Albanian Riviera, Butrint UNESCO & Gjirokastër: 3-Day Private Tour from Tirana

Visiting Apollonia Archaeological Park and Museum, Vlora Beach, Llogara Pass, the Albanian Riviera, Himara Beach, Porto Palermo Castle, Saranda Beach, Butrint Archaeological Park, Ksamil Beach, and Gjirokastër UNESCO Old Town and Castle, this tour offers a perfect short escape under the Mediterranean sun. Explore ancient ruins and historic castles, drive along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the Balkans, relax on crystal-clear Ionian beaches, and experience authentic Albanian cuisine in traditional settings. A balanced combination of culture, coastline, history, and local flavors in just a few unforgettable days.

Day 1 – Karavasta Lagoon – Ardenica Monastery – Apollonia Archaeological Park – Vlora Beach
• Morning visit to Divjakë–Karavasta National Park and Karavasta Lagoon • Optional boat ride inside the lagoon to pelican island (ticket not included) • Walk on the wooden bridge through pine forest • Visit 360-degree watch tower and Nature Museum • Transfer to Ardenica Monastery • Visit 13th-century Ardenica Monastery • Transfer to Apollonia Archaeological Park • Visit Apollonia 2600 years old ruins, Monastery, Archaeology Museum, Agora, Council Hall, Library, and Acropolis • Transfer to Vlora • Free afternoon and evening on Vlora Beach and promenade • Overnight in Vlora

Day 2 – Llogara National Park – Dhermi – Himara Beach – Porto Palermo – Saranda
• Scenic drive through Llogara National Park with stop at Llogara Pass for coffee and panoramic sea views • Short stop in Dhermi village • Beach time in Himara (umbrellas not included) • Visit Porto Palermo Castle and bay • Continue to Saranda • Hotel check-in • Free evening on Saranda promenade with bars, cafés, and restaurants • Overnight in Saranda

Day 3 – Butrint UNESCO Site – Gjirokastër Castle & Bazaar – Return to Tirana
• Morning visit to Butrint Archaeological Park and Museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site • Walking tour through ancient ruins and museum (optional local guide available at extra cost) • Transfer to Gjirokastër • Visit Gjirokastër Castle • Walk through Old Bazaar in UNESCO Old Town • Transfer back to Tirana

Important Information

Included in price

• Hotel Accommodation 2 nights, 4* hotel or similar
• Breakfast
• Driver (Not a tour Guide)
• Air-conditioned vehicle 1-3 people standard car, 4+ people Van-Bus.
• Hotel pickup is offered in Tirana and Durres/Golem Hotel accommodation and meals for the driver
• Fuel/Petrol and fuel surcharges
• Tolls
• Sales tax

Not Included in Price

• Entry tickets in museums and parks (Estimated total about 30 euros per person)
• Meals (Estimated 10 - 20 euros per meal per person in a normal restaurant)
• Drinks and sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach.
• Guide (Extra cost for English speaking guide 150 euro per 1 day)

Departure details

Pickup is offered - Provide your hotel address for pick up.

Distances:

Tirana - Apollonia 127 kilometers
Apollonia - Vlora 42 kilometers
Vlora - Himara 89 kilometers
Himara - Saranda 54 kilometers
Saranda - Butrint 17 kilometers
Butrint - Gjirokaster 80 kilometers
Gjirokaster - Tirana 242 kilometers
Total about 650 kilometers, (406 miles)

Return details

Returns to original departure point

Additional information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level