Riviera Blue: The Albanian Coast
7 Days, Private JourneyA private week along Albania’s most dramatic coastline, from the Llogara Pass to the turquoise coves of Ksamil, with a full day sailing the Ionian and a quiet morning among the ruins of Butrint.
The Albanian Riviera is the country’s best-kept secret — a hundred kilometres of limestone cliffs, pine-covered slopes and water so clear it reads as an exaggeration in photographs. This is a week built entirely around that coastline: unhurried mornings, long lunches by the water, and one full day spent on a private boat rather than a beach towel.
Riviera Blue begins in the hills above Vlorë, crosses the Llogara Pass at the hour the light is best, and settles into the villages of Dhërmi and Himarë before continuing south to Sarandë and the coves of Ksamil. A private charter takes you out along the coast to swim in bays that are inaccessible by road, and a quiet morning at Butrint closes the journey with 2,500 years of Illyrian, Greek, Roman and Venetian history.
- The Llogara Pass panoramic viewpoint at golden hour
- A full day private boat charter around the islands of Ksamil
- Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Ottoman-era old towns of Dhërmi and Himarë
- Swimming in coves accessible only by water
- A farewell dinner on the water in Sarandë
Day by Day
Your Journey
01Arrival & the Coast Road South
Private transfer from Tirana International Airport to Vlorë. Evening at leisure to settle in before the coastal drive begins.
02Over the Llogara Pass
Depart Vlorë in the early afternoon and cross the Llogara Pass as the light turns golden, stopping at its panoramic viewpoint before descending into Dhërmi.
03Dhërmi & Himarë
A full day at leisure between the villages of Dhërmi and Himarë — quiet beaches, hillside tavernas, and the option of a short guided walk through Himarë’s old town.
04South to Sarandë
Continue along the coast road to Sarandë, with stops at panoramic viewpoints over the Ionian Sea. Afternoon at leisure in Sarandë.
05A Private Day at Sea
A full day aboard a private boat, sailing the coves around Ksamil’s islands — swimming, anchoring where you choose, and lunch served on board.
06Butrint & the Blue Eye
An early private tour of Butrint National Park, followed by a visit to the Blue Eye spring on the return to Sarandë. Farewell dinner on the water in the evening.
07Return to Tirana & Departure
Private transfer back to Tirana International Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions
What's Covered
Everything below is arranged, booked and paid for before you arrive — the rest is listed just as plainly.
Included
8 items- Private transportation throughout in a premium vehicle (Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, or Mercedes V-Class)
- A dedicated, licensed multilingual guide-driver for the full journey
- Fuel, road tolls, and Green Card insurance
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- 6 nights in boutique coastal hotels, including breakfast daily
- A full-day private boat charter with skipper around Ksamil
- Private guided visit to Butrint National Park
- Farewell dinner in Sarandë
Not Included
4 items- International flights
- Lunches (except onboard the boat charter) and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Anything here can usually be added to your journey. Just ask
Gallery
A Glimpse of the Journey
Why This Journey
What Makes This Journey Different
A private day at sea, not a group excursion
A private boat and skipper for a full day around Ksamil’s islands and hidden coves — swim, anchor, and eat lunch on board on your own schedule, never grouped with other travelers.
The Llogara Pass, timed for the light
The drive over Llogara is scheduled for late afternoon, when the pass’s panoramic viewpoint over the Ionian is at its most dramatic — a detail most tours miss by driving through at midday.
Butrint without the crowds
A private guided visit to Butrint National Park in the early morning, before the tour buses from Corfu and Sarandë arrive.
Boutique coastal hotels, chosen for the view
Every stay on this route was selected specifically for its position over the water — small, family-run properties in Dhërmi, Himarë and Sarandë rather than large resort chains.
Route
Where You'll Be, Day by Day
Tirana International AirportSarandë
Available
From 290 EUR
Final price depends on group size, season and hotel selection.
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