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Introducing Albania

With its unparalleled natural beauty, ancient approach to hospitality, forgotten history, and villages that seem frozen in time, this Balkan country is quickly rising as a new travel destination.

When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Albania is during the Summer, when the weather is warmer and dryer.

Where to go in Albania?
Experience the natural splendor of the Accursed Mountains, the vibrant hustle of Berat and the capital city Tirana, the castle and cold war tunnel of Gjirokastra, and the Mediterranean beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Foodies will relish in the unique and flavorful tastes of Northern Albania.

How many days do I need?
Spend at minimum 3 days and up to 10 or 12 to see everything that this unique country has to offer.

Albania Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Perast, Montenegro
Map of Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days

Experience the enchanting scenery and rich history of Albania and Montenegro on this short-but-sweet road trip through the Balkans. Beginning in the Albanian Riviera, your route will take you to the historic cities of Gjirokastra and Berat, the sunny beaches of Ulcinj in Montenegro, and the photogenic shores of the Bay of Kotor. Along the way, you'll make detours at a natural spring, an Albanian winery, a legendary castle, and more.

A child leads a pack animal in rural Albania
Map of Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days

Explore mountainous terrain and small villages on this one-week tour through the remote regions of northern Albania and Kosovo. Start near Lake Skadar and see the ancient Rozafa Castle, then continue through the Albanian Alps to the scenic Rugova Valley. Cross the border to see the ancient Ottoman trading cities of Peja and Gjakova, then take the ferry across Lake Koman to the mining city of Bulqize to stay in a traditional stone Kulla home.

Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Map of Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Highlights of Albania - 8 Days

See the best of Albania in just over a week with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. See Greek and Byzantine ruins in UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park, take in the village-lined shores from a boat ride on Lake Prespa, tour historic sites like ancient Apolloni and seaside Berat, and grab dinner and drinks in the capital's hippest neighborhood.

View over the "Stone City" to Gjirokastra Castle
Map of Classic Albania - 8 Days
Classic Albania - 8 Days

Get a snapshot of beautiful Albania with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. In just over a week, you'll take in many of the country's best highlights: see ancient ruins in Butrint National Park, stroll the seaside promenade of charming Sarandë, and tour multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. End your journey with a fun night in Blloku, one of the capital's hippest neighborhoods.

Views of Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Road Trip Through the Balkans - 16 Days

This quick-moving tour will take you on a fascinating circuit through Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, visiting UNESCO cities such as Ohrid, Kotor, and Berat and combining culture with the scenic nature that abounds in the Balkans. You'll enjoy scenic drives through tall mountain passes, vibrant national parks, and along the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea, stopping for day hikes, traditional meals, and beach days, plus in charming old towns like Perast and Prizren. Explore two of the region's capitals, Tirana and Podgorica, as well as Montenegro's Old Royal Capital of Cetinje. 

St. John's Church, Ohrid
Driving Albania & Macedonia: Lake Ohrid to the Albanian Riviera - 8 Days

This eight-day private tour takes you through Southern Albania and into Northern Macedonia to visit the famous Lake Ohrid. You'll explore three UNESCO World Heritage cities, as well as the famous archaeological parks of Butrint, Antigonea, and Apollonia. Along the way you'll enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, conquer mountain passes, soak in thermal baths, and relax for two nights on the Ionian Sea.

Albania Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Albania Content

An autumn scene in Albania's Thethi National Park
Best Time of Year to Visit Albania

The shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) and early fall (September) are the best times to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities, the Albanian Riviera, and archaeological sites. The weather is pleasant, and you'll avoid the summer holiday rush as well as the scorching summer heat and cold winter weather. Albania also hosts various cultural, music, and culinary events from spring through fall, making it a festive time to visit.

The New Bazaar lit up for Christmas and New Year in Albania's capital, Tirana
Albania in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the first actual month of winter in Albania, and temperatures are cold and crowds are somewhat nonexistent. However, Albania doesn't tend to get as cold as many other European countries, making it a top winter city break destination. Read on to discover more about traveling to Albania in December.

Yellow leaves of fall in Pogradec, Albania (photo courtesy of Endri Killo)
Albania in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is late fall in Albania, which means cooler temperatures, a chance of rain, and practically no other tourists. If you're interested in city attractions and cultural sites in ancient towns, November is a great time to visit. Find out more about seeing Albania in November.

Albania Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
View article
Map Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
View article
Map Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
View article

Related Destinations

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Albania

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

AAA experience in Albania!
Albania | May 12 - May 26, 2024

bruce
bruce e.
Lawrence, KS | Reviewed on May 27, 2024
Ed was a great local guide! Our trip was a little unique because we had a bike accident on the first day resulting in a broken wrist and surgery. Ed and Nick were massively helpful, providing translation services and basically babysitting me in a coffee shop while my partner was in surgery and recovering. Ed rescheduled or swapped activities on the fly as necessary. He could not have been more accommodating or helpful.
Once we got on the road we found the itinerary to be exactly what we had...
Read more

Ed was a great local guide! Our trip was a little unique because we had a bike accident on the first day resulting in a broken wrist and surgery. Ed and Nick were massively helpful, providing translation services and basically babysitting me in a coffee shop while my partner was in surgery and recovering. Ed rescheduled or swapped activities on the fly as necessary. He could not have been more accommodating or helpful.
Once we got on the road we found the itinerary to be exactly what we had asked for- lots of beautiful hiking, rafting, strolling through ancient cities, no tourist traps, accommodations all mom and pop operations run by the sweetest people you'll ever meet. Highlights were a cooking class in Gjirokaster, dinner at Lili's in Berat, the view from the glamping tents at Nivica. A day spent hiking up to Borsh castle, poking around the ruins and taking in the incredible views, then doing then same at upper Qeparo village are experiences we'll never forget. Ed clearly has great working relationships with his vendors and it shows when you show up somewhere and people are expecting to see you and already know who you are.
This was our second time using a local guide (kim kim both times) after 35 years of planning trips all over the world by ourselves. I'm not sure there is any going back because we had experiences that we never would have found on our own! Thanks Thanks Ed, Nick, and Elio! You are the best. We are looking forward to the next trip!

Local specialist: Ed Reeves

My friends and I travel together every other ...
Albania | Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024

Sue
Sue O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 17, 2024
My friends and I travel together every other year and we try to choose places none of us have ever been. We chose Albania as our destination as it was a new to all of us and the hotspot for 2024.
I am so glad we did. As we were researching we decided to get some expert advice and found Kim Kim and Drive Albania.
Ed helped us with our custom itinerary and had great suggestions. He quickly responded to all of our many questions.
Upon arrival in Tirana, Ed and our guide Margil picked us...
Read more

My friends and I travel together every other year and we try to choose places none of us have ever been. We chose Albania as our destination as it was a new to all of us and the hotspot for 2024.
I am so glad we did. As we were researching we decided to get some expert advice and found Kim Kim and Drive Albania.
Ed helped us with our custom itinerary and had great suggestions. He quickly responded to all of our many questions.
Upon arrival in Tirana, Ed and our guide Margil picked us up at the airport and made us feel comfortable. All of our hotels were comfortable, safe, and in great locations. They had great suggestions for lunches/dinners.
Margil was an excellent guide. He knew the history of the country very well. He was a safe driver on the mountain roads. Most of all he was personable and had a great sense of humor.
We enjoyed our trip very much. I would highly recommend Drive Albania and Margil as a guide.

Sent from my iPhone

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë
Authenticity & Character
Beach hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Musée
Gjirokastra

This hotel had such amazing character. The owners were friendly and helpful. The hotel was in a great location. The breakfasts were delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Awesome!!
Location
Staff
So friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Art Hotel Rruga Kavaja

Great location, clean rooms, lovely breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walking
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ed Reeves

Our southern Albania and northern Greece tri...
Albania | Apr 23 - May 7, 2024

Brenda
Brenda H.
Astor, FL | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Our southern Albania and northern Greece trip was perfect in every way. Ed, our travel consultant, was terrific. We had some last minute scheduling hassles that were out of his control and he got us wonderful last minute accommodations. Everything he suggested regarding the itinerary, hotels and restaurants were spot on. He was easy to work with and lots of fun. We are using Kim Kim for our next trip and have recommended you to many friends. Albania was so refreshing with kind people,... Read more

Our southern Albania and northern Greece trip was perfect in every way. Ed, our travel consultant, was terrific. We had some last minute scheduling hassles that were out of his control and he got us wonderful last minute accommodations. Everything he suggested regarding the itinerary, hotels and restaurants were spot on. He was easy to work with and lots of fun. We are using Kim Kim for our next trip and have recommended you to many friends. Albania was so refreshing with kind people, gorgeous scenery, interesting culture and good food. We enjoyed the guesthouse near Permet and the mountains. Also the guesthouse in Ano Pedina, Greece nestled in the Zarori area near theVikos gorge. We wouldn’t change a thing about the trip. Thanks Ed.

Local specialist: Ed Reeves