Fly from the UK to Mother Teresa International airport in Tirana where you will be met and transferred to your overnight hotel in Tirana.

Today, we will explore the capital of Albania, one of the most dynamic capitals of the Balkans, a joyful city that is a beautiful mix of both the  modern and the historical. The main historical places that are concentrated near Skënderbej square will be visited. including 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 energetic part of Tirana is the Ish-Blloku area, once the home of the communist elites, the neighbourhood is now full of cafes and clubs that will offer the opportunity to have a good time. We will taste traditional Albanian food, such as “fergese Tirane” or “tave kosi” – plus give you the opportunity (the first of many) to enjoy some Raki!
Overnight in Tirana.

We head to Durrës. and visit the key attractions of the city. The Amphitheatre of Durrës (one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans), The Venetian Tower and the Archaeological Museum. We’ll take a walk on the Volga promenade, where you can enjoy amazing, locally caught, seafood. Finally, we will visit a wine cellar where we will have the opportunity to taste local wines, take a tour of the vineyards and eat more traditional food.
Overnight back in Tirana.

We head to the city of Kruja. Kruja is characterised not only for its spectacular geography and impressive castle, but also for many traditions handed down from generation to generation. We’ll visit the International Museum of Skanderbeg, which gives you a great insight into Albanian history and the national hero, will be visited. A few steps further, the Ethnographic Museum shows how people lived in the mid-18th century.
One of the central features of Kruja is the old Ottoman-style bazaar. There you will find all kinds of souvenirs, from coffee mugs to hand-made rugs (old-style rugs). There is also a wide variety of antiques and handicrafts, and of course always the local cuisine! In the restaurants you can enjoy dishes unique to the area where we will also try the traditional dessert “kabuni” which is made with meat broth.

Afterwards, we head to Shkodra. Inside the city there are several historical places to visit from the ancient castle, museum, church, historical houses, cultural monuments and institutions. Below the Rozafa castle, is Lake Shkodra, the largest in the Balkans. Also here is Shiroka, where you can enjoy fresh fish and especially “tave krapi”, a traditional Shkodran dish. Old houses with courtyards full of flowers are characteristic of Shkodra. Typical dishes with indigenous aromas and oriental influences will accompany you throughout your stay here. There will be a visit to the castle of Rozafa, the entrance to the Marubi photography museum and during dinner a walk in the city’s promenade. A beautiful night follows with traditional dishes and Albanian music. Honestly – this is not to be missed!
Overnight in Shkoder.

We head to the city of Berat, aka “the city of a thousand windows”, which has been declared a museum city. Located in the shadow of mount Tomori, inside the walls of the castle, we will visit the residential houses and the “Onufri Museum”. The paintings and icons of the great Albanian painter are exhibited there. The old part of the city has several religious buildings such as churches and mosques. It is a 2400-year-old city and is a World Cultural Heritage (UNESCO) site. We will have the opportunity to taste wines and foods served with a traditional touch. You cannot leave without trying the olives of Berat!
Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast, we will head towards Permet, the City of Roses. It’s an ideal place for those looking for relaxation and who enjoy discovering places that are less well-known and somewhat ‘off the beaten track’. Permet fascinates everyone with its cuisine (some of its gastronomic products, such as Gliko, made from fruit, are protected by Slow Food Albania) and its picturesque location adjacent to the Vjosa River; with its magnificent colours, flowing slowly through the landscape. Here we have a National Park with the opportunity to do many outdoor activities such as jeep excursions, horseback excursions or even rafting along the Vjosa River. Getting bored in Permet is impossible!
Overnight in Permet.

Unfortunately, our adventure ends today!
You will transfer back to the airport for your flight back to the UK – with a heart full of memories and a burning desire to return!