7-Day North to South Albania Adventure: Mountains and Sea Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Shkodra Visit

Shkodra, Albania on June 15, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Tradita Geg & Tosk Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Albanian breakfast with homemade bread and natural yoghurt to fuel your day. The restaurant opens at 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Rozafa Castle

Visit this ancient fortress overlooking Shkodra and the rivers, with legends and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
EUR2, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kadare Restaurant

Try local dishes such as tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt) in a cosy environment open 12:00pm-4:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Shkodra Lake Boat Tour

Take a relaxing 2-hour boat trip on Shkodra Lake to enjoy mountain and water scenery.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in Hotel Colosseo

Settle in this comfortable hotel in Shkodra to rest before dinner.
EUR50, -

7:30pm

Dinner at Vila Bekteshi

Enjoy authentic Albanian cuisine with mountain views in this local favourite, open until 10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Shkodra Mountains and Travel to Berat

Shkodra to Berat, Albania on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to prepare for mountain activities.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hiking in Theth National Park

Drive approx. 2 hours and explore this stunning mountain park known for its rugged peaks and traditional stone villages; open all day.
EUR10, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Theth Guesthouse Restaurant

Enjoy traditional mountain food such as homemade cheese and bread in a picturesque alpine setting.
EUR12, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Berat

Approximately 3.5-hour drive to Berat, the UNESCO city of a thousand windows.
EUR40 (taxi/car hire), 3h30m

7:30pm

Check-in Hotel Mangalemi

Settle into this charming hotel located in Berat’s historic district.
EUR60, -

8:00pm

Dinner at Antigoni Restaurant

Dine on local specialties like fërgesë and grilled meats in a warm atmosphere open till 10:30pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 3: Berat Exploration

Berat, Albania on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast featuring local honey and fruit.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Berat Castle and Onufri Museum

Spend the morning exploring the well-preserved castle and the museum exhibiting unique Orthodox icons.
EUR5, 2h30m

12:15pm

Walk through Mangalem and Gorica Quarters

Stroll the historic neighbourhoods with classic Ottoman architecture and river views.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Homemade Food Loring

Savour home-cooked Albanian dishes using fresh local ingredients, open from 12pm to 3pm.
EUR12, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Himara

Begin the 4-hour scenic drive southwards to the coastal town of Himara for a sea escape.
EUR50 (taxi/car hire), 4h

7:30pm

Check-in Hotel Seaside Himara

Enjoy the comfort of this beachfront hotel to relax and refresh.
EUR70, -

8:00pm

Dinner at Taverna Panajot

Taste fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours with sea views, open until 10:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Himara Beach Day

Himara, Albania on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast with a view of the Ionian Sea featuring fresh juices and local pastries.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Livadhi Beach

Spend the morning sunbathing, swimming, or snorkelling at one of Himara’s nicest sandy beaches; open all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Guvat Restaurant

Eat traditional grilled fish dishes with fresh herbs at this popular beachfront place open from noon to 4pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking to Porto Palermo Castle

Take a 1.5-hour hike or short drive to the impressive Ali Pasha Castle along the coast, open till sunset.
EUR3, 2h

5:00pm

Return and relax at hotel

Unwind on the hotel terrace with a drink and sea breeze.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rrapi i Vicit

Experience traditional Albanian dishes with a modern twist, open until 10:00pm.
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 5: Coastal Drive Southward

Himara to Saranda, Albania on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast overlooking the sea with local fruits and espresso.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Himara to Saranda

Enjoy the spectacular coastal drive (approx. 2.5 hours) along the Albanian Riviera.
EUR30 (taxi/car hire), 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in Hotel Saranda Blue Lagoon

Relax in this seaside hotel with easy access to the beach.
EUR75, -

1:00pm

Lunch at Limani Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes with harbour views, open from 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Butrint National Park

Explore the UNESCO world heritage archaeological site just 30 minutes south, open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Saranda

Enjoy a stroll along the seaside promenade before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taverna Pema e Thatë

Dining on traditional Albanian dishes with fresh ingredients until 10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Saranda Beach & Relaxation

Saranda, Albania on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Recharge with a continental breakfast by the sea.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Mirror Beach

Relax and swim at this crystal-clear water beach just a short drive from Saranda town; open all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Limani

Taste grilled fish and fresh salads overlooking the harbour.
EUR22, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Lekursi Castle

Short uphill drive to this castle with panoramic views over Saranda and the sea, open till sunset.
EUR2, 2h

5:00pm

Return and relax at hotel

Take time to rest or savour a coffee on the hotel terrace.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mare Nostrum Cuisine

Enjoy a blend of Albanian and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant setting, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure

Saranda, Albania on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Check-out and transfer to Tirana or airport

Begin journey back to Tirana airport or onward destination, approx. 4 hours by road.
EUR60 (taxi/car hire), 4h
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