2 travelers
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
After requesting a quote, we will get back to you with a price based on your requirements.
Request quote

Operated by

Albania Explorer DMC

Rating: 4.9(17 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 94%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 6 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.3
Food
3.8
Tour Operator
4.9

M
Misty
August 31st, 2025
This was an excellent tour and great way to view the country. The driver and guide were incredible.
Traveled in August 2025
Deborah
May 28th, 2025
Great tour and great leader
Traveled in May 2025
Reply from: Albania Explorer DMC
Dear Deborah Fenton, Thank you for the review and we hope that you enjoyed your stay in Albania with us. We wish you all the best. Albania Explorer Team !
Show more
M
Michael
March 30th, 2025
Overall, an excellent tour. Guide was attentive and informative. Back office organisation was very good. Only minor...
Show more
Traveled in March 2025
F
Fayçal
September 25th, 2024
Automatically translated. View in Original Language Rate this translation
Automatic translation available in English. View in English
The trip was excellently organized, the tour guides well informed and very helpful. Not all the hotels met the...
The trip was excellently organized, the tour guides well informed and very helpful. Not all the hotels met the specified standards. Unfortunately.Show more
Traveled in September 2024
P
Paul
April 20th, 2024
I undertook this tour in April, out of season, but with wonderful hot sunny weather on most days. This meant that in...
I undertook this tour in April, out of season, but with wonderful hot sunny weather on most days. This meant that in many of the places we stayed, some of the restaurants were closed, but the advantage was that there no crowds. The tour was an excellent introduction to this fascinating country and its complicated history. Throughout the tour was very well organised and our guide Edmund was excellent - very knowledgeable and with a great personality and sense of humour. He provided the perfect balance of guided tours of the sites and free time. The tour covers quite a distance, but the coach was comfortable with plenty of space, and our driver was really excellent. The hotels used were clean and comfortable but overall the breakfasts were average. In a country where there is so much fresh fruit it was a pity not to see more of this prepared for the breakfast buffet. There was a good mixture of visits to sites of historical interest and those of natural beauty. Some, such as the amphitheatre in Durres were a little underwhelming, but others - Berat, Apollonia, Butrint and Gjirokaster were truly magnificent. I only regret that I didn't take the longer tour that included Lake Ohrid. In short, this was an excellent introduction to a country with a fascinating history, beautiful scenery and very friendly people. I look forward to returning in the future to explore more of the delights of Albania.Show more
Traveled in April 2024
Jill
October 28th, 2019
We covered so much ground and could never have seen so much or get such an insight to Albania trying to do it on our...
We covered so much ground and could never have seen so much or get such an insight to Albania trying to do it on our own or without such a diligent guide. Erjan was an excellent, safe driver and manoevred the route and roads expertly, he was also able to tailor the itinerary to our interests. The hotels exceeded expectations and ranged from good to excellent. The Albanian people were friendly and helpful. We loved our tour, without a doubt the cloudless skies throughout played a big part.Show more
Traveled in October 2019
Reply from: Albania Explorer DMC
Thank you so much for your good words for our company services. It was a great honor also for us to host you in Albania and share such wonderful moments together. We hope to host you, your family or friends in Albania again, or in any other trips in the Balkans and not only. Hugs!
Show more

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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R
Rachel
Asked on July 29th, 2025
Is this tour guaranteed to depart or are there other dates in september/ october that are guaranteed?
Tour Details
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written July 2025
  We have guaranteed departure dates on 19th or 29th Sept 25!
- R
  Rachel
  Traveler•Written July 2025
  I don't see September 29th as a booking option. Did you mean September 26th by chance?
- R
  Rachel
  Traveler•Written July 2025
  I would be interested in booking the September 29th option, but that doesnt appear on your website or on Tourradars.
S
Suzanne
Asked on February 8th, 2025
Can we join this tour? Also, have all hotels private en-suit bathrooms?
Accommodation
Age Range
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written February 2025
  We've had other travelers in their 80s join our past tours, and they managed the experience just fine. However, we do want to mention that there are certain sections of the tour where you may encounter hilly and slippery terrain. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with these parts, you're more than welcome to rest and enjoy the view while waiting for the group to continue. All our hotels are excellent, with 3* and 4* ratings, offering comfortable standard rooms.
- S
  Suzanne
  Traveler•Written February 2025
  Please confirm that all hotels have en-suit private bathroom
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written February 2025
  Yes all the hotels have private bathroom en-suit. The category of hotels we use are nice: Ebel boutique 4* in Tirane, Mozart Hotel 4* in Shkoder, Portik Hotel 4* Berat/Unesco, Semajo Hotel 3*Vlore, Havana 4* Sarande or similar.
- S
  Suzanne
  Traveler•Written February 2025
  Is there availability for 26 Sept? Please confirm that the hotels on this tour have en-suit bathrooms and twin beds.
L
Lisa
Asked on December 7th, 2024
What activities are included in the itinerary?
Tour Details
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written December 2024
  The itinerary includes visits to UNESCO sites, local cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
A
Adam
Asked on November 19th, 2024
What does the B stand for after the name of the hotel
Accommodation
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written November 2024
  It is for Breakfast included.
A
Anais
Asked on November 11th, 2024
Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?
Single supplement
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written November 2024
  Yes, a single supplement fee applies for solo travelers wishing to have their own room.
M
Michaela
Asked on October 17th, 2024
What are the options for accommodation during the tour?
Accommodation
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written October 2024
  We offer various accommodations including 4-star hotels and 5-star resorts based on your preferences.
S
Sebastián
Asked on October 9th, 2024
What is the maximum group size for the tour?
Group size
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written October 2024
  Our tours typically accommodate small groups, usually up to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.
L
Lynn
Asked on October 8th, 2024
What is the main difference between the 2 Albania tours that you offer? What, of importance, is missed in the longer tour?
Tour Details
- L
  Lynn
  Traveler•Written October 2024
  We are in our early 80's and can hike only modest trails up to 3 miles and 200 - 300 ft elevation. We are looking for a personalized service with your best hotels and to get a good feel for your country
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written October 2024
  We will work on the itinerary as requedted. Ad it is going to be a private tour, please specify how many days you want it to be, so we can prepare the program as requested by you.
K
Ken
Asked on August 14th, 2024
What location is the hotel for the night before the itinerary starts? Is the hotel included? What is the cost? Also how much is the airport transport?
Accommodation
Flights / Transfers
Price / Availability
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written August 2024
  Airport transfer is 25 euro for private transfer for both of you. The group is staying at Hotel Destiny and Spa 4*. Extra night here is 80 euro / double BB. Up to now we have 13 participants. You can choose to stay in another hotel for the first night.
- K
  Ken
  Traveler•Written August 2024
  Can you provide an estimate for the followint: - pre/post hotel - name of hotel -airport transfer pre and post -entry fees - tourists taxes -tipping protocol
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written August 2024
  The group that starts the tour on 4th October will be staying at the Hotel Albanopolis 4* during the stay in Tirana. Extra night there is 80 euro for a double room with breakfast included. The airport transfers cost 25 euro for one way. Entry Fees price is 86 euro per person as indicated here in the system.
P
Paula
Asked on August 6th, 2024
Is this date guaranteed to run?
Tour Details
- Albania Explorer DMCOperator•Written August 2024
  Yes, it is.

No departure dates available

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 173946

Currency
L
Lek
Albania
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.
Type C
Albania
Type E
Albania
Type F
Albania
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 6 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before July 6th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 6th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Albania Explorer DMC. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Albania Explorer DMC will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Albania Explorer DMC" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Albania Explorer DMC. Please familiarize yourself with the Albania Explorer DMC payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”

No departure dates available

Itinerary

Tirana

Tirana

Included Activities

Shkodra

Included Activities

Berat

Included Activities

Vlora

Included Activities

Saranda - Butrint - Saranda

Included Activities

Gjirokaster - Tirana

Included Activities

Tirana

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Adventure Type

Traveler Moments

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What our customers ask about this tour

No departure dates available

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Albania

Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”

No departure dates available

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Adventure Type

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

What our customers ask about this tour

No departure dates available

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Albania

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