Begin your Albanian adventure in Tirana, the capital city. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, and check out the National History Museum to learn about Albania's past. Explore the Ethem Bey Mosque and Tirana Castle, both of which offer great views of the city. End the day at the Bunk'Art Museum, a former nuclear bunker turned art museum.
Take a day trip to Kruje, a historic town known for its bazaar and Kruje Castle. After lunch, head to Durres, a port city with beautiful beaches and ancient ruins, including the Amphitheatre of Durres and Durres Castle.
Drive to the hilltop town of Berat, also known as the "City of a Thousand Windows". Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat Castle, which has been inhabited since the 4th century BC. Explore the Mangalem Quarter, known for its picturesque Ottoman-style houses.
Visit the ancient Greek city of Apollonia, founded in the 6th century BC. Admire the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the Odeon, a small Roman theatre. After lunch, head to the seaside town of Vlore, where you can enjoy the beach and visit the Muradie Mosque.
Take a scenic drive through the Llogara Pass, a mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Albanian Riviera. Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants along the way before arriving in Himara, a beach town with clear waters and interesting history. Visit the ruins of Porto Palermo Castle, built by Ali Pasha in the early 19th century.
Explore the Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes ancient ruins and beautiful nature. Visit the Butrint Amphitheatre, built in the 3rd century BC, and the Castle of Butrint. After lunch, head to Saranda, a coastal town known for its scenic views and beautiful beaches. End the day with a walk along the seaside promenade.
Visit the Blue Eye, a natural spring with stunning blue-green water. After a quick swim, head to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Gjirokastra Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to Albania's communist past. Explore the town's cobblestone streets and traditional Ottoman-style architecture.
Wrap up your trip with a morning visit to any spots in Tirana you might have missed. Take a stroll through Grand Park of Tirana, an urban park with beautiful landscaping and kid-friendly spots, then grab a coffee in one of the city's many trendy cafes. Catch your flight home.
Travelling around Albania can be done through renting a car or hiring a private driver. Both options come with a reasonable price and provide the flexibility to explore remote destinations. Taxis are also readily available and offer affordable fares. Public transport is also an option though limited services and multilingual signage can be a hindrance to effective use.
The estimated total cost of transportation for this itinerary is approximately 40000 Lek (approx. £245) for renting a car for eight days.
If you have less time, consider spending more time exploring Tirana and the towns along the coast, as these offer the most popular attractions. If you have more time, visit other towns in the country like Shkoder and Pogradec which also offer several interesting sites.
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is the primary airport for Albania, located 17 km northwest of Tirana's city center. You can fly directly to TIA from several European destinations.