Spring Colors of Albania — 5 Day Tour
5 Days, Private JourneyA 5-day private spring introduction to southern Albania — from the UNESCO stone towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, through the wetlands of Narta, to the ancient ruins of Apollonia and the resident pelicans of Karavasta Lagoon.
There is a version of Albania that only reveals itself once spring arrives. The stone streets of Berat and Gjirokastër settle into a quieter spring rhythm. Flamingos return to nest in the wetlands of Narta and Karavasta, and the turquoise waters of the Ionian coast warm ahead of the summer crowds. This is spring in Albania — wild, unhurried, and largely undiscovered by the wider world.
Spring Colors of Albania is a 5-day private introduction to the country's south, built for travelers who want a genuine taste of Albania's history and wildlife without a long commitment. Over the course of this journey, you will wander two UNESCO World Heritage towns of stone, walk among the ruins of an ancient Greek colony where the Roman Emperor Augustus once studied, and meet the resident pelicans of Karavasta by name. Every detail — the vehicle, the guide, the hotel, the table you sit at for dinner — has been chosen to the same standard: quietly excellent, never generic.
- Berat, the UNESCO "Town of a Thousand Windows"
- Wine tasting and lunch at a family-run agritourism estate near Berat
- Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage stone town, with a traditional lunch on arrival
- Narta Lagoon and the Byzantine monastery of Zvernec Island
- Vlorë, the "City of the Flag"
- Ancient ruins of Apollonia, the "city of students" where Emperor Augustus once studied
- Boat ride through Karavasta Lagoon, Albania's most important wildlife park
Day by Day
Your Journey
01Arrival in Tirana
Private transfer from the airport to your hotel, followed by a 1-hour welcome walking tour through central Tirana. Relax at your hotel afterward. Overnight: Tirana
02Tirana · Belsh · Berat
Depart for Berat, with a stop in Belsh, known for its karst lakes. Wine tasting and lunch at a family-run agritourism estate, before arriving in Berat — the "Town of a Thousand Windows". Stroll along the promenade and across the Gorica Bridge. Overnight: Berat
03Berat · Gjirokastër
Morning visit to Berat Castle and the Onufri National Museum of Iconography, before departing for Gjirokastër. Traditional Gjirokastër lunch included, followed by the castle, the old bazaar, and the Skenduli house-museum. Overnight: Gjirokastër
04Gjirokastër · Narta · Vlorë
Depart for Vlorë, with a stop at the Narta Lagoon along the way — keep an eye out for flamingos — and a visit to Zvernec Island's Byzantine monastery. In Vlorë, walk through the historic Muradie quarter, the central square, and the Independence House. Overnight: Vlorë
05Vlorë · Apollonia · Karavasta · Tirana
Depart for Apollonia, the "city of students" where Emperor Augustus once studied. Continue to the Karavasta Lagoon for a boat ride to observe its wildlife, followed by a stop at the visitor center to meet Johny and Vlashi, two resident pelicans. Return to Tirana for a farewell craft beer tasting with snacks, or a full traditional dinner instead. (Optional extra night in Tirana with private transfer, for guests departing the next day.)
Inclusions
What's Covered
Everything below is arranged, booked and paid for before you arrive — the rest is listed just as plainly.
Included
9 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, local taxes, parking fees
- Private airport transfers on arrival
- 4 nights in 4-5★ and boutique hotels, including breakfast daily
- Wine tasting and lunch at a Berat-area agritourism estate
- Traditional Gjirokastër cuisine lunch
- Farewell beer tasting and snacks in Tirana (or a full traditional dinner)
- Entrances: Berat Castle & Onufri National Museum of Iconography, Skenduli House (Gjirokastër), Zvernec Monastery, Apollonia archaeological site, Karavasta Lagoon boat ride
Not Included
6 items- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed above and personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Single room supplement, where applicable
- Any additional night beyond the 4 included, such as an extended stay in Tirana for later flights (available on request, at an additional cost)
Anything here can usually be added to your journey. Just ask
Why This Journey
What Makes This Journey Different
A private journey, start to finish
You travel in a premium vehicle (Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, or Mercedes V-Class, depending on group size) with your own licensed, multilingual guide-driver — English and other languages available on request — never merged into a larger coach group, never on someone else's schedule.
The south of Albania, without a wasted day
From the wine hills near Berat to the stone streets of Gjirokastër to the wetlands and coastline of the south, this route is woven into a single, logical journey — never backtracking, never wasted.
Genuine culinary experiences, not just meals
A wine tasting and lunch at a Berat-area agritourism estate, a traditional Gjirokastër lunch. A relaxed craft beer tasting paired with local dishes on your final evening in Tirana — or, for those who prefer, a full traditional dinner instead. No compromise on quality either way.
Handled with care, down to the smallest logistics
Your first day is intentionally free of touring — a chance to rest after your flight before the journey begins in earnest the following morning (for guests with an early morning arrival and limited time, the tour can begin directly from the airport instead). Every hotel is 4-5★ or a carefully chosen boutique property.
Route
Where You'll Be, Day by Day
Tirana International AirportGjirokaster
Available
From 825 EUR
Final price depends on group size, season and hotel selection.
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