South Albania: UNESCO Sites & the Riviera
Eight days that trace Albania’s south from Tirana’s Cold War bunkers to the turquoise coastline of the Riviera, with stops in Ottoman old towns, thermal springs, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way. Slow enough to actually taste the country, not just pass through it.
Day by Day
Day 1: Cold War Stories & Tirana's Urban Vibe
A relaxed introduction to Tirana, tracing the city's Cold War past through two of its most striking museums.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee in Tirana before starting the day
- Visit the House of Leaves, a museum on surveillance during communism
- Explore Bunk'Art 2, built inside a real Cold War-era bunker
- Lunch at a local restaurant in the city center
- Free afternoon to explore Tirana's boulevards and squares
- Check-in and dinner near Sky Hotel 2
Day 2: Heights & Lakeside Serenity
From panoramic mountain views above Tirana to the calm shores of Lake Ohrid, a day of contrasts.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before riding the Dajti Cable Car
- Enjoy sweeping views over Tirana from Mount Dajti
- Visit Bunk'Art 1, a Cold War bunker turned museum
- Scenic drive to Pogradec via Librazhd, with a lunch stop along the way
- Visit the Shën Naum Monastery on the shores of Lake Ohrid
- Evening arrival and dinner in Pogradec
Day 3: Art, Music & Mountain Spirit
A short drive brings you to Korçë, Albania's cultural capital, known for its old bazaar, music, and local beer.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee stop at the Drilon Springs on the way to Korçë
- Explore Korçë's Old Bazaar and its traditional shops
- Visit Korçë's striking Orthodox cathedral
- Lunch at a local restaurant in the city center
- Afternoon tasting at a local brewery
- Free evening to explore Korçë's lively cafés
Day 4: Tradition & Taste
A day dedicated to Albania's culinary heritage, from a traditional sofra to a farm-to-table feast.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before heading toward Kolonjë
- Traditional sofra lunch, a shared table of local dishes in Kolonjë
- Scenic drive through the Devoll and Kolonjë countryside
- Afternoon visit to Farma Sotira, a working farm
- Farm-to-table dinner featuring homegrown ingredients
Day 5: Nature's Spa & Culinary Heritage
A slow, restorative day soaking in natural thermal waters before exploring the relaxed town of Përmet.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before driving to the Benja Thermal Baths
- Cross the Ottoman-era Benje Bridge to reach the thermal pools
- Relax in the natural thermal baths surrounded by mountains
- Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Përmet specialties
- Easy stroll through the streets of Përmet
- Free time for coffee and people-watching in town
Day 6: Ottoman Elegance & Living History
A full day in Gjirokastër's UNESCO-listed old town, where stone houses and a hilltop fortress tell centuries of Ottoman history.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee stop on the drive to Gjirokastër
- Wander through the Old Bazaar, lined with traditional craft shops
- Visit the Skenduli House, a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era home
- Traditional lunch in the old town
- Climb up to Gjirokastër Castle for panoramic views
- Free time for photos and coffee before the evening
Day 7: Myths & Ancient Civilizations
One of the most memorable days of the trip, combining the mythical Blue Eye Spring with the ancient ruins of Butrint.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before the drive to Sarandë
- Short walk to the Blue Eye Spring, admiring its vivid turquoise waters
- Continue to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins on an easy flat loop
- Included lunch with views over the Vivari Channel
- Free time before heading back
Day 8: Coastal Legends & Mountain Farewell
A scenic farewell along the Albanian Riviera, with castle views, beach time, and the dramatic mountain roads of Llogara.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before visiting Porto Palermo Castle
- Explore the castle and its coastal views
- Beach time and lunch in Himarë
- Afternoon drive over the Llogara Pass, with panoramic stops
- Evening arrival back in Tirana
Included
- 7 nights at handpicked boutique and 4-star hotels
- All meals, with traditional, fish, and vegetarian options
- Water and one drink per meal, plus coffee
- Entrance fees to castles, museums, and heritage sites
- Private transfers, or self-drive route support if you choose that option
- 24/7 support from the On Journey team
- Flexible dinners and custom pickup times
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional Extra Activities
- Rafting on the Vjosë River near Përmet — bookable on request as an optional extra activity
Photos from This Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this tour by myself, without a group?
Yes. This tour is offered both fully guided and as a self-drive itinerary with curated GPS routes and On Journey support along the way.
Is this tour physically demanding?
No major hikes are involved. Most days combine short walks around historic sites with scenic drives, so a moderate fitness level is enough.
From
€1700€1390