3 Days Long Weekend Tour Highlights of Albania

Morning: Gjirokastra Walking Tour

• Breakfast: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide.

• Walking Tour in Gjirokastra:

  • Begin your tour with a walk through the Gjirokastra Bazaar. Wander through the cobblestone streets and explore this UNESCO World Heritage town, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
  • Gjirokastra Castle: Visit the Gjirokastra Castle, perched above the town, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley. The castle houses a weapons museum, where you can explore historical artifacts from the period.
  • Skenduli House: Next, visit the Skenduli House, a beautifully restored Ottoman-era house dating back to the 1700s, and partially rebuilt in 1827. You’ll likely be given a tour by a member of the Skenduli family, who have preserved the home for generations. The house has many fascinating features, including a wedding ceremony room with 15 windows, some of which are stained glass.
  • Free time: After the walking tour, enjoy free time to explore Gjirokastra's Old Town, where you can shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the charming cafés.

Midday: Departure to Saranda

• Lunch: After your free time, head to a local restaurant for lunch in Gjirokastra or on your way to Saranda.

• Drive to Saranda:

  • Saranda is located on the Ionian Sea, across from Corfu Island. On your way, enjoy the picturesque Albanian Riviera, known for its rugged coastlines, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Your guide will share stories and insights along the way.

Afternoon: Butrint National Park

• Arrival in Saranda: Upon arriving in Saranda, you’ll head to one of Albania’s most famous archaeological sites—Butrint National Park.

• Butrint Archaeological Site:

  • Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient city that dates back to Greek times and later became a Roman colony. It was a significant settlement during the Roman and Byzantine periods before being abandoned due to earthquakes in the Middle Ages.
  • The site includes ruins of an ancient Greek theatre, baths, a basilica, and a Roman city wall, all set amidst a stunning natural environment.
  • Spend time exploring this fascinating site, where you’ll learn about the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

• Free time in Saranda: After visiting Butrint, enjoy free time in Saranda, where you can relax by the beach, stroll along the seaside promenade, or visit local shops. Saranda is also known for its vibrant nightlife, so it’s an excellent place to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Late Afternoon: Departure to Vlora

• Drive to Vlora:

  • After your time in Saranda, embark on your drive along the beautiful Albanian Riviera towards Vlora. The coastal road offers breathtaking views, and you'll make several stops to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

• Stop at Porto Palermo Castle:

  • On the way, make a short stop at Porto Palermo Castle, one of the most iconic and picturesque spots along the Albanian Riviera.
  • Built in 1814 at the request of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the castle sits atop an island and is connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made strip of land. Its triangular shape and three corner bastions make it a unique sight.
  • The castle, overlooking a stunning beach, is in excellent condition and offers great views of the Ionian Sea.

Evening: Arrival in Vlora

• Arrival in Vlora:

  • Continue your journey to Vlora, a coastal city known for its historical significance and as the site of Albania's Declaration of Independence in 1912.

• Hotel Check-in: Once you arrive in Vlora, check into your hotel for the night and relax after a full day of exploration.

• Overnight in Vlora:

  • Enjoy the evening at leisure, either by relaxing at the hotel or exploring the town’s vibrant promenade and waterfront.

Morning: Departure from Vlora to Berat

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”

• Drive to Berat:

  • Set off for Berat, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns. The journey to Berat offers beautiful views, and your guide will share interesting facts about the history and significance of this area.

Late Morning: Berat Sightseeing

• Arrival in Berat:

  • Upon arrival, start your sightseeing tour in the Old Town and Berat Castle.
  • Berat Castle:
    • Berat’s history dates back to the 6th-5th century BC, originally starting as an Illyrian settlement and later becoming a significant castle city known as Antipatrea. The castle itself is a remarkable place, with a history spanning thousands of years.
    • Visit the Church of St. Mary, which was built in 1797 and situated at the highest point of the castle. This church, originally a cathedral, was built under Ottoman rule when Christians were allowed to practice their faith, though not in highly visible structures.
    • Inside the castle, explore the churches with frescoes and icons, as well as the calligraphy school that adds to Berat's rich cultural and religious history.
    • Wander through the three main neighborhoods of Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala—all nestled within the castle walls, where people still live today.

• Traditional Lunch:

  • Enjoy a delicious traditional Albanian lunch in the old town of Berat, allowing you to taste local flavors in a charming setting.

• Free Time:

  • After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore Berat further at your own pace or take a stroll around the charming old town.

Afternoon: Departure to Tirana

• Departure for Tirana:
  • After enjoying your time in Berat, depart for Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, and upon arrival in Tirana, you’ll begin your walking tour of the city.

Evening: Walking Tour of Tirana

• Arrival in Tirana:

  • Begin your walking tour of Tirana, the dynamic and cultural heart of Albania. The city is known for its eclectic mix of history, communist-era structures, and modernity.

• Skenderbeu Square:

  • Start your tour at Skenderbeu Square, the main public square in Tirana, which is named after the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti (Skanderbeg).

• National Museum:

  • Visit the National History Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts that showcase Albania’s history, from its prehistoric roots to the communist era.

• Palace of Culture:

  • Head to the Palace of Culture, an iconic building in the city center that is home to the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, as well as other cultural institutions.

• Gallery of Arts:

  • If time permits, you can explore the Gallery of Arts, which showcases works by Albanian artists from various periods.

• Bunkart:

  • Visit Bunkart, a museum located in a former underground bunker built by the communist regime to shelter from potential NATO attacks. The site now serves as a museum dedicated to the communist past of Albania.

• The Pyramid:

  • The Pyramid of Tirana, once a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, is an intriguing and unusual building that is now a point of interest for visitors.

• Government Area & Blloku:

  • Walk through the Government Area, where you'll find key government buildings and offices. Then explore the Blloku area, which was once off-limits to the public during communist rule and is now a trendy part of the city, filled with cafes, shops, and vibrant nightlife.

• Mother Teresa Square:

  • Visit Mother Teresa Square, a place dedicated to Albania's beloved humanitarian, Mother Teresa.

• House of Enver Hoxha:

  • Learn about Enver Hoxha, the leader of communist Albania, by visiting his former residence, now a museum.

Evening: End of the Tour

• Rest of the Day at Leisure:

  • After the walking tour, you’ll have some free time to relax or continue exploring Tirana on your own.

• End of Services:

  • This is the end of your tour. We hope you enjoyed the journey through Albania’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Your guide and driver will assist you with any final arrangements, and if needed, your transfer to the airport can be arranged.

• Thank You for Joining Us:

  • Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable adventure through Albania. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back again soon!