Itinerary

1. Day 1: Tirana to Berat (UNESCO) – Check-in and Dinner in Saranda

   • 08:00 – Breakfast in Tirana.
   • 09:00 – Depart for Berat.
   • 10:45 – Explore Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
     • Berat Castle (1.5 hours): Walk through the hilltop fortress and enjoy views of the Osum River.
     • Mangalem and Gorica Quarters (1 hour): Stroll through these Ottoman-era neighborhoods.
     • Optional: Visit the Onufri Museum (30 mins) inside the castle for a glimpse of medieval Orthodox art.
   • 13:00 – Lunch in Berat.
     • Recommended: Tave Kosi (lamb with yogurt) at a restaurant overlooking the Osum River.
   • 14:30 – Depart for Saranda.
     • Enjoy a scenic drive south, passing through the rugged mountains of southern Albania.
   • 18:00 – Check-in at your hotel in Saranda.
     • After the drive, take some time to get comfortable and unwind.
   • 19:30 – Dinner along Saranda’s Promenade.
     • Suggested: Seafood risotto or grilled sea bass at a waterfront restaurant.

   Overnight in Saranda.

2. Day 2: Butrint Archaeological Park, Blue Eye Spring, and Ksamil Beaches

   • 08:00 – Breakfast at your Hotel in Saranda.
     • Fuel up for a day packed with nature, history, and beach time.
   • 09:00 – Depart for Butrint Archaeological Park.
   • 09:30 – Explore Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
     • This fascinating archaeological site, surrounded by a lagoon, showcases the ruins of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations.
     • Highlights include:
       • The Theater
       • The Baptistery, with its mosaic floors
       • The Lion Gate and the Acropolis
       • The Roman Forum and Venetian Tower
   • 12:00 – Depart for the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër).
   • 12:30 – Visit the Blue Eye Spring (45 mins).
     • Marvel at the vivid turquoise waters of this natural spring, where water bubbles up from a depth of over 50 meters. Take a short walk along the trails around the spring, and enjoy a coffee or refreshment at the nearby café.
   • 13:30 – Depart for Ksamil Beaches.
   • 14:00 – Lunch by the Beach in Ksamil.
     • Enjoy a relaxing lunch with views of the Ionian Sea. Recommended: Grilled seafood platter or local salads with a glass of Albanian wine.
   • 15:00 – Relax at Ksamil Beaches.
     • Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the idyllic beaches of Ksamil. Sunbathe on the soft sands, swim in the turquoise waters, or rent a kayak to explore the nearby islands.
   • 17:30 – Return to Saranda.
   • 18:00 – Free Time to Relax Before Dinner.
     • Take some time to unwind at your hotel or stroll along the Saranda promenade.
   • 20:00 – Dinner at a Local Restaurant in Saranda.
     • Enjoy another evening by the sea. Suggested: Mussels from Butrint Lake or shrimp risotto.

   Overnight in Saranda.

3. Day 3: Day Trip to Gjirokastër (UNESCO) – Explore at Leisure

   • 08:00 – Breakfast in Saranda.
   • 09:00 – Depart for Gjirokastër.
   • 10:00 – Explore Gjirokastër (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
     • Gjirokastër Castle (1 hour): Discover the fortress and its museum of historical weapons.
     • Skenduli House (30 mins): Visit this Ottoman-era home with authentic Albanian architecture.
     • Ethnographic Museum (optional, 45 mins): Learn about the city’s heritage and local traditions.
   • 13:00 – Lunch in Gjirokastër.
     • Recommended: Try qifqi (rice balls) and byrek (flaky pie) at a local taverna.
   • 14:30 – Free Time to Explore Gjirokastër.
     • Stroll through the bazaar for souvenirs, have a coffee at a local café, or explore the city at your own pace.
   • 16:30 – Depart for Saranda 18:00 – Free Evening in Saranda.
     • Relax at the hotel or take a stroll along the promenade.
   • 20:00 – Dinner at a Local Restaurant.
     • Recommended: Fresh fish with garlic and herbs. 

   Overnight in Saranda.

4. Day 4: Coastal Drive from Saranda to Vlora – Stops in Borsh, Himara, and Dhermi

   • 07:30 – Breakfast and check-out from your Hotel.
   • 08:30 – Depart for Vlora via the Ionian Coast.
   • 09:30 – Stop at Borsh Beach.
     • Enjoy a morning walk along Borsh Beach, the longest on the Ionian coast. Have a coffee or fresh juice at a beachfront café.
   • 11:30 – Stop in Himara Village.
     • Explore the laid-back charm of Himara. Optionally, take a swim at the beach or enjoy a light snack at a seaside café.
   • 13:30 – Stop in Dhermi Village.
     • Take a break in Dhermi, one of the most picturesque destinations along the Riviera, known for its cobbled streets and azure waters. Enjoy lunch here—try seafood pasta or grilled calamari.
   • 16:00 – Continue to Vlora.
   • 17:30 – Check-in at your Hotel in Vlora.
     • Take some time to rest after the scenic drive.
   • 19:30 – Dinner along the Vlora Promenade.
     • Recommended: Pasticcio or fresh mussels with local wine.

   Overnight in Vlora.

5. Day 5: Boat Trip and Exploration in Vlora

   • 08:00 – Breakfast at your Hotel.
   • 09:00 – Boat Trip to Haxhi Ali’s Cave (3-4 hours).
     • Explore the spectacular Haxhi Ali Cave on a boat trip along the Vlora coast. Optional: Swim or snorkel during the journey.
   • 13:00 – Lunch at a Restaurant by the Harbor.
   • 15:00 – Free afternoon.
     • Relax on Vlora Beach or stroll along the Lungomare Promenade. 
     • Visit the Independence Museum to learn about Albania’s history.
   • 19:30 – Dinner with live music on the Promenade.

   Overnight in Vlora.

6. Day 6: Leisure and Relaxation in Vlora

   • 08:00 – Breakfast at your Hotel. Morning Options:
     • Visit Zvernec Island and explore the Byzantine Monastery.
     • Take a short drive to Kaninë Castle for views over Vlora Bay.
     • Spend the morning on Vlora Beach.
   • 13:00 – Lunch at a Beachside Restaurant. Afternoon:
     • Enjoy your last afternoon in Vlora by the beach or shop for souvenirs.
   • 19:30 – Dinner at a Local Restaurant.
     • Suggested: Paçe Koke or spaghetti with seafood. 

   Overnight in Vlora.

7. Day 7: Apollonia Archaeological Park and Return to Tirana

   • 08:00 – Breakfast and Check-out.
   • 09:00 – Depart for Apollonia.
   • 10:00 – Explore Apollonia Archaeological Park (UNESCO).
     • Walk through the ruins of this ancient Greek city, visiting the theater, Bouleuterion, and Church of Saint Mary.
   • 12:30 – Lunch near Apollonia.
   • 14:00 – Depart for Tirana.
   • 16:30 – Arrive in Tirana – End of the tour.