Short on time but keen to see the real Albania? Five days is enough if you follow the right route. Our 5-Day Albania Tour weaves together the Adriatic coast, two UNESCO World Heritage towns, the dramatic Riviera and the eastern lakes — with a local guide and comfortable hotels throughout.
Day 1 — Tirana → Durrës → Berat
Leave the capital for the coast at Durrës, where a Roman amphitheatre sits beside a breezy seafront. Then it's on to Berat, the UNESCO-listed "City of a Thousand Windows," its white Ottoman houses stacked up the hillside. Explore the Mangalem and Gorica quarters as the evening light turns golden.
Day 2 — Berat → Vlorë → the Albanian Riviera → Sarandë
Drive south to Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, then take the stunning Albanian Riviera — cliffs, turquoise coves and mountain passes — with a stop to taste local wine. Reach the seaside town of Sarandë by evening.
Day 3 — Sarandë → Gjirokastër
Head inland to the "Stone City" of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO gem of slate-roofed houses topped by a hilltop castle overlooking the Drino Valley. Linger over a coffee in the old bazaar.
Day 4 — Gjirokastër → Përmet → Korçë
Cross the southern mountains to Përmet on the Vjosa River — with a possible thermal-springs stop — then continue to graceful Korçë, famous for its cathedral, tree-lined boulevards and café culture.
Day 5 — Korçë → Lake Prespa → Pogradec → Tirana
A scenic last day through the eastern lakes — tranquil Lake Prespa and the shores of Lake Ohrid at Pogradec — before returning to Tirana.
What's included
- 4 nights in comfortable 3–4★ hotels with breakfast
- Airport pickup and all ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- An English-speaking local guide and guided sightseeing
- Entrance fees listed in the itinerary and water on transfer days
Want dates, departures and pricing? See the full 5-Day Albania Tour, or read our Albania destination guide.