Southern Albania

If you are looking for a place full of culture and history, which still retains its old-world charm and considerable natural beauty, southern Albania could be your ideal destination. On this tour we visit some of the region's extensive Greek and Roman remains, as well as villages lost in time.

The tour begins and ends in Tirana, Albania's capital. Upon arrival we make straight for deep blue Lake Ohrid and the sleepy town of Lin, having a dip in the lake before driving on to the charming and historic town of Korçë, Albania's 'little Paris,' where we spend the night. From here we head towards the Greek border, ultimately reaching the Vjosa river: Europe's first Wild River National Park. We stay in an old-fashioned, family-run guesthouse near the river, where we enjoy local produce and fantastic scenery. Our next stop is Gjirokastër, home to some fabulous Ottoman-era mansions, one of which provides our accommodation for two nights. With Gjirokastër as our base, we explore the Greek ruins at Antigoneia (where we will likely be the only visitors), as well as the better-known, astonishing site of Butrint. We then head north, driving along the 'Albanian riviera' to our next overnight stop: a rustic, comfortable winery, where we feast on local food and (naturally) drink. The next day, after a swim in the Adriatic, we pass ancient Apollonia before reaching our final destination of Berat. Here we admire the mansions of the old town - one of the most picturesque in the Balkans - as well as the still-inhabited castle with its medieval painted churches. We then return to Tirana for your outbound flight.

Southern Albania can be combined with parts of northern Greece.

Recommended time to visit: April-October