New Years Week on the Albanian Coast

Albania is off the radar for many travelers because it is not yet a member of the European Union, but it should be on yours for exactly that reason. This overlooked Balkan nation is recognized by savvy travelers as “The New Croatia” and is known for archaeological sites, castles, caves, sandy beaches, blue lagoons and most importantly, low prices and mild temperatures in December. In addition to 6 overnights at a 4 star beachfront hotel, your package includes tours of three cities, admission to several attractions and an invitation to a spectacular New Years Gala event. Daily breakfast and dinner will complete your package while plenty of free time will allow you to explore Durrës, the largest city on the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast. 

Army Outdoor Recreation makes it easy for you to fly to Albania. Our included airport shuttle will pick you up at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks and take you directly to Frankfurt Airport. 2026 only comes once and airlines have early cancellation deadlines. What are you waiting for? Contact Army Outdoor Recreation today to celebrate the coming of 2026 on the beach in Albania!

Estimated Itinerary

Sunday: Fly to Albania

Theres no need to pay for parking at the airport or take an expensive airport shuttle to Frankfurt when you fly with Army Outdoor Recreation. Our included airport shuttle will pick you up at your choice of either Pulaski or Smith barracks and take you directly to the airport. Just a few hours after take off you will find yourself on the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast, where you will check into the four star beachfront hotel which will serve as your home base for all of New Years Week.

Monday: Durrës and Tirana

Although Durrës has been continuously occupied since the times of ancient Greece, Albania’s turbulent history means that not much of that era remains. One of the few remaining monuments from ancient days is the Amphitheatre of Durrës . Re-discovered under the city in 1966, the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkan region once held 20,000 people and is in consideration to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Albania’s capital city, Tirana offers a blend of traditional and modern lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment, and night life. Surrounded by historic and government buildings Skanderbeg Square is Tirana’s main plaza, but Tirana’s most unique features are it’s bunkers, with one on almost every corner. The most famous, the Bunk’Art museum, is a five story nuclear bunker converted into an art and history museum in 2014.

Tuesday: Krujë 

Located between Mount Krujë and the Ishëm River, just 20 km north of Tirana, Krujë was inhabited by the ancient Albanoi tribe which gave the country its name.  In 1190 Krujë became the capital of the first Albanian state in the Middle Ages.  Found nearly 600 meters up the slopes of its namesake mountain, Krujë was a fortified city which has seen conflict between the Albanians and the Ottomans many times over the centuries before being conquered in 1478.  Much of the Albanian national identity is linked to Krujë Castle, which now holds the national history and ethnographic museums, while the city contains reminders of the Ottoman era including the old bazaar and its accompanying Bazaar Mosque.

New Years Eve

Get ready to welcome in 2026 with a bang, today is New Year’s Eve.  Your entire day is dedicated to your free time, either along the beach or further exploring Durrës. Tonight, you are formally invited to your four star hotel’s Gala New Years Eve Extravaganza. Tonight you will enjoy a four course meal with unlimited beer and wine while the hotels animation team keeps you entertained with live music and entertainment before the fireworks display over the beach at midnight. 

New Years Day and Friday: Free Day

How you spend your next two free days in Albania is up to you. While you are welcome to remain at the beach and just enjoy the warmer weather, you may want to return to Tirana, which is only 20 km away from Durrës. Because Albania was formerly a communist nation, its holidays follow the Orthodox calendar, meaning the Christmas Market in Skanderbeg Square will remain open through January 6th.  Many other optional tours, activities and excursions will be offered by various local organizations though the tourist office or websites like GetYourGuide and Viator.  Whatever you choose to do in Albania, you will have plenty of time us however you wish during the first days of 2026.

Saturday: Return to Germany

Your return flight to Germany takes off this afternoon. Once you collect your bags in Frankfurt, our airport shuttle will return you to your starting point this evening. 

Early Bird Price, valid on or prior to Friday, September 26:

• Double Occupancy: $1899 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2199

Price, valid on or after to Saturday, September 27:

• Double Occupancy: $2099 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2399

Sea View Room Upgrade: $75 per person

Airline price supplements or rebooking fees may apply to all registrations made on or after Friday, October 24

• Children under 2 on existing bedding in double or single room: $279
• Older child and Family Room rates upon request based on individual requirements

Trip Includes:

• Round trip air transportation from Frankfurt including airfare and all local shuttles
• Airport shuttle from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks to Frankfurt Airport
• 6 overnights at Royal G Hotel & SPA**** or equivalent 
• Daily Breakfast and Dinner
• New Years Gala Event including:
  • 4 course menu 
  • Unlimited beer, wine, water and juice
  • Live music, dance show and entertainment
  • Fireworks
• Full day tour of Durres and Tirana 
  • Admission to Amphitheatre of Durres
  • Entrance to Bunkart 2 Museum
• Full day tour of Kruje
  • Entrance to Kruje Castle
  • Entrance to Skanderberg Museum

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes & clothing
• Credit/Debit card and Euro or Albanian Lekë
• Military ID and Passport
   
• Albania is outside the Schengen Zone. Travelers without US or EU passports may require a visa.
• Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the responsibility of each individual traveler. 
• Any Albanian entry/border taxes are the responsibility of and paid by the individual traveler on the spot.

Departure: 

• 9 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks to Pulaski Barracks
• 10:30 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation to Frankfurt Airport

Return: Saturday evening