3-Day Albanian Castles & Riviera Tour from Tirana (Premium tour with Private Guide)

Visiting: Tirana, Apollonia Archaeological Ruins, Vlora Beach, Albanian Riviera and beaches, Saranda, Butrint, and Gjirokastër old town (UNESCO site). This journey is the perfect short escape under the Mediterranean sun, combining castles, archaeological parks, and some of Albania’s best beaches with generous tastings of traditional Albanian cuisine.

Day 1 – Tirana, Apollonia & Vlora

Pick up at your location.

Tirana City Tour – 60 minutes
Begin your visit to Albania with a compact city tour of Tirana to get a quick overview of the country’s culture and history. During this walk you will see the mosaic of the National Museum on Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the elegant government buildings from the 1930s built during the rule of King Zog, passing by the Fine Arts Gallery, Hotel Dajti, and Rinia Park. Continue along Bulevardi Jean D’Ark and Bulevardi Bajram Curri, cross the Lana River bridge for photo stops, and finish at the landmark “Pyramid” for a glimpse of Albania’s recent past.

Transfer to Apollonia Archaeological Park – 90 minutes
Continue south to Apollonia, one of the most important ancient Greek colonies on the eastern Adriatic, dedicated to the god Apollo. Founded in the 6th century BC by colonists from Corinth and Corfu, Apollonia flourished as a city-state famed for its wines, olive oil, and philosophy school where the young Octavian (later Emperor Augustus) is said to have studied. As you explore the site, you’ll walk among Greek and Roman layers of history: city walls, public buildings, the former agora, and the monastery complex that today hosts the archaeological museum.

Transfer to Vlora Beach City – Staying overnight
After visiting Apollonia, head to the coast and check in at your hotel in Vlora. Enjoy free time to relax on the beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian meeting point, with the option to rent a sunbed and order drinks for maximum comfort. Sunset over the bay is particularly beautiful, and in the evening you can stroll along Vlora’s lively promenade and choose from many restaurants serving slow-cooked local dishes and fresh seafood. Accommodation in Vlora.

Day 2 – Llogara, Albanian Riviera & Saranda

After hotel check-out you will drive towards Llogara National Park.

Llogara National Park – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Option 1: Take the tunnel beneath Llogara Pass and reach the southern beaches more quickly, maximizing your beach time.
Option 2: Drive over Llogara National Park, a scenic mountain pass rising about 1,040 meters directly above the sea, around 40 minutes from Vlora. At the top, stop for coffee or tea and enjoy spectacular panoramas stretching along the Albanian Riviera and, on clear days, all the way to the Greek island of Corfu. After the break, follow the coastal road as it winds down towards one of the most beautiful regions of Albania – the Albanian Riviera.

Dhërmi town – Albanian Riviera (short stop)
Make a short stop in the postcard-perfect town of Dhërmi, a stone-built village perched high above the sea, with narrow alleys, traditional houses with orange-tiled roofs, and balconies overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean.

Himarë Beach – 3 hours
Beach option 2: Continue to Himarë, one of Albania’s most charming coastal towns, where you can spend around three hours on the beach. Known for its clear Ionian waters, relaxed atmosphere, and strong Greek cultural influence, Himarë offers excellent tavernas and seaside restaurants for a leisurely lunch and fresh local dishes.

Porto Palermo Castle – 30 minutes
In the afternoon, stop at Porto Palermo Castle, a small fortress dramatically set on a peninsula surrounded by turquoise water. Built by Ali Pasha Tepelena during the Ottoman period, this Venetian-style castle was reportedly a residence for his young bride and a strategic coastal stronghold. You’ll have time to explore the fortress walls, admire the quiet bay, and take photos of one of the Riviera’s most iconic viewpoints.

Saranda City – Beachside, staying overnight
Arrive in Saranda and check in at your hotel. Saranda is one of Albania’s most international seaside cities, welcoming visitors from all over Europe thanks to its ferry link with Corfu and long waterfront promenade. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city center, walk along the promenade, and choose a café, bar, or restaurant for dinner by the sea.

Day 3 – Saranda, Butrint & Gjirokastër

Option 1: Enjoy a relaxed morning on the beach – either the public beach along Saranda’s promenade or one of the famous bays of Ksamil, just a short drive away, known for their white sand and turquoise water.

Option 2: Visit Butrint Archaeological Park – 2 hours
Start the day with a guided visit to Butrint Archaeological Park, one of Albania’s most important and atmospheric ancient sites. Set on a forested peninsula facing Corfu, Butrint preserves over 2,700 years of history, from Greek colony to Roman city and Byzantine and Venetian stronghold, which led to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and later designation as a National Park. Walking through the ruins and museum, you’ll discover temples, a theater, city walls, basilicas, and lakeside views that tell the story of a city shaped by empires and nature.

Gjirokastër Castle and Bazaar – 120 minutes
Option 1: Wander freely through Gjirokastër’s old bazaar, a historic quarter paved with cobblestones and lined with artisan shops, traditional stone houses, and local eateries. You can shop for handicrafts, take photos of the slate-roof architecture, or sit down for a traditional meal in one of the local restaurants.
Option 2: Visit Gjirokastër Castle, towering above the town and offering commanding views over the Drino Valley. Rebuilt in the 12th century by the Despot of Epirus over older fortifications, the fortress later became an important Ottoman stronghold and, under communism, a notorious prison for political opponents. Today, its walls, armory displays, and open courtyards stand as a powerful reminder of Albania’s turbulent history and enduring resilience.

Important Information

Included in Price:
Guide, Driver (1-3 people driver/guide 4+ people driver + guide)
All transfers with Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel accommodation 3*+ or 4* or similar
Breakfast
Entry tickets Apollonia Archaeological Park and museum.
Entry tickets Porto Palermo Castle
Hotel accommodation and per diem for the Guide/Driver
Fuel and fuel surcharges
All taxes

No included in Price:
Entry tickets in Butrint Archaeological park.
Entry tickets Gjirokaster Castle
Lunch & Dinner
Drinks
Sunbeds and umbrellas

Departure details
Traveler pickup is offered.

Return details
Returns to original departure point

Additional information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infants seat on lap (no baby seat available)