Tirana Express Walking Tour - Essential of the Albanian Capital

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Tiranë

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Discover the essentials of Tirana, Albania’s capital, on a walking tour led by an experienced guide. Explore its history, architecture, culture, and everyday life while enjoying the local coffee culture and famous rakia.

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Skanderbeg Square - This is where the tour starts. Here the travelers will hear about the history of Tirana, and the history of the buildings around the square.
Et`hem Bey Mosque - This is the only remaining mosque from the 19 century in Tirana. Beautifully decorated it is a gem of architecture and art in the heart of Tirana.
- Fortress of Justinian - Built near the old Justinian fortress, one of the few archaeological remains still present in the heart of the Albanian capital, the Castle is owned by the Toptani family.
Toptani is one of the richest families in Albania and the Balkan area, originating from the beautiful city of Kruja.
This family moved to Tirana in the seventeenth century. Some members of the prestigious family, during the years of Ottoman rule, were ordered by the Empire to govern the then Ottoman territories in the Albanian land.
- Komiteti Bar - Tiranë - Café-Museum located inside one of the communist era apartments. Communist era artefacts like old radios, furniture, tools, kitchenware, silverware, cups and glasses are only some of the objects that can be seen. Here the travelers will have coffee, refreshments, or rakia the Albanian famous spirit.
- Enver Hoxha Pyramid - This iconic building was a museum dedicated to the Albanian communist leader(dictator). After the fall of the communist regime in Albania, the building was used as a discotheque, cultural center, radio station, and fair exhibition area.
Now, the pyramid has been reconstructed with a modern architecture and will be the largest technological center in the Balkans focusing on Information and digital technology.
- Deshmoret E Kombit Boulevard - This is the main boulevard in Tirana, build in 1930s. Along this boulevard the travelers will see the main government buildings and will learn about the modern history of Tirana and Albania.
- Sheshi Nënë Tereza - This is the second largest square in the center of Tirana. Here the travelers will get to see the Tirana University Building, Art University, Air Albania Arena, and other iconic and historical buildings.
- Blloku - Leafy, residential Blloku is an upscale nightlife and shopping hotspot, with hip bars and cafes, and trendy global restaurants alongside luxury boutiques. During the era of Communist rule, it was a closed-off precinct for the party elite, and the villa of long-ruling dictator Enver Hoxha still stands. The area is also home to the monumental Presidenca e Republikës, the office of the Albanian president.
- Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral - The Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana was inaugurated in 2012 and is one of the largest cathedrals in the Balkans. It is beautifully decorated with mosaics and paintings and has become one of the most visited attractions in Tirana.

What's Included

Local Professional Guide
Tea and coffee
All fees and taxes
Access to Et’hem Bey Mosque

What's Not Included

Food and beverages (Not mentioned above)
Tips

Additional Information

This is a tour with an experienced tourist guide, who is enthusiastic about Tirana, its history, architecture, culture and everyday life. The tour will give you insight into the essentials of the capital city of Albania. Moreover, you will experience a little of Tirana from different historical phases and also taste the Albanian coffee culture and the famous rakia.

We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
Under 18 years old must have a photo ID (Digital Copy Accepted).

Location

Skanderbeg Square

We will gather at the iconic Scanderbeg Square in the heart of Tirana to begin our unforgettable journey. Near the prominent statue of Skanderbeg, the national hero. Look for a staff member holding a "ALBANIAN ODYSSEY" white clipboard/flag. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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(5 Ratings)

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Erviss2024

Mar 11, 2024

Discovering Tirana - Excellent tour. With a group of international friends, I discovered Tirana from a unique angle, even being Albanian myself. The guide was incredibly knowledgable and gave us a fantastic day in Tirana. We learnt about history, art, culture and much more. My friends are well traveled and have high standards, and were very happy with this experience. Time and money well invested.