Albania
Albania Cultural Journey
5–11 February 2027
19–25 March 2027
Price per person
€ 975 per person sharing a triple room
€ 999 per person sharing a twin room
€ 1120 per single room
€ 799 per child sharing with 2 adults
Price includes
- Flights Malta / Tirana / Malta with 20 kilos and a small backpack
- Airport transfers
- 2 nights in Berat with breakfast
- 2 nights in Gjirokastër with breakfast
- 1 night in Saranda with breakfast
- 1 night in Tirana with breakfast
- Local guide & Maltese group leader
- Entrance fees to the sites & museums as per program
- Traditional Albanian welcome dinner in Berat
- Gliko-making experience & tasting in Permet
- Insolvency fund protected
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Malta Airport at 11 am to check in for your flight to Tirana flight departs at 13.30hrs and arrival in Albania is at 15:00 hrs
Arrival at Tirana International Airport and meet your local guide.
Transfer to Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”.
After check-in, enjoy a guided walk through the historic neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, separated by the Osum River and connected by the iconic Gorica Bridge. Discover the unique architecture and fascinating history that make Berat one of the country’s most treasured destinations.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Albanian welcome dinner featuring local specialties. Overnight in Berat
Hotel Colombo or similar
Day 2 – Berat & Osumi Canyon
After breakfast, begin exploring Berat Castle, one of the largest inhabited fortresses in the Balkans, where local families continue to live within its ancient walls. Visit the Onufri Museum, famous for its remarkable collection of religious icons and artwork from the 16th century. Continue through the scenic countryside towards the spectacular Osumi Canyon, one of Albania’s most impressive natural attractions.
Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the dramatic cliffs and winding river below. Chance for a short hike or soak in the water if the weather allows. Return to Berat in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. Admire the UNESCO-protected old quarters and experience the relaxed atmosphere of one of Albania’s most charming destinations.
Optional Experience
- Wine tasting at a local winery featuring selected Albanian wines and raki. Cost of excursion is 20 euros
- River Tubing in the Osumi Canyons (depending on weather and river conditions). Cost of excursion is 50 euros
Overnight in Berat — Hotel Colombo or similar.
Day 3 – Ancient Apollonia & Historic Gjirokastër
Breakfast and depart Berat and travel south towards Gjirokastër.
En route, visit the Archaeological Park of Apollonia, one of the most important ancient cities in the Balkans, founded by Greek colonists over 2,500 years ago. Continue through the beautiful Vjosa Valley and stop at the famous Cold Water Springs of Tepelena, a refreshing natural oasis surrounded by lush greenery.
Arrive in Gjirokastër, the UNESCO-listed “Stone City”, renowned for its distinctive Ottoman architecture.
Visit the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, dramatically positioned above the city and offering spectacular views of the Drino Valley. Enjoy a free evening exploring the charming cobblestone streets and traditional bazaar.
Overnight in Gjirokastër — Hotel Cajupi or similar.
Day 4 – Përmet & Benja Thermal Baths
Breakfast. Today, discover one of Albania’s most authentic regions.
Travel to the picturesque town of Përmet, famous for its hospitality, local cuisine, and traditional products. Continue to the beautiful Benja Thermal Baths, where naturally heated mineral waters flow beneath the historic Ottoman Kadi Bridge, creating one of Albania’s most scenic landscapes.
Later, visit a local family workshop to learn about the traditional preparation of gliko, a beloved Albanian sweet preserve. Enjoy a tasting of several varieties while discovering this centuries-old culinary tradition.
Return to Gjirokastër. Overnight stay at Hotel Cajupi or similar.
Optional Experience: Rafting on the Vjosa River (depending on weather and river conditions). Cost is 45 euros.
Day 5 – Blue Eye, Butrint & the Ionian Coast
After breakfast, travel towards Albania’s stunning southern coastline.
Visit the Blue Eye Spring, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters emerging from deep underground. Continue to Butrint National Park, Albania’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the remains of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian civilizations that have shaped this remarkable place over thousands of years. Later, stop at Lekursi Castle for a breathtaking panoramic sunset over Saranda, the Ionian Sea and the island of Corfu.
Overnight in Saranda — Hotel Vola or similar.
Day 6 – Tirana, the Vibrant Capital
Breakfast – Depart Saranda and return to Tirana. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through Albania’s dynamic capital city, where history and modern life blend. Explore Skanderbeg Square, discover the city’s communist-era heritage and learn about Albania’s fascinating transformation over the past decades. Visit Bunk’Art, one of the country’s most unique museums, housed inside a massive Cold War nuclear bunker.
Optional Evening Experience: Traditional Albanian Night with live folklore music, dancing, and local cuisine. – 50 euros pp
Overnight in Tirana — Sky Hotel Tirana or similar
Day 7 – Krujë & Departure
After breakfast, travel to the historic town of Krujë, home of Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Explore the medieval fortress, visit the Ethnographic Museum housed in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era residence, and wander through the traditional Ottoman bazaar, one of the best places in Albania to discover local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Optional Experience: Skanderbeg Museum guided tour — 10 euros pp
After the visit, transfer to Tirana International Airport for your departure flight. Flight departs at 15.45 hrs and arrives in Malta at 17.25hrs
Note:
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the tour; however, we strongly recommend that you arrange your own travel insurance independently once you book your holiday.
Groups with 10 or more participants will have a Maltese group leader, while smaller groups can enjoy our representative in resort.
Tel- 27120319 or 77775021
Whatsapp 99013524
