Unexplored Albania
Tour Overview
Discover one of Europe’s last hidden gems. Albania is a land of turquoise coastlines, dramatic mountain ranges, and warm hospitality. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and ancient heritage, this journey reveals the soul of a country still wonderfully unexplored.
Background
Albania remains one of Europe’s most intriguing and least-travelled destinations — a country where dramatic natural beauty, centuries-old traditions, and ancient civilisations blend seamlessly. Hidden behind rugged mountains and cradled by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Albania has long been overlooked by mainstream tourism, allowing its landscapes and culture to remain remarkably untouched.
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For decades, Albania’s isolation preserved pristine coastlines, forgotten fortresses, and remote villages that still echo with stories of Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Today, the country is emerging as a paradise for travellers seeking something different — an authentic journey into places where history feels alive and nature dominates every horizon.
Your Holiday Essentials
5 Days
4-star hotels, meals as indicated,
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,
tour manager and expert historian
throughout, all internal travel,
optional travel from UK.
Self-Drive Tour
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Flexible (Individual or Group)
Standard price: £1,295
Room occupancy supplement: £1,295
Non-refundable deposit: £475
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Tirana Arrival • Roman Durres • Sundown in Vlore
Base: Vlore (check in and stay for several nights)
Arrival: Meet your guide at Tirana International Airport. Begin your journey by driving to the historic coastal city of Durres.
Morning/Afternoon (Durres):
• Explore the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans
• Walk through Durres’ ruins, Byzantine walls, and seaside promenade
• Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this ancient port city
Drive: Tirana → Durres (approx. 35–40 min)
Durres → Vlore (approx. 2 hrs)
Evening: Arrive in Vlore, settle into your hotel, and take a peaceful stroll along the Lungo Mare, a modern seaside promenade perfect for your first Albanian sunset.
Day 2: SH8 Coastal Road • Llogara Pass • Gjipe Canyon & Beach • Dhermi Village
Start: Leave Vlore after breakfast.
Drive: Vlore → Llogara Pass → Gjipe/Dhermi (approx. 1 hr 20–1 hr 40 min depending on stops)
Highlights:
• Follow the world-famous SH8 coastal road, known for its sweeping views over the Ionian Sea
• Stop at Llogara Pass viewpoint, where eagles often circle high above the cliffs
• Begin your 3-hour hike into Gjipe Canyon, descending through dramatic limestone formations to reach the secluded Gjipe Beach
Midday: Swim, rest, or enjoy local snacks at the beach
Lunch: In Dhermi Village, a beautiful settlement with stone houses and Ottoman-era charm.
Afternoon: Explore the narrow alleys and viewpoints of Dhermi, then return to Vlore.
Overnight: Vlore
Day 3: Ancient Kanina Castle & Mountain Views
Morning: Short drive to Kanina Castle, perched 380 meters above sea level on the slopes of Shushica Mountain.
Drive: Vlore → Kanina (approx. 15–20 min)
Explore:
• Built in the 3rd century BC, expanded into a Roman fortress town by the 4th century AD
• Walk its atmospheric stone walls
• Enjoy panoramic views of the valley, the coast, and Vlore Bay
Short local drive: Lancaster → Pendle Hill is roughly ~30 miles / ~55–60 min (if you choose Lancaster as your staging point).
Afternoon: Return to Vlore for free time by the water, optional café visits, or a relaxed beach afternoon.
Overnight: Vlore
Day 4: Blue Eye Nature Reserve (Syri i Kaltër)
Morning (Pendle recap): Depart Vlore early for the inland mountains of Saranda.
Drive: Vlore → Blue Eye Nature Reserve (approx. 2 hrs 30 min)
Activity:
• Walk the 7 km Blue Eye loop trail
• Enjoy shady oak forests, bubbling riverbanks, and wildflowers
• Chance to spot tortoises, rare birds, and butterflies
• Witness the Blue Eye spring, a deep natural pool with surreal turquoise water bubbling from an underground source
Lunch: At the reserve’s traditional lakeside restaurant.
Afternoon: Drive back to Vlore for a restful evening.
Overnight: Vlore
Day 5: Dajti National Park • Cable Car & Mountain Trails
Start: Check out of Vlore and travel toward Tirana.
Drive: Vlore → Tirana / Dajti National Park (approx. 3 hrs)
Midday: Check in to your mountain or city hotel.
Activities:
• Ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car, a 15-minute journey offering panoramic views over the capital and surrounding peaks
• Enjoy hiking trails at the top — from gentle paths to more adventurous ridgeline routes
• Optional activities: horse riding, shooting range, restaurants overlooking the city
Overnight: Dajti Mountain area or Tirana
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, travel back to Tirana International Airport for your flight home.
Drive: Dajti → Airport (approx. 25–35 min)
What's Included
3 & 4 Star Hotels
Return flights from London (optional)
Expert historians throughout providing a daily variety of talks, presentations and Q&A
Dedicated Tour Manager
Dinner parties hosted by your expert historians and tour manager
The company of like-minded travelers
Helpful and friendly travel advice
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
Tour information booklet
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach
Important Notes
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Car hire, fuel, and tolls not included in tour price
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Accommodation and meals are the traveler's responsibility
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UK driving license or International Driving Permit required
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Book Pendle Heritage Centre and Lancaster Castle tours in advance
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Rural B&Bs in Pendle have limited availability - early booking recommended
About Your Guide
Crow is a practising witch of 34 years, as well as having 25 years of teaching experience in education.
She teaches modern witchcraft and magick and is passionate about learning from the past and
bringing the stories of history to life.
