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The little-known northern valleys, classic Albania and Macedonia

Albania in spring | Last places for Albania trips

Spring 2026 is just around the corner, and most of our trips are fully booked. If you still have time to get away, we have a few places left for Albania on a special route combining culture, nature and adventure in the Balkans.

A route through Albania and North Macedonia, combining cultural visits with accessible walks.

Tavern in Vlore (Albania). Photo: Manuel Guinarte
Tavern in Vlore (Albania). Photo: Manuel Guinarte

Spring departures for Albania

After months of bookings, these nearly full departures have the last places available for these dates. If you want a different kind of spring trip, now is the time to decide: once they fill, no places remain.

Destination Route Departure Dur.
Albania and Macedonia Easter Special. 04/04 8 days
Albania and Macedonia Easter Special. 25/04 8 days
Albania and Macedonia The unknown northern valleys 05/05 12 days
Albania and Macedonia The unknown northern valleys 19/05 12 days

Have you always dreamed of discovering Albania’s hidden treasures? Here is your chance: we have opened places on a classic Albania route this spring. This itinerary will allow you to comfortably discover the most emblematic locations and landscapes of the country in one of the best times to travel.

In 12 days, we explore the capital, stroll through Berat and Gjirokastra's cobbled streets, and discover the coastal cities of Saranda and Vlora. A visit to Kruja's famous bazaar brings us closer to local people and the region's history and culture.

Travel to Albania. Photo: Tuareg Archive
Travel to Albania. Photo: Tuareg Archive

Gjirokaster, one of the historic jewels of Albania

Ancient villages of Ottoman origin, surprisingly well preserved and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, where time seems to have stood still. Their cobbled streets, stone houses with traditional roofs and wooden balconies reflect Balkan architecture inherited from the Ottoman Empire.

GJIROKASTER

Gjirokaster is one of the historic jewels of Albania and one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this museum-city stands out for its perfectly preserved stone houses, with slate roofs and large windows that have earned it the nickname “the stone city”.

Situated on the hillside of a mountain, Gjirokaster is dominated by its impressive castle, which offers spectacular views of the valley and keeps centuries of history between its walls. Walking through its cobblestone streets is to travel through time, discovering ancient Ottoman mansions, small bazaars and authentic corners that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage.

The new Albania, the other Europe

Albania is a country that remained closed to the Western world until the 1990s, guarding against an invasion that never came. After years of isolation, it seems that tourism is welcome and the people are very hospitable. Visitors are unlikely to encounter crime; even tourist scams are uncommon.

In Albania, colour has replaced uniform grey. Some 750.000 abandoned bunkers remain across the country; many heads are uncovered in this Muslim-majority population. Café terraces line the streets, while young people look westwards with a smile, carefully shaping every detail of their new image. This is the new Albania, the other Europe..

Travelling to Albania in spring

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Albania and a little-known side of Europe.

✔️ 12-day trip
✔️ Departure 5, 19 MAY | 9, 23 Jun 2026
✔️ Price from 1440€
Closed for many years under a communist dictatorship, the country is now revealing its treasures. We offer a comprehensive itinerary combining nature and culture, exploring the Alps, the Albanian Riviera and the main UNESCO-listed cities.

 +Travel info

Albania and Macedonia + The unknown northern valleys, classical Albania and Macedonia

What should we visit?

SOUTH OF TIRANA: WORLD HERITAGE

South of Tirana, we find the Monumental and historic Albania.
Well-preserved Ottoman towns listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Citadels, archaeological sites and old town centres delight history and architecture enthusiasts.

  • Berat: Albania’s iconic view of houses rising in tiers up a hillside, and a favourite with most visitors.
  • Butrint: Archaeological complex of Greek, later Roman, Byzantine and Venetian origin.
  • Gjirokaster: Ottoman architecture typical of the Balkans with a spectacular citadel and castle.
THE NORTH: ALBANIAN ALPS AND LAKE KOMAN

The city of Shkoder is the gateway to one of Europe’s most remote areas. Getting around is difficult, with poor roads and long journeys.

  • Theth Valley captures the essence of Albania’s popular imagination: sworn virgins, rural life and mountain landscapes that are a hiker’s paradise.
  • Lake Koman: The (incredible) ferry crossing of Lake Komán is one of the most impressive river trips in Europe.
  • Shkoder: The main town of the north, renovated with good taste and with a pleasant atmosphere.
Trekking in the Dinaric Alps | Viajes Tuareg archive
Trekking in the Dinaric Alps | Viajes Tuareg archive
THE SOUTH COAST

Usually, the coast of Albania is heavily built up and somewhat neglected, with a popular seaside atmosphere reminiscent of our beaches in the early 80s.

As we advance south, past the city of Vlora, the coast becomes more attractive, with stone beaches and a beautiful mountain landscape behind.
Unspoilt, hard-to-reach spots coexist with seaside resorts full of bars and loud music

Albania, the other Europe

Some of the legends and oddities that are part of the character and culture of the country.

  1. Sworn Virgins >>  Born female, they renounced sexual relationships and marriage to become the men of their families. They may carry weapons, dress as men and be treated as clan leaders.
  2. Blood feuds >>   In northern Albania, relatives of a murdered man have the right to avenge their honour by killing a man from the murderer’s family. This is prescribed by the ancient Kanun code. Those threatened can only protect themselves by hiding at home.
  3. Bunkers >> During the communist regime, some 750,000 bunkers were built to protect the country from an imaginary enemy. They are everywhere, and some are being reused as bars, dance venues and even homes.
  4. Mother Teresa of Calcutta >> Although born in neighbouring Macedonia, she is considered Albanian. Birthplace matters less than ethnicity and culture. More than a million Albanians were born outside the country.
  5. Mercedes Benz >> One of the most popular vehicles on Albanian roads. They are stolen cars in other countries that end their lives in Albania.

Special locations

Europe’s least-known country and one of its most interesting is beginning to reveal its treasures after years closed under a communist dictatorship. On our travel to Albania We combine the little-known northern Alpine valleys with World Heritage sites in classical Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo.

"BERATI
BERATI >> Albania’s iconic scene, with houses climbing a hillside, and most visitors’ favourite place. Also known as the town of a thousand windows.
THETH VALLEY >> Concentrates the essence of the Albanian popular imagination: Sworn Virgins, rural life and mountain landscapes that are the paradise of the hiker. Author Edith Durham wrote: “Life in Thethi was fascinating, I forgot the rest of the world and ... I could think of no reason to ever come back.
LAKE KOMAN >> The (incredible) ferry crossing of Lake Komán is one of the most impressive river trips in Europe. From Koman to Fierze, we travel with the inhabitants of the region (and their animals) through really spectacular gorges.
IONIAN COAST >> Its greatest secret, still spoken of quietly, is a beautiful coastline of pebbles and white sand beside the clear Ionian Sea.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS >> Of Greek origin, later Roman, Byzantine and Venetian. Well-preserved monuments and archaeological sites to explore at leisure, with few other visitors. Travel to Albania with Viajes Tuareg.
Albania trip reviews

Carmen Alcala left this comment on our Facebook page:
What can I say about Albania that Viajes Tuareg travellers have not already said?
Without the agency’s recommendation, I would never have thought of visiting. A wonderful country surrounded by majestic mountains, with charming towns and cities.
Its kind, resilient people are transforming the country.
Our group of 12 made the trip more enjoyable. And our guide? FANTASTIC. Thank you, Dorjiam.

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