Individual through Albania: Nature, Culture & Sea - INTI Tours

Arrival at Tirana airport, reception and transfer to the hotel. In Tirana today you can visit the National History Museum, the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals and the Et'hem Beu Mosque. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Tirana Airport > Tirana, approx. 25 min (15 km)

Today your rental car journey begins in the direction of Shkoder. Inhabited since prehistoric times, today Shkoder is considered a symbol of deep harmony between religions. The city houses places of different cults, namely those of the Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox. Shkoder is considered the capital of northern Albania and has been a city of great importance the region since ancient times. Legends, different architectural styles, museums and art workshops enliven the city in many ways. Visit to Rozafa Castle and the Marubi Photo Studio. Overnight in Shkoder at Hotel Tradita.

Tirana > Shkoder, approx. 1h,55 min (102 km)

Today we start early, already at 5:30 am, for an impressive drive towards the Albanian Alps in the Valbona Valley. First you cross Lake Koman by ferry. This journey across the water takes about two and a half to three hours, during which you have the opportunity to marvel at the fabulous landscape, which is similar to the fjord region in Scandinavia.  After arriving in Valbona, you will explore the beautiful area and meet the inhabitants of a village where you will have dinner and spend the night. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbone.           

Shkoder > Koman, approx. 2h 50 min (136 km)

Today you will travel towards Prizren, entering Kosovo. Prizren is a very important city for Albanian history. In 1878, the so-called "League of Prizren" was held in this city, where 300 representatives from Albania stood up against almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. The city's architectural heritage is unique due to Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman influences. Kruje is very close to the Albanian capital. In the 15th century, the town was the scene of many battles between the Ottomans and the Albanians. The Albanians resisted the Ottomans for 25 years under the command of Skanderbeg, who was the national hero of the Albanians at that time. When visiting the League of Prizren, you will learn more about Skanderbeg - one of the most famous figures in Europe. The Ethnographic Museum and the old bazaar are also well worth a visit. Overnight in Kruja at the Panorama Hotel.

Valbone > Prizren, approx. 2 h 10 min (102 km)
Prizren > Kruje, approx. 2 h 15 min (172 km)

Your next destination is the attractive Berat. Besides Gjirokaster, Berat is the second city in Albania to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional architecture. The name "City of a Thousand Windows" refers to Berat's fascinating architecture with its white houses with the many windows and its stone roofs as well as its steep, long alleys. Visit the Mangalemi as well as the Gorica quarter. The castle and the Onufri Museum are also absolutely worth seeing. Overnight in Berat at Belagrita Palace Hotel.

Kruje > Berat, approx. 2 h 10 min (134 km)

Your next stop is one of Albania's most amazing cities - Gjirokastra, also known as "the stone city". Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokastër is the hometown of Albania's greatest writer Ismaïl Kadare. Less literary, it is also the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. It has several traditional quarters and beautiful shady terraces. Gjirokaster has preserved the picturesque and typical architecture of the old Albanian villas. In Gjirokaster, visit the local castle and the Ethnographic Museum. Overnight in Gjirokaster at the Kalemi Hotel.

Berat > Gjirokaster, approx. 2h 40 min (181 km)

You are now approaching the Ionian coast. First you will visit the fabulous archaeological site of Butrint, which is located right on the border with Greece. Butrint has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and a visit to the archaeological park is an absolutely fascinating highlight. In the afternoon we continue to Saranda, where you can sample typical local cuisine from the sea on the beach. Overnight in Saranda at Brilant Hotel.

Gjirokaster > Butrint, approx. 1h 25 min (71 km)
Butrint > Sarande, approx. 25 min (16 km)

During your journey today, you will pass through several villages along the coast until you finally arrive in Porto Palermo. There you will visit the fortress of Ali Pasha, which rises on a peninsula with special vegetation. You will get to know and love the Albanian Riviera with its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Overnight stay on the Albanian Riviera at the Dhima Hotel.

Sarande > Albanian Riviera, approx. 1h 15 min (54 km)

Enjoy a day at the beach today, just as you like... Overnight on the Albanian Riviera at the Dhima Hotel.

A magnificent destination is on your programme today. The Llogara National Park covers an area of about 1,000 hectares and consists of coniferous forests that contrast with the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. Today you can hike in the park and explore the exciting transitions from the mountains of the Karaburun Peninsula to the sea along the Albanian Riviera. On the pass, in good weather, there is an impressive view of the Ionian coast with its crystal clear sea water. Cesar is said to have once marched his troops along this pass. Continue to Vlore. Vlore is the city where Albania's independence was declared in 1912. To learn more about this historical event, you can visit the Independence Museum. You can use the afternoon in Vlore to once again enjoy the beach and take a swim. Overnight in Vlore at the Hotel al Vlora International.

Albanian Riviera > Llogara, approx. 53 min (37 km)
Llogara > Vlore, approx. 45 min (36 km)

You will continue your journey towards Fier and Apollonia. In ancient times, Apollonia was a very large, important city and today it is home to the largest archaeological park in Albania, which you will of course visit. The architectural remains that still exist include, for example, the Odeon and the library where Emperor Octavian Augustus studied. You can also visit the Nymphaeum, the restored theatre from antiquity and St. Mary's Church from the 13th century. Bunkers from the communist era can be seen on the olive slopes, indicating the great historical contrast of the country. Return journey to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Vlore > Apolloni, approx. 45 min (38 km)
Apolloni > Tirane, approx. 2h (122 km)         

According to your flight schedule transfer to the airport and return home. 

Tirane > Airport, approx. 25 min (15 km)