Family Albania Adventure

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Join in Tirana

  Begin in Tirana, Albania’s colourful capital, known for its vibrant arts scene, café culture, diverse architecture and welcoming locals. A welcome meeting is planned for 6pm, followed by optional dinner. Arrive at any time; airport transfers are available from Tirana International Airport (TIA), around 40 minutes from the hotel. If arriving early, explore Tirana on foot, including Blloku, Grand Park, the artificial lake and Pazari i Ri market. Consider extending your stay if you want more time in the capital.

• Day 2 • Swim in a pristine river and explore the UNESCO Heritage site Gjirokaster

  Drive south to Gjirokaster (around 3.5 hours), stopping at the Vjosa River for lunch and, conditions permitting, a wild swim in its pristine waters. Arrive in Gjirokaster, the ‘City of Stone’, and explore its cobbled streets and distinctive fortress-like houses. Visit the impressive hilltop castle at 336m for panoramic views, then explore the Old Bazaar and enjoy an optional dinner featuring traditional Albanian cuisine.

• Day 3 • White water rafting on Europe's last wild river and relax in the Benja Thermal Pools

  Head to the Vjosa, described as Europe’s last wild river, for a rafting adventure through turquoise waters, canyons, islands and oxbows. The Grade 2–3 rapids suit both beginners and experienced rafters, subject to weather and river conditions. After lunch at a local guesthouse, hike along the Benja River through the Kelcyra Gorge, with the option to relax in the natural thermal pools beside the Ottoman Katiu Bridge.

• Day 4 • Scenic drive to Himara Bay, explore Ali Pasha fortress and swim at Porto Palermo Bay en route

  Travel from Gjirokaster to the Ionian coast via scenic mountain and coastal roads with spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera. Visit the Ali Pasha fortress on Porto Palermo, exploring its rooms, tunnels and panoramic terrace. Stop for lunch and a swim at a nearby beach before continuing to Himara Bay. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Himara.

• Day 5 • Free day with optional visit to Himara Castle and hike

  Enjoy a free day to relax, explore Himara and its bay, or visit the nearby beaches. Optionally, join the tour leader to explore the historic Himara Castle ruins overlooking Livhadi Bay, with walls dating to the 5th–4th centuries BC and several Orthodox churches. An optional hike back to the hotel is 9km/5.6 miles, taking around 2.5 hours, with 130m ascent and 290m descent.

• Day 6 • Boat trip and swim along the Karaburun Peninsula, visit Haxhi Ali Cave + Free time in Vlora

  Travel to Vlora, Albania’s third-largest city, on the Bay of Vlora. Take a RIB boat through the turquoise waters of the Karaburun and Sazan Island Maritime Park, visiting the cathedral-sized Haxhi Ali Cave, a former pirate hideout. Enjoy lunch and a swim at a beautiful peninsula beach, with a possible visit to Sazan Island, a former communist-era military base with bunkers and tunnels. Later, transfer to Vlora for free time to explore the Old Town, Muradie Mosque, Independence Monument, Museum of Independence and waterfront restaurants.

• Day 7 • Visit Apollonia, drive to Tirana and take the cable car to Djati Adventure Park

  Drive from Vlora to Tirana, stopping at the UNESCO-listed ancient Greek site of Apollonia, set among olive groves and rolling hills. In Tirana, take the cable car up Mt Dajti, enjoying views over the city and, on clear days, the Adriatic and Durrës. Experience Dajti Adventure Park’s obstacle courses, including suspension bridges, nets, swinging beams and zip lines, with safety equipment and trained instructors. Return by cable car and transfer to Tirana, with an optional final group dinner.

• Day 8 • Tour ends in Tirana

  The tour ends after breakfast in Tirana. Depart at any time, with luggage storage available for later flights. Airport transfers are available to Tirana International Airport (TIA), around 30 minutes from the hotel. Consider extending your stay to explore more of Tirana.