Albania by Rail & Sea
- 7
- £1,149
- Albania
- Travel by rail and ferry to Bologna via Lyon
- Continue down the Adriatic coast to Bari in Puglia
- Take a ferry across the Adriatic to Durrës on the Albanian coast
- Spend 3 nights in capital Tirana
- Choose how you’d like to return – by air or over land & sea
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Fly home, extend your visit to Albania or plot a different route back to the UK
- All rail journeys, in standard class
- Seat reservations where required
- 6 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- An overnight journey by ferry from Bari to Durrës in a 2-berth cabin
- Private car transfer from Durrës to Tirana
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Suggested Itinerary
Start your epic journey to Albania with a Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris or Lille. From either station, you can transfer onto a high-speed TGV direct to Lyon. On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at the Mercure Lyon Centre Part Dieu (or similar).
Spend an evening exploring the narrow streets of Lyon’s charming old town and choosing from the tempting options for a traditional Lyonnaise dinner.
Check out ofter breakfast this morning and catch a direct train through the Alps and across the Italian border to Milan. Here, change onto a domestic Italian journey down the spine of Italy to Bologna. Check in for an overnight stay at the Starhotels Excelsior (or similar).
If you have time, why not enjoy an extra stop along this journey with a night or two in the lovely city of Milan?
You’ve got a leisurely start this morning with time for some exploration in beautiful Bologna before you collect your bags, return to the station and board another high-speed service. The train line hugs the coast for a large part of this journey, which will bring you to the historic port city of Bari in the mid-afternoon.
Check in for an overnight stay at the JR Hotels Oriente (or similar) and then wander to the beautiful Old Town area for an evening meal.
Spend a free morning in Bari, the fascinating capital of the Puglia region. You can take a stroll along the coast or visit the city’s central castle, which dates back to 1132.
After sampling some of the city’s regional cuisine, washed down with a glass of local Trebbiano or Montepulciano wines, collect your bags, redeem your ferry voucher for tickets and then take the free shuttle back to the port where you’ll check in for your overnight ferry to Durrës on the Albanian coast. Settle into your cabin and then enjoy the amenities onboard. The following morning, you’ll dock in Durres and meet your private transfer driver, who will take you to Albanian capital, Tirana. Check in at the Mulaj Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Spend two days discovering the colourful Albanian capital of Tirana, a city that has transformed itself from a secretive communist stronghold into one of Europe’s most vibrant and engaging destinations. The lively Skanderbeg Square forms the heart of the city, surrounded by elegant Italian architecture, fascinating museums and the striking Et’hem Bey Mosque, whilst there’s a wealth of trendy cafés, restaurants and tree-lined boulevards.
You might like to delve into Albania’s recent past at the remarkable Bunk’Art museums, ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car for spectacular views across the city and surrounding mountains, or simply wander the fashionable Blloku district, once reserved for the country’s communist elite.
We can tailor make your trip from here. You could simply fly back to the UK or travel back by ferry and rail with different stops on the way back. Alternatively, we can include destinations further afield in Albania or add day trips by private transfer from Tirana to destinations like stunning Lake Ohrid or the hilltop town of Kruja with its imposing 5th century fortress. Give us a call for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Lyon
Conveniently located close to Lyon’s Part Dieu station, this hotel also offers access to Lyon’s historic centre via local metro and tram links. All bedrooms are sound-proofed and air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel also offers a restaurant, where you can enjoy local and traditional French cuisine along with a wine bar.
Bologna
This conveniently located hotel offers easy access to Bologna’s main station and the centre of the city. The elegantly decorated bedrooms are all air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV tea & coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a restaurant serving traditional Bolognese dishes, a bar and a gym.
Tirana
The Mulaj Hotel is centrally located in Tirana, within easy walking distance of the central Skanderbeg Square. Bedrooms are designed in a modern style and are equipped with en suite facilities, flat-screen TV and balconies overlooking the city or the gardens. There’s also a restaurant on site, as well as 24 hour reception, a concierge and tour desk and a lounge.
Bari
The JR Hotels Bari Oriente is situated in a central location, next to the Petruzzelli Theatre and close to the seafront. Bedrooms are furnished in a classic style with a combination of period furnishings and contemporary art works. There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, a bar serving snacks and drinks and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
