Albania Explorer

Albania Explorer

Duration
9 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £1450
Region
Europe
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Overview

For years Albania was a closed society, ruled by the iron fist of Communism, but since the end of the Cold War it has been showing curious travellers its many charms. Isolated from the rest of the world for so long, Albania is a country at the crossroads of east and west, with Ottoman bazaars and unique preserved old towns that grace the UNESCO Heritage list. Tucked away in long forgotten corners lie the ancient cities of the Romans, while imposing fortresses bear witness to a history of resistance against foreign occupation. With dramatic coastal scenery, picturesque monasteries and a culture that is beginning to rediscover itself, Albania is blissfully free of foreign visitors but is just starting to open its doors to the outside world now. Travel here is not always easy – it is one of the least developed countries of Europe, but for those looking for something completely new, Albania’s rewards justify the visit.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 3/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 5/5
Wildlife: 1/5
Tour-pace: 3/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The “Albania Explorer” tour is a 9-day small group adventure that uncovers Albania’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Starting in Tirana, travellers visit Shkoder with its Illyrian heritage and Kruja’s medieval castle. The itinerary also includes UNESCO sites such as Berat, known for its Ottoman architecture, and Gjirokastra, famous for its stone houses and ancient fortress. A highlight is the archaeological site of Butrint, showcasing Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history.

The tour culminates with a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera, offering beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. Along the way, participants engage with local communities, experiencing Albania’s evolving culture and natural beauty. An optional extension to North Macedonia, featuring Lake Ohrid and Skopje, is available.

Itinerary Highlights
Shkoder

A city rich in Illyrian heritage, Shkoder offers fascinating historical sites and a glimpse into Albania’s ancient past.

Kruja Castle

Home to the Skanderbeg Museum, this medieval castle is dedicated to Albania’s national hero and offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Berat

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and is often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Windows."

Gjirokastra

Another UNESCO-listed town, Gjirokastra is famous for its traditional stone houses and its impressive ancient fortress, offering insights into Albania's Ottoman period.

Butrint Archaeological Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint showcases layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history, providing an extraordinary glimpse into ancient civilisations.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Albania Explorer

ALE/120625 Jun 12, 2025

Thursday
Jun 20, 2025

Friday
Guaranteed £1,450.00

Single Room Supplement: £150.00
Contact Us
Albania Explorer

ALE/120925 Sep 12, 2025

Friday
Sep 20, 2025

Saturday
Guaranteed £1,450.00

Single Room Supplement: £150.00
Book Now
Albania Explorer

ALE/110626 Jun 11, 2026

Thursday
Jun 19, 2026

Friday
Guaranteed £1,450.00

Single Room Supplement: £150.00
Book Now
Albania Explorer

ALE/110926 Sep 11, 2026

Friday
Sep 19, 2026

Saturday
Guaranteed £1,450.00

Single Room Supplement: £150.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

Fill in the form below to receive a full tour brochure, including a day-by-day breakdown of the itinerary.

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Albania that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Albania. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Eastern Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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