Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA). After clearing customs and baggage claim, collect your pre-booked rental car directly at the airport. Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the vehicle—your Albanian road adventure begins here.

Drive a short distance to your Tirana hotel (most are 15–25 minutes from the airport). Once settled, the capital is yours to explore at your own pace.

Suggested Tirana highlights (if time and energy allow):

Skanderbeg Square – The beating heart of the city, surrounded by imposing historic buildings, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the National History Museum.

The Pyramid of Tirana – A fascinating former museum turned cultural space, now covered in colorful graffiti and offering a unique photo opportunity.

Blloku District – Once reserved for communist elite, now Tirana's liveliest neighborhood filled with trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.

Overnight: Tirana

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 1–02

HOTEL INCLUDED

Hotel Theatro City Center

Tirana

ROOM ONLY

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Hotel Boka

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Mulaj Hotel

Boutique Hotel Kotoni

Arté Boutique Hotel

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Rogner Hotel

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Maritim Hotel Plaza

Morning: After breakfast, check out of your Tirana hotel and begin your southward journey. The drive to Vlorë takes approximately 2.5 hours along the SH8 highway, offering a changing landscape from inland hills to the first glimpses of the Adriatic.

The Drive: Leaving Tirana, you'll pass through rolling countryside dotted with olive groves and traditional stone villages. As you approach the coast, the air shifts—salty and warm—and the turquoise sea begins to appear on the horizon.

Arrival in Vlorë: One of Albania's oldest coastal cities, Vlorë holds special significance as the site where Albania declared its independence in 1912. Today, it's a relaxed seaside escape beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Afternoon – Easy Coastal Exploration: Check into your Vlorë hotel, then embrace the slow pace of Albanian coastal life. The Vlorë Promenade stretches for kilometers along the waterfront—perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, or simply finding a bench to watch the waves.

Late Afternoon – Sunset Waterfront Dinner: As the sun begins its descent over the Adriatic, choose one of the many seafood restaurants lining the promenade. Fresh-caught fish, grilled squid, and local white wine accompany what will surely be a memorable sunset. The colors over the sea—golden, pink, and deep blue—provide a stunning farewell to your first day on the Albanian coast.

Overnight: Vlorë

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 2–3

HOTEL INCLUDED

Hotel Palace Vlore

Vlorë

ROOM INCLUDED

Deluxe Twin Room • Breakfast Included

Recommended

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Vlora International

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Regina Garden Vlore

Hotel Olive

Harmony Boutique Hotel

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Driving time: Approx. 3 hours, plus time for scenic stops and photography

Morning: After breakfast in Vlorë, check out and begin the drive that travelers consistently rank as one of the most spectacular road experiences in the Balkans. The road climbs quickly away from the coast, trading flat waterfront views for dramatic mountain terrain.

Llogara Pass – The Crown Jewel: As you ascend the Llogara Pass (1,027 meters / 3,369 feet), the hairpin turns reveal increasingly breathtaking vistas. Stop at designated viewpoints to capture the moment when the Ionian Sea stretches endlessly below, framed by rugged peaks. On clear days, the Greek island of Corfu is visible on the southern horizon. The pass is also known for its wind-bent pine trees, sculpted by decades of strong sea breezes into natural works of art.

The Descent to Dhërmi: Dropping down the southern side of the pass feels like entering another world. The turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera unfold beneath you, with white pebble beaches tucked into sheltered coves. Your first coastal stop is Dhërmi, a hillside village famous for its long, beautiful beach and vibrant summer energy.

Beach Stops Along the Way:
Drymades Beach – A stunning stretch of white pebbles and crystal-clear water, framed by steep green hills. Widely considered one of Albania's most beautiful beaches.

Jale Beach – A lively crescent-shaped bay with beach bars, sunbeds, and a festive atmosphere during summer months.

Lunch Recommendation: Pull over at a hillside restaurant overlooking the sea. Fresh grilled fish, Greek salad with local feta, and a cold beer or glass of white wine—all with a view that rivals the Greek islands at a fraction of the price.

Afternoon Arrival in Himarë: Continue south to your overnight destination. Himarë offers a perfect balance of authentic Albanian character and Riviera beauty. Check into your hotel and take a late afternoon swim at the main town beach.

Evening:Explore Himarë's small but charming old town, perched on a hill above the new town. Cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and a castle ruin await. Dinner options range from casual beachfront tavernas to family-run restaurants serving homemade specialties.

Overnight: Himarë (for two nights)

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 3–5

HOTEL INCLUDED

Vila Blu Inn

Himarë

ROOM INCLUDED

Basic Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Garden View

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Enjoy a relaxed day with no need to change hotels. Swim from hidden coves, join an optional boat excursion along the coast, or venture into traditional hillside villages that seem suspended between sea and sky. Whether you seek adventure or pure relaxation, today moves at your pace.

Highlights
📍Livadhi Beach – A broad, uncrowded curve of white pebbles; one of the Riviera's finest stretches
📍Gjipe Beach – A secluded canyon beach accessible only by foot or boat; wild, beautiful, and unforgettable
📍Qeparo village – Stone houses and cobbled lanes with breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea
📍Porto Palermo Castle – A dramatic seaside fortress steeped in legend and framed by turquoise water

Himarë is frequently recommended as a multi-night base rather than a single-night stop. Its central location, authentic character, and access to both famous beaches and hidden gems make it the ideal place to slow down and absorb the rhythm of the Albanian Riviera.

Overnight: Himarë

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 3–5

HOTEL INCLUDED

Vila Blu Inn

Himarë

ROOM INCLUDED

Basic Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Garden View

Driving time: Approx. 2–3 hours, including scenic stops

Continue south along the Albanian Riviera, where the coastal road winds past olive groves, hidden coves, and spectacular sea viewpoints. Your destination is Ksamil, a small resort village famous for its crystal-clear waters and tiny offshore islands that seem to float on the Ionian Sea. This is the Albanian coastline at its most idyllic.

Morning: After breakfast in Himarë, check out and begin the final leg of your coastal journey. The landscape shifts as you drive south—rugged mountains give way to gentler hills blanketed in olive trees, while the sea remains a constant, dazzling presence on your left.

Highlights Along the Way

Borsh Beach Albania's longest beach stretches for 7 km (4.3 miles) beneath a hillside castle and endless olive groves. Perfect for a refreshing swim or a simple toe-dip before continuing south.
Lukovë viewpoint A short pull-off offers one of the most photographed vistas on the entire Riviera. The village of Lukovë clings to the hillside far above a brilliant turquoise bay—keep your camera ready.
Sarandë promenade Albania's busiest coastal city welcomes you with a lively waterfront lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants. An ideal spot for a lunch stop or a leisurely stroll before the final push to Ksamil.
Afternoon Arrival in Ksamil: Leave Sarandë behind and drive just 15 minutes south to Ksamil. The water here is impossibly clear—shallow, warm, and shimmering in shades of turquoise and sapphire. Small, tree-covered islands sit just offshore, reachable by a short swim, a kayak, or a water taxi.

Sunset in Ksamil: Check into your hotel, then find a waterfront restaurant or beach bar as the sun begins to set. The colors reflecting off the calm, clear water create a serene and romantic atmosphere—a perfect end to your day along the Albanian Riviera.

Overnight: Ksamil (first of 2 nights)

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 5–7

HOTEL INCLUDED

Belmond Hotel

Kerkyra/corfu

ROOM INCLUDED

Double 1 Bed • Bed and Breakfast BB

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Hotel Ardiani

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Sondor Hotel

Bed and Breakfast BB

Hotel Natica

Bed and Breakfast BB

Hotel Ajden by Mira Mare

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Arameras Resort

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Spend the morning relaxing on Ksamil's pristine beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and perhaps paddling out to one of the small offshore islands. Then, devote your afternoon to discovering one of Albania's most important archaeological treasures—the ancient city of Butrint.

MorningV – Beach Time in Ksamil: With no need to rush, ease into your day. Ksamil offers several beautiful beach sections, all featuring the shallow, turquoise water that has made this village famous. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, swim to a nearby island, or simply claim a sunbed and relax with a book and a cold drink.

Afternoon – Butrint National Park: Just a 10-minute drive from Ksamil lies Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Albania's most significant archaeological destinations. Set within a lush wetland forest, the ruins span over 2,500 years of history—Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian—all layered within a compact, walkable site.

What to See at Butrint:V
📍 The Greek Theater (seating 2,500, remarkably preserved)
📍 The Baptistery (featuring a stunning mosaic floor)
📍 The Roman Forum and Baths
📍 The Venetian Tower (with panoramic views over the lagoon)
📍 The Lion Gate (a testament to Butrint's ancient fortifications)
A small ferry can take you across the lake for an alternate entrance, offering a different perspective on the site. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit.

Late Afternoon – Butrint Lagoon & Return to Ksamil: Before heading back, take a moment to enjoy the peaceful views across the lagoon. Herons, egrets, and other birdlife are common here, adding to the site's tranquil atmosphere. Return to Ksamil for a final evening along the waterfront.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Ksamil. Fresh seafood dominates the menus—grilled fish, octopus, shrimp, and mussels harvested from nearby Lake Butrint. Raise a glass of local wine to two unforgettable nights on the Albanian Riviera.

Overnight: Ksamil (second night)

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 5–7

HOTEL INCLUDED

Belmond Hotel

Kerkyra/corfu

ROOM INCLUDED

Double 1 Bed • Bed and Breakfast BB

Driving time: Approx. 4 hours, plus time for sightseeing stops

Leave the coast behind and journey inland to discover Albania's cultural heart. Visit the extraordinary Blue Eye spring, where crystalline turquoise water bubbles up from a deep underwater cave. Then explore Gjirokastër, the "City of Stone," before continuing north to Berat, the "Town of a Thousand Windows." These two UNESCO World Heritage cities are the highlights of any southern Albania itinerary.

Morning – The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): Depart Ksamil and drive approximately 30 minutes inland to one of Albania's most extraordinary natural phenomena. A deep, bubbling spring of impossibly blue water emerges from a cave, surrounded by ancient plane trees. The water remains a brisk 10–13°C (50–55°F) year-round, but brave swimmers are rewarded with a truly unique experience. Walk the wooden paths, find a bench, and simply marvel at nature's artistry. Note: The road to the Blue Eye is narrow and winding—drive carefully. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Late Morning – Gjirokastër, the City of Stone: Continue your drive to Gjirokastër (approx. 1 hour from the Blue Eye). This UNESCO-protected city rises dramatically from the Drino Valley, its hillside covered in distinctive stone-roofed houses and cobblestone lanes.

What to See in Gjirokastër:>
📍 Gjirokastër Bazaar – A charming old market street lined with traditional craft shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for souvenir hunting or a coffee stop.
📍 Gjirokastër Castle – One of the largest castles in the Balkans, dominating the city from above. Inside, you'll find a military museum, a captured American spy plane, and breathtaking views over the valley.
📍 Skenduli House or Zekate House – Restored Ottoman-era mansions offering a glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life.

Lunch Recommendation:Stop for lunch in Gjirokastër's bazaar district. Local specialties include qifqi (rice balls with herbs), pasha qofte (meatball soup), and oto (a traditional yogurt drink).

Afternoon Drive to Berat: After lunch, continue north to Berat (approx. 2.5 hours). The landscape shifts from mountain valleys to rolling hills as you approach central Albania.

Evening Arrival in Berat: Settle into your hotel and step out to explore Berat's illuminated old town after dark. The Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, separated by the Osum River, glow warmly across the water from one another. Choose a traditional restaurant along the riverbank for dinner.

Overnight: Berat (1 night)

Accommodation Included

Your stay is already included in your package

Day 7–8

HOTEL INCLUDED

Hotel Orestiada

Velabisht

ROOM INCLUDED

Deluxe Double Room • Breakfast Included

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Driving time: Approx. 1.5 hours (Berat → Tirana Airport)

Explore the famous "City of a Thousand Windows" before your return to Tirana Airport for departure. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers one of Albania's most enchanting old towns—a hillside cascade of white Ottoman houses climbing toward a magnificent castle. Spend the morning soaking in its beauty before a scenic drive back to the airport.

Morning – Discovering Berat: After breakfast, set out to explore Berat's treasures. The city is divided by the Osum River, with the historic Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods facing one another from opposite banks.

Why Us

Tour Price

Other Tours

7 Days Southern Albania
Riviera Self-Drive Tour

From mountain passes and turquoise beaches to UNESCO stone towns and hidden castles — discover Albania’s most beautiful road trip at your own pace.

Tour code: 959

Tour starts Tirana

Tour ends Tirana

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Highlights

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS TOUR
✓ Stunning Albanian Riviera coastal drive
✓ UNESCO heritage towns
✓ Beach relaxation + culture balance
✓ Flexible self-drive freedom
✓ Castle and mountain viewpoints
✓ Easy 1-week itinerary

MG ZS

2 2 Manual AC

IFMR · ALAMO

Intermediate

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$454.39

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