Tirana

Skanderbeg Square - Begin your tour of Tirana at Skanderbeg Square, the city’s largest square. Surrounding the square, you’ll find the Palace of Culture, the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National Museum. Spend about 15 minutes here to gather information from your guide.

Enver Hoxha Pyramid - This unattractive building, designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law and completed in 1988, was once the Enver Hoxha Museum and later a convention center and nightclub. Now covered in graffiti and surrounded by homeless encampments, its crumbling marble walls await a decision on whether to demolish or restore it. We’ll stop here for a 10-minute explanation during our tour.

Bunk’Art 1 - A small bunker located along our sightseeing route in Tirana.

Blloku - Blloku is a trendy area in Tirana known for its boutiques, shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes. Once a restricted area for the Albanian politburo during the communist era, it became popular after the fall of communism. You can still find the residence of Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha here. Spend your free time in Blloku for lunch or coffee.

National Gallery of Art - This gallery traces the history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day and hosts temporary exhibitions. The collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting daily Albanian life and examples of Albanian socialist realism. The gallery’s entrance may not always be open, so check for exhibitions during your visit.

Pazari i Ri - The New Bazaar, one of Tirana’s oldest residential neighborhoods, has been renovated while preserving traditional elements. The square now has a modern look and hosts a local farmer’s market where over 300 farmers sell fresh produce, meat, seafood, and spices.

Tirana - Shkodra

Rozafa Castle - Built during Antiquity and enduring through the Roman and Ottoman empires, Rozafa Castle is rich in historical tales. Enjoy the panoramic view during your visit.

Shkodra Lake - Located in Northwest Albania, Shkodra Lake is the largest in the Balkan Peninsula, stretching across the border with Montenegro. The lake frames the historic city of Shkodra, offering a calming and refreshing atmosphere.

Shkoder - Known for its rich artistic life and contribution to Albanian culture, Shkodra is home to poets, painters, and photographers. Visit the Marubi National Photography Museum and the Venice Art Mask Factory. The city is also known as the “city of bicycles.” Enjoy free time and an overnight stay here.

Shkodra - Valbona

Valbona Valley National Park - This park features rivers, waterfalls, and forests under high peaks. Enjoy the fresh air and a walk in the park before dinner.

Valbona - Prizren - Kruja

Prizren - Depart for Kosovo to learn about its unique and complicated history. Prizren is a town with shops, mosques, churches, and old bridges, comparable to many Western European cities in culture and beauty.

Albanian League of Prizren Museum [Muzeu Lidhja Shqiptare e Prizrenit] - Learn about Albanian history in Kosovo at this museum, dedicated to the League for the Defense of the Rights of the Albanian Nation, established on June 10, 1878.

Sinan Pasha Mosque - Located in the Historic Centre of Prizren, this mosque was built in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha. It is one of Prizren’s most characteristic monuments.

Kruja Castle - After visiting Prizren, head to Kruja, the stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Visit the museum dedicated to Skanderbeg and explore the small bazaar for handmade products.

Kruja - Elbasan - Pogradec

Elbasan - Visit the castle of Elbasan, important in Roman times, and see the fortress, Saint Mary’s Church, and the King Mosque. Enjoy free time in the castle.

Lake Ohrid - Pogradec, a city of artists, rests on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful lake. Overnight near the lake in Pogradec.

Pogradec - Enjoy Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The lake is divided between Albania and North Macedonia. Tourism in Pogradec is minimal, offering a quiet stroll around the lake.

Tushemisht - The last village on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid, Tushemisht is a relaxing place with mountains, beaches, and great restaurants offering authentic fish cuisine.

Pogradec - Voskopoja - Korca

Driloni National Park - Visit Drilon, a small village between Korça and Pogradec, known for its beauty, beaches, and national park. It was a favorite spot of dictator Enver Hoxha.

Korce - In the afternoon, tour Korca’s important sites, including the Cathedral, Ottoman Bazaar, Andon Zako Cajupi Theatre, and Hani I Pazarit. Enjoy a walk in the main pedestrian area.

Korca Old Bazaar - The old bazaar is a historical market with old buildings and stone parts of the city. It combines an open-air market with workshops and guesthouses, preserving the city’s culinary and hosting traditions.

Ngjallja e Krishtit Cathedral - Built in 1992 on the foundations of an old Orthodox church, this cathedral is the largest and most important Orthodox church in Korça and Albania.

National Museum of Medieval Art - This museum blends modern and old elements, creating a timeless space. It preserves artworks from the Byzantine era and is located on the main “Fan Noli” boulevard in Korça.

Korca - Germenj - Permet - Gjirokastra

Benja Thermal Baths - These sulfur-rich thermal pools attract visitors year-round. Enjoy the contrast between the hot baths and the cold air. Spend about 2 hours here, with opportunities for swimming and walking in the Langarica canyon.

Permet - Visit a traditional house and meet locals to experience Gliko, a local product made from various fruits and vegetables. Enjoy free time in the city.

Gjirokastra Bazaar - Explore the historic center of Gjirokastër, where artisanal workshops have become tourist souvenir shops. Enjoy free time in the bazaar before dinner.

Skenduli House - This restored Ottoman-era house has been in the same family for generations. A family member will likely show you around, highlighting features like the wedding ceremony room with 15 stained glass windows.

Gjirokastra - Blue Eye - Saranda

Gjirokaster Castle - Start your day with a tour of Gjirokastra’s hilltop castle, one of the largest in the Balkans. Explore the armoury collection, museums, and ruins, and enjoy superb valley views.

The Blue Eye - Discover the surreal beauty of the Blue Eye, surrounded by diverse vegetation. The spring flows into the Bistrica River, creating a lush landscape.

Butrint National Park - Visit the top archaeological sites of Butrint, an ancient Greek and later Roman city. The city was abandoned in the Middle Ages after a major earthquake. Enjoy free time by the sea in Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera.

Saranda - Albanian Riviera - Himara (Llogara)

Porto Palermo Castle - Near the Ionian Sea, this 19th-century fortress, also known as the Castle of Ali Pasha, offers superb sea views. Explore the dark interior and battlements.

Himare - Himara, the largest village on the Southern Riviera, offers a comprehensive summer experience. It has grown significantly in recent decades and is highly recommended by travel guides.

Himara - Vlora

Llogara National Park - Located where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, this park is known for its lush forests and exceptional food. It is one of Albania’s most visited natural parks.

Llogara Pass - This high mountain pass offers stunning views of the Albanian Riviera. Stop for pictures along the way.

Independence Monument - Located in Vlorë, this monument commemorates the Albanian Declaration of Independence. Stop for 10 minutes to visit this historical site.

Ethnographic Museum, Vlore - This museum, housed in the building of Albania’s first government, offers comprehensive information about the country’s history. It is located near the port with a beautiful sea view.

Vlora - Berat

National Ethnographic Museum Berat - Situated in an 18th-century Berat residence, this museum offers a glimpse into the town’s lifestyle traditions. Spend about an hour here.

Berat Castle - Visit the castle and the Onufri Museum. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its unique architecture. The castle still houses traditional homes and churches, including the Sainte-Marie church, now the Onufri Museum. Spend about 2 hours here.

National Iconographic Museum Onufri - Built in 1797, this museum was a cathedral and is located at the highest point of Berat Castle. It houses works by the famous 16th-century Albanian icon painter Onufri.

Berati - Apollonia - Karavastas - Tirana

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, founded in the sixth century B.C. by Greek colonizers. It was one of the most prominent cities of its time.

Laguna e Karavastase - Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The park is home to fifty thousand birds and offers a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Comfortable travel with in-vehicle air conditioning.
• All fees and taxes covered.
• Professional guide and driver service included.

In this captivating 12-day journey, the hidden treasures of Albania will be unveiled to you. You’ll get to explore historical sites, ancient castles, expansive national parks, and quaint old towns. Here, you’ll experience thrilling mountain hikes, relaxing sandy beaches, and delicious local cuisine. The tour spans the landscapes of northern and southern Albania.

This journey is designed for individuals who are keen to delve into Albania’s intriguing history, picturesque beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, and remarkable landmarks. The journey crosses all regions in Albania, with a brief diversion into Kosovo. We’ve selected some of the most distinctive sights in both Albania and Kosovo for your enjoyment. You’ll get a chance to witness the renowned hospitality and warmth of the Albanian people. Part of your journey will be spent at local guesthouses, where you’ll hear compelling traditional tales and experiences from the locals – a truly outstanding experience.

If you cancel at least 4 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.