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New Trip

Albania Unearthed

4.7(12,774 reviews)
Albania
10 days
Operated by Us

Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Apr 2027, and closing very soon.

$3,795

$495
deposit now
Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Destinations

Tirana, Shkodra, Berat, Vlorë, Albanian Riviera, Sarandë, Ksamil, Gjirokastër, Blue Eye

Vibe

Cultural, Nature, Beachy, Adventure

Intensity

Faster Paced Road Trip

Seasonality

April October

Unique to our Getaways

Travellers holding drinks at sunset

Sunset Drinks Included.

Sunset

Bond with your crew over included sunset drinks at handpicked local spots. It's the perfect way to connect with fellow travellers while soaking up incredible views and unforgettable moments.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Comfortable hotel room with twin-share accommodation

No Cramped
Dorm Rooms.

Bed

Enjoy guaranteed twin-share or upgraded accommodation throughout your trip. More comfort, better sleep, and none of the crowded backpacker dorms often found on traditional youth tours.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Group enjoying nightlife together

Big Nights.
Better Mornings.

Moon

Enjoy the nightlife without the early wake-ups. Our itineraries are designed with later starts after social evenings, giving you more time to rest, recharge, and enjoy every destination.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Group having their photo taken by a guide

Stay Present,
We'll Capture It.

Camera

Put the phone away and enjoy the moment. Your Global Guide captures photos and videos throughout the trip, with regular media drops shared to the group.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Bright night market street after dark

See More
After Dark.

Road sign

Experience destinations when they truly come alive. From night markets and rooftop bars to vibrant nightlife and evening adventures, you'll see a side of the destination most tourists miss.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Young travellers exploring together

Exclusively For
18-35ish.

Group

Travel with like-minded people in the same stage of life. Every Getaway is designed exclusively for 18 to 35-ish, creating a more social and connected group experience.

Only on Getaways by Global Work & Travel

Trip overview

20% city. 30% coast & beaches. 50% villages and countryside. 100% done for you.

Like most first-time visitors, you'll probably find yourself asking the same question.

How has Albania stayed off the radar for so long?

Colourful cities, ancient traditions and some of Europe's most spectacular coastlines combine to create a destination that feels both familiar and completely undiscovered.

You'll experience the warmth of Albanian hospitality, known locally as "Besa", a centuries-old code of honour that makes visitors feel welcome wherever they go.

One day you'll be exploring castles where people still live within the ancient stone walls. The next you'll be cruising the sparkling waters of the Albanian Riviera or discovering hidden springs deep in the forest.

And while Albania is quickly becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations, travelling here for the first time can feel overwhelming.

Thankfully, your Global Guide has already done the hard work.

All you have to do is enjoy the adventure with your new travel crew.

You bring the yes. We'll handle the rest.

Why you'll love this trip

🤝 Come alone, leave together

Built-in travel crew so you're never alone, even if you're travelling solo.

🇦🇱 Discover Europe's hidden gem

Ancient castles, charming villages and the spectacular Albanian Riviera combine to create one of Europe's most underrated destinations.

🏛️ Walk through living history

Explore centuries-old castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and fascinating archaeological treasures that tell the story of this incredible country.

🌊 Experience the Albanian Riviera

Cruise crystal-clear waters, discover hidden beaches and watch sunsets that rival anywhere in the Mediterranean.

😌 Plenty of freedom

You'll never be rushed from place to place. There'll be plenty of time to relax, explore and enjoy the journey with your travel crew.

📸 Stay in the moment

Your Global Guide captures the memories and shares daily photos, so you can spend less time behind your phone and more time living the experience.

What you'll do

Explore colourful Tirana with your Global Guide

Explore colourful Tirana with your Global Guide

Discover traditional markets and farm-to-table cuisine

Discover traditional markets and farm-to-table cuisine

Visit centuries-old castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Visit centuries-old castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cruise the crystal-clear waters of the Albanian Riviera

Cruise the crystal-clear waters of the Albanian Riviera

Follow the footsteps of Julius Caesar

Follow the footsteps of Julius Caesar

Experience the spectacular Blue Eye natural spring

Experience the spectacular Blue Eye natural spring

Discover ancient archaeological treasures

Discover ancient archaeological treasures

Enjoy a traditional folk show and farewell dinner

Enjoy a traditional folk show and farewell dinner

Trip itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival | Tirana
Day 2 | Tirana
Day 3 | Shkodra
Day 4 | Shkodra
Day 5 | Berat & Vlorë
Day 6 | Vlorë
Day 7 | Albanian Riviera & Sarandë
Day 8 | Ksamil & Sarandë
Day 9 | Gjirokastër & Blue Eye
Day 10 | Departure
Day 1 | Arrival | Tirana
Arrive1 day

Meet your group, settle into your hotel and kick off the adventure with rooftop welcome drinks overlooking Albania's colourful capital.

Day 2 | Tirana
Adventure1 day

Discover the fascinating history and vibrant culture of Tirana on a guided walking tour. Explore Skanderbeg Square, the trendy Blloku district, Grand Park and the striking Pyramid of Tirana, with time permitting for a visit to the city's fascinating Bunker Museum.

Day 3 | Shkodra
Adventure1 day

Journey north through the Albanian countryside, stopping to explore the historic town of Kruja and its famous Old Bazaar. Enjoy an unforgettable farm-to-table lunch at the renowned Mrizi i Zanave before continuing to Shkodra for drinks in one of the city's lively local bars.

Day 4 | Shkodra
Adventure1 day

Take in breathtaking views from the legendary Rozafa Castle before enjoying free time to explore the city's charming streets, lakeside atmosphere or optional adventures. Finish the day with sunset drinks alongside your travel crew in the heart of Shkodra.

Day 5 | Berat & Vlorë
Adventure1 day

Step back in time as you explore the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, wandering its ancient castle and visiting a 250-year-old family home for a traditional homemade lunch and local raki tasting. Later, continue to the stunning Albanian Riviera and your next coastal destination.

Day 6 | Vlorë
Adventure1 day

Today's adventure depends on the conditions. Cruise to the spectacular Sazan Island for a beachside lunch and crystal-clear swimming, or hike the historic Caesar's Path through the breathtaking landscapes of Llogora National Park, following the route once taken by Julius Caesar himself.

Day 7 | Albanian Riviera & Sarandë
Adventure1 day

Travel one of Europe's most spectacular coastal roads, stopping at the historic Ali Pasha Fort before exploring the remarkable UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint National Park. End the day in beautiful Sarandë, where the Ionian Sea becomes your backyard.

Day 8 | Ksamil & Sarandë
Adventure1 day

Today is yours to enjoy. Relax on some of Albania's most beautiful beaches, explore the vibrant seaside town or simply soak up the laid-back Riviera lifestyle before meeting the group for sunset drinks overlooking the sparkling coastline.

Day 9 | Gjirokastër & Blue Eye
Adventure1 day

Visit the magical Blue Eye spring, where vivid turquoise water bubbles from depths of more than 50 metres, before exploring the UNESCO World Heritage town of Gjirokastër and its impressive hilltop castle. Celebrate your final night together with a traditional Albanian dinner and live folk show back in Tirana.

Day 10 | Departure
Depart1 day

And just like that, your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your new travel family and head home with unforgettable memories, incredible stories and a camera roll you'll be reliving long after you've left Albania behind.

What's included

Tap to expand

Accommodation
Breakfast + Select Meals
Travel Medical Insurance
Airport Transfer
All Transport Included
Global Guide
Tirana Highlights
Historic Towns
Authentic Albanian Hospitality
Albanian Riviera
Sazan Island or Llogara National Park
Gjirokastër Experience
Photos Taken by Your Global Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Social
Exclusive Future Getaway Discount
Ongoing Support

Where you'll stay

Twin Share Accommodation

Included

Forget cramped dorm rooms. Throughout your adventure you'll stay in comfortable twin-share accommodation at carefully selected 3 or 4-star hotels, giving you all the social side of travel without sacrificing a great night's sleep. Travelling with someone? You'll be paired together. Flying solo? We'll match you with another traveller of the same gender, so you can settle in comfortably while making a new friend from day one.

Private Room Upgrade

Love the social side of group travel but prefer your own space at the end of the day? Upgrade to a private room and enjoy the comfort of having your own place to recharge between adventures. Private room upgrades are available on this trip for an additional cost (from A$625/£335) and are subject to availability.

Who it's for

Perfect for:

✔ Solo travellers (like 90% of our travellers)

✔ Couples and friends

✔ Travellers aged 18-35

✔ Anyone who wants all the fun without all the planning

 

Not ideal for:

✖ Families with young children

✖ Luxury travellers looking for five-star experiences

✖ Under-18s

✖ Travellers seeking highly structured, fast-paced tours

See Who's going.

Book & get early access to your group, start planning meet-ups, and make new friends before your journey begins.

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mon-Fri.

Good to know

For most trips, a simple tourist visa is all you'll need to pack. Because the rules change depending on what passport you hold, you'll just need to double-check and grab the right one before you head off. Our team is always here to point you in the right direction if you get stuck, but getting that final stamp is down to you!

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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, around 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 100,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and loved by a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Absolutely! For most of our trips, we can help arrange for you and your friends to be together - so you can live, work, play, and explore the world side by side. But that’s not all! You can also earn extra travel funds just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. It’s super simple, and you’ll find all the details about our referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you’ve joined. Flying solo? No worries. We’ve made it easier than ever to connect with other Global Travellers heading to the same region through Social. Just like any social platform, you’ll be able to chat, share, and meet others doing similar trips - so you’re never really travelling alone.

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. Full credit terms available on our website. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and Booking Conditions, our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

Why travellers choose Global Work & Travel

Plans change (and that’s ok)

Can’t travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it to someone, or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Travel backed by actual experts

With 17+ years in travel and over 120,000 travellers helped worldwide, you’re in experienced hands from day one.

Be more than a tourist

Go beyond the guidebooks to discover hidden gems and experience each destination like a local.

Book now, pay your way

Don’t wait to start your next adventure. Secure your spot today and spread the cost over time with flexible instalments that fit your budget.

We’re travelling with you

Whether you’re planning, packing or already overseas, we’re here to help every step of the way with always-on global support.

Flexible travel, built in

Life changes. Your trip can too. Change your destination or departure date on most trips up to 60 days before departure and keep your adventure moving.

Still have questions?

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Albania Unearthed