Albania tours open up one of the Mediterranean’s last quiet corners. You’ll trade crowded coastlines for Ottoman bazaars, Roman ruins and a dramatic Ionian shore.
Albania tours open up one of the Mediterranean's most intriguing corners. Wedged between the Adriatic and the Aegean, this small Balkan nation layers ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman history beneath a landscape of wild northern mountains, serene lake valleys and a lightly-developed Ionian coastline. UNESCO-listed Berat and Butrint, the Stone City of Gjirokastra and the Ionian Riviera remain largely free of the crowds that have long since arrived elsewhere in southern Europe.
Our small group Albania tours follow a well-crafted route from Tirana south through the country's most rewarding stops — Kruja's Skanderbeg citadel, Berat's hillside Ottoman quarter, the Ionian Riviera and the extraordinary archaeological layers of Butrint. Several of our Albania holiday packages extend the journey into Kosovo and North Macedonia, while the London to Albania rail adventure arrives flight-free across Europe by Eurostar, TGV and overnight Adriatic ferry.
Albania
Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.
Berat and Gjirokastra survived the Communist era largely intact and are now UNESCO-listed for good reason. Their stone streets, hillside houses and fortress skylines offer a window into Ottoman Balkan life that has disappeared almost everywhere else in the region.
Few countries this size carry the weight of history that Albania does. Ancient Greek Butrint, Roman Apollonia, Byzantine churches, Ottoman bazaars and Cold War bunkers exist within a few hours of each other.
The Ionian Riviera between Himarë and Ksamil has the clarity and drama of the Greek islands without the infrastructure or the crowds. It remains one of southern Europe's genuinely undiscovered stretches of coast — and on current trajectories, not for much longer.
From the Accursed Mountains and the Valbona Valley in the north to the thermal pools of Përmet and the Ionian shore in the south, Albania travel packages cover a country of striking natural variety compressed into a surprisingly short distance.
See itinerariesAlbania asks for patience at the border and rewards it a hundredfold on the other side
From the field
Albania has a Mediterranean climate along its coast and a more continental pattern inland and in the northern mountains. Spring (April to June) brings mild temperatures, green landscapes and fewer visitors, making it ideal for exploring the ancient sites and mountain valleys. Summer (July to August) is hot and dry along the Ionian Riviera, popular with beach travellers but warm for extended sightseeing. Autumn (September to October) is widely regarded as the finest season — temperatures ease, the light is golden and the towns are quieter. Winter brings snow to the highlands and cool, wet conditions in the lowlands.
Our Albania tours and Albania holiday packages depart in April, June, September and October, timed to make the most of the country's most comfortable and rewarding conditions.
Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Albania tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.
Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.
Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.
“A wide ranging road trip exploring this area of Europe, covering the culture, history and spectacular scenery of the countries visited. A well put together package covering four countries over 19 days.”
Adamski
Albania
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“A wide ranging road trip exploring this area of Europe, covering the culture, history and spectacular scenery of the countries visited. A well put together package covering four countries over 19 days.”
Adamski
Albania
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
Every one of our Albania journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
We’ll build one around you.
Albania is a natural fit for a tailor-made approach. The country is compact enough to explore thoroughly in under two weeks, yet varied enough that no two private itineraries need follow the same route. A private traveller might spend more time in the northern highlands — hiking the Valbona Valley or taking the ferry across Lake Koman — without the constraints of a group schedule. Alternatively, a bespoke Albania holiday can linger longer in Berat or add Apollonia and Përmet's thermal springs without skipping past them.
Undiscovered Destinations arranges private Albania travel packages with your own transport, hand-picked local guides and a choice of accommodation to suit the pace you want. Speak to our team to start building your itinerary.
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Our Albania tour packages start from £1,450 per person for the nine-day Albania Explorer. The 16-day Hidden Europe itinerary covering Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia starts from £2,995, and the 14-day London to Albania rail and sea adventure starts from £4,795.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Albania Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of Albania that we visit on our tours.
Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.
For additional official guidance, travellers may also refer to:
Please note this information applies primarily to British citizens — nationals of other countries should check the current position with their respective government travel authority.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Albania specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
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