We start the day with a short drive to Kruja, a hillside town that feels like stepping into Albania’s origin story. This is the stronghold of Skanderbeg, the national hero who resisted the Ottoman Empire. At the Skanderbeg Museum, we get context on Albania’s fight for identity and independence.

On our way back to Tirana, we'll stop for a relaxing lunch in the Albanian countryside. We'll experience farm-to-table in its purest form where everything is local, seasonal, and deeply rooted in tradition.

We'll have time to relax at the hotel before exploring Tirana in the evening. Our guide will bring the capital to life, from its bold architecture to its layered history. We visit Bunk’Art, a massive underground bunker turned museum that tells the story of Albania’s communist era in a way that’s immersive and unforgettable.

We close the night with dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant and for those interested, a quick nightcap at a retro bar inspired by Albania’s communist past.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Hotel Xheko Imperial

We leave Tirana and head toward Berat, with a stop in Durrës to explore one of the Balkans’ largest Roman amphitheaters. It’s a reminder of how many civilizations have passed through this region.

By afternoon, we arrive in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cascading Ottoman houses that give it the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows.” We'll rest for a quick lunch before heading to Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum where we'll see the numerous religious icons painted in a distinct Albanian style. It’s a quiet but powerful look into the country’s artistic and spiritual history.

We'll end our day with a wine tasting at a female-owned, family winery set in a relaxed countryside setting. Albania’s wine culture dates back thousands of years, and because few grapes varieties are exported, we'll have the opportunity to taste vintages only available in Albania.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: Hotel Onufri

Today we continue south towards the Albanian Riviera, with a purposeful stop in Gjirokastër, known as the “City of Stone”. We'll explore the Gjirokastër Castle, which towers over the valley and offers sweeping mountain views before exploring the small slate-roofed homes and cobblestone streets of this city trapped in time.

We'll be welcomed into a local family home for a hands-on cooking class focused on traditional Albanian dishes like byrek, qifqi (fried rice balls), and tavë kosi (baked lamb + rice). After we've prepared our food, we'll gather for a peaceful lunch in a private garden, sharing stories and hearing from the women of the region.

Afterwards, we'll head towards the coast, trading mountains for the Ionian Sea. Upon arrival into Sarandë, the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy the slower rhythm of coastal Albania.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: Hotel Andon Lapa

We start our day at Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history unfold as we walk through ancient ruins surrounded by lush wetlands and quiet lagoons. It’s one of those places where every step feels like moving through a different era.

Then we shift into full coastal mode in Ksamil, often called the Maldives of Europe. Think powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and small islands just offshore that you can swim to. We settle in for a long, leisurely lunch, where fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors take center stage, followed by an afternoon to swim, unwind, and fully take it all in.

As the day winds down, we'll head up to a local viewpoint for sunset, where panoramic views stretch across Sarandë and the Ionian Sea. It’s the kind of golden-hour moment that stays with you long after the trip ends. Dinner at your leisure.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: Hotel Andon Lapa

This morning, we'll explore the Albanian Riviera by private speedboat, where the coastline reveals itself in a way you simply can’t experience from land. We cruise past rugged cliffs and into hidden coves, stopping at secluded beaches with water so impossibly clear it almost feels surreal. These quiet pockets of the coast feel untouched and undiscovered, which is exactly what makes them so special.

By afternoon, we ease into a slower rhythm. The time is yours to enjoy the beach, take a swim in the Ionian’s calm, glassy waters, or settle into a lounge chair and fully unwind. No agenda, no rush. Just space to be present and soak it all in.

After returning to the hotel and freshening up, we'll gather for dinner at a restaurant set right along the water. Fresh seafood, simple Mediterranean flavors, and the sound of the sea set the tone for a relaxed final evening on the coast.

Meals: B, D

Hotel: Hotel Andon Lapa

Today feels like a coastal road trip, winding our way back to Tirana along one of the most scenic stretches in Albania. We hug the Riviera, where dramatic cliffs drop into the Ionian Sea and every turn opens up to another postcard view. We stop at Porto Palermo Castle, a quiet fortress set on a small peninsula, where the views stretch endlessly over the water and the history feels almost untouched.

Continuing north, we reach Vlorë, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. We settle in for a relaxed seaside lunch before arriving back in Tirana and checking into our hotel. Our final night together begins with a lively night filled with traditional music, dancing, and a final celebration of the culture we’ve experienced all week. Afterwards, continue on for a farewell dinner set atop the city's Sky Tower, taking in panoramic views over the city and reflecting on an incredible week.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn

Our final morning is slow and easy. We enjoy one last breakfast together, soaking in those last moments of the trip, replaying favorite memories, and exchanging “we have to travel together again” plans.

Depending on departure times, there’s space for a short walk, a final coffee, or a quiet moment to take in Tirana one last time. Then we transfer to the airport for our flights home.

We leave with full hearts, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for a place that still feels undiscovered.

Meals: B