A day to enjoy Albania’s vibrant capital city.
We will visit Tirana’s historical places that are concentrated near Skënderbej square; 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 area of Blloku, once the home of the communist elite, now a crowded neighbourhood with cafes and clubs that will offer you the opportunity to enjoy coffee , drinks, dinner and good music.

Departure from Tirana to Ardenica Monastery near Lushnja. One of the masterpieces of Byzantine Orthodox architecture and one of the largest monasteries in the country dating back to the 13th century. Then we continue towards Vlora, which has been called the “Flag City”, considered the pearl of Albanian tourism. Vlora is the third largest city in the country and one of the most beautiful to visit. It is surrounded by some of the largest beaches in Albania, ancient monasteries, castles and archaeological parks that are unforgettable. You will visit the Muradie Mosque, the old Historical Centre and the Lungomare Centre with its stunning views out over the Ionian sea. There are many restaurants where you will be able to try the wonderful dishes of sea cuisine but also enjoy the spectacular views over the coast.
Overnight in Vlora.

Today we head Saranda. Along the way, there will be stops at several points such as Llogara National Park, Himarë and Porto Palermo before arriving in Saranda; a city with more than 2000 years of history and rich in cultural and archaeological heritage, both Albanian and European. Then we will organize an excursion to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage National Park and easily the most romantic and beautiful of Albania’s ancient sites. With a picturesque lagoon and mountains surrounding Butrint National Park, the view is absolutely stunning.

Butrint is a microcosm of Mediterranean history and what you see today is an amalgam of monuments representing a span of over two thousand years of history. Then we will visit Lëkuresi Castle located on the top of the hill and overlooking Saranda. The views from there are amazing and it is one of the most high points (literally and figuratively!) of your time here. In the evening, take a walk along the promenade where you can choose from locally caught seafood or a varied selection of regional or international dishes.
Overnight in Saranda.

We head to Gjirokastra, the stone city which is one of the unforgettable destinations for those visiting Albania, a real jewel where spectacular noble houses alternate with pleasant traditional buildings. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of its colourful bazaar until you reach the top of the Castle from where you can admire a breathtaking view over the roofs of the historic centre and the surrounding mountains. The city, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008, is known as the birthplace of two of the most famous contemporary Albanian men: the dictator Enver Hoxha, whose birthplace has been turned into an ethnographic museum, and the writer Ismail Kadare, who set his famous novel “Stone City” in Gjirokastër. From the town’s 13th-century castle to its slate-roofed houses, the effect and feel you’ll experience is magical.  We will take a walk on the stone promenade which offers a special spot for photos and also an opportunity to sample some of the traditional local dishes.
Overnight in Gjirokaster.

We head to Shkodra today. The city has several historic places to visit including the ancient castle, museums, churches and historical houses. Below Rozafa Castle, Shkodra Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans with its beautiful lakeside village of Shiroka where you can enjoy fresh fish and especially “tave krapi” – a traditional Shkodra dish. You’ll see old houses with courtyards full of flowers which are characteristic of Shkodra. Typical dishes with indigenous aromas and oriental influences will accompany you throughout your stay here. We’ll visit the Marubi photography museum and, in the evening, take a tour of the city’s pedestrian area where you can enjoy coffee, dinner, drinks and music!
Overnight in Shkodra.

Today we are off to Kruja, the ancient capital of Albania and birthplace of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Spectacularly located with a high vantage point over the surrounding area, Kruja is home to Skenderbeg’s castle, a museum in his honour and a wonderful Ottoman-style bazaar where you’ll be able to pick up any number of gifts to take home – from rugs to coffee mugs! The Ethnographic Museum showing how people lived here in the middle of the 18th century is a fascinating insight into Albanian history. Of course, there is always the local cuisine and, in the restaurants, you can enjoy dishes of the region.

Then we transfer to Mother Teresa International airport for your return flight back to the UK with a stack of memories to share with your friends at home about the wonders of Albania!