TIMELESS ALBANIA, 5-DAY TOUR: PERMET, GJIROKASTRA, VLORA, SAZAN ISLAND & BERAT

5-Day Tour · Permet · Gjirokastra · Vlora · Sazan Island · Berat

This extraordinary journey through Përmet, Gjirokastra, Vlora, Sazan Island — Karaburun Peninsula and Berat offers an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. From the thermal springs and Ottoman architecture of Përmet, to the rich history of Gjirokastra, the coastal beauties of Vlora, the adventure of Sazan Island and Karaburun Peninsula, and the cultural treasures of Berat — each destination will captivate your senses and reveal the diverse allure of Albania.

🌿 Day 1 — Tirana to Përmet We start our journey from Tirana toward Përmet — known throughout Albania for its hospitality, excellent cuisine, and as the "city of roses." The day includes a relaxing visit to the hot thermal pools of Përmet, followed by a walk through the wooden paths of the Hotova National Park. We continue to the Langarica Canyon, the Këlcyra gorge, and visit points of historical and artistic interest including Ottoman bridges and Orthodox monasteries. The day concludes with traditional food that perfectly captures the spirit of the region. Overnight in Përmet.

🏰 Day 2 — Visiting Gjirokastra After breakfast we explore Gjirokastra — "The Stone City" — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Albania. Every house resembles a small fortress. The castle, built in the 4th century AD, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years it becomes the capital of Albanian folklore. We pass through the medieval bazaar and visit one of the best-preserved original houses. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

🌊 Day 3 — Visiting Vlora After breakfast we head to Vlora — the "City of the Flag" where Albanian independence was declared on November 28, 1912. We visit Flag Square, the Independence Monument, and the magnificent Muradie Mosque built in 1537. After exploring the city we walk along the Lungomare seafront promenade, enjoying the emerald sea. Free afternoon in Vlora. Overnight in Vlora.

⚓ Day 4 — Sazan Island & Karaburun Peninsula After breakfast we board the boat from Vlora to Sazan Island and Karaburun Peninsula. The boat trip features music, dance, and cocktails. We stop for 3 hours at the crystal beaches of Karaburun, then visit the legendary Haxhi Ali Cave — an Illyrian cave named after a famous Albanian pirate from the 1500s. We then tour Sazan Island — the largest island in Albania, still an active military base with bunkers. We return to the port of Vlora for a beautiful sunset on the water. Back to accommodation.

🏛️ Day 5 — Visiting Berat After breakfast we visit Berat — the "City of 1001 Windows" and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We walk through the narrow stone streets with views of medieval houses and windows standing on top of each other. We visit the beautiful medieval castle, the Onufri Museum, ancient churches and mosques, the old stone bridge, and the Gorica neighborhood. On the way back to Tirana we drive past Belsh Lake for a picturesque stop before returning to the capital.