Highlights
4 Days / 3 Nights Weekend Adventure across the Albanian Riviera and South.
Experience South Albania's mix of history, culture, beaches, and mountains, through this 4-day adventure visiting three UNESCO sites!
Explore and discover UNESCO heritage sites, Berat, Gjirokaster, and Butrint National Archeological Park before getting sun kissed in Sarande.
Enjoy a day out on the water exploring Ftele Bay, Gremina Beach, Kakome Bay, and Krorez Bay. On the way back to Tirana explore the hidden virgin beach gem of Gjipe Canyon.
Description
Venture into a four-day journey across South Albania's rich history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Travel from Tirana to Berat, explore Gjirokaster's Unique Ottoman Architecture and significant Castle, marvel at ancient ruins in Butrint National Archeological Park, and relax in the Albanian Riviera. This all-inclusive package offers private transport, accommodation, a boat tour, breakfasts, dinners, castle and park entry tickets, and a personal guide.
Who This Experience Is Good For
This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who love to explore new cultures, and stunning landscapes, enjoy outdoor activities, love history, beaches, and the sea, and are interested in cultural heritage.
Meet Our Local Host
Wanderlust Albania is made up of experienced guides in Albania with over 5 years of experience. The team is professional and knowledgeable about southern Albania's history, culture, and attractions. They are passionate about providing their guests with an exciting and memorable experience and are committed to ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the tour. With a friendly and enthusiastic approach, the host is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and diversity of Albania to visitors from around the world.
Itinerary
Day 1:
- 7:00 am: Pickup from Tirana behind the Opera House
- Drive to Berat and enjoy a coffee once we arrive
- Walking tour of the Castle of Berat, the oldest neighborhood in the historical part of Berat
- Visit the Onufri Art Museum, located inside the Greek Orthodox monastery "The Dormitory of St Mary"
- Explore the Mangalem neighborhood, a structure mainly from the Ottoman period
- Enjoy a traditional meal for lunch in Berat
- Drive south to Gjiorkaster
- Check into our hotel and unwind
- Explore the city's cobblestone center and Old Pazar
- Dinner included in the Old Pazar and free time to enjoy the late evening in Gjirokaster
Day 2:
- Breakfast at the hotel around 8:00-9:00 am
- Visit Gjirokaster Castle and enjoy a guided tour of the city's historical and cultural significance
- Make a quick stop to see the beautiful Blue Eye of the South
- Head for Butrint National Archaeological Park (UNESCO Heritage Site)
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum, Ancient Theater, The Great Basilica, and The Lions Gate
- Head to Sarande and check into your hotel
- Enjoy an included dinner on the Sarande boardwalk and then have free time to enjoy the Sarande nightlife or lounge by the sea.
Day 3:
- Breakfast at the hotel around 8:00 am
- Boat adventure starting at 10:00 am
- Visit Turtle Cave, Secret Bay, Ftele Bay, Gremina Beach, Kakome Bay, and Krorez Bay
- Lunch with fresh seafood at Krorez Bay at your own cost
- Visit Soldier Bay and return to Saranda City to unwind.
- Relax and watch the sunset over the Ionian Sea while you enjoy dinner.
Day 4:
- Breakfast at the hotel around 8:00 am
- Start your drive after breakfast up the Albanian Riviera towards Gjipe
- Hike down along the coastline to Gjipe Canyon (30-minute hike)
- Enjoy the day on the beach in this breathtaking environment, with lunch available as well on the beach at a cost.
- Paddleboards and kayaks are available to explore nearby caves and secret beaches for an additional fee.
- Return to Tirana with arrival at 8-9 pm
Please note that these times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and other factors.
What’s Included
- Transportation: Private ground transport throughout the weekend.
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a hotel shared room with twin beds or private rooms with queen beds.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner are provided throughout the trip. Breakfast is a continental buffet at the hotels. Dinners will consist of shared appetizers, a main, and one standard drink of your choosing (beer, glass of wine, water, soda, juice). Restaurants will be chosen by the guide.
- Activities: Boat adventure to hidden bays and beaches on day 3, entry to all museums, castles, and archeological sites is covered.
What’s Not Included
- Transportation: Any transport outside of the organized itinerary.
- Meals: Meals other than breakfast and dinner are not included in the trip.
- Drinks: Anything other than what is specified in the itinerary will not be included.
- Activities: Any additional activities or experiences outside of what is listed in the package are not included.
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities for the guides and drivers
- Beach umbrellas and chairs are available for a fee which differs from beach to beach, typically an umbrella with 2 chairs costs $10 to use.
Know Before You Go
Minimum needed: 8 people
Maximum capacity: 14 people
Booking deadline: 7 days before the event
Weather dependent: The experience may be impacted by weather conditions and may need to be rescheduled in case of bad weather.
Difficulty level: The experience involves hiking and water activities, so participants should be physically fit and able to swim.
Special Clothing Required: Yes - We recommend sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a bathing suit, and comfortable clothes for hiking as well as a pair of comfortable sneakers.
Special Dietary Restrictions: The tour includes traditional Albanian food and seafood, so guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should inform the host in advance.
Extra Cash: It is recommended to bring extra cash for personal expenses and optional activities. Tipping is also encouraged but not mandatory for the tour guide and driver.
Ground Transportation: Private transport is included in the package.
Additional Information: Multiday adventure travel is inherently prone to complications and alterations. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to change the itinerary, accommodations, transportation, activities, or other services, sometimes with little or no notice. In such cases, the vendor will make reasonable efforts to provide comparable substitutions wherever possible.
Liabilities: The liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by participants is not assumed by Remote Year or its affiliates.
