Albanian Trip
Visit Albania and the Balkans with a local operator in a life marking experience
You’re too special for an ordinary wedding and honeymoon, aren’t you!? Why not have a wedding in a stunning landscape, with amazingly elegant venues, amazing food, great drinks and lots of love and joy! Albanians do care about their weddings and they know how to party hard!
Why not choose somewhere a bit more atypical for your families and friends!? Everyone would go to Italy or France! Imagine the surprise of the guests when they receive your invitation: We are inviting you to share moments of joy and delight, in the Mountains of the Thunders, where Zeus had home and wild love affairs!
And then again: your honeymoon could be anywhere else but you’re not into ordinary destinations! You want to spend romantic time with each other! Why not spend nights in the middle of the still-wild mountains of Albania, on the beaches with no crowds, and in the towns with Byzantine and Ottoman architecture! Albania has it all: the landscape, the nature, the food, the drinks, the joy, the history and all that still with no crowds and for the most affordable ration between quality and cost!
We’re certainly the best to know the most special locations, to organize the most modern gear, to bring you the best musicians, to cater the most delicious food, to bring you the best wines of Albania.
Drop us an email: we have already organized several couples to get married or to spend their honeymoon here, from the US, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, etc. Let us craft a special one for you, too!
With Albanian Trip you will travel responsibly and your money will help sustainable development – we always support local families and businesses.
We know a lot of people in this country, in this region (and far beyond!) and we go out of our way to show you the best on offer, either with a small group of like-minded travelers or as a private tour. We cater to different types of travelers and what makes us different from others is that we don’t offer the typical tourist experience – we pride on unique, personalized service with friendly, intelligent guides and we want you to explore parts of the Balkans like a local would.
Our competitive offerings reflect the exceptional quality and uniqueness of our tours, ensuring a truly memorable experience for your clients. We excel at organizing multi-day group tours around Albania, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean, with a focus on quality day trips, long tours, and tailor-made experiences.
MULTI-DAY CULTURAL & ADVENTURE TOURS
We have worked with endless individuals and small groups to come up with an itinerary that is specific to their needs not only just in Albania but in many other surrounding Balkan countries (we really do have contacts everywhere.) No matter how you choose to travel and whatever your interests are, we can help come up with a suitable itinerary and will provide a guide/driver and accommodation. We have several itineraries for multi-day cultural tours already set to go – you can find them here!
DAY TRIPS – IN OR CLOSE TO TIRANA
We offer endless day trips that we can customize according to your needs. All of them can be offered as a private tour on any day of your choosing, but some are offered as group tours on select days if you’d like to meet others (see the group calendar here.) If you are pressed for time and want us to pick you up at your hotel for a day trip right in Tirana or to surrounding areas, choose one of these! Just a few examples: you can enjoy a trip to Berat (the city of a thousand windows); head to the museum in Kruja and amphitheater in Durres; explore Tirana like a local; or if you are curious about communist history, visit some bunkers and beaches.
SPECIALTY TOURS
Are you interested in bird-watching? Bunkers? Butterflies? Food, wine and Albanian lifestyle? Flora and fauna? Swimming? Off-roading? Our communist memorabilia collection? We offer unique sides of Albania that few other companies offer with our specialty tours.
If you are interested in these trips or anything else we haven’t mentioned in our menu, message us! We love coming up with new ideas for you.
Payment Options: We accept bank transfers, PayPal and we have a debit terminal/POS available at our Office in order to accept Debit, VISA and Mastercard payments (please keep in mind that 5% of the total will be added for the latter option.) We can also accept cash payments where applicable.
This itinerary represents a suggested route showcasing the diverse landscapes, rich history, and authentic experiences of Albania and Northern Greece. It is designed to offer a taste of the region’s unique charm, but we are happy to customize it to meet your specific interests and preferences. Whether you’d like to extend your stay, add destinations, or focus on particular activities, we can tailor the tour to create the perfect travel experience for you.
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana – Stroll through the City
- Arrival: Upon arrival in Tirana, the capital of Albania, we’ll meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Afternoon: After check-in, we’ll start exploring Tirana with a relaxed walking tour. We’ll visit the old and new neighborhoods generally built since Tirana became a capital of Albania in 1920 and stroll along Blv. Dëshmorët e Kombit, the main avenue, lined with cafes and vibrant buildings.
- Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner in one of Tirana’s top restaurants, offering a taste of Albanian cuisine, including the fërgesë (a rich tomato and pepper dish).
- Overnight: Stay overnight in Tirana.
Day 2: Korça – Lunch in Ersekë – Stay in Nature in Leskovik
- Morning: After breakfast, we’ll depart for Korça, also known as the “City of Roses.” Upon arrival, we’ll explore the city’s charming streets, visit the Gjon Mili Museum (showcasing the works of the famous Albanian-American photographer), and stroll through the Korça Bazaar.
- Lunch: We’ll continue to Ersekë for a delicious traditional lunch at Maqo’s Tavern, where you’ll enjoy local specialties of Southern Albanian cuisine.
- Afternoon: We’ll then head to Leskovik, nestled in the heart of the Albanian highlands. Here, we’ll embrace the tranquil beauty of nature with a stay in a rustic guesthouse or eco-lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
- Evening: Dinner will be served in the guesthouse or a local restaurant, featuring traditional Albanian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Overnight: Stay in Leskovik, surrounded by nature.
Day 3: Leskovik – Aristi (Greece)
- Morning: After breakfast, we’ll head towards the Greek-Albanian border and cross into Greece. The drive will take us through the mountainous landscape of Zagori.
- Afternoon: We’ll arrive in Aristi, a charming village nestled in the Zagori region of Greece. This picturesque village is known for its traditional stone houses and breathtaking views of the Vikos Gorge.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local taverna in Aristi, where we’ll savor Greek specialties like souvlaki, moussaka, and tzatziki.
- Overnight: Stay in Aristi, a peaceful village offering a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Day 4: Rafting on the Voidomatis River – Exploring the Villages of Zagori
- Morning: After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with an exciting rafting adventure on the Voidomatis River, located in the stunning Vikos Gorge. The Voidomatis River is known for its crystal-clear waters and is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. Professional rafting guides will lead us through the rapids, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery.
- Late Morning: After rafting, we’ll return to Aristi for lunch and a short break.
- Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll explore the Zagori villages. We’ll start with Vitsa, a picturesque village known for its cobbled streets and traditional architecture. Then we’ll visit Kipi, home to ancient stone bridges, and finish with Metsovo, a village famous for its rich cultural heritage and local crafts.
- Evening: Return to Aristi for a relaxing evening and enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at a local taverna.
- Overnight: Stay again in Aristi.
Day 5: Aristi – Kakavia Border – Gjirokastër
- Morning: After breakfast, we’ll depart from Aristi and head back towards Albania. We’ll cross the border into Albania at the Kakavia Border and drive towards the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Gjirokastër, also known as the “City of Stone.” We’ll take a guided tour of the city, visiting the impressive Gjirokastër Castle and exploring the narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional stone houses.
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in one of Gjirokastër’s atmospheric restaurants, sampling local dishes such as qifqi (rice balls) and tavë kosi.
- Evening: Free time for shopping or further exploration of the city’s old town before we gather for dinner.
- Overnight: Stay overnight in Gjirokastër.
Day 6: Gjirokastër – Butrint – Saranda
- Morning: After breakfast, we’ll head south towards Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Butrint is an ancient city with roots dating back to the Greek and Roman periods, with well-preserved ruins including a theater, temples, and a Roman villa.
- Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Butrint or Saranda, before continuing our journey along the beautiful Ionian coast.
- Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll explore the coastal city of Saranda, enjoying its picturesque harbor and relaxed atmosphere.
- Evening: Free time to relax by the sea or explore the town’s cafes and boutiques.
- Overnight: Stay in Saranda, with stunning views over the Ionian Sea.
Day 7: Saranda – Vlora – Return to Tirana
- Morning: After breakfast, we’ll head back up the Albanian coast, passing through the beautiful beaches of the Ionian Coast on our way to Vlora.
- Lunch: Stop for lunch in Vlora, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes.
- Afternoon: Continue the journey to Tirana.
- Evening: We’ll arrive in Tirana, where the tour ends, or you may choose to extend your stay in Albania.
Optional Extra Day: Meteora & Ioannina
- If you wish to extend your stay in Greece, we offer an optional extra day to explore Meteora and Ioannina.
- Meteora: Visit the famous Meteora Monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations, offering spectacular views and an enriching cultural experience.
- Ioannina: Explore the beautiful city of Ioannina, known for its medieval castle, beautiful lake, and rich Ottoman heritage.
- Overnight: Stay in Ioannina before continuing as best for your itinerary to Tirana the next day.
We are certainly interested in the bonvivant lifestyle, and Albania and the Balkans are loaded with that! Let us know if you are interested in wines. We know all the roads and trails to the best ones. We can certainly combine those experiences with hikes, food experiences, nature and lifestyle. As day-trips, weekend breaks or full multi-day tours – we are really good at opening the doors of the best wineries of the country but also to the smaller ‘secret’ ones.
If you are interested in packaged tourist experiences in relation to food and wines, note that this page is probably not best for you. We aim at guests who are interested in not being treated as a tourist, and we will need to communicate with you first in order to understand each other, the season, the possibilities, the products, and the experiences. We love to cater that way, and if you love food and wines (and raki) you will love your tour to be built just for you. You took a long journey to find us, and you do not deserve ordinary tourist time in one of the regions where authenticity is all around (but not everyone is able to bring it out properly).
Did you know the Albanian typical drink is Raki!? It is originally made of grapes but any fruit makes good to very good raki not much to do with turkish or bulgarian rakija made out of anise.
The best Albanian one is made out of blackberries. Let us introduce you to this delicious but also dangerous spirit. We will taste some of it without risking to loose control ok!? – Promise!?
Will you also be brave enough to try some intestines!? How about lamb brain!? Ok ok! If you are not, no worries! There is going to be loads of other food! No panic at all! Get ready for mouthwatering!
For either a one day-, weekend- or mutli-day-tour that covers several parts of the region, we can offer you a succulent and surprising experience of Balkanic and Mediterranean cuisine! Albania is especially rich in this field and in just one day we’ll jump from chaotic bazaar restaurants to peaceful farms; fishermen cottages to very fine restaurants; elegant wineries to Moms cooking classes or drinking fresh local beer (and of course plenty of the ‘magic’ local pride called Raki.) Let us know what you’re most interested in and to find a bit more inspiration start from here.
This is an old new activity that we’re working on and trying to refine. It’s in strong collaboration with local and international fauna, flora and nature specialists and in partnership with RISI Albania that we’re launching a new initiative in order to attract more birding and nature fanatics into our beautiful country and region. Work is loading quite beautifully. We love what we’re doing and we’re definitely learning a lot. The more time goes by, the more we are improving our capacities of developing this activity in a sustainable and lovely way. We are in a constant search for ideas, techniques, experiences and innovation in that regard.
Everyone is going to love it. Guests will be delighted, locals will be happy! Lots of potential! Love nature! Protect it as you do with your own home! That’s what it is!
Do contact us in case you have a family, a group or a specialized association willing to explore the so rich Albanian and Balkanic natural wealth.
Albania the land of biodiversity
Meet Elton’s incredible, earth-shattering idea for a tour that will bring you to the kitchens of families, farms and restaurants for a 4 to 8 day guided, driven (or self guided and driven) tour in Albania and the Balkans.
It’ll combine beaches, mountains and urban environments and will surely encompass loads of food, wine and raki. The idea is both to taste the delights on offer and also be a part of their cultivation or production process- a full experience. Nature will be in abundance. And history always nearby as well. We shall combine all of the “creme de la creme” of Albania and the region for you in this experience.
This one-of-a-kind tour is designed for those who want to divulge into learning about Albania’s unique food and lifestyle traditions. With all our long experience, the connections, the success of our “Cool’inary” Tour and because we at Albanian Trip are hardcore foodies, we know about all of the region’s best-kept dining secrets are friends with the most famous and secret chefs, wine and raki makers and want to share all that wealth with you as a guest!
Steeped in authentic Albanian culture and natural landscapes, you can also expect to learn about our people, history and geography on the way. The departure dates are flexible depending on your timing and group size.
Let Albanian Trip organize one of the least touristy experiences you can have in Albania! Of course it will include visiting classic local beauties like Berat, Butrint, Lake Ohrid or Gjirokastra, but the best part is that you will spend quality time with local families in the charming, lesser known towns and countryside. This is the best way to make genuine new friends that will help you truly explore and understand Albania or the Adriatic part of the Balkans.
We will arrange for you to travel a bit, then you will spend 2 or 4 days with a local family in the country side or in a luxury hotel with a SPA. From there, you can move to another part of the region or stay on a nice little beach or mountain area. The possibilities are numerous and we know a lot about them. Whatever you decide, you will extract wonderful memories and experiences!
Since this is very much a tailor-made trip, we will be working with each individual or group to discern what your particular interests are. From there, we will establish a price, itinerary and activities accordingly.
Contact us for more info regarding this new approach into a great corner of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Thanks for the pictures @Chris Allnut
The places we visit on this tour will be hard to forget – you will really get a sense of Albania’s deep past. We’ll adapt to all of your interests, physical shape and needs for this day tour, which is also great for cruise-ship visitors, too.
See many more details here!
We will definitely surprise you with our small but very interesting collection of books and all sorts of objects related to Albania’s history of the last 100 years but also more. We have all kinds of paraphernalia from the Marxist literature competition to the Canadian Communist Party’s publicity to travel Albania in the 80s! We’ve hundreds of objects related to communist and capitalist (lol) Albanian life in general. Tirana has no ethnographic museum but this place can be considered as one or even more. You can touch things, ask questions and feel free to spend a bit of time in it. We always had historians, artists and researchers to come and spend a bit of time roaming through the many objects and the literature that we have.
If you find yourself with a bit of time in Tirana and have already visited (or don’t have enough time to spend in) big museums like the National History one, send us a message and come and visit our garden and the collection – this will surely add a lot of charm to your visit of Tirana!
Wherever in the world you come from, we’re certain this is going to be interesting. We showcase artifacts from a part of history that many modern Albanians are not even aware of – many of the objects we’re displaying have sadly been thrown away (mainly by young brides) and have been replaced with cheap post-Communist elements. We’re not nostalgic but we’ve taken pains to preserve these things and we’re certainly good at telling you the stories! So do come and visit us also to try the Raki we make with the grapes of the garden next door – and why not a fantastic Turkish coffee that will help you stay awake for the rest of the day!?
Since we’re not very fancy and business-minded yet (but it has started to happen) when it comes to our collection, we will not charge but will be happy to let you give a little contribution to the maintenance (and hopefully the expanding) of our collection in the future.
Give us the time to organize an unforgettable and really cool holiday in one of the nicest Rivieras on the Mediterranean: the Albanian Riviera Holiday! There is no need for a jacket – bring a bathing suit (it might be useful!)
Albania’s beaches are definitely beautiful and are beginning to become more widely known, but still outside the July and August high season (10 July – 20 August) you’re likely to have one all to yourself. We know the cutest hotels and guesthouses along the Albanian Riviera, from Saranda to Llogara, and in the larger resorts of Vlorë, Divjake-Karavasta, Durrës, Shengjin and Velipoja. We’re always delighted to put together packages including accommodation and car hire, and a ‘greeter’ to look after you when you step off the ferry at Saranda (for those coming from Corfu) or at the Tirana Airport. Do get in touch if you’d like to find out more about beach holidays in Albania (and we can add some culture, history, nature and culinary experiences in the stunning landscapes of Albania of course but also in Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo or Greece.)
