Albania - Trip Details

Welcome to Albania! 

Albania’s unique combination of stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage has made it one of Europe’s newest must-visit destinations.  

During this journey, you’ll explore one of Europe’s smallest countries, from the capital city of Tirana to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, and then down to the picturesque coastal village of Dhermi. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Albania’s beautiful landscapes and immerse yourself in the culture of its charming old towns. 

Discover Albania’s culture and cuisine during a cooking class at an Agriturismo, visit a Byzantine era religious site, and explore the fantastic biodiversity of Gjipe Canyon.  

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights 

Start: Please be ready to go at Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania, at 2:00 p.m. 

Finish: The trip ends at Tirana International Airport (TIA) at 12:00 noon.  

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration—please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 7 days & 6 nights of shared accommodations in hotel rooms 
• 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, & 3 dinners 
• Orientation walk in Tirane 
• Admission to Berat Castle 
• Visit to a traditional house in Berat with a welcome drink 
• Cooking class experience 
• Visit to Zvernec Monastery 
• Orientation walk in Dhermi 
• Private boat tour with a visit to Pirate’s Cave 
• Snorkeling experience near Pirate’s Cave in Dhermi 
• Hiking from Gjipe Canyon to Gjipe Beach 
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival 
• Private airport drop-off upon departure 
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader 
• Personal recommendations for optional activities 
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people 
• Access to the Under30Experiences community 
• Taxes always included, with NO hidden fees & NO blackout dates 

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Albania.

Transportation and optional activities are not included.

• Experience Berat Castle 
• Agritourismo Cooking Class
• Boat excursion to Pirate’s Cave 
• Beach time in Dhermi 
• Hike through Gjipe Canyon
• Albanian Riviera Vibes 

-Age requirement: 21+ 

-Group size: 14 max, average 9-12 

-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip balances activity and relaxation, with 3-4 hours of physical activity most days. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required, to enjoy the experience.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected. 

Before your trip, you can join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after the trip ends.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to create an open, supportive environment where everyone feels safe to truly be themselves. 

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We regularly host meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes and outdoor movie nights. 

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with new friends.

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the best and most rewarding experience. 

While we intend to adhere to the itinerary, some flexibility is built into it, and on occasion, changes may be necessary or desirable. 

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximate only and may vary due to local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip. 

Private airport transfers are included at both the beginning and end of the trip.

Transportation for optional activities is not included.

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms during your trip. 

Laundry services are available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details. 

Accommodations may vary slightly, but they will be of the same quality. 

Solo travelers are paired with roommates of the same gender. 

Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability, for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. Your policy must include coverage for repatriation. 

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues, such as trip interruption, lost luggage, and theft. Travel medical insurance covers expenses such as repatriation, medical care, ambulance services, and hospital stays.  

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance includes all activities you plan to participate in. 

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans exclude certain “high-risk” activities, so review your plan’s coverage carefully and choose the appropriate one based on your planned trip. 

Wanderwell donates at least 1% of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences. 

We receive a small affiliate fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you. 

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads through our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads and this mention is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 

Optional Emergency Evacuation Services

For travelers seeking additional peace of mind, some choose to purchase a Global Rescue membership. This service provides access to field rescue, medical evacuation, and support in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, or government evacuation orders.

We’re very flexible.

If you give us at least 30 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use. 

If you have an emergency cancellation less than 30 days before your trip, please contact your travel insurance company, as they may cover some of your expenses.  

We are unable to transfer trips or hold credits within 30 days of the trip, as we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders. 

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, suggest things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. 

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the country’ history, culture, religion, and social aspects. 

Tipping Trip Leaders: Gratuities aren’t required, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services, a tip is a suitable way to express your gratitude. While it may not be customary to you, it means a lot to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It also inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of tourism across many destinations. We suggest a daily tip of about 5-10 USD per person for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly! 

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap. 
• Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shop. 
• Avoid aerosol bug sprays as they harm the environment. 
• Bring "reef safe" sunscreen that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral reefs.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Since space in transportation is limited, each traveler may bring only one main piece of luggage. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. 

Below are our staff’s top picks for travel items we personally travel with. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with the TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible. 

Do not forget to pack a water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, a beach towel, a waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase. 

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders: 

U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Albania for stays of up to 90 days. You should be prepared to present a return ticket or proof of accommodation upon arrival.  

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any further questions. 

Ensure your passport is undamaged. You must replace it if you notice any water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or any other damage.

The tap water in Albania is NOT safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and help reduce plastic waste while keeping Albania beautiful. 

Please consult with your doctor before traveling about physical activity and vaccination requirements. 

No inoculations are required to enter Albania from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Hepatitis A & B, and updating all routine vaccinations prior to traveling. 

You can find more specific health information for travelers to Albania at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We suggest bringing 400 USD in cash to use at establishments that do not accept credit cards. 

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities. 

The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). However, the euro (EUR) is accepted at most tourist attractions. 

Remember to notify your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas. 

For the latest exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App. 

Please be aware that USD notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition and in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Cash is king in Albania, and credit cards are not as widely accepted as in other European countries.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup in case of loss.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the hotel safe.

Don’t leave valuables unattended. 

Leave flashy jewelry at home. 

U.S. citizens should consider registering with the U.S. State Department's "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)," which can contact your family in case of emergency. 

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in case you become separated from your Trip Leader.

Albania has three main climate zones: the warm Mediterranean coast, the continental interior, and the cooler mountains of the northeast. Our trip is along the Mediterranean coast. 

April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Albania. You’ll avoid the extreme coastal summer heat and bitter cold mountain winters, making these months ideal for walking, cycling, sightseeing, watersports, and relaxing on the beach. 

May

May in Albania marks the beginning of early summer, with comfortably warm days (62-70 degrees Fahrenheit or 17-21 degrees Celsius), plenty of sunshine, and cool evenings. The coastal regions from Durrës to Sarandë offer ideal beach conditions, with the sea temperature warm enough for pleasant swimming. 

June 

June is definitely one of the best months to visit Albania. The coastal areas bask under strong sunshine, whilst the mountains remain pleasantly cooler. Rainfall is minimal, the sea is warm, and days stretch into balmy evenings. Temperatures range from 78-86 Fahrenheit (26-30 Celsius). 

August

August is characterized by scorching temperatures (86-94 degrees Fahrenheit or 30-34 degrees Celsius) and warm nights often not dipping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Ceclius). Rain is minimal, the skies remain cloudless, and the sea is at its warmest, making it perfect for swimming. 

September 

Early September still feels like summer, with temperatures settling in the pleasant 70 degrees Fahrenheit (mid-20 degrees Celsius) by month’s end. For those wondering when to visit Albania to enjoy warmer weather without the peak season crowds, September is an ideal time.

Key Phrases 

• Përshëndetje!: (pehr-SHEHN-det-yeh) – Hello! 
• Mirupafshim!: (mee-roo-PAHF-sheem) – Goodbye! 
• Faleminderit!: (Fah-leh-meen-DEH-reet) – Thank you! 
• Ju lutem: (yoo LOO-tehm) – Please (formal) 
• Më falni: (mah FAHL-nee) – Excuse me / I'm sorry (formal) 
• S'ka përse: (skah purr-SEH) – You're welcome!
• Sa kushton? (sah KOO-sh-ton) – How much does it cost? 
• A flisni Anglisht? (ah FLEES-neeahn-gleesht) – Do you speak English?  
• Nuk flas gjuha Shqipe. (noohk flahs zoo-hah SHKEE-peh) – I don't speak Albanian.  

Cultural Norms and Etiquette 

• Hospitality: Albanians are known for their immense hospitality. They treat guests with great respect and generosity, so it's considered rude to refuse food or drink.  
• Head movements: A nod means "no," and a shake of the head means "yes." It can be confusing at first, but it is a charming local habit.
• Staring: Locals may look at you out of curiosity. This is not rude—just genuine interest.
• Modest dress: Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing, particularly in rural areas where traditional values are still strong.  
• Evening stroll: Many towns and cities have a xhiro, a daily evening ritual when locals walk together through the streets for fresh air and socializing.  
• Coffee culture: Albania has a huge coffee culture, which is an integral part of social life.  

Religion 

About 50% of Albanians are Muslims, followed by Catholics, Christians, and followers of other religions or non-believers. Though it is a largely secular Muslim country, Albanians are not conservative, and religion does not influence its government. 

There is no strict dress code, and many Albanian Muslims eat pork and drink alcohol. You will also notice that most single women do not wear hijabs. But mosques are everywhere, and you will often hear the call to prayer through the city.  

Iso-polyphony folk music

This form of folk singing is so integral to Albania’s cultural heritage that it has been included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition highlights its creativity and deep significant impact on the people of Albania, which deserves to be preserved and shared with the world. 

The term ‘polyphony’ literally translates from the Greek as ‘multi-voice,’ and ‘iso’ relates to ison, which is a slow-sounding drone note used in chant music played in Byzantine churches. 

Traditional Albanian clothing 

Albania’s traditional national costumes vary from region to region. You’ll see bright colors, detailed embroidery, and unique patterns that reflect each area’s local identity.

The designs often include ancient Illyrian symbols such as the sun, stars, and snakes, which carry meanings rooted in the country’s early pagan traditions.

Although costumes may only be worn for special celebrations, such as weddings and seasonal festivities, Albanians living in rural areas still favor the practicality of natural fabrics, such as leather, linen, hemp, and wool, over the synthetic alternatives favored by those on the Riviera. 

Italian and Greek Influence 

You will notice a strong Greek and Italian influence in Albania, partly due to the close proximity of all three countries and also because the country was invaded by Italy in 1939.  

Almost one-third of Albanians speak Italian, and a quarter of the population speaks Greek. You’ll see Italian cars, Italian coffee culture, and of course, pizza on almost every restaurant menu. Pizza is incredibly popular in Albania!  

The Greek influence is also immediately evident, with the sheer number of Greek restaurants and food stalls serving gyros and kebabs dotted throughout Tirana. 

Tirana

• National Historical Museum: 500 Albanian Lek 
  Discover Albania's rich history and cultural heritage at this prestigious institution situated on Skanderbeg Square.  

• Bunk’Art 2: 500 Albania Lek 
  Explore the history of the Communist era in this top-secret nuclear bunker, now transformed into a museum to learn about life during this period.  

• Pyramid of Tirana: Free 
  Visit the former museum dedicated to the late dictator Enver Hoxha. 

• Clock Tower: 200 Albanian Lek 
  Climb Tirana's oldest landmark for panoramic views of the city.  

• Dajti Ekspres Cable Car: from 14 euros 
  Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Tirana and the surrounding area.  

Berat

• Onufri Iconographic Museum: 400 Albanian Lek 
  Explore a fascinating collection of Albanian iconography from the 14th to the 19th centuries, chronologically highlighting the development of religious art and culture.

• Ethnographic Museum: 300 Albanian Lek 
  The museum also provides a unique perspective on the area's craftsmanship and offers lovely views from its garden and terraces. 

• Republic Boulevard: Free 
  Located in the bustling heart of Berat, this pedestrian promenade is perfect for a stroll. It combines the charm of a historic city with a lively modern atmosphere.  

Dhermi

• Take in the view at the Monastery of St. Mary: Free 
  The monastery has a fantastic view over the old village, Dhermi Beach, and the Ionian Sea. The site includes a walled complex with a cemetery and a church located in the center. The church is of the basilica style with a dome, built in the 13th-14th century. 

• Walk the Historic Mills Trail: Free 
  A 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail connecting the village to the beach. Along the way, you’ll pass abandoned water mills, a waterfall, historic churches, and mountain and sea views. Locals have used this path for centuries. It offers a blend of history and nature, featuring information boards and new bridges. You can access the trail from either under the village and near the beach. 

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Any violation may result in immediate removal from the trip.

Respect the people around you and the environment you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself. 

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers safe. 

It’s essential to respect local laws and customs while traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, dressing appropriately while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re unsure about something, take the time to educate yourself or ask. 

Every travel brings you into contact with new cultures. When faced with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life. 

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. And when it comes to alcohol, stop before you overdo it.

Trip Leaders always act in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time. 

Providing false information or hiding any physical or mental condition that might affect your participation in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Tirana: 

• Hotel Stela Center 
• Mosaic Home Hostel & Garden 
• Milingona Hostel City Centre  

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