Arrive in Tirana
Use the capital as a soft landing. Collect any rental vehicle in daylight and get comfortable with the route before leaving the city.
Head north
Travel via Shkodër to Theth and allow two nights in the valley. Pick walks that match current conditions and your experience. Do not assume a mountain pass is accessible because a calendar says it is summer.
Pause in Berat
Reserve a substantial part of day five for the transfer south. Spend the next day in Berat, splitting the castle and lower town into separate outings.
Finish beside the sea
Choose one Riviera base and spend three nights there. Keep one day entirely unscheduled. A car offers flexibility, but parking and winding roads still need time.
Return to Tirana
Leave generous time for the return. For an early departure, spend night nine near Tirana instead. This route suits a car or pre-arranged transfers; a bus-based trip needs more days or fewer stops.