Albania Discovered: Tirana & Beyond

This seven-night escorted tour by Travelsphere travels through Albania’s varied landscapes, starting in Tirana before heading south to the fortified town of Gjirokastër, with its stone houses and castle full of militia relics. Along the way, the ancient Greek colony of Apollonia recalls an empire long gone, while the Blue Eye spring near Sarandë bubbles with remarkably clear water of an intense turquoise.

The route continues to Butrint, where mosaics mark a once-thriving city with layers of history from the Romans to the Byzantines. On the coast, the Albanian Riviera offers coastal views and a stop in Vlora, a key place in Albania’s independence. Berat reveals its Ottoman past with thick-walled houses and a vast hilltop castle housing churches and a museum with wood-carved religious icons.

The final full day includes Kruja’s medieval bazaar and castle connected to the national hero Skanderbeg, followed by a stroll through Tirana’s diverse districts and museums. All in all, a civilised pace with ample chance to appreciate both the quiet detail and the brighter colours of Albanian life.