Highlights of Albania: Unforgettable Cultural Adventure

Arriving at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

After settling in take a city tour of Tirana, one of the most dynamic capitals of the Balkans.

Tirana is a vibrant city that combines the best of ancient and modern.

Near to central Skënderbej square, your guide will take you to and explain the historic sites and history of the city: the 18th- century Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Tirana Clock Tower, the National Historical Museum, the Bunk’art tunnel of the Ministry of the Internal Affairs during the dictatorship, and the Pyramid.

The most lively quarter of Tirana is the area of Ish Blloku, once the home of the communist elite, but now a neighbourhood full of cafes and clubs for coffee , drinks , dinner and good music. Your guide will give you local advice of where to go for a fun evening out.

Overnight in Tirana.

After breakfast your guide will meet you and take you to the station for a train ride to Ardenica Monastery near Lushnja. Ardenica is a masterpiece of Byzantine Orthodox architecture and one of the largest monasteries in the country dating back to the 13th century.

Then continue towards Vlora, which has been called the “Flag City”. This seaside city is considered by many to be the pearl of Albanian tourism. Vlora is the third largest city in the country and one of the most beautiful to visit, as is surrounded by some of the largest beaches in Albania, ancient monasteries, castles and archaeological parks.

You will visit the Muradie Mosque, the old Historical Center and the Lungomare Center. The boulevard offers stunning views. Here, there are many seafood restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy spectacular view of the Ionian coast with delicious food and wine

Today after breakfast your guide will take you to the city of Saranda on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Along the way, stopping at the scenic Llogara National Park, Himarë, and Porto Palermo.

Known as the Capital of the Albanian Riviera, Saranda is a city with more than 2000 years of history, located on the south coast of Albania, famous for its year-round sunshine, clear blue water and beaches. In addition, the city is rich in rare cultural and archaeological heritage, both Albanian and European, dating back to ancient times.

From here take xn excursion to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage National Park, easily the most romantic and beautiful of Albania’s ancient sites, 18 km south of Saranda . With a picturesque lagoon and mountains surrounding Butrint National Park, the view is absolutely stunning. Butrint is a microcosm of Mediterranean history and what you see today is an amalgam of monuments representing a span of over two thousand years of history.

Later on visit the Castle of Lëkuresi located on the top of the hill and overlooking Saranda, the views are amazing from here, and you can view the island of Corfu, just 35 minutes away by ferry. This evening take a walk in the promenade of Saranda where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes along with other delicacies.

Gjirokastra is a UNESCO heritage site stone city and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Albania. The old town is a jewel where spectacular noble houses alternate with more humble traditional buildings. A walking tour with your local guide is the best way explore. Enjoy getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the colourful bazaar as you climb to castle above the city. From here you can admire a breath-taking view over the roofs of the historic centre and the surrounding mountains.

Below the castle is the famous Ali Pasha Bridge – a 200-year-old viaduct which brought water from the river up to the castle, an impressive piece of engineering

The city, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008, is known as the birthplace of two of the most famous contemporary Albanian men: the dictator Enver Hoxha, whose birthplace has been turned into an ethnographic museum, and the writer Ismail Kadare , who set his famous novel “Stone City” in Gjirokastër.

The museum inside the castle gives an insight into Albanian life through the ages, along with local historical characters including Lord Byron, and the castle itself has an interesting history. Originally built by the Ottomans, it was used as a prison for political prisoners during the communist era.

From the town’s 13th-century castle to its slate-roofed houses, the city has a fairy-tale feel to it.

Visit Gjirokastra Castle, Ethnographic Museum, Zakat House, and the Cold War Tunnels. You will also visit Gjirokastra Museum. Plus take a stroll along the stone promenade for photos and visit a local restaurant to taste traditional Albanian dishes. You can even join an optional local cooking class to meet the locals and learn more about the famous Gjirokastra culinary scene.

Nearby is beautiful Vjosa National Park and adrenaline junkies will definitely want to spend an extra day here to do the brilliant white-water rafting day trip, with exhilarating grade III rapids passing through stunning canyons and scenery.

After breakfast, today you will head to the city of Berat. (Assuming you don’t want hike in Vjosa National Park or do the amazing white water rafting trip here. If so ask to add an extra day to your tour).

Berat is known as “the city of one window ” and has been declared a museum city.

The castle, residential houses and the “Onufri Museum” will be visited. The paintings and icons of the great Albanian painter are exhibited there. The old part of the city has several religious buildings. The city dates back 2400 years and is a member of the World Cultural Heritage (UNESCO).

Later continue to Durrës. Epidamn-Dyrrah, one of the oldest cities in Albania. Durrës has a rich, 3000-year history. Visit the Amphitheater of Durrës It’s one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans. You will also visit the Venetian Tower, and the Archaeological Museum.

Evening on the Volga Promenade by the sea.

The city of Shkodra is close to the border with Montenegro, and has been a key trading post for millenia with both Ancient Greeks and Roman’s having settled here. History buffs will enjoy the rich history and historic places to visit including: the ancient castle, museums, churches, historical houses, and institutions of culture.

Below the castle of Rozafa, lies Shkodra Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans, and it forms a natural border with Montenegro. You can go kayaking on the lake or hike around the perimeter. In Shkodra itself you can enjoy fresh fish and especially “tave krapi”, a traditional Shkodra dish. Old houses with courtyards full of flowers are characteristic of Shkodra.

Typical dishes with indigenous aromas and oriental influences from the Ottoman and Venetian eras will accompany you throughout your stay in the city of Shkodra. You will visit the castle of Rozafa, enter the Marubi photography museum and enjoy a final night dinner and a walking tour of the city’s pedestrian area where you can enjoy coffee, dinner, drinks and music.

Overnight in Shkodra.

After breakfast depart for Tirana, via the fortified city of Kruja, famous for its hillside castle and being home of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. The city of Kruja is characterized not only for its special geography, impressive castle, but also for many traditions handed down from generation to generation.

Visit the International Museum of Skanderbeg, and the Ethnographic Museum which shows how people lived in the middle of the 18th century.

One of the central features of Kruja is the 500 year old Ottoman-style bazaar. Here you can find all kinds of souvenirs, from coffee mugs to hand made rugs. There is also a wide variety of antiques and handicrafts, and of course always the local cuisine, in the restaurants. After your visit return to the capital, about an hours drive away.

Overnight in Tirana

Transfer to the airport. Depending on your departure time, free time in Tirana to enjoy the city and then transfer to the airport.