Albania Cultural Tour

This morning, you will be arriving to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
In the afternoon, you will the chance to explore Skanderbeg Square, the central square named after the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. You will be visiting the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower.
In the evening, you will enjoy a dinner in the Blloku district, known for its vibrant nightlife and history as a former exclusive area for communist party members.

This morning, you will be driving to Krujë, a historic town known for its medieval castle and bazaar.
You will have the chance to visit the Skanderbeg Museum within the castle, showcasing artifacts related to the national hero. Don't miss out on the old bazaar for traditional Albanian crafts and souvenirs.
In the evening, you will be returning to Tirana for the night.

Today, you will be driving to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters and visit Berat Castle and Onufri Museum.
The Berat fortress is located in the town of Berat in southern Albania. Berat is one of the country's oldest and best-preserved cities.
It has a rich and fascinating history dating back to antiquity. It was built in the 4th century BC by the Illyrians, then extended and strengthened by the Byzantines, Bulgarians and Ottomans over the centuries. The fortress has witnessed many periods of Albanian history.
It is built of stone and surrounded by massive ramparts. Inside the fortress, you'll find a labyrinth of cobbled streets, stone houses, mosques, churches and historic buildings.
The Berat fortress is home to several historic churches, including the Church of the Holy Trinity (Kisha e Shen Triadhes) and the Church of St. Michael (Kisha e Shën Mhillit). These churches date back to Byzantine times and offer a glimpse of the religious architecture of the period.
Here are a few places to visit in Berat:
The old town of Berat (Mangalem and Gorica): This old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its well-preserved white stone houses, cobbled streets and medieval atmosphere. You can lose yourself in the narrow streets and admire the traditional architecture.
Ethnographic Museum: housed in an old Ottoman house, this museum gives you an insight into Albanian culture and daily life through the centuries.
Onufri Museum : This museum houses a collection of superb medieval icons painted by the famous artist Onufri and other local artists.
Gorica Bridge: This stone bridge over the Osumi River is a symbol of the city, offering superb views of the picturesque riverbanks.
Berat market: The local market is a great place to sample Albanian cuisine, buy fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs.
The old town district of Gorica: This picturesque district of Berat is located across the Osumi River from the old town of Mangalem. It offers another charming perspective of the city.

Today, you will hit t road towards Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit Gjirokastër Castle, which houses the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival as well as the Old Bazaar and the Ethnographic Museum.
Gjirokastra, nicknamed "The Stone City", has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. This town is full of typical neighborhoods and shady terraces, but above all it’s home to the Ethnographic Museum and its fortress, which bear witness to a large part of Albania's history. It is also the birthplace of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha.

We will start in the center of the old town, Cerciz Topulli square, and head for the old bazaar, the region's commercial hub. Immerse yourself in everyday Gjirokastër life as you Gjirokastra, nicknamed "The Stone City", has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. This town is full of typical neighborhoods and shady terraces, but above all it’s home to the Ethnographic Museum and its fortress, which bear witness to a large part of Albania's history. It is also the birthplace of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha.
Today, with the help of our guide, you'll discover the city center and its hundreds of Ottoman-style buildings.
We will start in the center of the old town, Cerciz Topulli square, and head for the old bazaar, the region's commercial hub. Immerse yourself in everyday Gjirokastër life as you explore the local market, sample local culinary specialties and meet friendly locals.
You'll explore the characteristic cobblestone, traditional stone houses with carved wooden windows.
Next, you'll pass some old houses that are first-class monuments and a tekke that belongs to the Bektashi order.
It's a beautiful combination of nature, hilltop sheep and old houses to arrive at your final destination, the "Ali Pasha Bridge". The Ali Pasha Bridge is an architectural marvel known for its distinctive design and historical significance.
You will have the opportunity to explore the local market, sample local culinary specialties and meet friendly locals. You will also visit the characteristic cobblestone, traditional stone houses with carved wooden windows.
Afterwards, you'll pass some old houses that are first-class monuments and a tekke that belongs to the Bektashi order.
It's a beautiful combination of nature, hilltop sheep and old houses to arrive at the "Ali Pasha Bridge".

Evening: Enjoy the atmosphere of the historic Old Town and have dinner in a traditional Albanian restaurant.

This morning, you will be heading to Butrint, an ancient city with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Explore the archaeological site of Butrint, including the amphitheater, Venetian fortress, and the Lion Gate.

Next, drive to Sarandë, a charming coastal town with beautiful crystalline beaches.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient synagogue, the Lëkurësi Castle for panoramic views, and the nearby Monastery of the 40 Saints.
Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing evening on the waterfront and enjoy seafood in one of the local restaurants.

Today, head north along the Albanian Riviera, and you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the coastline. The road is winding but offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
As you continue north, you'll reach Himara, another coastal town with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Himara is also known for its historical sites, including the Old Town.
The highlight of the journey is the Llogara Pass, a mountain pass with an altitude of around 1,027 meters. The views from the pass are breathtaking, offering panoramic scenes of the Albanian Riviera and the Ionian Sea.

Take some time to stop at the Llogara Pass viewpoint. There's a parking area where you can pull over and appreciate the stunning landscape. On clear days, you may even see the island of Corfu in the distance.

This morning, visit the ancient city of Apollonia, known for its archaeological ruins and the Monastery of St. Mary.
In the afternoon, continue to Berat, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows."

National Park of Butrint
Let yourself be transported into the echoes of the past with a day of discovery at the heart of the archaeological site of Butrint in Albania. This historic sanctuary tells the story of a civilization that spanned millennia, from ancient Greece to the Ottoman Empire.
Your journey back in time begins at Butrint's Roman Theater, an architectural marvel that can accommodate up to 2,500 history-loving souls. Standing in this amphitheater, feel the ovation of the spectators of yesteryear, against the backdrop of age-defying remains. Continue on to the Baptistery, where the sacred ground reveals a beautifully preserved Byzantine baptistery, a testament to the religious art and fervor that once permeated these grounds.
In the heart of the Agora, imagine the buzz of ancient public life among the colonnades and buildings that line the ancient marketplace, a nerve center of the ancient city of Butrint.
Breathe in the warm, humid atmosphere of the Roman Baths, ingeniously designed constructions where the ancient world cared for its body and mind.
In the Butrint Museum, take time to admire the archaeological finds - delicate ceramics, expressive sculptures and a wealth of artifacts that shed light on Butrint's forgotten chapters. Surround yourself with the sturdy Fortification Walls, structures built by the Byzantines and Venetians that tell the story of centuries of defense and protection.

Afterwards, explore the Mangalem Quarter, visit the Onufri Museum, and enjoy a dinner in a traditional house converted into a restaurant.

This morning is departure day. Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore more of Berat or revisit your favorite spots.
We hope you enjoyed this trip!
We look forward to seeing you again in Albania.