Albanian Riviera

Forage for fresh Mussels in Butrint, explore offshore islands by private boat & swim in the impossibly blue waters of Pasqyra Beach

Package includes

Max 14 travellers per group
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 4-star hotels
Arrival airport transfer
Local transport
Accommodation in twin rooms
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Dramatic mountains, alpine meadows, endless sea views and beaches to rival any of its Mediterranean neighbours, Albania is a rising-star destination – and our five-day escape immerses you in its charms.

A postcard-worthy beach break crossed with a culture-rich city weekender, this is a short trip big on unforgettable Flash Pack experiences. We’ll be cruising idyllic islands by private boat, gazing at awe-inspiring vistas from the Ceraunian Mountains and mussel-picking in lagoons fed by the Ionian Sea – as well as visiting historic sites and Ottoman towns – all the while feasting on traditional Albanian cuisine.

Albania’s on the up, and we can’t wait to showcase its Balkans brilliance. See you for a cocktail on the sand at sunset.

An Albanian Riviera welcome

Arrive at your boutique hotel in the coastal city of Vlorë, following a private transfer from Tirana Airport
Take a guided tour of Vlorë to understand the history of this seaside city, where Albanian independence was declared in 1912
Get to know your group over sundowners and a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant right on the sand

Jaw-dropping views & a private boat

Road trip down the coast to Ksamil, winding through the high-altitude zigzags of the Llogara Pass, boasting incredible views over the Ionian Sea
Stop off to marvel at the Big Bunker – a formidable Cold War-era fortification, 2,000 feet above sea level
Cruise Ksamil’s enchanting coastline on a private boat tour, stopping at quiet beaches and secluded coves to swim in the crystalline water

Dive for mussels in Butrint lagoon

Forage for oysters and mussels in Butrint lagoon, then learn how to prep and cook them using traditional techniques
Stroll the ancient ruins of Butrint, a Unesco site remarkable for its millennia-old ruins and natural beauty
Swim in the bluest water in the world at Pasqyra Beach and gather with your group to watch the stunning sunset

Crystalline springs & ancient cities

Hike through the forest to the Blue Eye spring; divers have descended to 50 metres, but nobody knows its true depth
Take a walking tour of Berat, a World Heritage site known for its hillside of well-preserved Ottoman houses
Celebrate the end of your trip with a farewell dinner of traditional Albanian cuisine, raising a toast to the adventures you’ve shared

The end of our Albanian adventure

Say goodbye to your fellow Flashpackers and make your way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you book a local taxi
Arrive home feeling invigorated after your short but sweet stay in Albania; in just five days you’ve opened your eyes to this up-and-coming destination

Our favourite hotels

Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.

Veranda Boutique, Vlorë

With generous views onto the palm-fringed coast, the small friendly Veranda Boutique Hotel is just moments from Vlorë Beach. Rooms are bright and contemporary, with a scenic garden, breakfast veranda and plenty of restaurants and cafés on its doorstep. The National Museum of Independence is a five-minute walk.

Blue Water Hotel, Ksamil

This modern hotel, with light, air-conditioned rooms, is perfectly placed to explore the beaches and restaurants of Ksamil, and the nearby Butrint National Park. Keen swimmers and sunbathers have plenty here; as well as beaches such as Ksamil and Bora Bora on the doorstep, there’s an outdoor pool too.

Brilant Antik, Tirana

Hand-carved furnishings and traditional design accents are a highlight of this character-filled hotel located close to Tirana’s National Museum and National Art Gallery. Enjoy warm Albanian hospitality, spacious bathrooms and fine dining in the opulent hotel restaurant.

Important notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

We will do one group transfer at 2 pm from Tirana Airport to Vlorë on Day 1. We recommend booking a flight that arrives before 1 pm so you have time to collect your bags and clear immigration before meeting the group.

If you book a pre-night with us, or have made your own arrangements to be in Albania before your Flash Pack adventure starts, you will be picked up from a meeting point in Tirana at 2.30 pm and continue to Vlorë with the rest of the group.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities on Day 5, so you can leave any time you like. We recommend taking an afternoon flight so you can relax in Tirana before you fly home. Your hotel will be 20-30 minutes away from the airport.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer into Tirana will be included.

If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer. You can then join the group at either Tirana Airport at 2 pm on Day 1 or in at a meeting point in Tirana at 2:30 pm for the group transfer to Vlorë.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

If I book a pre-night, where will it be?

If you’ve booked an extra night at the start of the trip, your hotel will be in Tirana. You will join the rest of the group on Day 1 at a meeting point in Tirana, so there is no need to travel all the way back to the airport. Once you’ve convened with the group, you will make your way to Vlorë to enjoy the rest of the itinerary.

Will I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What fitness levels do I need for this adventure?

There will be a bit of walking involved, but overall this adventure does not require a high level of fitness. The hike to the Blue Eye takes about 20 minutes each way.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

Similar trips

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hear about our new adventures before anyone else

Hear about our new adventures before anyone else.

Be the first to hear about exclusive Flash Pack offers.

Access exciting competitions.

Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.