6-Nights Albania Discovery - Classic from $1,350

Albania Discovery
Get ready to soak in Albania's dazzling coastline and rugged mountains on this epic seven-day loop through the countryside. Start and finish in Tirana, where colourful Soviet-era architecture meets a vibrant city vibe. Head south to the mountains for a scenic hike, then cross the Adriatic to explore “the eternal city” and the legendary Castle of Ali Pasha — yes, the one from The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes that'll leave you craving even more adventures in the Balkans.

Highlights
Explore the 3000 year old Roman remains of Durrës, Be immersed in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost, Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera and visit the Ali Pasha Castle, Have dinner at a local winery with traditional Albanian polyphonic singing, Explore the castle of Berat and see the typical white Ottoman houses

Accomodation
It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head. On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.

Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12.

Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër.
Evening orientation walk of Tirana. Tour of the Durrës archaeological site. Orientation walk of Vlorë. Visit Himare. Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle. Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park. Walking tour of Gjirokastër. Walking tour of Berat. Farewell Dinner. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.