AlbaniaExplorer2027
Discovery
Solos Board
£2199
7 nights in Albania
What to expect on our escorted Albania tour
Featured in Nat Geo
As seen in National Geographic Traveller Experiences Collection 2026
Berat
Admire the beautiful Ottoman houses, explore the ancient hilltop castle and soak up the atmosphere of the “City of a Thousand Windows.”
Albanian Riviera
Enjoy spectacular coastal scenery as you journey through Vlorë and along the stunning Riviera to the seaside town of Sarandë
Gjirokastra & Butrint
Step back in time in the UNESCO-listed “City of Stone” before exploring the remarkable archaeological ruins of Butrint
About this trip...
Discover the heart and soul of Albania on this captivating guided journey designed for solo travellers, combining fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant coastal towns. Begin in Tirana, the lively capital, where a rich and often turbulent past meets a dynamic modern culture. Travel south to the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, famed for its beautiful white Ottoman houses and imposing hilltop castle, before continuing to Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Along the way, explore the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Apollonia, offering a glimpse into Albania’s fascinating classical past. Follow the spectacular Riviera coastline to Sarandë, a lively seaside resort, before heading inland to Gjirokastra, the atmospheric “City of Stone,” where Ottoman heritage and centuries-old traditions remain beautifully preserved. Your journey concludes with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, an extraordinary archaeological park showcasing layers of Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian history, before returning to Tirana.
Throughout our Albania guided tours you’ll be joined by our Solos tour leader, taking care of our itinerary, navigation, and excursions throughout your trip.
What's included?
Return flights & transfers-
Airport taxes & charges
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One piece of checked baggage
Twin/Double Room for sole use
Solos Board: breakfast daily, one lunch and four dinners
Welcome drink
Guided tour of Tirana-
Guided tour of Berat with visits to Berat Castle, Church of the Holy Trinity, St. Michael, St. Mary of Vlacherna and the National Ethnography Museum
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Visit to Apollonia - UNESCO World Heritage site
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Visit to Porto Palermo Castle
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Guided tour of Gjirokastra with visits to Gjirokastra Castle, Skenduli House and Ethnographic Museum
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Visit to Blue Eye
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Visit to Butrint - UNESCO World Heritage site
Free Solos App with all your travel documents-
Dedicated Whatsapp group for your trip
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected
What's extra:
- Insurance see here
Itinerary
- Arrive in Tirana
- Elbasan & Berat
- Berat & Bogovë Waterfall
- Ardenica, Apollonia & Zvërnec
- Porto Palermo & Sarandë
- Blue Eye & Gjirokastra
- Butrint, Tepelenë & Tirana
- Departure from Tirana
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Tirana
- Dinner included
Day Two: Elbasan & Berat
- Breakfast & lunch included
- Transfer Time: Tirana to Berat with stop in Elbasan - approx. 2.5 hours
Day Three: Berat & Bogovë Waterfall
This morning is at leisure before we depart for the picturesque village of Bogovë. From here, enjoy a scenic 2km walk along a riverside trail through lush woodland, leading to the spectacular Bogovë Waterfall. Tucked within a dramatic rocky canyon and surrounded by verdant Pindus forest, the waterfall cascades approximately 15–20 metres into a crystal-clear turquoise pool, creating a serene and atmospheric natural setting. On our return to Berat, we'll visit a local winery for a tasting experience and discover the region’s rich winemaking traditions and heritage. This will be followed by a traditional dinner featuring fresh, farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed countryside setting.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Transfer Time: Berat to Bogovë - approx. 2 hours return
Day Four: Ardenica, Apollonia & Zvërnec
We depart after breakfast, heading first to Ardenica, where a visit to the beautifully preserved Ardenica Monastery offers insight into Albania’s Byzantine heritage and religious history. After exploring its frescoed interiors and serene grounds, we continue to Apollonia, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site once a flourishing Greco-Roman city, where ancient ruins and sweeping views of the Myzeqe plain bring history vividly to life. From there, we journey to the tranquil village of Zvërnec, where a traditional lunch prepared by locals awaits (payable locally).
- Breakfast included
- Transfer Time: Berat to Vlorë with stops in Ardenica, Zvërnec and the Monastery of St. Mary - approx. 3 hours
Day Five: Porto Palermo & Sarandë
Today we head south along one of Albania’s most scenic coastal routes, soaking in sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. Our first stop is Porto Palermo Castle, a striking fortress nestled on a small peninsula. Built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the 19th century, the castle offers panoramic views and fascinating insight into Albania’s Ottoman-era coastal defenses. In the afternoon, we arrive in the lively seaside town of Sarandë, where we'll enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking up the Ionian breeze and local charm as the sun sets over the bay.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Transfer Time: Vlorë to Sarandë with stops in Porto Palermo Castle. approx. 3 hours
Day Six: Stone City Secrets: Blue Eye & Gjirokastra
We’ll embark on a journey into Albania’s Ottoman past with a full-day visit to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed as the “City of Stone.” Along the way, stop at the spectacular Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), one of Albania’s most remarkable natural attractions, where crystal-clear turquoise water rises from deep underground and is surrounded by lush woodland. Continue to Gjirokastra, where we’ll explore the imposing Gjirokastra Castle, dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Drino Valley. The fortress is home to an intriguing collection of military artefacts and historic cannons, as well as a U.S. fighter jet dating from the Cold War.
- Breakfast included
- Transfer Time: Sarandë to Blue Eye and on to Gjirokastra - approx. 3 hours return
Day Seven: Butrint, Tepelena & Tirana
This morning we continue south to one of Albania’s most significant archaeological treasures, Butrint UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving city with layers of history, Butrint was shaped by Hellenic, Chaonian, Roman, and Venetian influences. Walk through ruins surrounded by lush vegetation and lagoons. Afterwards, we begin our return journey northwards to Tirana. Along the way, we'll stop in the historic town of Tepelena, where we''ll visit the Ali Pasha Castle, a fortress steeped in Ottoman history and offering striking views over the surrounding valley.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Transfer Time: Sarandë to Tirana with stops in Butrint, Tepelena and Uji i Ftohtë - approx. 6 hours
Day Eight: Departure from Tirana
We have our final breakfast together this morning before heading to Tirana Airport for our onward flight.
- Breakfast included
Accommodation
(as specified or similar)- Day 1 | Arbnor Hotel, Tirana
- Day 2 - 3 | Hotel Plaza Berat, Berat
- Day 4 | Kraal Hotel, Vlore
- Day 5 - 6 | Boe Boutique Hotel, Sarandë
- Day 7 | Arbnor Hotel, Tirana
Day 1 | Arbnor Hotel, Tirana
Arbnor Boutique Hotel is a modern, family-run boutique hotel in Tirana, offering a stylish and peaceful stay within easy reach of the city centre. Ideally located close to a variety of restaurants, cafés and local attractions, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the Albanian capital still in a relatively quiet neighbourhood. The well-appointed rooms feature a range of modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, a safe, minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Day 2 - 3 | Hotel Plaza Berat, Berat
Day 4 | Kraal Hotel, Vlore
Located just 600 meters from Vlore’s main attractions along the sandy shores of the Old Beach, Kraal Hotel offers an ideal blend of contemporary and traditional Albanian warmth. Opened in April 2021, the hotel features 110 rooms, two swimming pools, a private beach, a lounge bar and restaurant. Powered entirely by solar energy, it ensures an eco-friendly and sustainable stay. Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, safe, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer.
Day 5 - 6 | Boe Boutique Hotel, Sarandë
Day 7 | Arbnor Hotel, Tirana
Arbnor Boutique Hotel is a modern, family-run boutique hotel in Tirana, offering a stylish and peaceful stay within easy reach of the city centre. Ideally located close to a variety of restaurants, cafés and local attractions, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the Albanian capital still in a relatively quiet neighbourhood. The well-appointed rooms feature a range of modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, a safe, minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
