Classical Highlights of Albania in 7 days
Our Overview
Day 1. Tirana city tour. Overnight in Tirana. Half Day.
Meet and greet. Airport transfer. Tirana Walking Tour is for people who like to see the highlights of Tirana and get a better understanding of the history of one of the most interesting capitals of Europe. The tour will lead you to Skanderbeg square. Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, National Bank, Skanderbeg Monument, Pedestrian area, Castle of Tirana, The “BLLOKU” area. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 2. Kruja – Museums & Castle – Old Medieval Bazaar. Shkodra & Castle – City tour & Venetian Mask Factory. Overnight Shkodra. Full Day.
After breakfast drive to Kruja 1 hour. Kruja, hometown of National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg the Symbol of Ottoman Resistance also known as Protector of Civilization.
Visit: Fortress, National Hero Skanderbeg Museum & the Ethnographic Museum (both located inside the walls of the fortress). Stroll down the Unique Old Medieval Bazaar as one of the oldest in Albania, offering a vibrant atmosphere with traditional Albanian crafts, souvenirs, and local cuisine. Having such a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty, Krujë is simply a must-visit place. A 1.30 hrs drive to Shkodra, northwest of Albania. Go on an in-depth exploration of Shkoder on this full-day tour starting with its prehistoric Rozafa Castle as one of the oldest castles in Albania, built by the Illyrian civilization in the 4th century B. C. Continue downhill to Shkoder, to visit: The Catholic cathedral, the main Mosque, a major pedestrian boulevard, and more…. Continuing with the Venetian Mask Factory that contains the most diverse and exquisite collection of Venetian masks. The display of styles and colors is enough to immediately transport you to the atmosphere of the Venice Carnevale. The sheer originality and quality of these works, in addition to the fact that each mask is treated as a unique work of art, has contributed to this factory’s increase in worldwide popularity. Overnight in Shkodra.
Day 3. Durres – Roman Amphitheatre & Venetian Tower. Berat UNESCO & Castle – Onufri Museum. Overnight in Berat. Full day.
After breakfast, drive to Durres 2 hrs as one of the one of the biggest city ports in Albania visiting: Venetian Tower, The Regional largest Roman Amphitheater, The Promenade by the Adriatic Sea. Drive to Berat 1.15 hrs and visit: Berat UNESCO known as “The city of One above the other Widows” that continues to be a significant city even today, boasting a remarkable history of over two millennia. Despite the passage of time, life has remained persistent here, and the Castle or “Kalaja” is the oldest district of the city. As a must following with Onufri Iconographic Museum inside the walls of the castle. The Museum holds 200 artwork objects, icons and liturgical items dated from the 14th century to the 20th, brought together from several churches and monasteries of the region. Overnight in Berat.
DAY 4. Apollonia Archaeological Park – Zvernec Island & Monastery – Vlora City tour. Overnight in Vlora. Full Day.
After breakfast, 1 hrs drive to Apollonia, once a resort town where wealthy Romans vacationed, is now a symbol of Albania’s rich cultural heritage. The ancient ruins of Apollonia in southwest Albania provide a fascinating window into the past. This once-prominent ancient city-state allows you to discover Albania’s role in the classical world and immerse yourself in rich history. The fascinating landscape of the archeological park, which has been preserved in an exceptionally intact condition, comprises a successful combination between the beauty of monuments and nature, attractive through its long history, in an atmosphere of relaxation and meditation. Drive to Zvernec Island 30 mins, located within the Narta Lagoon and home to an ancient Byzantine Monastery, situated on an island, the monastery is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and a peaceful place to escape from the crowded beaches of the town. Continuing with Vlora city tour with: Independence Monument as the centerpiece of Vlore’s Square of the Flag, the Independence Monument marks Albania’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 and exemplifies the socialist-realist style. Overnight in Vlora.
Day 5. Gjirokastra Old Bazaar – Castle. Overnight in Gjirokastra.
Drive to Gjirokastra (UNESCO) called City of STONE, hometown of ex-dictator and the famous Internationally known writer Ismail KADARE. Visit: Castle of Gjirokastra as the Largest in ALBANIA one of the oldest in the Balkans! Bazaar Pass, filled with crafty artisans. In the city, you will also find the imposing Gjirokasër Castle, a construction of the first half of the 14th century. Indeed, due to the stone roofs on the hundreds of houses built on the slopes of multiple hills, the town magically retains the appearance of being coated in silver. Other must-see sites of the town include the old ottoman Bazaar, several beautiful Byzantine churches as well as Ottoman mosques. Overnight in Gjirokastra.
DAY 6. Tirana city tour & Bunk Art 2 – House of Leaves. Overnight in Tirana. Full Day.
After breakfast, drive to capital city Tirana approx. 3.15 hrs. Tirana city Tour is for people who like to see the highlights of Tirana and get a better understanding of the history of one of the most interesting capitals of Europe. The tour will lead you to Skanderbeg square. Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, National Bank, Skanderbeg Monument, Pedestrian area, Castle of Tirana, The “BLLOKU” area
Our next destination will be Bunk Art, one of Tirana’s most intriguing museums. Step inside this immersive video exhibition, dedicated to unraveling the history of the Albanian communist army and offering poignant glimpses into the daily lives of citizens during that era. House of Leaves, In January 2015, the idea to transform the house into a museum was introduced to the public. It is situated right in the heart of the city. Is one of the most unusual museums in Albania. It is considered to be the equivalent of the Stasi headquarters of the former East Germany.
The leaves have a double meaning: things hidden in woods, but also the leave of books and files, on people. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 7. Airport transfer.