Albania Self-Drive Escape: From Mountain Roads to the Ionian Coast

Day 01: Tirana Airport – Shkodër

Collect your rental car and drive north through Albania’s countryside, small towns and views towards the mountains to Shkodër. Visit Rozafa Castle (optional) and explore the lively pedestrian promenade.

Day 02: Shkodër – Shala River – Shkodër

Take a break from the road and travel by boat across Lake Koman, surrounded by steep cliffs and remote mountain landscapes, to the crystal-clear Shala River. Enjoy time for swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing before returning to Shkodër.

Day 03: Shkodër – Krujë

Drive through northern Albania’s rural landscapes, passing villages, farmland and mountain views on the way to Krujë. Explore the Ottoman bazaar, traditional handicrafts, the castle and its museums, and enjoy local cuisine with panoramic views.

Day 04: Krujë – Durrës – Ardenica Monastery – Zvërnec Monastery – Vlorë

Follow a varied route connecting mountains, fertile plains and the Adriatic coast. Stop in Durrës to visit the Roman Amphitheatre and seaside promenade, continue through olive groves to Ardenica Monastery, and visit Zvërnec Monastery on its peaceful island before reaching Vlorë.

Day 05: Vlorë – Albanian Riviera – Porto Palermo – Sarandë

Cross Llogara Pass, where the mountain road opens onto spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. Descend along the Albanian Riviera, passing pine forests, seaside villages, hidden beaches and panoramic viewpoints. Visit Porto Palermo Castle and continue to Sarandë.

Day 06: Sarandë – Butrint – Sarandë

Drive along the southern coast to Butrint, Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, surrounded by wetlands and Mediterranean scenery. Return to Sarandë for time by the waterfront or the Ionian Sea.

Day 07: Sarandë – Gjirokastër

Leave the coast and drive inland through the Drino Valley, with mountain ranges, traditional villages and open countryside along the way. Discover Gjirokastër’s distinctive stone houses, cobbled streets and hilltop castle, then join a traditional Albanian cooking class.

Day 08: Gjirokastër – Berat – Tirana

Follow a scenic inland route through mountain landscapes, the Vjosa River valley and traditional villages before reaching Berat. Explore Berat Castle and the Onufri Iconographic Museum, then continue to Tirana.

Day 09: Tirana at Your Leisure

Enjoy a relaxed day in the capital. Explore colourful streets, local boutiques, museums and the Blloku district, or take the Dajti Cable Car for panoramic views.

Day 10: Tirana – Airport

After breakfast, return your rental car at Tirana International Airport, completing a journey through Albania’s scenic roads, diverse landscapes and local culture.

Included services:

Accommodation in Standard rooms on BB
- 2 x Overnights at Hotel Tradita 4* in Shkodra or similar
- 1 x Overnight at Hotel Panorama 4* in Kruja or similar
- 1 x Overnight at Partner Hotel 4* in Vlora or similar
- 2 x Overnights at Hotel Brilant 4* in Saranda or similar
- 1 x Overnight at Hotel Kalemi 4* in Gjirokastra or similar
- 2 x Overnights at Hotel Green House 4* in Tirana or similar

Other services included:

9 x Breakfasts at hotel
10 days x Car rental (standard economic Hyundai Venue ,Hyundai Elantra, Citroen C1 etc *70 - 80 % casco included TPL (third party liability)
All taxes
Pick up and drop off at the Airport
Automatic transmission
All local taxes and city taxes

Recommended travel period:

March - November

Excluded services:

Unlimited mileage package – 90 euro / paid once
Additional driver – 35 euro / paid once
Total coverage plan (100 % insurance) – 30 euro / day
Pick up and drop off out of working hours – 45 euro / for one pick up or drop off (18:00- 08:00)
Cross border - 90 euro paid once for rental period

Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC
Image source: LCC Albtours D DMC