Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana
You'll arrive in Tirana and check into your hotel. At 6pm, you'll meet your tour leader for a welcome meeting, then the rest of the evening is yours to do as you please. If you get in early, the city's walkable and worth exploring on foot. Head to the Blloku District near Grand Park, check out what remains of the Church of St. Procopius, or wander through Pazari i Ri open-air market where you can find local snacks and goods.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Austria), Hotel (Hotel Albanopolis (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Blloku District near Grand Park
- Visit Church of St. Procopius remains
- Browse Pazari i Ri open-air market
- Dinner in Tirana (optional)
Landmarks Blloku District Grand Park Church of St. Procopius Pazari i Ri 
- Day 2
Tirana to Gjirokaster
After breakfast, you'll drive south to Gjirokaster, which takes about 3.5 hours through rural landscapes and small villages. There's a lunch stop at the River Vjosa where swimming is optional if conditions are right. You'll reach Gjirokaster in the afternoon and settle in. Before dinner, head up to the castle at 336 metres elevation to see views across the hills, river valley, and city. Explore the Old Bazaar area afterward and eat at a local restaurant serving traditional Albanian food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch stop at River Vjosa)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Rose Garden), Hotel (Hotel Rose Garden (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Gjirokaster castle
- Explore Old Bazaar area
Optional Activities
- Wild swim in River Vjosa
Landmarks Gjirokaster Castle River Vjosa Old Bazaar, Gjirokaster - Day 3
Vjosa River - Kelcyra Gorge
You're heading to the Vjosa River to raft its wild sections between the north face of Nemercka Mountain. After putting on lifejackets and helmets, you'll paddle down graded 2-3 rapids that work for both new and experienced rafters. Lunch comes at a small guesthouse afterward, then you'll hike along the River Benja banks through Kelcyra Gorge to see limestone cliffs. There's an optional soak in natural thermal pools near the Ottoman bridge of Katiu to finish the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Albanian fare at roadside guesthouse)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Rose Garden), Hotel (Hotel Rose Garden (or similar))
Included Activities
- Vjosa River rafting
- Hike in Kelcyra Gorge
Optional Activities
- Swim in natural thermal pools at Katiu bridge
Landmarks Vjosa River Nemerçka Mountain Kelcyra Gorge River Benja Katiu Ottoman Bridge 
- Day 4
Gjirokaster to Himara Bay
After breakfast, you'll drive south along scenic mountain roads heading toward the coast. The route takes you to the Ali Pasha fortress, which sits on a fortified island in Porto Palermo Bay. Spend time walking through the fortress rooms and tunnels, then grab lunch and go for a swim at a nearby beach. From there, you'll continue on to Himara Bay and check into your hotel. Later, you can either relax by the pool or wander around town to get a feel for the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch stop combined with swimming at beaches near Porto Palermo)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Chimaera (or similar))
Included Activities
- Scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera coastal road
- Visit Ali Pasha fortress and explore its rooms and tunnels
- Swimming at Porto Palermo Bay area beaches
Landmarks Ali Pasha Fortress Porto Palermo Bay Albanian Riviera 
- Day 5
Himara Bay
This is your free day, so the schedule is entirely up to you. Spend time at your hotel's swimming pool if you want to relax, or head into Himara town and explore the bay and nearby beaches at your own pace. If you're interested in history, your tour leader can take you to the Himara Castle ruins, which overlook Livhadi Bay. You'll have the option to hike back down to the hotel afterward if you choose to visit, or skip it and do your own thing.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Chimaera (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit Himara Castle ruins and explore Orthodox churches within the castle walls
- Hike from Himara Castle back to hotel (9 kilometres/5.6 miles, approximately 2.5 hours)
Landmarks Himara Castle Livhadi Bay - Day 6
Himara Bay to Vlora
You'll drive to Vlora and then board a rib boat for an adventure across turquoise waters toward the Karaburun Peninsula. The highlight is exploring Haxhi Ali Cave, a massive cave that once served as a hideout for a 17th-century pirate. After the cave, you'll have lunch and time for swimming at a beach. If conditions allow, the boat trip may include a stop at Sazan Island to see the communist-era bunkers there. Back in Vlora for the evening, walk through the renovated Old Town, check out the Muradie Mosque or the Independence Monument, and finish with dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at one of the most beautiful beaches of the Karaburun Peninsula)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Partners (or similar))
Included Activities
- Rib boat ride across Karaburun and Sazan Island Maritime Park
- Visit Haxhi Ali Cave on Karaburun Peninsula
- Swimming at Karaburun Peninsula beach
Optional Activities
- Visit Sazan Island (depending on local situation)
- Explore Vlora Old Town
- Visit Muradie Mosque
- Visit Independence Monument
- Visit Museum of Independence
Landmarks Haxhi Ali Cave Karaburun Peninsula Sazan Island Muradie Mosque Independence Monument Museum of Independence - Day 7
Vlora to Tirana
Early morning drive from Vlora back to Tirana with a stop at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Apollonia. The site sits on rolling hills among olive groves with nice surrounding views where you can walk among ancient ruins in a peaceful setting. Arriving at Tirana's outskirts, you'll ride a 15-minute cable car up Mt Dajti, passing over treetops, farmhouses, and cliffs for city views—on clear days you'll see the Adriatic Sea and Durres Port. There's an adventure park at the top with obstacle courses, suspension bridges, beams, and zip lines with provided safety gear. The cable car takes you back down before heading to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Austria), Hotel (Hotel Senator (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO archaeological site of Apollonia
- Cable car ride to Mt Dajti
- Djati Adventure Park obstacle courses
Optional Activities
- Group dinner in Tirana
Landmarks Apollonia Archaeological Site Mt Dajti Djati Adventure Park Port of Durrës - Day 8
Tirana
Your tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in Tirana. You're free to leave whenever you want. If your flight is later in the day, luggage storage is available. Tirana is safe and friendly if you want to stay longer and explore more.
- Meals
- Breakfast
