Your car journey through Albania begins in bustling Tirana. On arrival in the city, you will pick up your rental car, your trusty travel companion for the coming weeks of adventure. After arranging the car, you will have some time to explore the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the wide boulevards and lively Skanderbeg Square, where you will be surrounded by beautiful architecture and the city's rich history. Don't forget to visit Bunkart 2, an intriguing art museum that offers a fascinating insight into Albania's communist period. End your day with a tasty dinner at one of the city's cosy restaurants, where you can sample local cuisine and enjoy Tirana's warm hospitality.

On arrival in enchanting Berat, also known as Albania's jewel city, explore the narrow alleys of the historic Mangalem district. It is a delight to wander quietly here and experience the charm of the old city. Berat is known as the 'city of a thousand windows' because of the beautiful Ottoman architecture of its houses. A climb up to the inhabited fort, Kalaja, is rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and the majestic surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit an agro farm just half an hour's drive from Berat, where you can enjoy delicious food and the exquisite wines they produce.

In the morning, explore Berat's citadel, which stands proudly atop the hill surrounded by the remains of ancient churches. You will also explore the Onufri Museum, located in the Cathedral of St Nicholas, and admire the beautiful 13th-century church of St Marie of Vllaherna. Here you will discover the masterpieces of Onufri and his son Nicola, famous icon painters from the 16th century. The next day, you will explore the northern side of Tomorr Mountain with an experienced guide. From Berat, you will travel by car to the foot of the mountain, where your hiking adventure begins. Besides hiking, the programme includes kayaking, swimming and a delicious lunch. In this National Park, you will be surrounded by vast beech forests, snow-capped peaks, wildlife and crystal clear water sources. Your guide will lead you to the hidden treasures of this breathtaking landscape, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural splendour of the region. Enjoy two wonderful nights in a beautiful hotel in Berat.

Dhërmi is an idyllic summer village characterised by its crystal-clear waters, historical monuments and lively nightlife that enchants locals and visitors alike. Explore beautiful secluded beaches with white sand and intimate coves, enclosed by dramatic cliffs, by joining a boat trip. Spending a day on the water in summer is one of the highlights of visiting Dhërmi. Some of the beaches you absolutely must not miss are: Himare Beach, Gjipe Beach and Palasa Beach. These beaches are true gems where the sun seems to keep shining.

The journey continues southwards, passing enchanting villages such as Himare, Borsh and Lukova. En route, visit the impressive fortress of Ali Pasha near Porto Palermo. Once you arrive in Sarandë, the 'Pearl of the Albanian Riviera', relax on the promenade and enjoy the beautiful views, especially of the nearby Greek island of Corfu. The next day offers plenty of opportunities to relax on a private or public beach, and you can rent sunbeds at the chic beach clubs along the coast. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the promenade, just as the locals do, pausing along the way for a tasty snack as the sun sets. Not far from Ksamil is Butrint National Park, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich archaeological history of Albania. The park takes you on a journey through different eras, from the Iron Age (1200 - 600 BC) to the Middle Ages, and many monuments are still well preserved. You will have plenty of time to walk the paths among the beautiful nature and immerse yourself in the rich history of the region.

After breakfast, your journey continues to Gjirokastër, Albania's iconic museum city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, you will make a stop at the famous Syri i Kalter, also known as the 'Blue Eye'. On arrival in Gjirokastër, also the national centre of folk music and dance, take a relaxing stroll through the old cobbled streets of the historic centre. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine in one of the cosy restaurants nearby. The next day you will have plenty of time to further explore this beautiful and fascinating city, with its imposing castle on top of the hill overlooking the city. Among other things, you can visit the Folk Museum and the National Weapons Museum. There is also an opportunity to visit the birth houses of former communist leader Enver Hoxha and famous Albanian writer Ismael Kadare.

Your adventure continues inland to Përmet, located amidst Albania's beautiful nature. Here you can hike to the breathtaking Nemërçka Mountains, relax in the hot springs of Benja or enjoy the spectacular views of Europe's last wild river, the Vjosa River. But that's not all. The Benja Thermal Baths are also located in this enchanting area, where you can look out on the majestic mountains from the hot springs. Don't forget to visit the medieval stone bridge, an iconic monument that has stood the test of time.

In Korçë, visit the Museum of Medieval Art and the oldest Albanian school. Then admire the mountain village of Voskopojë, located at 1160 metres above sea level. This village was once one of the most important and largest towns in the European part of the Ottoman Empire. The village had a thriving printing business that was active as early as 1720, and in 1744 the academy of Voskopojë was founded. You will then have the opportunity to visit the beautiful 18th-century church of St Nicholas. Korçë itself is a charming town with an old bazaar that is nowadays more focused on tourists. The Orthodox Church of the Resurrection of Christ, built in 1995 to replace the original church destroyed during the Hoxha regime, and the Mirahor mosque from 1484 are some of the historical sights to admire. Korçë is also famous for the Birra Korça Brewery, established in 1928, which produces the light and refreshing Birra Korça beer with natural spring water from nearby Mount Morava. This brewery was recognised as cultural heritage and escaped destruction during the communist era. It is highly recommended to stay overnight in the old caravanserai for an authentic experience.

After resuming the descent, the journey continues towards Lake Ohrid. Here you can enjoy a delicious fish meal on the shores of the lake, with the speciality being the famous Koran fish. In the afternoon, the trip continues to Macedonia, with a stop at the Monastery of Saint Naum, dating back to the year 905. On arrival in Ohrid, known as the city of more than 365 churches, check into the hotel and then take a leisurely stroll through the old city centre. Enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Ohrid. The next morning, visit the district with its many ancient Orthodox churches and monasteries. One of the most impressive is St John of Kaneo, from the 14th century, situated on a cliff above the lake. Also explore other historical sites, such as the more than 2,000-year-old amphitheatre and the Church of St Sophia, which is said to have been built in the 11th century by Macedonian Tsar Samuel.

In the morning, you will travel to Spille beach, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay. During your time in Spille, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Apollonia, Albania's second most important archaeological site. Here you can explore historical sites such as the ancient monastery, the Odeon and the temple of the goddess Diana. Also, don't forget to visit the beautiful Karavasta lagoon in Divjaka, highly recommended for nature lovers. Spille beach, located in the village of Spille about 75 km from Tirana, Albania, stretches for about 8 km and is guarded by experienced lifeguards for the safety of all visitors. Next to the beach is a pine forest as a buffer between the urban area and the coast. Facilities such as showers, toilets and sun loungers are readily available, as are a plethora of restaurants, bars and fast food options nearby. Parking is also conveniently located nearby. The Divjaka Karavasta National Park, established in 2007, is located in western Albania along the coast and covers an area of 222.3 km2. The park is an important habitat for birds, including the Dalmatian pelican and flamingos, and is a favourite spot for nature photographers.

You have already arrived at your last visit in Albania. In Tirana, the capital, you will find several important historical and cultural monuments. Tirana was founded in 1614 by feudal ruler Suleyman Pasha Bargjini. You will start your sightseeing tour on foot in the city centre. First you will visit Et'hem Bej Mosque, a beautiful example of architecture from 1789. Then explore the central square on foot, where you can admire the Clock Tower, remains of the Justinian Castle and the National History Museum. In the afternoon, take an excursion by bus to the Tirana area, where you will visit Petrela Castle. This castle dates from the 15th century, but has its origins in antiquity. The excursion ends at the top of Mount Dajti, where, at an altitude of 1613 metres, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Albania's beautiful capital and the vast pine forests in the surrounding area. In the evening, you will have every opportunity to stroll through the city centre and perhaps have a drink on a terrace in the Blloku district.

Depending on the departure time, there will be an opportunity to visit the nearby Tirana bazaar. You will then transfer by bus to 'Mother Teresa' airport for your return flight.