Uncover Albania

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Tirana

   Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

   Welcome to Albania! You will be met at Tirana's Mother Teresa Airport by our driver and taken directly to your accommodations in the city center. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Tirana by Night

   Tirana is a lovely city, night and day, as it's filled with countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can spend time in Grand Park or experience the busy bars and restaurants of the Blloku area, inside Tirana Castle, or behind the Pyramid situated on the main Boulevard. The Sky Tower offers a panoramic view of Tirana, especially at night when the city is illuminated. The revolving bar and restaurant on the top floor provide a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy drinks while taking in the city lights. The city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at reasonable rates.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Tirana

   

   Tirana Like a Local - Full Day Private Tour

   Discover Tirana's past on this tour. You'll visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Skanderbeg Square, the New Bazaar, Martyrs' of the Nation Boulevard, Enver Hoxha's Pyramid and various government buildings. You'll also visit the Art Gallery and Socialism Museum, along with the former Communist Party elite’s residential area, Blokku, now a buzzing district packed with modern bars and restaurants This tour includes a visit to a unique collection of Albanian memorabilia, and visiting Bunk'Art, a bunker built to survive nuclear war, converted into an art and history exhibition. On this tour you will have the chance to visit the Dajti Mountain with a cable car, while enjoying amazing landscape sightseeings and delicious local cuisine. Finally you'll enjoy a coffee in the rotating Sky Tower and admire fantastic views of Tirana.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Tirana

   

   Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip

   An ancient, hilltop town, Krujë is a must-see for those staying in Tirana. The restored old bazaar is packed with authentic handmade goods, including carpets, which you can watch being made on a loom. Inside the walls of Kruja Castle, you will visit an ethnographic museum in an Ottoman tower house and the Bektashi Sufi Shrine, where you can learn more about how people have lived here for centuries. After Kruja, you'll visit the city of Durres where you can enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the sea, followed by a visit to one of the largest Roman amphitheaters, which saw gladiatorial combat.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Vlore by Private Transfer / Arrival in Vlore

   

   Today you will be traveling to the beautiful Albanian Riviera. We will arrange for a private driver to pick you up at your accommodations at your preferred departure time. The drive to Vlore takes about 2.5 hours, but we have added a stop en route at Berat. This town is UNESCO-protected thanks to its unique style of architecture, with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries. In Berat, you'll enjoy a tour with a local licensed guide.

   Vlore has a history as extensive as the beaches and sea caves that line the nearby coast. Founded by the Greeks, and expanded by the Romans and Byzantines, the concrete-heavy center of this city is unremarkable, but the surrounding national park, sea caves, monasteries, beaches, and birding opportunities are anything but.

   Upon arrival in Vlore, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Vlore

   

   Sazan Private Boat Tour

   Don't miss the opportunity to explore the island of Sazan. The adventure begins by boarding a boat in Rradhima, a village just south of Vlora. Upon reaching the island of Sazan, you'll head inland to visit its ghost town. Once home to a sizable garrison, this strategic island hosted quarters for officer's families, as well as a hospital, schools, cinema, and quite a few bunkers. After exploring the ruins, and the time spent snorkeling, you'll get to savor a delicious picnic lunch before heading back to the mainland.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer / Arrival in Gjirokastra

   

   Today you'll be leaving Vlore and driving to Gjirokastra. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation at your preferred time. The trip takes around 2 hours.

   Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

   After the journey, your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the historic heart of Gjirokastra.

   

   Hike Gjirokastra's Hilly Surroundings

   There are numerous hiking trails near the city, some of which offer incredible views of the local landscape and various historic ruins. One of our favorites is the Illyrian city of Antigone, located near the village of Asim Zeneli, 6km (4 miles) east of Gjirokastra. This village is the starting point of a three-hour round-trip hike to the ruins of Antigone. This trail promises not only a rejuvenating outdoor experience but also an opportunity to explore the rich history and scenic beauty of the Illyrian city.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Gjirokastra

   

   Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

   You'll get to know the best of Gjirokastra, also known as "Museum City," on this informative and fun four-hour tour. From the architecture of Old Town to the amazing views from the castle, you'll get to know the layout of the streets while hearing all about the city's unique history from your expert guide.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Traveling to Tirana by Private Car / Arrival in Tirana

   

   Today you'll be wowed by the impressive vistas along the Albania Riviera from Gjirokastra to Tirana, and you'll make a few stops along the way. It’s quite a journey, with breathtaking views and mountainous areas winding through national parks. The scenic drive offers potential stops in Vlore, Dhermi, Palermo Castle, Muzine Pass and Buret Mountain, or make a foodie day of it and stop for a seafood lunch close to Vlore. You can also enjoy some delicious organic goat milk yogurt with honey, walnuts and fabulous views in the Llogara National Park. Duration of the drive is about 6 hours.

   Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

   Once in Tirana, your private driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   We will arrange for a transfer to Tirana's Mother Teresa airport. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in central Tirana and get you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.