Best of Albania – 6 days Multidays tour of Nature and Culture

On the first day of the tour, we will introduce the capital city and also the largest and most vibrant city in Albania, Tirana. A walking tour around Tirana will give you a better idea of the country’s history and development.

As the main attraction in Tirana Bunkart cannot be left aside. A video museum exhibition situated inside the atomic bunker of the dictator Enver Hoxha, on the outskirts of Tirana.  BUNK’ART 1 is dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime

The first stop will be, the Traditional Bazaar of Kruja. It resembles an old carnival where friendly locals invite you to have a look in their handicrafts. It is a vibrant mosaic of traditional motives, colors and warm hospitality. We will be welcomed in a local family Bar for a short break where we will have the chance to see how the locals had made their life in years.

Leaving Tirana behind to visit the historical city of Kruja, just 1 hour drive from the capital. We will make our way uphill, toward the Castle of Kruja. It is the Stronghold Symbol of the Albanian Resistance during the Ottoman Invasion. The 25 years war was successfully lead by the Albanian National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu. The same castle has been the center of the first Albanian state, “Principata e Arberit”, since the XII Century.
In our tour to the castle, we will be able to visit some of the Bektashi Tekke, Turkish Hamman, and the Museum of Scanderbeg. Dedicated to the glorious figure of Skanderbeg, this museum sends us back in history and through historic dates and facts, we will try to understand the importance of his figure. Build in the Albanian Communist Days this museum is also influenced and indoctrinated by the dictated style of the Communist Party.

Overnight in Tirana near the city center in order to give you the opportunity to have a taste of Tirana nightlife on your own.

After we leave Tirana, we will head toward the North of Albania with the Castle of Rozafa as the first stop. Build over the top of a hill, overlooking position over the City, the Castle has played a crucial role in Albanian History dating from the Antiquity and the Iliryan – Roman Wars. Its building history is also connected with one of the most fascinating legends of Albanian Epos. 

 The tour heads then to Theth National park with glamorous mountain terrain covered in green and decorated with waterfalls and natural springs, where we will have a short hike to explore the untouched nature of Theth. After driving on a windy road we will reach Theth where we will be welcomed by a local family in their guesthouse. 

Overnight in Theth

Be ready for leaving Theth at 09:00 and driving toward Durres. A city on the beach where we can enjoy some lovely seafood or have a swim if warm enough or brave enough. A lovely walk aside the sea on the main promenade and a visit to the ancient roman amphitheater.

We will leave Durres behind to head toward another city with great importance for Albanian History, Culture and Heritage. Being part of UNESCO World Heritage, Berat is known as a typical Ottoman Style City with a local blend of styles in architecture, With more than 20 centuries of history, it is a mosaic city of different cultures and influences.
City Tour of Berat into its 3 typical neighborhoods “Kala”, “Mangalem” and “Gorica”.
Visit at the Orthodox Monastery, “Dormitory of Saint Mary” and “Onufri” museum of Iconography.
Overnight in Berat.

OPTIONAL: Wine Tasting in a Local Winery in Berat for 20 euros / person

Drive along the amazing Albanian Riviera. Some free time along the coast of the Riviera and visits in typical villages and local restaurants to get introduced better to the local culture and heritage.

Part of the UNESCO heritage, Butrint is also the most important Archeologic site in Albania. The ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus inhabited since prehistoric times. Visit in Butrint and the pretty Island of Ksamil.

After experiencing the golden Antiquity, we will go deeper into the Medieval times in stone, a mystic city like Gjirokastra. As Ismail Kadare (Albanian Writer) describes it, it is not a city like the rest. Under the solid, grey stone tiles and stones swarm the soft and vital flesh of life. City Tour of Gjirokastra along the typical cobblestone paths connecting the typical fortress-style houses. Overnight in the City.

We leave the city to drive deeper into the East and explore more. A short stop at Permet by the Vjosa River. Vjosa is still one of the very few wild rivers in Europe. On the other hand, Permet is the center of Albanian Slow Food and local gastronomy. The afternoon Station will be in the city of Korca. Highly known for its Culture, where the first Albanian Schooled bloomed in 1887.  Short walking tour of Korca. 

To end up the day, we will be heading to Pogradec for the night. 

Day Tour of Pogradec & Ohrid Lake to enjoy and relax in one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. Known also as the “Favorite Holidays Place” of many kings and politicians, Pogradec has been the favorite holiday place of Enver Hoxha, the former Albanian Communist Leader. It is also where Constantine’s parents (Emperor of Byzant) spend most of the holidays.

In addition, the next destination will be the park of Drilon. Situated less than 5 Km from Pogradec this park has been the poetic muse of many poets and artists. The magnetic and relaxing atmosphere created by the shallow waters, swamps, and Willow trees make this place very romantic. It is not surprising seeing just married couples shooting their wedding albums there.

Return in Tirana in the Afternoon.