All-inclusive trip to Albania: the perfect way to discover the Balkans!

Tips & Tricks

The team's tips

  • Forget classic hotel packages: An all-inclusive stay in Albania is much more than just a beachside resort. It's the freedom to explore the entire country.
  • Prioritize flexibility: The most beautiful spots in Albania aren't in resorts, but on the roads between the sea and the mountains.
  • Travel light but equipped: With an all-inclusive road trip package, you already have all the gear. You just need to enjoy.
  • Get off the beaten path: Albania is full of hidden treasures that are far more authentic than tourist complexes.
  • Trust the locals: Our on-site team knows the best spots, the right addresses, and the traps to avoid.

All-inclusive trip to Albania: why choose this option?

When you think of “all-inclusive stay in Albania,” you often picture a resort along the Albanian Riviera. Cocktails by the pool, all-you-can-eat buffets, and evening entertainment. But is that really the best way to discover Albania?

This Balkan country is far too rich to be reduced to a week in a hotel complex. The Albanian Alps, stone villages, secret beaches, archaeological sites, lost monasteries... all of this deserves to be explored.

We’ll explain why an all-inclusive trip in Albania in road trip style is much more interesting than a traditional all-inclusive stay, and how to organize your adventure without stress.

All-inclusive classic vs all-inclusive road trip: the real match

The all-inclusive stay in a resort

This is the most common option when searching for “all-inclusive holidays in Albania” on Google. You book a week in a seaside hotel (often in Durrës, Vlora, or Saranda), and everything is included: meals, drinks, entertainment.

The advantages:

  • Zero organization, everything is on-site
  • Ideal for relaxing without thinking
  • Convenient with young children
  • Budget known in advance

The disadvantages:

  • You will only see a tiny part of Albania
  • Atmosphere is often impersonal and artificial
  • Standardized food, rarely local
  • The most beautiful sites in the country remain inaccessible
  • You could be anywhere; it doesn’t really feel like Albania

The all-inclusive road trip

This is the package we offer at Albania Nomads: everything is organized and included, but you keep the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.

The advantages:

  • You truly discover Albania, not just a beach
  • Total flexibility: you stop wherever you want
  • Authentic experience: villages, encounters, wild nature
  • Everything is arranged (vehicle, accommodations, equipment) but you remain free
  • Budget-friendly like an all-inclusive, but with added adventure

The disadvantages:

  • You have to drive (but the Albanian roads are beautiful!)
  • A bit less relaxing than a week with your feet in the water
  • You need to enjoy moving around and discovering
Albanian Riviera, the most beautiful beaches of Albania

What is really included in an all-inclusive trip to Albania?

When we talk about a “fully inclusive trip to Albania,” it’s important to understand what that covers. At Albania Nomads, here’s exactly what’s included in your stay:

The vehicle and equipment

  • 4x4 with a rooftop tent: your home on wheels for the week
  • Basic insurance: you're covered
  • Complete sleeping gear: sheets, pillows, blankets
  • Camping gear: table and chairs for your outdoor meals
  • Cooking gear: stove, pans, utensils, dishes… everything for cooking

The accommodations

  • Pre-selected and reserved campsites: you know where you’ll sleep each night
  • Access to hot showers, toilets, covered kitchen areas
  • Strategic mix of sea and mountain to vary the scenery

The organization and support

  • Detailed itinerary: optimized day-by-day routes
  • Mobile app with interactive map: all your spots at a glance
  • Access to great local addresses in your itinerary and app
  • Unlimited mileage: explore as much as you want
  • Comprehensive briefing by the French-speaking team before departure
  • Assistance during the trip: we’re here if you need help

What is NOT included (as with any trip):

  • Flights to Albania
  • Fuel (about €80-120 for the week)
  • Food (but you’ll be cooking, so it’s budget-friendly)
  • Paid activities if you choose any
  • Your personal expenses

➡️ The benefit? You know exactly what you're paying for. No surprises, no hidden fees. It’s all transparent.

How much does an all-inclusive stay in Albania really cost?

All-inclusive and resort

For a classic all-inclusive stay at a 4* hotel in Albania, you can expect:

  • 700-1200€ per person for a week on half board
  • 900-1500€ per person for an all-inclusive package with drinks

Add flights (150-400€) and you're looking at 1100-1900€ per person. For this price, you'll enjoy a comfortable week... but in the same place.

The all-inclusive road trip Albania Nomads

Our all-inclusive package is significantly cheaper for two people and includes:

  • The 4x4 with a rooftop tent
  • All reserved campgrounds
  • All the gear
  • The travel booklet and assistance

Add:

  • Flights: €150-400
  • Fuel: €80-120
  • Food: €150-250 for two if you cook
  • Optional activities: €0-200

Total for two people including flights: depending on the season and your choices, it's comparable to an all-inclusive resort, but you get to explore the country instead of staying in one place.

 

Value for money

For a budget similar to or even less than a classic all-inclusive, you’ll experience a true Albanian adventure: secret beaches, mountains, authentic villages, local encounters, total flexibility. It's incomparable.

Vuno, one of the most beautiful places in Albania

What to see with an all-inclusive trip to Albania?

The Albanian Riviera

Paradise beaches with turquoise water, without the tourist overload of neighboring Greece or Croatia. Dhërmi, Jale Beach, Gjipe Beach… some are only accessible on foot, while others have cool little beach bars.

The Albanian Alps

The Valbona and Theth national parks, with breathtaking mountain landscapes. Hiking, waterfalls, stone villages lost in the mountains. This is the wild and authentic side of Albania.

Historical Sites

Berat (the city of a thousand windows), Gjirokastër (the stone city), Butrint (Greco-Roman ruins)… Albania has 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and dozens of other historical treasures.

Dynamic Cities

Tirana, the colorful and vibrant capital, with its painted buildings, lively cafes, and crazy energy. Shkodër and its lake. Berat and its Ottoman houses.

Hidden Treasures

The Blue Eye (incredible karst spring), the beach of Ksamil facing the islands, the Llogara Pass with a view of the entire Riviera, the communist bunkers turned into museums… To discover 7 hidden treasures off the beaten path, check out our full article.

 

➡️ With an all-inclusive road trip, you see ALL of this in a week. In an all-inclusive resort, you see… the pool and the beach next door.

 

Why is Albania the perfect destination for an all-inclusive trip?

An authentic country

Albania is not (yet) overrun by mass tourism. You experience authentic moments, meet warm locals, and discover villages where time seems to have stood still. In 10 years, it won’t be the same.

Incredible diversity in a small country

In just one week, you can go from paradise beaches to alpine mountains, from Ottoman cities to ancient Greek sites. Few countries offer such diversity in such a compact territory.

Great value for money

Albania remains affordable. Campsites cost €10-15 a night, groceries are cheap, and fuel is less expensive than in France. You get much more for your money compared to Greece, Croatia, or Italy.

Spectacular landscapes

The Albanian Riviera rivals the most beautiful Mediterranean coastlines. The Albanian Alps are just as impressive as the Dolomites. And it's 10 times cheaper and less crowded.

Safety

Contrary to stereotypes, Albania is a very safe country. Albanians are hospitable and kind. You can travel with peace of mind, even with family.

When to book your vacation in Albania?

High season (July-August)

  • Advantages: perfect weather, warm sea (25°C), all facilities open
  • Disadvantages: more people on popular beaches, slightly higher prices, intense heat inland (35°C+)

Mid season (June and September) – RECOMMENDED

  • Advantages: excellent weather, fewer tourists, lower prices, greener nature in June
  • Disadvantages: slightly cooler water in June (20-22°C), some shops closed in September

Spring (May)

  • Advantages: blooming nature, very few tourists, low prices, perfect for the mountains
  • Disadvantages: too cool for swimming (18°C), some mountain roads still closed

Autumn (October)

  • Advantages: sea still at 20°C, beautiful autumn colors, no one at the sites
  • Disadvantages: less stable weather, many structures closed, shorter days

To dive deeper into the topic, check out our complete guide on when to visit Albania according to the seasons.

Trip to Albania: 7-day road trip in Albania

How does an all-inclusive road trip actually work?

Before Departure

  1. You book your package online
  2. You receive all the practical info via email
  3. You book your flights
  4. We stay in touch to answer all your questions

Day 1: Arrival

  1. You land in Tirana
  2. Our team welcomes you and hands over the equipped 4x4
  3. Complete briefing: vehicle use, itinerary, tips, emergency numbers
  4. You set off for your first night

During Your Stay

  1. You follow the itinerary (or not, you’re free!)
  2. You drive and stop wherever you like
  3. In the evening, you arrive at the reserved campsite
  4. You set up the rooftop tent in 5 minutes
  5. You cook your meal with a view
  6. The team is available via WhatsApp if needed

Last Day

  1. You return the 4x4 near the airport
  2. Quick check of the vehicle
  3. Transfer to the airport
  4. Return flight with stars in your eyes

It’s as simple as that. All the logistics are handled, you just have to enjoy.

All-inclusive resort or all-inclusive road trip: our verdict

If you're simply looking to relax for a week with your feet in the water without a care in the world, an all-inclusive resort might do the trick. You'll have relaxing holidays.

But if you really want to discover Albania – its incredible landscapes, diversity, and authenticity – then the all-inclusive road trip is undoubtedly the best option.

You get all the perks of "all-inclusive" (organization, budget control, zero stress) combined with the freedom and adventure of a road trip. It's the best of both worlds.

And most importantly, you experience a real Albanian experience. Not a sanitized and artificial version in a resort that could be anywhere. You sleep facing the sea or in the mountains. You meet locals. You discover hidden villages. You dine in authentic taverns.

The memories you’ll bring back will be completely different.

Ready for your all-inclusive trip to Albania?

Albania is a destination that deserves more than an all-inclusive stay at a resort. This country is full of treasures waiting just for you: secret beaches, wild mountains, timeless villages, fascinating historical sites.

With our all-inclusive road trip package, you get the peace of mind of an organized trip and the freedom of adventure. Everything is planned, everything is included, but you remain in control of your journey.

Over 500 travelers have trusted us to discover Albania. Is it your turn to experience this adventure?

So, are you ready to explore the Balkans in a different way?

Everything you need to know about a trip to Albania.

What is the best time to visit Albania?

July-August is the optimal period for a first trip! That's when Albania reveals all its splendor: guaranteed sunshine, warm seas (26°C), all services open, and mountain roads accessible. The tourism infrastructure works perfectly.

Does this tour go through well-known tourist spots like Tirana or Berat?

Yes, but differently! We include the must-sees, like Tirana and Berat, but we also add detours to hidden gems like the Osum Canyon or the cliffside villages of the Albanian Riviera. You get the best of both worlds: the essentials and the secrets.

Can you swim in the rivers and springs in Albania?

Yes, often! In the Osum Canyon, some natural pools are perfect for a refreshing swim. In the Vjosa Valley, you can also swim in crystal-clear water. Just be careful about one exception: swimming is prohibited at the Blue Eye spring out of respect for this protected natural site.

Can we sleep anywhere with the rooftop tent?

Albania is very open to wild camping, as long as you respect nature and the locals. With Albania Nomads, we’ll show you the best spots to sleep safely and peacefully, often with a spectacular view.

How many hours of travel should we expect per day?

On average, 2 to 4 hours of driving per day, with plenty of breaks to admire the scenery, visit villages, or go for a swim. The goal is not to rush through Albania, but to fully experience each step along the way.

Is it a trip made for adventurers or for everyone?

Both! Our “off the beaten path” tour is accessible to everyone: it’s not a trek but a comfortable road trip, with an equipped vehicle, selected accommodations, and varied stops. It’s a gentle adventure that combines comfort and exploration.

Do we easily meet locals during the trip?

Yes, and it's actually one of the great pleasures of traveling in Albania! The locals are incredibly welcoming. Whether it's in Vuno, in the mountains of Përmet, or around Lake Prespa, spontaneous interactions are an integral part of the experience. Our tours specifically encourage these moments of authenticity, away from tourist hotspots.

Can we really visit such remote places in a week?

Our 7-day itinerary has been designed to optimize driving time without rushing, connecting the most beautiful spots in the country: from the mountains of Përmet to the beaches of the Riviera. Everything is planned so you have time to explore, breathe, and enjoy.

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