On your first day, enjoy a transfer from the airport to your hotel in Tirana. The intriguing city has a unique blend of old and new architecture, including a mix of Ottoman-era buildings and contemporary restaurants and shops. Spend the day strolling around the city center, and then head to Skanderbeg Square - the heart of Tirana, surrounded by important buildings and filled with numerous fountains.
Start your day with a visit to the Bazaar of Kruje, a lively market that showcases the traditional handicrafts including textiles and ceramics. After that, visit the Kruje Castle, a commanding structure that dates back to the 5th century. From the castle, you will have a chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic sea. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania, and learn about his life and his contribution to the country’s history.
Berat, also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is a UNESCO-listed settlement set on a hill surrounding a medieval castle. Visit the Castle of Berat, and then explore the beautifully-preserved old Ottoman town with its cobblestone streets and antique houses. In the evening, make sure to taste local food in one of the restaurants, accompanied by a glass of authentic Albanian wine.
Get ready to explore a fantastic city with stone houses and steep cobbled streets! Gjirokastra, the city of a thousand steps, is a magical destination that is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Gjirokastra Castle is a must-see – an imposing fortress that dominates the city with fantastic views of the surrounding hills. After that, visit the Museum of Weapons, housing a vast array of arms and armaments from different periods of Albanian history.
Saranda is a beautiful coastal city set on the Ionian Sea. Its location has made it a crucial link between Albania and Greece for many years. Begin your day by taking a walk on the newly reconstructed seaside promenade with views of the sea and Corfu Island. Continue to the magnificent Castle of Lekursi with views of the city and bays below, followed by a visit to the ancient site of Butrint, located in a wetland area near the border with Greece.
Start your day with a visit to the Blue Eye, a natural spring that drops down to depths of over 50 meters. Continue down to Ksamil, a small Albanian village known for its pristine beaches and sparkling blue waters. Enjoy the day relaxing on the stunning beaches and swimming in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Shkoder is a unique holiday destination that offers an array of activities for its visitors. Begin by taking a walk around the beautiful Rozafa Castle, which overlooks the city and the Shkoder Lake. In the afternoon, you can visit one of the city's museums - the Marubi National Museum of Photography, featuring more than half a million photographs. Alternatively, take a boat trip on the Komani Lake, one of the most attractive destinations in Albania, famous for its spectacular views.
Say goodbye to Albania, and transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
To travel between cities in Albania, the best option is to take a taxi, mini-bus or bus. There are many companies offering these services around the country. When traveling in the cities, you can reach most attractions by walking or by public transport. The cost of transportation between cities is affordable (around $5-$15), and the journeys are also enjoyable due to the beautiful scenery.
If you have more time, consider spending an additional day in Berat or Gjirokastra - the two historic Ottoman cities of Southern Albania. Alternatively, add a day to your trip to explore other cities on the Albanian Riviera, such as Dhermi or Himara, which offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you have less time, consider skipping Shkoder or Ksamil, and combine Tirana and Berat in one day, as it is only a 1.5-hour drive.
The only international airport in Albania is the Tirana International Airport (TIA), located in Rinas. The airport code is TIA. The distance from the city center of Tirana is around 17 kilometers, and it takes about 30 minutes to travel between the two. The airport serves as the gateway to the country and receives flights from most major European cities, including London, Paris, and Rome.