Southern Albania: Culture and nature adventure

The beach of Ksamil and one of the islands in the background

Price

From €1200

Duration

7 days

Max People

Min Age

Tour Type

     EXCELLENT  
  12 reviews

Overview

Discover Southern Albania hidden paradise, where breathtaking nature meets rich culture. This journey takes you from stunning UNESCO sites to the untouched beauty of southern Albania’s countryside, offering authentic hospitality at every step. Perfect for friends, families, and couples, you’ll explore historic gems, walk through serene rural landscapes, and marvel at the dazzling Ionian coast and majestic Albanian mountains.

Highlights:

Explore Berat and Gjirokaster old town (UNESCO city)
Learn about ancient history in Apollonia & Butrint archeological parks
Drive along the Albanian Riviera coastline
Discover Qeparo and Voskopoje old villages
Swim in the outdoor sulphur baths of Benje
Walk in Nivica canyons and Peshtura waterfalls

Included/Excluded

Qualified tourist guide/driver
Transportation with comfortable vehicle as per itinerary
Entrance fees Iconographic Museum of Onufri
Entrance fees Apollonia archeological site
Entrance fees Porto Palermo Castle
Entrance fees Butrint archeological site
Entrance fees Gjirokaster fortress and Museum of Weapons
Entrance fee Skenduli’s house in Gjirokaster
Entrance fee to churches of Voskopoje
Entrance fee to Museum of Medieval Art
Fuel, taxes, and parking
Accommodation in double/twin rooms with breakfast

Lunch and Dinner
Tips/Gratuities
Personal expenses

Tour Plan

Day 1: Tirane – Karavasta Lagoon – Berat (100 km)

Meet your expert guide at your hotel and embark on a journey to Berat, with a scenic stop in Karavasta, the largest lagoon in Albania. Take a boat tour to admire the serene beauty and diverse birdlife. Continue to Berat's ancient castle, wander its charming cobblestone streets, and marvel at the blend of St. Mary church, King’s Mosque, Halveti Tekke, and enchanting views of the Tomorr mountain. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Osum River, soaking in the vibrant local history of Mangalem and Gorica quartiers.

Day 2: Berat – Apolloni - Vlore (141 km)

After a delightful breakfast, we journey to the ancient city of Apollonia, a rare blend of Greek and Illyrian heritage, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Next, we explore Vlore, the historic birthplace of Albania's independence, where a guided tour takes you through its Independence Square and scenic seaside promenade. To top off the day, we’ll visit the serene Narta Lagoon and Zvernec Island, home to stunning wildlife like Dalmatian pelicans and flamingos amidst the lush Mediterranean pine forest.

Day 3: Albanian Riviera (90 km)

Wake up to the fresh mountain air, just a short drive from the sparkling Ionian Sea, where your coastal adventure begins. Start the day with a short hike in Julius Caesar’s trail in Llogara National Park. Along the stunning Riviera, we’ll explore charming villages like Dhermi, with its famous beaches, and Himare, known for its welcoming locals and vibrant summer atmosphere. From the historic Porto Palermo Castle to the hilltop village of Qeparo, each stop offers breathtaking views, rich history, and unforgettable experiences, culminating in the lively city of Saranda, where you can indulge in fresh seafood, nightlife, and seaside strolls.

Day 4: Butrint – Gjirokaster (106 km)

Today, immerse yourself in Albania’s captivating history as we journey to the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines left their mark. After exploring the ruins with our expert guide, unwind on the pristine beaches of Ksamil, gazing at Corfu just across the sea. We’ll then head to Gjirokaster, Albania’s "Stone City," where you’ll walk through centuries of history, visit its majestic castle, and wander the charming bazaar, all set against a backdrop of stunning architecture and scenic views.

Day 5: Nivice – Permet (182 km)

Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in Albania’s rural charm. Journey to the hidden village of Nivice, stopping at the historic city of Tepelene and marveling at Ali Pasha’s 19th-century viaduct. From the breathtaking Peshtura Waterfall, where adventurers can dive into crystal-clear waters, to the serene Vjosa River valley and the charming town of Permet, this trip promises unforgettable landscapes, local flavors, and relaxing thermal baths for the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.

Day 6: Permet – Voskopoje - Korce (152 km)

Continue along the scenic Vjosa River, through Albania’s untouched green valleys, deep forests, and serene rural mountains, right to the Greek border. Experience the charm of the countryside with a stop at a local farm to taste fresh, homegrown products and enjoy time with friendly locals. In Voskopoje, once a medieval hub of southeast Albanian culture, you’ll wander through centuries-old Orthodox churches and feel the rich history in every step amidst the welcoming spirit of the locals.

Day 7: Korce – Tirane (186 km)

As we leave the majestic mountains behind, our journey brings us to the charming city of Korçë, known as “The Little Paris” for its rich WWI history, vibrant bazaar, and elegant homes. A must-see is the National Museum of Medieval Art, home to 7,000 breathtaking icons and intricate Orthodox woodworks. Before concluding in Tirana, we’ll pause to enjoy the serene shores of Lake Ohrid, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories of Albania’s beauty and culture.

FAQs

Is this a private or group tour?

This is small group tour up to 16 participants departing every Monday. If you are interested for a private tour, please send us an inquiry form.

How do I book a tour?

To book a tour directly on our website, simply click the “Book Now” button at the top-right corner of the page. Fill in your personal details, complete the payment process, and you're all set!

Can I book the tour as a solo traveler? Is there a single room supplement?

Solo travelers are welcomed to join this tour. Solo travelers will be paired with a fellow guest of the same gender for accommodations, or they can opt to book a private room for added comfort and privacy.

Should I book pre/post tour accommodation?

Pre tour accommodation is not included in the price. You will need to book by yourself or arrange it with us. Last night accommodation in Tirana is included.

Is the tour departure guaranteed?

Our multi-day tours are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of two participants. A tour can be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached up to 20 days before the start of the tour. We will contact you with alternative travel suggestions. Please read our terms & agreements page for more details.

What type of accommodation is provided?

Accommodation is typically in standard 3* hotels, with occasional stays in guesthouses in rural areas. We ensure all accommodations are clean, comfortable, and serve a good breakfast. Additionally, we prioritize locations that are close to tourist attractions for your convenience.

I want to know more details about the itinerary. How can I find out?

A full description of the itinerary is available in our brochure. Please download it for free, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.

      
 Excellent4.912 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent12 reviews
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   Hockleygal 
 12 September 2023
 
 
 Verified fantastic authentic experience Gezim from See Trips was great to work with.  Professional and prompt with communication. Our driver Semet was accommodating and helpful.  Would highly recommend going with See Trips and having a driver/car when looking for an authentic experience in Albania. Thank you!
  
 
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   Slakshmy 
 2 August 2023
 
 
 Verified Albania - Customised Package The entire experience with See Trip was nothing short of exceptional, and I felt compelled to share my positive feedback. First and foremost, the itinerary was well-planned and perfectly executed.From the initial communication till the momemt we reached back in our country Gezim showed his  professionalism. Each destination was carefully chosen, and the activities provided a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. No words will be enough to say Thank you to our Guide Saimir. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. His passion for the destinations and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure our comfort and understanding were commendable. His insights and local knowledge  made the trip more memorable. Overall, I am thrilled with the quality of service provided by See Trip. From the initial booking process to the final moments of the trip, everything exceeded my expectations. Thank you once again for an unforgettable experience!
  
 
     Posted on Viator  
   
   Mael_el_el 
 1 July 2023
 
 
 Verified Fun and great adventure with friends The views took my breath away. Mountins, fresh running water and beautiful green surroundings. Food and drinks every where is not only cheap but delicious. We had a great tour guide, Samet, which made everything easy and fun for us
  
 
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   haerb20 
 1 July 2023
 
 
 Verified A must-see South Albania’s stunning views with high- quality services with Sam 👌💯 Thanks to Gezim for making our South Albania  trip planning easier and special mention to our tour guide, Sam 👋 ✋who provided exceptional services during the tour. Kudos to the team. We are a group of friends who want to immerse ourselves in nature and Sam exactly did how we want it to be. I am glad that he suggested to go to Peshtura waterfalls in Nivica Canyon which we enjoyed the place all to ourselves. Honestly, it is very hard to choose which is my most favorite part of the trip as all of them are remarkable. But, the roadtrip on the Albanian riviera- Llogara pass and seeing a very scenic route with good friends including Sam whom we felt was our friend and not a tour guide, good music, the air and our laughters during this trip is something that cannot be captured by the camera but will always leave a mark on my heart. Thanks to Sam for his warm welcome and making himself easily available and flexible to attend our wishes even after the tour timing. He has a superb driving skills whose top priority is our safety and enjoyment. The winding coastal road to Llogara pass is a windy, high elevated and narrow road but his driving  is very smooth and I really enjoyed it. His dressing style is a plus point which inspires us to really dress up as well. He also brought us to delicious and affordable local restaurants. Thanks Sam for your warm personality and dedication as our guide. You are the best tour guide. ✋ Highly recommended for sure and will definitely book a tour with See trip requesting Sam as our guide on our next visit. Thank you Sam. We are rating this trip a perfect score as it exceeded our expectation with the place and the tour guide. We left some piece of our hearts in the places we have visited together with the memories we have all made.👌
  
 
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   marielanna2023 
 1 July 2023
 
 
 Verified Exceptional Tour Service Highly recommended. They exceeded our expectations. Our driver/ tour guide Sam makes us feel so comfortable and he's always on the go with everything we wanted to do/ to go. We feel  like he's our friend too. We are already missing Albania because of him. We feel like we're home away from home 😊 We will surely come back and explore Albania and use their services again. I hope also See Trips will do other Balkans tour.
  
 
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   rajatpatel0510 
 1 July 2023
 
 
 Verified Great Experience with SEE Trips.. It was a Pleasure Trip with SEE Trips.. Mr.Gezim has arranged everything nicely as per Itinerary.. Our Guide was Elvis for North Tour and Denis for South Tour. It was Very Nice experience with Both Guides..
  
 
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   mehaziya 
 18 June 2023
 
 
 Verified A fun and personalized experience SEE trips is a safe, fun , relaxed yet adventurous experience for seeing Albania. Samet was our guide during the trip and he was helpful throughout, was flexible with our family’s needs especially since we are a family of 5 with the youngest being if age 9. The hikes were customized in a way where we could experience in the safest way possible and because of which it was one of the most adventurous trips we had ever gone on. To people who are concerned about safety , you don’t have to be, it was a very good group, we searched online nd found out about it and had our own concerns, but they were very responsive, respectful and booked really neat hotels close to the centre itself for an even more amazing experience. Me and my family thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would recommend it to anyone who is going for the experience and yes Albania is reaaalllyyy beautiful ❤️
  
 
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   Kristel T 
 18 December 2022
 
 
 Verified Gezim is the best! Gezim is the best tour guide! He is so knowledgeable and so funny, and made our trip amazing. We spent 2 weeks across all of Albania with Gezim and it felt like traveling with a local family member! We had a mix of native English speakers and Albanian speakers on our trip and Gezim’s perfect English helped with translating during the entire tour. We can’t wait to go back and use See Trips again!!
  
 
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   Mithun S 
 22 May 2022
 
 
 Verified Albanian retreat Gezim is very informative, friendly and understands our requirements well. Was very comfortable as he managed the group well(especially the kids). His choices of hotels was apt with close proximity to key locations. His presence in the group helped us choose the right food and restaurants. Overall very happy with the trip.
  
 
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   dhiraj97in 
 1 April 2022
 
 
 Verified Albania.....a gem just waiting to be discovered We had an amazing Trip with an awesome, friendly guide Gezim and covered Berat, Girokaster, Saranda, Blue Eye, Duress and Tirana in 7 days. Considering we were a group of 12 travelling with kids, we were fortunate to have a patient guide who stayed with us throughout the trip. He received us at the airport and took care of the stay, transport and even with restaurant bookings besides the guided tours through the various townships/cities.