Discover Albania: A 6-Day Driving Tour from Tirana to Berat and the Albanian Riviera

Day 1: Arrival and Night in Tirana

Tirana, Albania on May 18, 2025

10:00pm

Arrival at Tirana International Airport

Arrive in Tirana late evening and collect your rental car for the trip.
EUR0, 0h30m

10:30pm

Check-in at Hotel

Check into a centrally located hotel such as the Plaza Tirana, offering comfort and easy access to the city centre.
EUR50, Overnight
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Day 2: Tirana to Berat

Tirana to Berat, Albania on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum

Enjoy a traditional Albanian breakfast in this stylish cafe that opens at 8:00am, located in the heart of Tirana.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Berat

A scenic 2-hour drive south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat, noted for its Ottoman architecture.
EUR0 (car rental fuel cost extra), 2h

11:30am

Visit Berat Castle

Explore the historic Berat Castle area with its stunning panoramic views and centuries-old churches.
EUR2, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Homemade Food Lili

Enjoy authentic Albanian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients in a cosy atmosphere.
EUR10, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Mangalem and Gorica Quarters

Wander through charming neighbourhoods with white Ottoman houses and cobbled streets.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Berat

Stay overnight at a charming guesthouse such as Hotel Mangalemi near the old town.
EUR45, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Antigoni Restaurant

Savour traditional grilled meats and fresh local produce in this well-reviewed restaurant open till 10pm.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 3: Berat to Albanian Riviera

Berat to Dhermi, Albania on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast included with your accommodation before hitting the road.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Dhermi

Start a 4-hour scenic drive south to the Albanian Riviera village of Dhermi, known for beautiful beaches.
EUR0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Pupi

Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes by the sea in Dhermi.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Dhermi Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing on one of Albania’s most famous beaches, open and accessible all day.
EUR0, 3h

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel or Guesthouse

Stay overnight at a beachfront hotel such as Hotel Santa Quaranta, offering stunning sea views.
EUR60, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Gerthela Restaurant

Dine on traditional Albanian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients, open until 9:30pm.
EUR15, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Riviera - Himara and Surroundings

Dhermi and Himara, Albania on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Himara

A quick 30-minute drive along the stunning coastline to the charming town of Himara.
EUR0, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Himara Castle and Beaches

Explore the castle ruins and relax at nearby beaches such as Livadhi Beach, open all day.
EUR0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Poseidon

Enjoy fresh grilled fish and traditional Albanian seafood dishes with sea views.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Drive back to Dhermi

Return to Dhermi for a relaxed afternoon.
EUR0, 0h30m

3:00pm

Afternoon Relaxation and Optional Hiking

Relax on the beach or take a short hiking trail overlooking the Ionian Sea.
EUR0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lemon Restaurant

Dine on Mediterranean and Albanian dishes in a highly rated local restaurant open until 10pm.
EUR18, 1.5h

8:30pm

Overnight at Hotel

Spend another night in your Dhermi accommodation to fully enjoy the Riviera atmosphere.
EUR60, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Riviera to Saranda and Ksamil

Dhermi to Ksamil and Saranda, Albania on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early meal before driving south towards Ksamil and Saranda.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Ksamil

A 3-hour coastal drive with stops for photos en route to the picturesque Ksamil islands.
EUR0, 3h

11:30am

Explore Ksamil Beaches and Islands

Relax on white sandy beaches or take a boat trip to nearby islands, open all day.
EUR5 (boat trip optional), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Peshkatari

Enjoy freshly caught seafood seated with views over the Ionian Sea.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Saranda

Short 20-minute drive to Saranda town for further exploration.
EUR0, 0h20m

3:00pm

Visit Lekuresi Castle

Visit this historic castle offering panoramic views over Saranda and the sea, open until early evening.
EUR3, 1.5h

5:00pm

Walk Saranda Promenade

Stroll along the seaside promenade enjoying cafes and shops.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Limani Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at this popular seafood restaurant by the harbour, open until 10pm.
EUR18, 1.5h

9:00pm

Overnight Stay in Saranda

Stay at a comfortable hotel such as Hotel Brilant, centrally located.
EUR50, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Tirana and Departure

Saranda to Tirana, Albania on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before setting out on the drive back to Tirana.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Tirana

A 5-hour drive north to Tirana, plan short breaks en route.
EUR0, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch in Tirana at Era Restaurant

Savour traditional Albanian cuisine in a popular restaurant open from 12pm to 11pm.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Skanderbeg Square and National History Museum

Explore the vibrant city centre, admiring landmarks and the extensive museum open until 6pm.
EUR5, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee break at Mon Cheri

Relax at this stylish café with excellent coffee and pastries.
EUR5, 0h45m

5:15pm

Return rental car and prepare for departure

Head to Tirana International Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your evening flight.
EUR0, 2h45m

8:00pm

Departure

Catch your flight departing from Tirana International Airport.
EUR0, 0h
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