Albania – The Hidden Treasures of the Balkans (October)

Authentic. Unspoilt. Surprisingly beautiful.

30 October - 06 November 2027

Albania – a country of breathtaking landscapes, charming historic towns and warm-hearted people. Albania’s history also spans a fascinating variety of eras, from the Neolithic period to modern times. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans in particular have left their impressive mark on the country. The picturesque historic towns of Berat and Gjirokastër (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), with their traditional houses, clearly reflect Ottoman influence, while the idyllic archaeological site of Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in southern Albania bears witness to the history of the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. In the mountain village of Kruja, birthplace of national hero Skanderbeg, medieval streets and houses captivate visitors, while modernity takes centre stage in Tirana. Albania’s landscapes are equally impressive, with majestic mountain ranges, gentle countryside and the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea – spectacular panoramas and perfect photo opportunities are guaranteed. A visit to a citrus plantation and a local farm, including lunch featuring local produce, completes this varied journey.

You will stay in selected 4-star hotels in convenient locations, close to historic centres or the sea. As a rule, you will arrive at your hotel around 4:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time for individual walks and exploration before meeting again for the included group dinners.

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Tirana, walk through the “New Bazaar”

• Flight Luxembourg-Frankfurt (Lufthansa, 08:20-09:15)
• Connecting flight Frankfurt-Tirana (Lufthansa, 11:10-13:20)
• Welcome by the local guide
• Transfer to the hotel
• Walk through the “New Bazaar”
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Berat, the “City of 1,000 Windows”

• Drive through the Belsh karst region to Berat
• Visit Berat Castle/Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Walk through the historic quarter (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with its Ottoman architecture
• Visit the Onufri Museum (Byzantine art and icons)
• Free time
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Gjirokastër – the “City of Stone”

• Drive to Gjirokastër in southern Albania
• Visit the castle/citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Walk through the historic town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with its traditional houses
• Stroll through the bazaar
• Free time
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4: 2,500 Years of History in Butrint & Visit to a Citrus Plantation

• Drive to Butrint
• Visit the idyllic archaeological site of Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visit a citrus plantation/farm, including lunch
• Continue to Saranda
• Free time by the sea
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 5: Panoramas along the Ionian Sea

• Scenic drive to Vlora
• Visit Ali Pasha’s Fortress in Porto Palermo en route
• Free time in the picturesque coastal town of Himara
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 6: Tirana – the Albanian Capital

• Drive to Tirana
• City tour of Tirana, including Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid of Tirana, Et’hem Bey Mosque and Bunk’art 2
• Free time
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 7: Day Trip to the Mountain Village of Kruja & Farm Lunch

• Drive to the mountain village of Kruja
• Walk through the medieval town centre
• Visit the castle and Skanderbeg Museum
• Continue to the rural regions of northern Albania
• Lunch at a farm in beautiful surroundings
• Return to Tirana
• Free time
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 8: Flight to Luxembourg

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight Tirana-Munich (Lufthansa, 11:50-13:40)
• Connecting flight Munich-Luxembourg (15:05-16:10)