Home

destinations

europe

albania

Albania tours

Name: Balkan Adventure
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 3481 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (306 reviews)

Travel guide

See All Tours

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Albania in a way like no other.

There are a few true hidden gems in Europe - and Albania is one of them. Closed to outsiders for almost half a century, Albania opened their doors to the world in the nineties after overthrowing a brutal Communist regime. Since then, the country’s extraordinary treasures have slowly been revealed to a stream of curious travelers… And our Albania tours will get you there. Perched on the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean coastline, Albania is filled with enchanting mountains and lakes, not to mention the postcard-worthy beaches that rival any in Europe. There’s also the ancient Greek and Roman ruins, fortress towns, crumbling castles, Ottoman architecture and the lively capital city Tirana to explore. If that’s not enough, we’ll also introduce you to delicious Albanian food and the famously friendly locals as we take you to the heart of Albania.

Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

Trending Albania tours

Save up to $629

4.4

Balkan Adventure

14 Days

7 Countries

13 Locations

14-Day Balkans Tour from Bucharest to Belgrade

From

$3,481

Was

$4,095

View Trip

Save up to $464

Aerial view of Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi Skënderbej) in Tirana, Albania

4.7

Balkans Coast Explorer

9 Days

3 Countries

9 Locations

9-Day Balkans Tour of Albania, Budva and Dubrovnik

From

$2,350

View Trip

See More Tours

5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

OUT OF 5

Based on

independent user reviews

Trip Rating

Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip

4.6

OUT OF 5

111,202

40,051

8,934

2,904

1,314

Customer Experience

Customer experience is the standard of service you receive

4.6

OUT OF 5

117,790

29,192

7,269

2,782

1,360

Skanderbeg Square with Albanian flag and statue of warrior in Tirana, Albania

Albania at a glance

Filled with enchanting mountains, lakes and beaches, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, fortress towns, crumbling castles and the vibrant capital Tirana, Albania is one of the true hidden gems of Europe. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover everything from the striking Ottoman architecture to delicious Albanian food.

Currency

Albanian lek

Winter avg

45°F

Language

Albanian

Summer avg

90°F

Good morning

Miremengjes

Time Zone

GMT+1

Good evening

Mirembrema

"Albania has the spectacular landscapes and incredible history and culture to rival any Mediterranean country in Europe. After being buried in communism for so long, it's now open for all, and there's never been a better time to visit this wonderful country. But hurry - this secret won't be kept for much longer."

Travel Director

Our top 5 things to do in Albania

Our Albania trips will show you all the best things to do in Albania, from the top Tirana attractions to the historical gems of the country.

See the Palace of Culture in Tirana

The Palace of Culture in Tirana really lives up to its name. It's a grand building where you’ll find cultural institutions like the National Library and the National Theater of Opera and Ballet. The first stone of this stunning building was symbolically laid by former Soviet president Nikita Hrushov in 1959 and your Albania travel guide will show you around the highlights of this cultural treasure.

Stroll through Skanderbeg Square

Of all the top Albania attractions, you can’t miss checking out Skanderberg Square, the main square in Tirana. It’s a massive 40,000 square metres and you’ll find some of the country’s most important buildings here including the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower and the giant Skanderberg Monument of the Albanian national hero.

See Tirana's famous Clock Tower

The 35-metre tall Clock Tower is an unmissable stop on any Tirana tour, and we’ll take you to see this famous piece of Ottoman architecture dating back to 1822. After hearing the bells ring out, you can even climb the spiral staircase to take in the spectacular views over Tirana. Be sure to come back in the evening to see the tower beautifully lit up after dark.

Walk through the winding streets of Tirana city center

One of the best parts of your Tirana trip will be roaming the colorful streets of the city, where brightly painted façades mingle with leafy streets and shopping strips. You’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, before having time to delve into the trendy café districts and vibrant markets where you’ll find some real Albanian arts and crafts.

Learn about the decades of communist rule in Albania

When you travel Albania with Trafalgar, we'll dive into the rich history of the country. You’ll learn how Albania was once ruled by a communist regime and see the remnants of this tyrannical period. Stop by former Communist buildings, visit the Bunk’Art museum, and wander through the Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite.

Best museums in Albania

Tirana’s museums are some of the best places to visit in Albania and we’ll show you all the historic highlights like the giant underground bunker and a former secret police headquarters.

National Historic Museum

The National Historic Museum is the best Albania museum to explore the country’s complex history. There are thousands of objects, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages to the 21st century. There’s a pavilion dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime, and don’t miss the Beauty of Durrës, a treasured mosaic from the 4th century BC.

House of Leaves

Also known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, this excellent museum is located in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi, the secret Albanian police, and the German Gestapo. Used as an interrogation and torture house, you can see old surveillance items and learn the stories of those who were spied on and executed during the communist regime.

Bunk'Art

You can’t miss this fantastic museum on your Albania tour. It’s a massive underground anti-nuclear bunker constructed for the country’s communist politicians and military elite. Spread out over five stories and over 100 rooms, including a 200-seat meeting hall, you'll marvel at the architecture and learn more about Albania’s tragic communist history.

Best food in Albania

If you’re dreaming of discovering the best of Albania, you can’t miss out on the delicious Albanian cuisine, from hearty baked lamb and rice to fried cheese and flaky pastries.

Byrek

The most popular food in Albania, byrek is a baked or fried pastry made with flaky, thin dough. It’s stuffed with all kinds of tasty fillings and the favorite is spinach and feta cheese, or you can also find ones with meat or pumpkin. Keep your eyes peeled for the street vendors selling this treat, as it’s sure to become your go-to Albanian snack.

Tavë Kosi

If you’re looking for some real Albanian comfort food, you can’t go past tavë kosi, the heartwarming national dish. It’s made with tender chunks of lamb stirred with rice, garlic and oregano, and covered with a mixture of yoghurt and egg. With a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, it’s then baked until it forms a golden, creamy crust - and it’s utterly delicious.

Fried Kaçkavall

This beloved cheese is found all over the southern Balkans and Albania, it’s often served in traditional restaurants as an entrée. It’s a yellow salty cheese made with sheep’s or cow’s milk, and you can also eat it in all sorts of dishes like baked kaçkavall or kaçkavall salad. We say fried kaçkavall is the best of them all and you can’t miss it on your Albania trip.

What to pack for Albania

A man standing and packing suitcase next to a woman sitting on a bed

Layered clothing

Whether you travel Albania in the hot summer, the chilly winter or somewhere in between, you’ll need to bring versatile clothing for any weather.

Insect repellent

The Balkan Peninsula is known for its mosquitoes and Albania is no different. Bring along some strong insect repellent and bite cream to soothe any itchy bites.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering the winding streets of Tirana or beyond, you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes when you discover Albania.

Sun protection

The Albanian sun is powerful at any time of year, especially higher in the mountains. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen for your Albania vacations.

Albanian phrasebook

t’s always a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local language. You’ll have a better chance at connecting with the friendly Albanians and they’ll certainly appreciate your efforts.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this on our Frequently Asked Questions page, well in advance of your trip departure date. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Looking for inspiration?

From Borek to Byrek: the tastiest Albanian dishes

Escape the crowds this summer at these secret beaches in Eastern Europe

Travel Director Fiona Answers Your Burning Packing Questions

Why a trip to Central and Eastern Europe feels like you're stepping back in time

Frequently Asked Questions

Albania uses the Albanian lek (ALL, L).

Albania is known for its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and Ottoman-era architecture. It’s a hidden gem in Europe with warm hospitality, ancient ruins, and affordable travel. Highlights include Berat, Gjirokastër, and the Albanian Riviera.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is polite. Tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides for great service. Always tip in cash where possible.

You most likey do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, but check entry rules before you go. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from your arrival.

May to September is the best time to visit Albania for beach weather and outdoor exploring. Spring and early fall are great for sightseeing without the heat. The coast is buzzing with tourists in July and August, but still relatively undiscovered compared to the rest of Europe's beach destinations.

Albania has a Mediterranean climate—hot summers and mild winters along the coast, with colder, snowy conditions inland. Expect long sunny days in summer, and cooler, wetter weather in winter months.

Yes, especially in the mountains and inland regions. The Albanian Alps get snow from December through March, making them ideal for winter hiking or skiing. Coastal areas rarely see snow.

Albania uses plug types C and F, with a voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. US travelers will need a suitable adapter. Check your device's voltage range before using it.

ATMs are available in most cities and towns, but less common in remote areas. Many machines accept international cards. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, as not all places take cards.

Tap water is not always safe to drink, especially in rural areas. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. It’s cheap and widely available in shops and hotels.

Light clothes for summer, layers for the mountains, and a waterproof jacket for spring or autumn. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring ruins or hiking. Bring modest clothes for churches and traditional towns.

You can take three days to visit one of Albania's sights, be it the sun-soaked coast, its capital Tirana, or its mountain region. To tick off two or more, we recommend at least a week.

Berat and Gjirokastër (UNESCO towns), the Albanian Riviera, Butrint National Park, Lake Ohrid, and the Llogara Pass are all highlights. Tirana offers quirky museums and a growing café culture.

Albanian cuisine features grilled meats, byrek (filled pastry), fresh seafood, and mountain stews. Local cheese, olives, and seasonal produce feature heavily. Raki, a strong grape brandy, is often offered as a warm welcome.

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the MyTrafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover, including during pandemic events. Book your travel insurance with Trafalgar's Travel Protection Plan, which includes the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Certificate Feature and the Travel Insurance Benefits that may help to protect your vacation payment against the unexpected.