Personalized trips to Albania
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

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
Albania map: Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
View article
Albania map: Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
View article
Albania map: Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
View article

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Albania also visit these destinations

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.

Secure & easy booking

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
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

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

A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Trip to Albania!!!
Albania | May 23 - May 31, 2023

E
Evie W.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2023

We could not have asked for a better guide…..competent, thoughtful, knowledgeable with a focus on our safety at all times . Nik’s love for his Albania was palpable and infectious. read more

We could not have asked for a better guide…..competent, thoughtful, knowledgeable with a focus on our safety at all times . Nik’s love for his Albania was palpable and infectious.

Hotel Reviews
Rose Garden Hotel
Gjirokastra
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Nivica
Authenticity & Character
The amount of food served was short…. This was an area that could use some tweaking.
Location
Off the beaten track
Staff
The hiking guides were wonderful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
No
Hotel Riviera
Himare

Being in a lovely small hotel before the tourist season started was a gift….

Authenticity & Character
Staff…..
Location
Right on the beach was perfect
Staff
Friendly…. Attentive….
Cleanliness & Comfort
No
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Big touristy hotel…nothing stood out… as expected

Authenticity & Character
Nothing…. large hotels lack authenticity…
Location
The view was spectacular
Staff
Seemed okay
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean
Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Jun 01, 2023

Thanks so much for the kind words, Evie - Nik had a great time showing you around! Sorry Panorama was a bit impersonal for your taste but it does have the benefit of being close to the airport for the three departure flights, and another night in Tirana seemed overkill! We've passed on your comment about portion size to Camp Nivica - they have a new chef so are bedding him in! Thanks so much for travelling with us despite the issues booking!

The whole trip was amazing, well planned by E...
Albania | Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2022

R
Richard D.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2022

The whole trip was amazing, well planned by Ed. Our guide Nik was amazing, really friendly, accommodating, welcoming and really made the trip. Would recommend for sure.

Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Dec 15, 2022

Thanks so much for the kind words - I know Nik had a great time showing you Albania! And if we'd known you were so dog-friendly we would have brought Bubi for the entire trip, not just the last day!

Nick did a fantastic job!
Albania | May 26 - Jun 3, 2022

Cecilia
Cecilia R.
Pensacola, FL | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2022

Nick, our tour guide, did a fantastic job showing us his beautiful country. At our request, this was a personalized tour with some new destinations which sometimes presented challenges. Nick was always able to handle well any unexpected circumstances. The ride in the tour bus was at times a bit rough, but that is to be expected when traveling some not so good roads in a four wheel drive vehicle. The food was excellent, specially the salads and local ice cream. The pace of the trip was... read more

Nick, our tour guide, did a fantastic job showing us his beautiful country. At our request, this was a personalized tour with some new destinations which sometimes presented challenges. Nick was always able to handle well any unexpected circumstances. The ride in the tour bus was at times a bit rough, but that is to be expected when traveling some not so good roads in a four wheel drive vehicle. The food was excellent, specially the salads and local ice cream. The pace of the trip was perfect for two retired couples and Nick was ready to assist with any question or necessity. Great experience. Thank You.

Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Jun 29, 2022

Thanks so much, Cecilia! Glad you enjoyed the tour, and I know Nick had a great time showing you some more off-beat corners of Albania that were new even for him! Hope you can all make it back to explore the south one day!