From Albania to Japan: An 8-Day Culinary and Cultural Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Tirana

Tirana, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Radio Bar

Start your adventure with locally roasted coffee and a traditional Albanian breakfast of Byrek filled with spinach and cheese in a quaint atmosphere.
Head towards the Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard after breakfast.
ALL2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Marvel at the impressive statue of the national hero, alongside the National History Museum, which brings Albania's rich past to life.
A 5-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
ALL0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Taverna Tafaj

Enjoy a hearty meal of Qoftë and Fërgesë, local meatballs and baked peppers.
Just a short drive from the square.
ALL3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore the Pyramid of Tirana

Discover the fascinating architecture of this iconic landmark that was once a museum for Enver Hoxha.
A quick 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
ALL0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Coffee at the New Bazaar

Relax and enjoy a cup of espresso while sampling fresh local produce and sweets.
Short drive to the New Bazaar.
ALL500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Era Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Albanian cuisine with a side of a beautiful terrace view.
A drive back towards the centre.
ALL4000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Walk in Grand Park

Stroll through the picturesque park, filled with beautiful flowers and peaceful lakes.
Short 10-minute drive.
ALL0, 1 hour
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Day 2: Heritage of Berat

Berat, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mangalem Restaurant

Enjoy a breakfast featuring local honey and homemade bread while soaking in views of the castle.
Drive from Tirana to Berat, approximately 2 hours.
ALL2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Berat Castle

Explore the historic castle and its churches, and enjoy panoramic views of the town.
Short walk from the restaurant.
ALL200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Kushi i Dajlës

Sample grilled fish and vegetables sourced from local farms.
10-minute walk from the castle.
ALL3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Stroll Around the Mangalem District

Wander through the iconic streets lined with white Ottoman houses, soaking in the history.
Short walk from the restaurant.
ALL0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Coffee at Caffé Piro

Take a break with a traditional Albanian coffee and a pastry.
Walk back towards the town centre.
ALL600, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Antigoni,

Indulge in local dishes such as tave kosi, a baked lamb with yogurt casserole.
Drive back towards the old town.
ALL3500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening River Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Osum River, taking in the stunning sunset views.
Short drive to the riverbank.
ALL0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Greece Awaits

Athens, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Vivaldi

Relish the perfect coffee and sweet pastries before your departure.
Drive or travel to Tirana Airport, approximately 2 hours.
ALL2000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Fly to Athens

Enjoy a short flight to Athens.
Flight duration 1 hour.
EUR80, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Indulge in a mezze platter of cured meats and cheese, a fantastic way to taste Greek delights.
Take the metro to Psiri district from the airport.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Acropolis

Venture to the iconic symbol of Greece, with breathtaking views and fascinating history.
A 20-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR20, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Stamatopoulos Coffee House

Take a break in a charming café known for its unique blend of Greek coffee.
Short walk back towards Monastiraki.
EUR5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine with a side of the vibrant local atmosphere.
A short walk from the café.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll in Plaka

Experience the magic of Athens with a leisurely walk in the historic district.
Located nearby the restaurant.
EUR0, 1 hour
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Day 4: Welcome to Japan

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day by sampling fresh sushi and seafood from the local market stalls.
Fly from Athens to Tokyo, arriving early morning.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Senso-ji Temple

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Tokyo’s oldest temple, where you can also shop for souvenirs.
Take the metro from Tsukiji to Asakusa.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Okonomiyaki Saito

Try the savoury Japanese pancake filled with various ingredients.
Short walk from the temple.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Akihabara District

Dive into Tokyo’s tech hub, filled with electronic shops, anime and manga culture.
Take the metro from Asakusa to Akihabara.
JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee Break at Starbucks Akihabara

Rest at a Starbucks with a fantastic view of the bustling Akihabara streets.
Within walking distance.
JPY600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Savour the rich, flavourful ramen in one of Tokyo's most celebrated ramen restaurants.
Short walk from Starbucks.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Visit Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and the vibrant energy of Tokyo.
Takes the metro to Shibuya.
JPY0, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Relax with a traditional Japanese breakfast of grilled fish, miso soup and rice.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, about a 2-hour journey.
JPY13000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden structure surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Katsukura

Treat yourself to a delicious pork cutlet meal served with flavorful sauces.
Bus back to the city centre.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the ethereal bamboo forest for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
Take the train from Kyoto to Arashiyama station.
JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at % Arabica

Enjoy a cup of coffee in a stylish café with a view of the bamboo grove.
Short walk from the grove.
JPY800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience the kaiseki dining, a multi-course dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Travel back to the Gion district.
JPY8000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening Walk in Gion

Stroll through the streets of Gion, where you might catch a glimpse of Geisha.
A short walk from the restaurant.
JPY0, 1 hour
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Day 6: Nature in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Legato

Start the day with a filling breakfast plate and freshly brewed coffee.
Train from Kyoto to Nara, approximately 1 hour.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Enjoy close encounters with free-roaming deer in this beautiful park.
Short walk from the café.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

See Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue in this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site.
Within walking distance in Nara Park.
JPY600, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savour the freshest sushi sourced from the sea.
A short distance back to the town centre.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Nara National Museum

Discover historical artefacts and intricate art from the Nara period.
Short walk from lunch.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Komeda's Coffee

Unwind with some Japanese-style coffee and delicious sweet treats.
Walk back to the main street.
JPY800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kasuga

Enjoy a traditional dinner highlighting local delicacies.
A short walk from the café.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll in Nara Park

Conclude the day with a peaceful walk through Nara Park, surrounded by glowing lanterns.
Short walk from dinner.
JPY0, 1 hour
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Day 7: Bright Lights of Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hankyu Umeda Main Store

Enjoy delightful pastries and coffee from a famed local bakery.
Travel by train from Nara to Osaka, about half an hour.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.
Take a short train ride to Osaka Castle Park.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savour Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Okonomiyaki in this bustling food street.
30-minute train ride back to Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market

Wander through this vibrant market full of fresh seafood, produce, and street food.
Short walk from lunch.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Cafe de L’ambre

Indulge in aromatic coffee blends in a vintage café setting.
Walk to the café from the market.
JPY800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Experience premium Japanese beef grilled to perfection.
A short walk from the café.
JPY6000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening in Dotonbori

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with neon lights and street performers.
Head back towards Dotonbori.
JPY0, 1 hour
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Day 8: Farewell Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at The City Bakery

Start your last day in Tokyo with a famous croissant and latte.
Train back to Tokyo from Osaka, approximately 3 hours.
JPY800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Immerse yourself in the serene environment of this Shinto shrine surrounded by lush forests.
Take the metro from Tokyo Station to Harajuku.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omotesando Hills

Enjoy lunch at a fashionable venue with plenty of dining options.
A short walk from Meiji Shrine.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in the beautiful gardens, especially lovely if blooming time.
Subway from Omotesando to Shinjuku.
JPY500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Tsubaki Coffee Shop

Indulge in artisanal brews and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
A short distance away in Shinjuku.
JPY700, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro

Savour an unforgettable sushi experience at one of the world’s most famous sushi spots.
Take the metro from Shinjuku to Ginza.
JPY30000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Departure

End your journey filled with wonderful memories and vibrant experiences from Albania to Japan.
Head to Narita Airport for your flight home.
JPY0, 1 hour
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