Arrival and Meet the Guide:
Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at your accommodation, meet your local guide who will accompany you throughout the day.
Your guide will give you a brief overview of the tour and the fascinating history of Tirana and Albania.
Start your day with a traditional Albanian breakfast at the hotel, which typically includes fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and local coffee. It’s a great way to get a taste of the culture before you begin your exploration.
Main Boulevard & Skanderbeg Square: Begin your walking tour at the heart of the city. Skanderbeg Square is named after Albania's national hero, and it’s the perfect starting point for your adventure. The square is surrounded by iconic landmarks, including the National History Museum, the Opera House, and more.
The National Historical Museum: Visit this museum to dive into the rich history of Albania, with exhibits spanning from the prehistoric era to modern-day Albania. (Optional if you'd like to visit.)
Gallery of Arts: If you’re interested in art, take a stop at the National Gallery of Arts, home to works from the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting Albania’s cultural and political history.
Mosque & Bunker: Visit the historical Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the city. Then, head to a Soviet-era bunker, a relic of Albania’s communist past, which offers insight into the country’s tense history.
The Pyramid of Tirana: Explore the fascinating and controversial Pyramid of Tirana, which was originally built as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, the country’s communist dictator. Now, it stands as a symbol of Albania’s transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Mother Teresa Square & Blloku Area: Continue to Mother Teresa Square, where you’ll find beautiful green spaces and monuments dedicated to this famous Albanian humanitarian. From there, head to Blloku, once a restricted area for the communist elite, now a trendy and lively neighborhood full of cafes, shops, and vibrant street life.
National Park of Tirana: A short visit to the National Park of Tirana, a peaceful area perfect for a relaxing stroll or some quiet reflection.
Free Time in Tirana: After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the city at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, or relax in one of the many cafes.
After your time in Tirana, you will depart for Kruja, the historic town where Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, made his stand against the Ottomans. This drive will take approximately 1 hour.
Skanderbeg Castle & Museum: Upon arrival in Kruja, begin your walking tour of the old town. Visit Skanderbeg Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to the national hero, Skanderbeg. Learn about his role in Albania's resistance to the Ottoman Empire.
Kruja Bazaar: Explore the charming, traditional bazaar of Kruja, known for its handicrafts and handmade goods. You’ll find wooden carpets, handcrafted pots, and many other Albanian treasures, perfect for souvenirs.
Traditional Lunch in Kruja:
Enjoy a delicious traditional Albanian lunch in Kruja, featuring local dishes like fërgesë (a savory stew), grilled meats, or byrek (a flaky pastry filled with cheese or spinach).
After lunch, head to Shkodra, a city in the north of Albania. The drive will take approximately 2 hours.
Shkodra is a cultural hub and one of the most important cities in Albania’s history. It is often called the "city of poets" because of its rich artistic contributions.
Upon arrival in Shkodra, check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Traditional Dinner in Shkodra:
Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner at your hotel, where you can try local delicacies such as tava e krapit (a traditional fish dish) or qofte (meatballs) paired with a local wine from the Shkodra region.
Relax and rest after a full day of cultural exploration, ready for the adventures ahead on the following days of your trip.
