A TRUE TASTE OF ALBANIA (WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ADDED GREEK SPICE)
Day 1: Tirana Arrival
Upon arrival Private Transfer from Tirana Airport to 4 star hotel. Evening welcome dinner in a traditional Albanian taverna, offering an authentic culinary experience and introduction to local culture.
Day 2: Tirana Exploration
Guided half-day walking tour which explores the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana. It’s a fascinating city which features a dynamic and rich history, and we discover how Titana evolved from a small rural trade centre in the 17th century into the capital of Albania with a legacy of ancient ruins, Ottoman and Italian influences and the more recent communist regime. The sights include the Byzantine ruins and walls, the main Italian boulevard its Art Gallery and distinguished Italian buildings, Tirana City Hall, the Statue of Skanderbeg, Ethem Bey Mosque, the famous Clock Tower, National Library, Opera House and the mosaic “Albanians” on top of the entrance of National Historical Museum. Tirana truly is a multi-cultural wonder, something to reflect upon as you sit and enjoy a coffee, a beer or a glass of wine, coffee before choosing a place for lunch. This evening you are at leisure to dine out and explore the City Centre’s nightlife. Overnight in 4* Tirana Hotel.
Day 3: Embarkation in Durres
After breakfast we transfer to Durres and board the Callisto, with the afternoon free to explore the historic port city. Late afternoon, rejoin the ship for our welcome reception and a ‘sail-away’ cocktail whilst getting to meet your crew and fellow adventurers. Tonight will be your first dinner on board dinner onboard – the Chef will set out to impress you.
Day 4: Vlora
The first swim-stop of the holiday see’s the Captain drop anchor in a beautiful, secluded bay so you can slip into the wonderfully translucent Adriatic waters. Back on board we set sail for Vlora, Albania’s coastal gem, where we disembark and set out on a walking tour of the historic town where Albania famously declared its independence. After seeing the main sites there’s time for further exploration Before it’s back on board for dinner.
Day 5: Corfu (Greek Night)
We couldn’t resist hopping across the border to the beautiful island of Corfu, and one of the most beautiful of all Greek cities, steeped in Venetian, British and French history, and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site Stroll the narrow streets and step out to the wide open Esplanade, walk under the arcade of Liston where the old aristocracy enjoyed their coffee and drinks, and perhaps even witness a game of cricket! For lunch sample famous local specialties, Greek cuisine unlike anywhere else in Greece influenced by Italian tradition. Back onboard tonight is Greek Night with music and dancing until late!
Day 6: Paxos and Antipaxos
After a busy day in cosmopolitan Corfu, we move to life in the slow lane when we visit ‘Paxoi’ the collective name for Paxos and Antipaxos. Antipaxos is a tiny island with great beaches popular with local day trippers. Swim here and top up the tan before we make the short cruise to Paxos where the main attraction is to stroll the short distance from the mooring to the nearby village of Gaios where visiting luxury yachts moor-up end on along the waterfront. Find a table in the square to sit over a cold drink, grab a snack and watch the rather eclectic world go by, or head into the back streets for some artisan souvenir shopping. It’s all very chill.
Day 7: Saranda (Albanian Night)
Saranda is one of Albania’s more developed seaside resorts but the highlight of the day is the visit to see the fabulous relics at Butrint, a UNESCO heritage site, an amazing promontory dating back to the bronze age with ruins that embrace Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods. It’s a real ‘must see’ experience. Back in Saranda visit the castle with its cobblestone streets, cafes and shops and enjoy the view of the river meandering through the town below. Back onboard tonight is Albanian Night with traditional dancers and music and cuisine.
Day 8: Sazan (Kushner Island)
Today we really go off the beaten track and visit the uninhabited island of Sazan, only really known as the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic. Get some beach time, go for a swim, or join the guided walk and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Reboard Callisto and we turn toward Durres by sunset.
Day 9: Chenzen/Durres – Captain’s Dinner
In the morning we arrive in Chenzen, very close to Montenegro, and the jumping off point for a wonderful excursion to Shkoder Village and the spectacular Shkoder Lake. We take lunch in a traditional restaurant enjoying great food and natural beaty. Back on board we weigh anchor and sail to Durres and tonight we dine in honour of the Captain for the unforgettable experience he and his crew offered us.
Day 10: Durres Disembarkation
Breakfast onboard. Disembark by 9 AM for transfers to Tirana or onward destinations.
DATES
WHISPERS OF ALBANIA 2026 – ONLY 85 CABINS AVAILABLE
Say it quietly – we only have 5 departure dates for Whispers of Albania 2026. That means we only have a total of 85 cabins available for the entire season. If you want to be one of the first to cruise this clandestine coastline and country, hidden from view for almost 50 years, don’t delay – book today.
Cruise Dates
Sailing Dates (Depart Durres):
- July 17, 2026 (Arrive Tirana: July 15)
- July 24, 2026 (Arrive Tirana: July 22)
- July 31, 2026 (Arrive Tirana: July 29)
- August 7, 2026 (Arrive Tirana: August 5)
- August 14, 2026 (Arrive Tirana: August 12)
