Our tour starts today in Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital. Emerging from the shadows of its communist past, Tirana is a surprisingly metropolitan city, with a thriving art and culture scene - not to mention its hip bars and eateries. The warm welcome you'll receive from the locals here is something that will mark your journey throughout our Albanian adventure. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting, and for those who wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tirana at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tirana International Airport (TIA), which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. Please look out for your driver, who will be waiting just outside the arrivals area near the Vodafone stand, holding an Explore signboard. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head out to explore the city, which is easy to navigate on foot. If you're hungry, the Blloku District, near the Grand Park, is popular with local families, as is the park itself. In the valleys surrounding the park's artificial lake, you can see the remains of the Church of St. Procopius, a great spot to get a stunning view of the water. If you're into markets, check out Pazari i Ri, an open-air market where you can buy everything from fresh produce to local specialties such as byreks, baklavas and honey. Our itinerary doesn't afford us a lot of time in the capital, so if you're keen to explore, you might like to think about adding extra time here pre- or post-tour.

After breakfast, we leave Tirana and drive south towards Gjirokaster, often referred to as 'the pearl of Albania' and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and enchanting towns on the Balkan Peninsula. The journey to Gjirokaster is approximately three and a half hours, passing through amazing landscapes and countryside villages. En route, we stop by the river Vjosa for lunch and, water conditions allowing, can enjoy a refreshing wild swim in the crystalline blue water. The rivers in Albania are relatively untouched by human development, so you can experience the waters in their natural state, surrounded by pristine forests and rugged terrain. We arrive in Gjirokaster in the afternoon. The city stretches uphill on sloping cobblestoned streets with unique stone houses, which look like small fortresses. For this reason, the town is known as 'The City of Stone'. After settling in at our hotel, we climb up to the upper parts of the town to visit the impressive castle, which sits at a height of 336 metres and is one of the most magnificent structures in the city with great views over the surrounding hills, river valley and city. Later, we head down from our hotel to discover the Old Bazaar area and can enjoy dinner in one of the town's many restaurants. Traditional Albanian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan dishes with seafood, feta cheese, a wide variety of vegetables, and the herbs of the Mediterranean all featuring.

Today, we journey to the Vjosa River, which carves out a course by the majestic north face of Nemerçka Mountain. Environmentalists and scientists alike have called the Vjosa the last 'wild' river in Europe, as it flows uninterrupted for 270 kilometres from Greece across southern Albania to the Adriatic Sea, without any dams or power stations. Driving to our activity base right next to the river, we don our lifejackets and helmets and head further upstream in smaller vehicles to a river beach. After a quick safety briefing, we get ready to experience an adrenaline rush while rafting the wild streams and canyons. The course of the Vjosa River is wild and untamed and adorned with beautiful canyons, turquoise waters, islands, and oxbows. Graded between 2 and 3, this river is not difficult to raft, but provides a lot of rapids in a short stretch of water, providing the perfect mix of adventure and fun for both the novice rafter and experienced paddler alike. Rafting can take place year-round, but is of course subject to weather and river conditions. After rafting, we head for a well-earned lunch of traditional Albanian fare at a small roadside guesthouse. From here, it's just a short drive to the spectacular gorge of Kelcyra, where we'll take a short hike along the banks of the river Benja for views of its fantastic limestone canyon. On our way back, there's the chance to have a dip in the natural thermal pools the area is well known for, by the iconic Ottoman bridge of Katiu.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Gjirokaster and start heading towards the Ionian Sea, driving along panoramic roads across the mountains of the Laberia region. The main coastal highway is one of the most scenic coastal roads in Europe, offering some truly spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera and surrounding mountain ranges. Our journey takes us along the coast to Porto Palermo, a beautiful bay on the Adriatic Sea. We'll visit the Ali Pasha fortress, a tiny, fortified island surrounded by clear blue waters. Explore the different rooms and tunnels of the fortress before admiring the breathtaking views from its terrace. A short drive further north from here are some great beaches, and we'll combine our lunch stop with the chance for a swim in the refreshing Mediterranean waters. The most iconic point along this road is the Llogara Pass (1,043 metres), the highest point in the National Park of the same name. A winding road climbs up to the Pass at over a thousand meters overlooking the Ionian Sea, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. From here, the road continues through forested mountainous landscapes, then olive and citrus plantations, before finally descending into the Bay of Vlora, where we'll spend the next three nights at our beachside hotel. Vlora is Albania's third-largest city and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bay protected by the Karaburun Peninsula. Expanding rapidly in recent years, it's becoming a popular holiday destination with both Albanian and international visitors, although compared to elsewhere in Europe, the tourism infrastructure is still limited.

Today, we head out on a thrilling rib boat ride across the turquoise waters of the Karaburun and Sazan Island Maritime Park. Depending on the size of our group, we'll have either one or two rib boats. Shade on board is limited, so be sure to pack your sunscreen and sunhat. A limited number of masks and snorkels are available for our use. We'll motor out to the uninhabited Karaburan Peninsula, where we'll discover a cathedral-sized cave that was once a hideout used by the famous 17th-century pirate Haxhi Ali. We plan to have lunch at one of the most beautiful beaches of the peninsula, with time for a swim. Depending on the local situation, we may also be able to stop at Sazan Island, a mysterious island with a legacy that goes back to Albania's communist period. It was only reopened to the general public in 2010. The island today is still a military base with around 3,600 bunkers and many miles of tunnels. It has always been isolated, and because of this, it has a particularly rich flora and fauna. After a fun day out on the sea, we finally return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Today is left free to relax on the beach and explore further afield. Your tour leader will be on hand to organise optional activities. One option is to pay a visit to the ruins of the Medieval Kanina Castle. Perched high on the mountain above Vlora, it offers spectacular views over the coast. The castle has a fascinating history that dates back to antiquity. We'll also have the chance to pay a visit to the Old Town, which has recently been totally renovated and offers a picture-postcard setting with some great cafes and restaurants. As well as the Old Town, you can also visit the Muradie Mosque, Independence Monument, and the Museum of Independence, where you can learn about the country's struggle for freedom and the prominent figures that played a vital role in its liberation. For dinner, head to the promenade for its lively atmosphere and multitude of restaurants to choose from.

Early this morning, we leave Vlora behind and drive back to Tirana. On the way, we stop to visit the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Apollonia. Set on rolling hills among olive groves, with impressive views all around, Apollonia (named after the god Apollo) is a reminder of the ancient Greeks in Albania. Stroll amongst ancient ruins within a peaceful park surrounded by beautiful nature. Arriving on the outskirts of Tirana, we take a fifteen-minute journey by cable car to Mt Dajti, crossing over treetops, little farmhouses, and passing by mountain cliffs. From the top, you will have an impressive view of the entire city of Tirana, and on a clear day, you will be able to see the Adriatic Sea and the Port of Durres. Then, get ready for some fun at the Djati Adventure Park where we tackle a range of obstacle courses including nets, suspension bridges, swinging beams and zip lines. There are a variety of courses which suit both adults and children. On arrival, you will be kitted out with all the necessary safety equipment, with trained instructors on hand to supervise your enjoyment. Towards the end of the afternoon, we take the cable car back down the mountain and transfer to our hotel in Tirana, where there is the opportunity to go as a group for our last dinner in the city.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tirana. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Tirana at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Tirana airport (TIA), which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you want more time in Tirana, why not extend your stay? The capital is an extremely safe and friendly city, easy to navigate, and has plenty to offer for families. Contact us to book additional accommodation pre- or post-tour.