South Albania Outdoor

Meet with our professional guide at your hotel lobby and continue driving towards Berat. On the way, we stop at Belsh district and visit several karstic lakes that surround green nature.

Next, we head to Berat, the city famous for its thousand windows, ancient history, and delicious food. On the top of the hill is built the castle since 4th century B.C, which has been continuously habited and today has around 200 characteristic houses inside. The walking tour strolls through narrow streets, medieval churches, mosques, and ruins of the ancient fortress. The views are enchanting surrounded by the high mountains of Tomorr and Shpirag, green hills covered with olive groves, and the Osum river.

The city tour continues to the well-known neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorice. These little treasures represent the authenticity of Berat and are explored slowly walking along the cobblestone streets. The mixture between churches and mosques in the city is speechless.

In the afternoon you can enjoy your free time by walking in the promenade along Osumi river and bond with local culture. Accommodation in Berat.

After a delicious breakfast, we head towards the coast. Our first destination Apollonia, a Greek colony with a strong Illyrian component, is a magical place. Its special atmosphere is created by a combination of the unique monuments, archaeology and landscape, difficult to find anywhere in Mediterranean. The ancient city of Apollonia is one of the best known and important classical cities in the country. Later we transfer to the city of Vlore, remarkably known as the place where the independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire took place. The city has a lot to offer with its beautiful coast. The walking tour with our guide will continue to Independence square and the promenade by the sea. A stop at Narta lagoon to visit Zvernec island is a must. The lagoon is rich with flora and fauna habitat like pelicans, flamingos, crabs, and Mediterranean pine forest. Accommodation in Vlore.

This morning we wake up in the mountains. Not far is the Ionian Sea which we will fully explore during the day. Through the coastal road, we continue to visit lots of villages with amazing vacation atmospheres and rich history. Dhermi village is one of the most famous for its beautiful beaches and the old town. Himare is a small town with friendly locals who host thousands of vacationers during the summer season. Nearby is located Porto Palermo castle, built as a defensive fortress from Albania ruler Ali Pashe Tepelena during the 18th century.

Qeparo is another unique village. The old houses built on the top of the hill look mysterious and stay grandiose facing the Ionian Sea. The drive continues along the Albanian Riviera to the very south city of Saranda. This is the most visited place on the coast and the vibes are different. You can enjoy the nightlife, local seafood or walking in the city. Accommodation in Saranda.

Today is dedicated to the history of the area. We will drive further south to visit the archeologic park of Butrint. The ruins found here date back to the 8th century B.C representing a long living history of the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantine empires. A walk inside the city guided by our knowledgeable guide, surrounded by beautiful nature and ruins will make you feel like you are in another past world.

Not far from the park are located Ksamil Islands which are so well-known for their sandy beaches and views of Corfu Island located only 4km across the sea.

The next destination is the city of Gjirokaster, a site listed under UNESCO World heritage in Albania. The town hosts unique local architecture which has been nicknamed Stone City. Argjiro castle stands with pride at the top of the hill and can be seen from all over the city and the valley. The walking tour will include a visit to the old bazaar, the castle, the bazaar mosque and Gjirokaster Obelisk. Accommodation in Gjirokaster.

Leaving behind popular destinations, we head to the more rural countryside. Today we drive to Nivice village, a place discovered lately and slowly be part of tour packages. On the way, we will stop at the birthplace of Ali Pasha, the city of Tepelene. The viaduct of Ali Pasha built in the 19th century is proof of development that received the area during his reign. Hidden in the mountains is located Peshtura Waterfall. It takes only a short walk from the village of Progonat to explore these karstic springs and those adventurous spirits can dive in the blue clear waters. The adventure is not over yet as we drive to the village of Nivice to enjoy the views of deep canyons.

After lunch, we leave the mountains to get to the amazing valley of Vjosa River. Permet is a lovely little town with friendly people and relaxed nature. It is known for great raki, gliko (typical fruit jam), and rose flowers. Depending on the time we will explore Benja thermal baths in the afternoon or the next day. Accommodation in Permet.

We will drive along the Vjosa river following the road that goes all the way to the border with Greece. The route encircles around green valleys, deep forests, and rural mountains. This is a part of Albania less habited, yet a dream to be. We will stop at a small local farm to try some local fresh products and play with horses.

Voskopoje is a small village with big history and culture. It used to be the center of civilization of southeast Albania during medieval times. Walking around the village, you will explore lots of orthodox churches and the spirit of the locals. Accommodation in Voskopoje.

With the journey coming to the end, we will leave the mountains and get to the city of Korce. It is known as “The Little Paris” due to its mystic history of the First World war, old bazaar, and stylish houses. A visit to the national museum of medieval art is a necessity to understand local art. Filled with about 7000 icons and various orthodox woodwork, it is a masterpiece museum.

Before reaching the capital Tirana, we make a stop to enjoy the Albanian shores of Lake Ohrid. 

Taking with you plenty of memories and experiences, we end the tour in the capital of Tirana. Accommodation is provided in Tirana with breakfast.

Optional:

*Next-day airport transfer or full-day Tirana city tour at your request