Tirana City Break
Overview
Discover the Best of Tirana for a Weekend
If you’re looking for the ideal way to experience Albania, exploring Tirana for a weekend offers the perfect introduction to this vibrant and captivating country. Whether you’re planning a short escape or adding Tirana as a starting or finishing touch to a broader Albanian adventure, this weekend break promises to deliver an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and local charm.
Nestled in the heart of Albania, Tirana is a city brimming with energy and colour. Spend a weekend in Tirana discovering its lively streets, rich history, and modern vibrancy. Stroll through Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central hub, where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum. Wander through the Blloku district, a bustling area once reserved for Communist elites, now a hotspot for trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Beyond Tirana, your weekend journey expands to include the historical treasures of Kruja and the coastal charm of Durres. Kruja, known as the “City of Skanderbeg,” offers a chance to explore the Ottoman-era bazaar and the castle that played a pivotal role in Albania’s history. In Durres, the country’s oldest city, immerse yourself in ancient Roman history at the amphitheatre and enjoy the relaxed vibe of its beachfront promenade.
Tirana for a weekend is about more than just ticking off sights—it’s about experiencing Albania’s warm hospitality and dynamic culture. Whether you’re savouring traditional byrek at a local eatery, sipping freshly brewed coffee in a bustling square, or exploring Tirana’s colourful streets, every moment is filled with authentic charm.
This short yet comprehensive trip allows you to see the best of Tirana and its surroundings, giving you a taste of what makes Albania so unique. Choose Tirana for a weekend and start your journey into the heart of this remarkable country!
Highlights
- Skenderbeg Square
- The Pyramid
- Et’hem Bey Mosque
- Bunk’art
- Kruja Bazaar
- Skenderbeg Museum
- Durres Amphitheatre
- Blloku
Itinerary
Fly from the UK to Mother Teresa International airport where you will be met and transferred to your overnight hotel in Tirana.
A day spent exploring Albania’s capital city. Its size make Tirana a perfect city to explore on foot . The main places of interest are concentrated near Skënderbej square and include the Et’hem Bey Mosque of the 18th century, the Tirana Clock Tower, the National Historical Museum, the Bunk’art tunnel of the Ministry of the Intern Affairs during the dictatorship and the recently redeveloped Pyramid. The most energetic part of Tirana is the area of Blloku, once the home of communist elites, the neighbourhood is now full of cafes and clubs that will offer the opportunity to enjoy coffee, drinks, dinner and good music. There’s plenty more to see and do here – just check out our main Tirana City Breaks page here for ideas
Overnight in Tirana.
We head to the city of Kruja. Kruja is characterized not only for its special geography, impressive castle, but also for many traditions handed down from generation to generation. The International Museum of Skanderbeg will be visited, which contains historical facts. A few steps further, the Ethnographic Museum shows how people lived in the middle of the 18th century. One of the central features of Kruja is the old Ottoman-style bazaar. There is also possible to find all kinds of souvenirs, from coffee mugs to hand-woven rugs (old-style rugs). There is also a variety of antiques and handicrafts, and of course always the local cuisine, in the restaurants you can enjoy the most special dishes of the area.
Back to Tirana for dinner and your overnight. Hint – now’s a good time to check out the Pazar i Ri area and find some great local cuisine!!
After breakfast, we head to the city of Durres. Epidamn-Dyrrah, one of the oldest cities in Albania but also one of the most touristic cities in the country. Durrës has a rich, 3000-year-old history. A city very rich in historical, cultural and natural resources. The strategic location of the city’s harbor was recognized by the early Greeks, Romans and Venetian explorers throughout antiquity. The Amphitheater of Durrës will be visited, which is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans. The Venetian Tower, the Archaeological Museum will also be visited. Walks in the Volga seaside promenade, where we can enjoy seafood and have a great time. Overnight in Tirana. Why not grab dinner at the lovely Taivani complex in the centre? Great Pizzas on offer here!!
Transfer to Mother Teresa International Airport for your return flight home – ready to plan your next trip to this amazing country!
Included
- Return flights to Tirana from the UK
- BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnight, in 3 stars hotels
- Private transport provided by the company
- Professional tour leader
- Admission to sites where applicable
- Tourist taxes