Albania 5 Days
From
Duration
Tour Type
Overview
Albania, situated in the Western Balkans on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is a small yet fascinating country renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. The capital city, Tirana, is a bustling metropolis where colorful buildings blend with Ottoman and Soviet-era architecture, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage.
Albania’s natural beauty is captivating, with rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and picturesque lakes dotting the landscape. The Albanian Riviera along the Ionian coast is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and secluded coves, while the Accursed Mountains in the north offer breathtaking hiking opportunities.
The country’s history is equally compelling, with ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman fortresses scattered throughout the countryside. Berat and Gjirokastër, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, boast well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and cobblestone streets.
Albanian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, featuring dishes like fërgesë (a baked dish with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese), tave kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and baklava for dessert.
Despite its tumultuous past, Albania is undergoing rapid development and modernization, making it an emerging destination for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm, welcoming people, Albania offers visitors an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Balkans.
Included/Exclude
- Transfer day 1 day 5 electric car/van
- 3 day tours, walking tourTirana, Kruja+Durrsi, Shkodra, Moutain dajti
- Guide/drive + gasoline + Van
- Hotel 4*Comfort or Albanopols very close to the center
- All that is not mention in rate includes
- Mandate Tips for guide
Tour Plan
- Day 1:
- Greeting at the airport in Tirana and transfer to your hotel
- Depending on the arrival time, it is possible to check in and make a walking tour.
- Continuation for a Walking Tour of the Capital: we will visit the Natural History Museum which displays artefacts from Ancient History, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the war of independence, the anti-fascist war of national liberation, the period of communist terror and Mother Teresa. We then continue towards Skanderbeg Square and towards the Et'hem Bey mosque, founded at the end of the 18th century, the Tower built in 1822, the Palace of Culture whose first brick was laid by former Soviet president Nikita Hrushov in 1959. Passage from the Tirana Pyramid, mausoleum of dictator Enver Hoxha, now rebuilt with a modern touch.
- After breakfast, departure at 08.00 for Kruja, an emblematic city of Albanian history and resistance.
- We will visit Kruja Castle, the ancient symbol of Albanian resistance, which remained undefeated by the invasions of the Ottoman Empire for 35 years of siege. We will also visit the Gjergi Kastrioti National Museum on the life of Skanderbeg and the Ethnic Museum housed inside the house that belonged to one of the richest families in the area, the Toptani. We will visit the 450 year old Old Bazaar which, at its peak, housed more than 150 traders. Today, antique and handcrafted objects are sold there. Lunch in restaurant
- After lunch, departure for Durazzo, in ancient times also called the "Tavern of the Adriatic", one of the first cities in Europe to have had a University, founded in 1380. Born as the University of Religious Studies, it was transferred to Zara in 1396 , in Croatia, due to Ottoman threats. We will visit the Byzantine Bazaar, and then continue towards the Roman Amphitheatre, where excavations for its complete recovery are still underway. Walk down the main street, with Italian architecture. Stop at the new Veliera installation where you can admire the recently restored Venetian Tower. Passage along the new Durres seafront full of bars, clubs, restaurants and a stop to admire the sunset.
- Departure for Tirana with hotel accommodation
- Historically also known as Scodra, it is located in a flat valley surrounded by high mountains, the Dinaric Alps, in a very particular environmental context.
- Scutari is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and has always been one of the most important cultural centers in Albania, in fact it is considered "The cradle of Albanian culture" or the cultural capital of Albania. The city presents different phases of construction, from the Illyrian period to the present day. The old city is made up of the different neighborhoods around the Rozafa Castle. Some houses are built by reusing the ruins of the Illyrian, Roman-Byzantine and Ottoman period walls. The Castle can be admired from below or the climb up is hard and impervious and only possible on foot.
- Possibility lunch at the Buna Park Hotel, where the river and nature with the castle landscape give an idyllic feeling.
- After lunch, short visit to the Mesi bridge, from the Ottoman era, which has 11 arches.
- We continue with a visit to the art museum-laboratory "Venice Art Mask Factory" which creates some masks for the Venice Carnival. We continue for a walk in the pedestrian area of the city with many typical souvenir and local craft shops. Return to Tirana (about 2 hours). Farewell dinner and overnight stay.
- After breakfast and depending on the flight time, there may be time available before the transfer; in case of flight in the afternoon after 3.00 pm you can continue with a visit to Bunk'Art 1, Enver Hoxha's underground bunker.
- It is a protective underground bunker of five levels and 3000 m2, the result of Enver Hoxha's fear of nuclear fallout. Optional
- Next, going up the Tirana cable car, you could reach the highest mountain in Tirana, Mount Dajti. Various activities can be carried out here, including: horseback riding, target shooting, tours with small cars, walks in the surrounding area, as well as the possibility of having lunch (freely) with a breathtaking panoramic view of Tirana.
- Price per person [Based on min. 6 pax’s traveling]
- Eur 365 - Double/Twin
- Eur 345 - Triple