5 Days Cultural Gems & Natural Wonders – A Tirana-Based Experience (Starting from 690 euro)

Morning / Arrival:

• Arrival in Tirana. Meet your guide at the airport or hotel (depending on arrival time) and receive an introduction to the day’s program.

• Drive to Durrës – Albania’s second-largest city, located just 40 minutes from Tirana on the Adriatic coast.

Durrës Sightseeing:

• City Walls: Explore the ancient fortifications built by Emperor Anastasius I in the 4th century A.D. These massive walls, originally 18 meters high, defended the city for centuries and were later reinforced by Emperor Justinian, who added observation towers.

• Roman Amphitheatre: Visit one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Imagine the grand spectacles that once took place here, seating up to 20,000 spectators.

• Walking Tour of Durrës: Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the city center and along the seaside promenade. The lively atmosphere, sea breeze, and coastal views make Durrës a delightful introduction to Albania.

Lunch in Durrës:

• Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Afternoon (Optional): Return to Tirana

• Visit BUNK’ART 1: Explore this fascinating museum set inside a five-story underground bunker built during the communist era. Exhibits showcase Albania’s 20th-century history, the rule of Enver Hoxha, and Cold War-era life.

Tirana City Tour:

• Continue with a guided walking tour of Tirana’s city center, visiting:

  • Skanderbeg Square – the city’s main landmark

  • National Historical Museum – the largest museum in Albania

  • Et’hem Bey Mosque – a symbol of Tirana’s heritage

  • Clock Tower, House of Opera, and surrounding government buildings

Evening:

• Overnight in Tirana. Relax and unwind at your hotel, or take an evening stroll through the city’s vibrant streets and cafés.

Morning:

• Tour Guide Pick-Up: Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for a scenic drive to Bovilla Lake, one of the most beautiful natural attractions near Tirana.

• Drive Overview: The 21-kilometer route includes partially off-road sections, offering a glimpse into the rural life surrounding Tirana and panoramic views of the city’s suburban landscape.

Hike to Gamti Mountain:

• Arrival at the Lake’s Dam: Upon reaching the Bovilla Dam, begin your guided hike to Gamti Mountain.

• Hike Overview: This relatively easy trail takes about 40 minutes to reach the top. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bovilla Lake’s turquoise waters and the rolling hills that surround it.

• Break at the Summit: Take a well-deserved rest at the top, relax in the cool shade of a nearby cave, and enjoy the stunning scenery — a perfect moment for photos or a light snack.

• Descent: After the break, follow the same path back down to the dam.

Afternoon:

• Return Drive to Tirana: Enjoy a relaxing journey back to the capital, taking in the mountain and countryside views along the way.

• Sightseeing in Tirana (optional): Depending on timing, you may continue with a short city tour or free exploration of Tirana’s main landmarks.

Evening:

• Free Time: Spend the evening at leisure — relax at a café, shop for souvenirs, or take a peaceful stroll through the city center.

• Overnight in Tirana: Return to your hotel and unwind, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Morning:

• Departure to Shkodra: After breakfast, depart for Shkodra, the cultural and historical heart of northern Albania. Nestled on a beautiful plain by Lake Shkodra — the largest lake in the Balkans — and framed by the Albanian Alps, the city offers breathtaking natural and architectural views.

Walking Tour of Shkodra:

• Gjuhadol District: Explore this renovated pedestrian zone, featuring Italian and Austrian architectural influences, reflecting Shkodra’s historical connections with Europe.

• Optional: Marubi Museum: Visit the museum dedicated to the legendary photographer Marubi, who captured the first photograph in the Balkans in 1856. His collection of 500,000 glass negatives provides an incredible window into the history of Shkodra and the region.

Visit Rozafa Castle:

• Explore Rozafa Castle, dating back to the Illyrian era. Enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of Shkodra, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding mountains, imagining the strategic importance this fortress held over centuries.

Optional Lunch at Mrizi i Zanave:

• Experience a traditional Albanian agritourism lunch between Shkodra and Lezha. Sample regional specialties such as local cheeses, pickles, organic olive oil, freshly baked bread, and the restaurant’s signature young goat meat, prepared in the traditional style.

Afternoon: Travel to Kruja

• Depart for Kruja, the historic center of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire, led by the national hero Skanderbeg.

Kruja Sightseeing:

• Skanderbeg Museum: Located within Kruja Castle, the museum highlights Albania’s heroic resistance against the Ottomans.

• Optional: Ethnographic Museum: Explore Albanian culture and daily life from the 18th century through original artifacts and exhibits.

• Bazar of Kruja: Stroll through the famous bazaar, filled with handmade crafts, souvenirs, and traditional products. Enjoy some free time for shopping and exploration.

Evening: Return to Tirana

• Travel back to Tirana after a full day of cultural and historical exploration.

Morning:

• Departure from Tirana: Begin the day with a scenic drive of approximately 2 hours to Berat, one of Albania’s most treasured historical cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is famous for its unique Ottoman-era architecture, whitewashed stone houses, and a hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Exploration in Berat:

• Berat Castle: Explore this living fortress, still inhabited today, providing a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s medieval past.

• Onufri Museum: Located within a church inside the castle, the museum displays Byzantine iconography by the renowned painter Onufri.

• Historic Neighborhoods: Wander through the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, connected by the Osum River, featuring charming cobblestone streets and traditional houses.

Optional Experiences:

• Wine or Raki Tasting: Sample local wines or raki at a nearby family-run winery or traditional guesthouse.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian meal at a local restaurant before heading back to Tirana.

Afternoon / Evening:

• Return to Tirana: Travel back to the capital in the late afternoon.

• Overnight in Tirana: Relax at your hotel or explore the city at your leisure.

Morning:

• Check-Out and Transfer: Depart from your hotel in Tirana and travel approximately 40 minutes to Durrës, one of Albania’s most popular seaside destinations. Known for its wide sandy beaches, vibrant promenade, and rich historical heritage, Durrës offers the perfect combination of relaxation and culture.

Afternoon:

• Hotel Check-In: Arrive at your beachfront hotel and spend the afternoon unwinding by the sea. Enjoy the sun, take a stroll along the scenic waterfront, or indulge in optional activities such as spa treatments or water sports including paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Evening:

• Seaside Dining: We recommend dining at one of the local seaside restaurants, savoring freshly caught seafood while watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

Overnight:

• Stay in Durrës or return to Tirana, depending on your travel plan and accommodation arrangements.