5 Days in Albania: Berat, the Albanian Riviera & the Stone City of Gjirokastër

If you have just five days and want to understand what makes Albania special, this is the route. Our 5-Day Albania Tour threads together the country's Adriatic coast, two UNESCO World Heritage towns, the dramatic Riviera and the lakes of the east — all with a local guide and comfortable hotels.

Day 1 — Tirana → Durrës → Berat

Leave the capital for Durrës on the Adriatic, home to a Roman amphitheatre and a breezy seaside promenade. Then on to Berat, the UNESCO-listed "City of a Thousand Windows," famous for its tiers of white Ottoman houses climbing the hillside above the river. Wander the Mangalem and Gorica quarters as the light turns gold.

Day 2 — Berat → Vlorë → the Albanian Riviera → Sarandë

Travel south to Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, then follow the spectacular Albanian Riviera — cliffs, turquoise coves and mountain passes — with a stop for local wine tasting. Arrive by evening in the seaside town of Sarandë.

Day 3 — Sarandë → Gjirokastër

Head inland to the "Stone City" of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO gem of stone-roofed houses and a hilltop castle with sweeping views over the Drino Valley. The old bazaar is the place to slow down over a coffee.

Day 4 — Gjirokastër → Përmet → Korçë

Cross the mountains of southern Albania to Përmet on the Vjosa River (with a possible thermal-springs stop), then on to elegant Korçë, known for its cathedral, boulevards and café culture.

Day 5 — Korçë → Lake Prespa → Pogradec → Tirana

A scenic final day through the eastern lakes — peaceful Lake Prespa and the shores of famous Lake Ohrid at Pogradec — before the drive back to Tirana.

What's included

• 4 nights in comfortable 3–4★ hotels with breakfast
• Airport pickup and all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking local guide and guided sightseeing
• Entrance fees listed in the itinerary and water during transfers