Albania
Europe’s best-kept secret
Once best known as the final European country to throw off the shackles off Communism (outside the USSR), Albania spent much of the 20th century closed to outsiders. However, the 30-odd years since the end of isolationism has seen Albania grow as a tourist destination – and with good reason.
This is a country blessed with both beaches and mountains; a trendy capital in buzzing Tirana and historical villages like Berat and Gjirokastra, and excellent hiking trails complete with the chance of seeing bears, wolves and wild boar.
But come quick – such is the generous welcome, delicious food and comparatively cheap travel, that the trickle of visitors might soon become a flood.
Walking in Europe
A complete guide to walking and hiking trips in Europe
A journey of a thousand miles may begin, as the Taoist proverb goes, with a single step. But when it comes to walking holidays in Europe, that first step comes well before you set foot on a trail. Planning – deciding your destination and route, scheduling your departure, choosing your preferred kind of accommodation and level of support, packing the right kit, and many more factors besides – is key to ensuring that your hiking trip is safe, successful and enjoyable...read more
5 days
Albania and Kosovo ~ Walking in Illyria and Epirus
Exploring Albania’s capital and surroundings
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Tirana
Tirana’s small size makes it a perfect place to explore in a day, but to truly get under its skin, try out its cafe culture for coffee, beer and pastries... -
The Accursed Mountains
The Accursed Mountains (also known, less dramatically, as the Albanian Alps) feel a world away from the rest of Europe... -
Albanian Riviera
Head to the Albanian Riviera for uncrowded shorelines, turquoise waters and the beauty of the Greek Islands without the price tag... -
Berat
Head up through the hills to Berat and you’ll notice the seemingly endless number of windows on the white Ottoman houses lining the way... -
Durres
The port town of Durres is home to Albania’s liveliest beach, but it is the town’s amphitheatre that is the main attraction... -
Kruja
Gjergj Kastrioti, also known as Skanderbeg, was a military commander famous for resisting Turkish invaders in the 1400s... -
Gjirokastra and the Drino Valley
The Drino Valley in southern Albania is the perfect place to see traditional Albanian villages... -
Butrint National Park
Found close to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, Butrint National Park is one of the Balkans’ largest archaeological sites, with ruins from several different ethnic groups, including Greek, Roman and Venetians... -
Shkodra
Known to Albanians as the ‘city of bicycles’, Shkodra is a pleasant place to spend a couple of days pootling around... -
Bay of Vlore
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Gjirokastra
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Valbona Valley
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Mount Jezerca
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Apollonia
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Theth
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Places to go in Albania
Albania Tours
4 in 1 Road Cycling Balkan Express
Explore Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia by bike
8 daysFrom €950| Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro | |
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Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culinary, Food, Wine |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
4 in 1 Road Cycling Balkan Express
Explore Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia by bike
8 days €950 – €1,120 per person By 3e Travel| Destinations | Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro |
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| Activity | Active, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culinary, Food, Wine |
| Tour Type | Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
April - November |
Experience the diversity of these four countries, from the famous Tara bridge over the deepest canyon in Europe to sampling locally produced wine in Ston. Enjoy warm hospitality, discover unique and iconic landscapes and reward yourself with delicious local dishes and drinks.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality assured hotels including unique, independently-owned boutiques. All hotels can be adjusted according to budget and preference. |
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Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination. |
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Ground transfers |
All ground transfers as included the itinerary. On self-guided trips, secure door-to-door baggage transfer. |
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Breakfast |
All breakfasts are included. |
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Some meals |
Some of the dishes you might enjoy on a 3E tour are:
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The Best Cycling Routes Along EuroVelo 8
Cycling from Croatia to Albania via Montenegro
8 daysFrom €790| Albania, Croatia, Montenegro | |
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Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Culinary, Food |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
The Best Cycling Routes Along EuroVelo 8
Cycling from Croatia to Albania via Montenegro
8 days €790 – €969 per person By 3e Travel| Destinations | Albania, Croatia, Montenegro |
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| Activity | Active, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Culinary, Food |
| Tour Type | Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
| Season |
April - November |
This cycling tour takes you from the star of the Adriatic sea, Dubrovnik , along the Eurovelo 8 to hidden gems in Montenegro and Albania. Experience the diversity of nature, culture and food of these three countries. In the evening enjoy the Mediterranean life style in cosy sea side towns.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality assured hotels including unique, independently-owned boutiques. All hotels can be adjusted according to budget and preference. |
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Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination. |
|
Ground transfers |
All ground transfers as included the itinerary. On self-guided trips, secure door-to-door baggage transfer. |
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Breakfast |
All breakfasts are included. |
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Some meals |
Some of the dishes you might enjoy on a 3E tour are:
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Exploring Montenegro and Albania by Bicycle
Cycle through historical towns and explore Lake Skadar
8 daysFrom €740| Albania, Montenegro | |
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Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Exploring Montenegro and Albania by Bicycle
Cycle through historical towns and explore Lake Skadar
8 days €740 – €920 per person By 3e Travel| Destinations | Albania, Montenegro |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine |
| Tour Type | Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
| Season |
April - November |
Lake Skadar is shared by Montenegro and Albania. It is the biggest lake of the Western Balkans and an important sanctuary for migratory birds. Cycling through the historic towns of Cetinje, Shkodra, Perast and Kotor, enjoy numerous, stunning panoramas, friendly locals and great food and drink.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality assured hotels including unique, independently-owned boutiques. All hotels can be adjusted according to budget and preference. |
|
Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination. |
|
Ground transfers |
All ground transfers as included the itinerary. On self-guided trips, secure door-to-door baggage transfer. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts are included. |
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Some meals |
Some of the dishes you might enjoy on a 3E tour are:
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Peaks Of The Balkans – Guided or Self-Guided
Explore the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro and Albania's mountains
8 daysFrom €940| Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro | |
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Small group tour, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Peaks Of The Balkans – Guided or Self-Guided
Explore the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro and Albania's mountains
8 days €940 – €1,090 per person By 3e Travel| Destinations | Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine |
| Tour Type | Small group tour, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
Epic borderlands walk through the Accursed Mountains
Hike across remote borders in the undiscovered Balkans on this walking and cultural holiday through Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania – the famed Peaks of the Balkans trail.
A country whose painful birth still reverberates across the Balkans, Kosovo is a land rich in natural and cultural highlights. A staunch stronghold of Albanian traditions, its mountains and valleys are blanketed with dense forests that are home to wolves, bears, lynx and golden eagles. What better place than for a walk through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Europe.
Visit the UNESCO site of the Decani Monastery, before we enter the ‘Accursed Mountains’ of the Rugova Valley. Here, amongst some of the most ethnographically diverse landscapes in the country, we’ll enjoy the hospitality and cuisine of the local villages, as we trek towards Mount Hajla and the alpine lakes. By crossing remote borders and walking through lush valleys, we criss-cross between dramatic Montenegro and majestic Albania, whilst surrounded by incredible scenery. After transferring to Virpazar in Montenegro at Lake Skadar we return home with new wonderful memories and discoveries.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality assured hotels including unique, independently-owned boutiques. All hotels can be adjusted according to budget and preference. |
|
Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination. |
|
Ground transfers |
All ground transfers as included the itinerary. On self-guided trips, secure door-to-door baggage transfer. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts are included. |
|
Some meals |
Some of the dishes you might enjoy on a 3E tour are:
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The National Parks of Northern Montenegro
Hiking in Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the Prokletije mountains.
8 daysFrom €790| Albania, Montenegro | |
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Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |
Recommended Tour
The National Parks of Northern Montenegro
Hiking in Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the Prokletije mountains.
8 days €790 – €925 per person By 3e Travel| Destinations | Albania, Montenegro |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |
| Tour Type | Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
| Season |
June - October |
Follow a spectacular walking trail in Montenegro’s northern National Parks: Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the very eastern frontier of Prokletije mountains. These protected areas offer some of the most beautiful mountains and hiking regions in the country. Experience scenic diversity and warm hospitality while trekking beautiful panoramic trails, past dazzling mountain lakes and rugged rock landscapes.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully-selected, quality assured hotels including unique, independently-owned boutiques. All hotels can be adjusted according to budget and preference. |
|
Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination. |
|
Ground transfers |
All ground transfers as included the itinerary. On self-guided trips, secure door-to-door baggage transfer. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts are included. |
|
Some meals |
Some of the dishes you might enjoy on a 3E tour are:
|
Tirana and a Taste of Illyria
Explore Tirana, Durres and the hilltop citadel of Kruja
5 daysFrom £840| Tirana, Durres, Kruja | |
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Private guided tour |
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Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Solo Travel |
Recommended Tour
Tirana and a Taste of Illyria
Explore Tirana, Durres and the hilltop citadel of Kruja
5 days From £840 per person By Kudu Travel| Destinations | Tirana, Durres, Kruja |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Solo Travel |
| Tour Type | Private guided tour |
| Physical Level | Easy |
For those with limited time, this five day introductory tour gives a great taste of Albania, taking in Tirana, the ancient port city of Durres on the Adriatic coast and the hilltop citadel of Kruja, the 15th century home of Albania’s great national hero, Skanderbeg.
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Accommodation |
We use 3 – 5 star hotels, which we research personally, with emphasis on character, location and good service. |
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Guided excursions |
Tours are accompanied by a Kudu tour leader and local guides. |
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Ground transfers |
Transport for all activities described in the itinerary is also included. |
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All meals |
All meals (breakfasts, lunch and dinner) are included. |
Albania Travel Companies
3e Travel
Self-guided hiking and cycling trips to the Western Balkans
| Balkans | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour | |
| Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine, Solo Travel |
Kudu Travel
Cultural walking tours in the Balkans
| Balkans | |
| Small group tour | |
| Beach, Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Horseback Riding, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Museums & Galleries, History, Culinary, Food, Wine, Solo Travel |
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