23RD-31ST AUGUST
Oh hey, Albania!
Albania is one of Europe’s most surprising places right now. It still feels low key, full of contrast and rich with history. Expect UNESCO stone towns, mountains that drop into the sea, turquoise coves and quiet coastal villages.
This is Albania at its best.
Part of our Explore Collection, for people who want to experience a country in depth without rushing through it. Across eight days, we wander through Ottoman streets in Berat, swim in crystal clear springs, explore the ancient ruins of Butrint and settle into the Ionian Riviera with hikes, boat days, long lunches and time to simply enjoy each place.
Albania is warm, generous and unforgettable, and this is the perfect way to see it.
The Route
Day 1. Tirana arrival
Arrive into Tirana and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After time to settle in, we come together for a hands-on cooking class and shared dinner designed as the main bonding moment of the trip. A relaxed, welcoming start that makes everyone feel comfortable straight away.
Day 2. Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain → Berat
An early start takes us off-road by 4×4 to Bovilla Lake and Gamti Mountain, one of Albania’s most striking landscapes. After soaking up the views, we continue south with a simple lunch en route, arriving in Berat for a vineyard visit, tasting and dinner in the countryside. Our first night in Albania’s city of a thousand windows.
Day 3. Osum Canyon & local home dinner
Today is Albania at its wildest. We spend the day exploring Osum Canyon - walking, swimming and taking in the dramatic rock formations, with lunch included and a zipline across the canyon for those who want it. Back in Berat by late afternoon, we finish the day with a home-hosted local dinner for a more personal, human connection.
Day 4. Berat → Albanian Riviera
A scenic drive south brings us to the Ionian coast, where we settle into our main Riviera base in Himarë. The afternoon is intentionally slow: beach time, swimming or resting followed by sunset drinks and a group dinner by the sea. This is where the pace truly shifts.
Day 5. Riviera ease & coastal exploring
A free morning to enjoy the coast your way. In the afternoon, we explore by water. Guided kayaking and access to small beaches and hidden coves along the shoreline. The evening brings a casual group dinner, relaxed and unforced.
Day 6. Private boat day
A highlight of the trip. We head out on a private boat along the Ionian coast, stopping to swim and explore turquoise bays. A light lunch is served on board or at a seaside stop before returning mid-afternoon. The evening is left open to enjoy the coast at your own pace.
Day 7. Riviera → Vlorë Farewell night
We travel north along the coast to our final seaside stay near Vlorë. The afternoon is free beach time, swimming or simply slowing down. That evening, we gather for hosted sunset drinks followed by a long-table farewell dinner by the sea relaxed, celebratory and the perfect close to the week.
Day 8. Departures
An early breakfast and short transfer back to Tirana International Airport. You leave having experienced Albania deeply not rushed through it.
Who You'll Be Here With
A small, easygoing group of people in their 30s and 40s who’ve stopped waiting for their mates to commit and decided to book something good for themselves.
Most come solo, one or two bring a friend, but everyone ends up on the same wavelength quickly - relaxed, friendly and here for a great trip without any of the awkward bits.
There’s no forced bonding, no games, no “tell us a fun fact about yourself.” (thing like that give us the ick!) Just normal people who like travelling, good food and days that feel well planned without being over‑planned.
Conversations feel natural, dinners feel easy, and by the end it usually feels more like travelling with new mates than joining a tour.
What’s Included
-
8 days / 7 nights staying in carefully selected 4★ boutique-style hotels
-
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
-
Hands-on cooking class and welcome dinner in Tirana
-
4×4 off-road adventure to Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain
-
Vineyard visit, tasting and dinner in the Berat countryside
-
Full Osum Canyon experience, including guided exploration, walking, swimming and zipline
-
Local home-hosted dinner in Berat
-
Scenic transfers south to the Ionian coast with minimal stops
-
Guided coastal activities, including kayaking and access to small beaches
-
Private boat day along the Ionian coast with swimming stops and lunch
-
Hosted sunset drinks and group dinners, including a special seaside farewell night near Vlorë
-
Daily breakfasts, plus a curated mix of group lunches and dinners
-
All in-country transport by private vehicle
-
Local expert guides and ISWAT hosts throughout
Where We'll Be Staying
This trip is designed to feel settled, not rushed. Over eight days, we stay in just four places:
Tirana, Berat, and two coastal bases along Albania’s Ionian Riviera.
By limiting the number of stops, we avoid the constant pack-up-and-move rhythm and instead give you time to actually experience each place. You’ll unpack, get your bearings, find your favourite coffee spot, and start to feel at ease whether that’s wandering on your own or heading out with someone you’ve just met.
Each hotel is boutique and comfortable, chosen for its location, atmosphere and ease of access to the places you’ll spend your time historic centres, walkable old towns and relaxed seaside settings. These are places that support slower mornings, easy evenings, and the kind of stays where you don’t feel like you’re just passing through. The result is a trip that flows naturally: city to countryside, culture to coast without ever feeling overstuffed or exhausting.
Rooms
Rooms vary across the four stops, but all are clean, comfortable and well located for each part of the route.
Rooms are based on a twin share with one other person (don't worry we'll match you to someone lovely!) Prefer a room to yourself? Get in touch and enquire about the costs.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Shared Ocupancy £1950