Albania Explorer
$2179.00
Discovery
7 nights in Albania
What to expect
Berat
Wander through UNESCO-listed Berat, where whitewashed Ottoman houses cascade down the hillside, ancient cobbled streets wind toward the hilltop castle, and the Osum River reflects centuries of history.
Albanian Riviera
Trace the dazzling coastline where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, pausing at hidden coves, fishing villages, and sweeping viewpoints along the spectacular mountain-backed drive from Vlorë to Sarandë.
Gjirokastra's 'Stone City'
Step into a living museum at UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra, with its slate-roofed houses, lively bazaar, and imposing castle that crowns the hill, offering panoramic views over the Drino Valley.
Apollonia & Butrint
About this trip...
Discover the heart and soul of Albania on this guided group tour for solo travelers, where rich history meets breathtaking landscapes and coastal charm. Begin your adventure in the lively capital, Tirana, a city transformed by its contrasting past and vibrant reinvention. Journey south to UNESCO-listed Berat, renowned for its white Ottoman houses and ancient hilltop castle. Continue to Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, pausing to explore the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Apollonia. Follow the dramatic Riviera coastline to Sarandë, Albania’s lively seaside retreat, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, an extraordinary archaeological park shaped by Hellenic, Roman, and Venetian influences. Finally, head inland to the stone city of Gjirokastra and the tranquil Leusa Village, where time seems to stand still.
What's included?
Airport transfers
Private Room
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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Visit to Butrint - UNESCO World Heritage site
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Guided tour of Gjirokastra with visits to Gjirokastra Castle, Skenduli House and Ethnographic Museum
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Visit to Church of St. Mary of Leusa
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive in Tirana
- Tirana - Berat
- Berat & Bogovë Waterfall
- Berat - Vlorë
- Vlorë - Sarandë
- Gjirokastra & Leusa Village
- Gjirokastër - Tirana
- Departure from Tirana
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Tirana
- Dinner included
Day Two: Tirana - Berat
- Breakfast included
Day Three: Berat & Bogovë Waterfall
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Berat - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dominated by the hill where the castle stands, the city stretches on both sides of the Osum River. The historic center of Berat has many white stone houses with large wooden windows on the hillside, hence its nickname, the 'City of a Thousand Windows'. The castle, most of which dates back to the 13th century, is home to several Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques. We then visit the Ethnographic Museum of Berat, which presents the daily life of the inhabitants of the region.
- Breakfast & dinner included
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.
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Five: Porto Palermo, Butrint & 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. We then continue 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.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Six: Stone City Secrets: Gjirokastra & Leusa Village
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Gjirokastër - Tirana
This morning 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. We'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Uji i Ftohtë, a scenic restaurant perched above the Drin River. We'll have some free time afterwards to explore the town and its lush, green surroundings at our own pace. In the afternoon, we continue the drive to Tirana, where we’ll have time to relax or do some last-minute exploring before gathering for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and the experiences shared along the way.
- Breakfast & dinner included
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
Albania Explorer Hotels
- Hotel Doro City 4* & Destiny Hotel & Spa 4*, Tirana - 2 nights
- Grand White City Hotel 4*, Berat - 2 nights
- Kraal Hotel Vlorë 4*, Vlorë - 1 night
- Hotel Brilant Sarandë 4*, Sarandë - 1 night
- Sharm Hotel Luxury 4*, Gjirokaster - 1 night
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
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We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
