Meet at your hotel in Tirana.
* Please note we can also arrange for BA flights from Heathrow to be included if required. However, with the array of Low Cost carriers from around the country also available to you we don’t include these flights as standard on the tour.

Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, is a city of colourful surprises and diverse experiences. Visit the Skanderbeg Square, the city’s heart, bustling with activity. Nearby, explore the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque, known for its beautiful frescoes and the newly reconstructed Pyramid.
We’ll visit Bunk’Art 2 which reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. Bunk’art 2 is the first major video museum exhibition dedicated to the victims of communist terror.
Also, the “House of leaves” Museum – a site dedicated to secret police surveillance. Located in the centre of Tirana, in front of the Orthodox Church: “The Resurrection of Christ” and near the National Bank, the building that temporarily housed the Gestapo during the occupation of Albania in WWII was the Central Directorate of the Secret Police. Finishing the day with a visit to the Museum of the Armed Forces.
The evening is yours to enjoy Tirana. Whilst there, check out the Radio Bar located in Blloku. A unique place in Tirana where you can try different Cocktails. If you are curious about ex-communist era, or maybe you want something different from the common bars and clubs, either way, this is the place to hang out! Overnight in Tirana.

Kruje, a historic hilltop town in Albania, enchants visitors with its iconic Kruje Castle, offering panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Explore the bustling Old Bazaar, immerse in the legacy of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, and savour local delicacies. Kruje is a perfect blend of history, culture, and breath taking vistas, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic Albanian experience. Attraction – Visit Skanderbeg Museum. The museum is a wonderful insight for visitors into the importance of one of Albania’s most celebrated national heroes. The site is a must for history buffs and anyone with an
interest in the nation’s fascinating past!
Upon returning to Tirana, we head to Bunk’Art 1 Inaugurated in June 1978 by Albania’s dictator at the time, this anti-nuclear bunker with 5 floors, 106 rooms, and an assembly room has been turned into a historical art centre. Bunk’Art is a unique attraction for tourists, showing the Albanian life during 45 years of communism.
Overnight Tirana.

After breakfast, we head to Gjirokastra. Explore the UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër Fortress, a well-preserved medieval stronghold offering panoramic views. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, characterized by Ottoman architecture and charming houses.
Whilst here, we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum, built on the site of the home of Enver Hoxha, communist dictator of Albania from 1944 to 1985 and is situated in the Palorto Quarter, which is the best-preserved district in the old town of Gjirokastra. The museum building was constructed in 1966 after the original house was destroyed by fire.
Also today we’ll visit Gjirokaster Castle and Cold War Tunnel – an underground bunker that served as an emergency shelter in the latter part of Albania’s communist era (1944-1990).
Overnight in Gjirokaster.

After breakfast we make our way to Vlore where Albanian independence was declared in 1912. On the way, we’ll visit the monastery in Zvernec. Known as St. Mary’s Monastery, or Monastery of Dormition of Theotokos Mary, this is a medieval Byzantine church on Zvërnec Island inside the Narta Lagoon northwest of Vlorë.
After lunch, we’ll do some Vlora Sightseeing. Discover the historic Independence Monument, symbolizing Albania’s freedom. Explore the picturesque Muradie Mosque and the flag square. Stroll along the scenic Lungomare, a vibrant promenade offering views of the sea.
During this time, we’ll visit the National Museum of Independence. As the building that hosted the operations of the very first Albanian government, the Museum of Independence in Vlorë is strategically positioned in a location that testifies to its significance, near the port, with a beautiful view of the sea.
Overnight in Vlore

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Durres, stopping at Apollonia on the way – home to the Archaeological  Museum and St. Mary church. Apollonia was an Ancient Greek trade colony that developed into an independent polis, and later a Roman city, in southern Illyria. It was located on the right bank of the Aoös/Vjosë river, approximately 10 km from the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Durres, Albania’s bustling coastal city, beckons with a wealth of attractions. Explore the Roman forum and baths and take in the historic charm of the Venetian Tower. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade, where you can relax on the sandy beach.
Overnight Durres.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Roman Amphitheatre in the centre of the city. Construction began under the emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD and it was destroyed twice by earthquakes in the 6th and 10th centuries. Once having a capacity for 20,000 people, it is the largest amphitheatre in the Balkan Peninsula.
Next it’s time for some amazing food! We’ll head for lunch at farm/agritourism Mrizi i Zanave. Visit the most unique community-based village farm in the area with its superb regional dishes. This is the “First Convinvum Slow food in Albania”.
Make sure you visit the Wine cellar and farm workshop before or after your meal too!
On to Shkodër, a captivating city in northern Albania which invites exploration with its picturesque Rozafa Castle, serene Lake Shkodër, and vibrant Pedestrian Street. Discover its rich history, enjoy a mix of cultural influences, and relish local cuisine. 
We’ll visit The “Site of Witness and Memory”. This is site of remembrance commemorates the victims of the communist regime in the city. Shkoder was probably the harshest affected major city under Communism – its story is worth hearing.
Overnight in Shkoder.

Some would say we’ve saved something special for the penultimate day – they would be right. Unsure as to whether a highlight on a Dark Tour should be called that or ‘the prime lowlight’, either way, Spac Prison adds up to its billing. 
Eerie and decidedly bleak, Spaç Prison was a political prison in Communist Albania in the village of Spaç. It is now listed as a second-category national monument. In 1973, several prisoners staged a rebellion where the non-communist flag was raised. To give you a sense of what you will see there, check out this video .
From here we return to Tirana for our last evening. To make it even more memorable, we’ll have dinner at the traditional Restaurant Oda. 
A dinner here would be incomplete without the famous homemade raki, Albania’s national drink but also the traditional folk music every night. Oda casts a light on oriental/ Albanian culinary influences present in Albanian cuisine and invites its visitors to discover perhaps the best traditional-style restaurant in Tirana. Small, but unforgettable, Oda has an authentic old
house location, with low tables that make dining on ottoman stools a unique experience. The menu is filled with typically Albanian recipes but also includes treats for vegetarians with dishes such as eggplant stuffed with onions and garlic and fried rice balls or oven-baked cottage cheese with pepperoni.
Overnight Tirana

After breakfast, unfortunately our tour comes to an end and you will make your way home filled, no doubt, with a wonder mix of memories, emotions and a desire to return.