6-Day Albania UNESCO Tour: Culture, Cuisine & Riviera

Pick up at Tirana and transfer to Vlora. First, we depart for Durres one of the oldest and most important cities in Albania founded in 627 B.C. We take a sightseeing tour of the Amphitheatre situated in the middle of the modern city in an inhabited area.
Then we have a very interesting stop in the city of Kavaja, where we will have a traditional dessert, the same way they used to make them during the Communist times.
Then we continue for a visit to Musai Olive Oil, one of Albania’s most decorated producers. For over 25 years, the Musa family has combined ancient knowledge of the 'Kalinjot' olive with state-of-the-art organic processing. The visit concludes with a guided tasting of their ICEA-certified organic oils, known globally for their quality and characteristic 'kick' of Vlora iodine.
Afterwards we continue to Vlora, the town of Albania’s Independence. There we visit the independence monument, Vlora old town, Muradie mosque, constructed by the famous ottoman architect “Mimar Sinan” of Albanian origins.
Overnight in Vlore.

After breakfast we depart for Saranda. Drive on the spectacular Albanian Riviera looking down at the Ionian Sea.
Breathtaking sceneries await us at the Llogara pass - 1000 m above sea level. On the way we visit the Ali Pasha Castle in Panormi bay a.k.a Porto Palermo, name given by the Fascist Italian soldiers during WWII.
We continue to Saranda, to visit the ancient city of Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was first settled by Hellenic colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of passing civilizations. It is situated in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation.
The Launch at The Mussel House – A Taste of the Ionian "We pause our journey at the edge of Lake Butrint for a true 'sea-to-table' experience. Known as the culinary crown jewel of the region, The Mussel House offers guests the chance to dine on world-class mussels harvested just meters from their table.
 Then we drive towards the mesmerizing Blue Eye Spring to take some beautiful photos of this natural monument. Overnight in Gjirokaster. 

After breakfast we visit Gjirokastra a UNESCO site and museum town with beautiful and very distinct architecture.
We will visit the Fortress which is used as the venue for the National Festival of Folk Song and Dance and has an Arms’ Museum (Optional) with weapons from WWII.
Next, we visit the Ethnographic Museum which is also the house and birthplace of our ex-dictator, Enver Hoxha.

"Experience Gjirokastër through its oldest traditions. After exploring the artisan shops of the Bazaar. We’re stopping at a local house to experience a coffee ceremony that hasn't changed in centuries—served with a side of local gliko (fruit preserves). But the real magic? Playing dress-up with a purpose. From the classic white fustanella to beautifully patterned vests, this is your moment to live the local culture and capture a truly timeless photograph."

 Then we visit the archeological site of Apollonia, dedicated to God Apollo, it is one of the most important sites from Roman Times in Albania, especially because the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus studied here. 

We depart for Berat, the city of 1001 windows, one of the most attractive and characteristic towns in Albania and protected by UNESCO as a world heritage town. In the afternoon explore the city of Berat independently, especially by night the views of the two old neighborhoods Gorica and Mangalemi are magical. Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast we visit the Castle and the Onufri Museum. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors for centuries. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 9 still remain, including one turned into Onufri Museum. Onufri was an Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece.

Explore Osumi river Canyons, light hiking. 
"Taking a 'spirit' break at the edge of the Osumi Canyon!  We’re stopping by a local roadside tavern to sample the famous raki of Skrapar.
Optional: Rafting in the Canyons
Rafting in Osum Canyon is one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in Albania. Located in the south of the country near Çorovodë, this dramatic canyon is known for its towering rock walls, river passages, waterfalls, and untouched natural scenery.

Optional Experience: Wine Tasting Tour with Organic lunch in Roshnik village

After the visit we depart for Tirana. On the way we stop in Belsh town, located in the shores of the lake of Belsh and have a small walk to enjoy the views of the lake. Continue to Tirana and explore on our own the city center and enjoy Tirana's night life, the Blloku area, boulevard “Martyrs of the Nation”, the Pyramid, Bunkers in the central area of the city and much more.

Overnight in Tirana.

Optional Albanian night show

After breakfast free time until transfer to the airport.

Optional activity: Tirana Cooking Class: A Taste of the Shqiptar Kitchen

Step off the bustling streets of the capital and into a local kitchen to master the art of Albanian hospitality. This immersive experience takes you from the vibrant stalls of the Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar)—where you’ll hand-select seasonal ingredients—to the stove, where you’ll craft authentic, centuries-old recipes.