5-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Albania

Day 1: Explore Tirana

Tirana, Albania

9:00AM

Breakfast at Grand Hotel

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the Grand Hotel in Tirana, offering local and international options.
Grand Hotel is centrally located, making it easy to head out to the next stop.
ALL2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Explore the historical heart of Tirana, featuring the statue of national hero Skanderbeg.
A short walk from the hotel; just follow the signs towards the square.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Albanian dishes including Tavë Kosi with a family-friendly environment.
Located near Skanderbeg Square, roughly a 10-minute walk.
ALL4000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the National History Museum

Immerse yourself in Albanian culture and history through engaging exhibits suitable for all ages.
Just a 5-minute walk from Era Restaurant.
ALL500, 2 hours

3:30PM

Take a ride on the Dajti Ekspres

Enjoy a cable car ride with stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding mountains, perfect for family photos.
Drive to Dajti Mountain (20 minutes from the museum).
ALL1200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Taverna Mareva

Relax at a family-friendly pizzeria with refreshing salads and wood-fired pizzas.
Return to downtown Tirana (20 minutes drive).
ALL2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Shkoder

Shkoder, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Colosseo

Start your morning at the family-friendly hotel with a hearty breakfast.
Hotel in Tirana is a good starting point for heading to Shkoder.
ALL2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Shkoder

Enjoy the scenic drive to Shkoder, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
40 minutes drive via SH1.
Costs included with car rental, 40 minutes

10:30AM

Visit Rozafa Castle

Take a family tour of this ancient castle with panoramic views of Shkoder and the surrounding countryside.
Located just a short drive from downtown Shkoder.
ALL300, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bar Restaurant Guri i Zi

Enjoy local fish dishes and Albanian salad in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Easy drive back into the city center.
ALL3500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography

Explore this unique museum with a rich collection of historical photographs, fascinating for both kids and adults.
Walkable from the restaurant; just 15 minutes.
ALL500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll the Shkodra Lake Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Shkodra Lake, perfect for recognizing nature and family bonding.
Short drive from the museum (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Youth Center

Wrap up your day with delicious burgers and local fast food, ideal for a relaxing end to a fun day.
Drive back to Shkoder city center (10 minutes).
ALL2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic Berat

Berat, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Colosseo

Start the day with a filling breakfast before heading out for Berat.
Depart from Shkoder to Berat.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Berat

Travel to Berat, stopping to take in the stunning mountain views along the way.
1 hour drive on SH1.
Costs included with car rental, 1 hour

10:00AM

Tour the Berat Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient churches and magnificent views.
Located at the top of the hill; parking at the base.
ALL300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kulas Restaurant

Taste the delicious local cuisine, including the famous Berat sweets, in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Short drive down from the castle.
ALL4000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Ethnographic Museum

Discover Albanian culture through workshops and well-preserved artifacts relevant to family interests.
Located near the restaurant, a 10-minute walk.
ALL200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walk in the Mangalem District

Stroll the charming streets of the old town, taking in the iconic houses that look like they're stacked upon one another.
Just 5 minutes on foot from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Cakuli

End your day with grilled specialties and fresh salads in a beautiful terrace setting.
Drive back to the restaurant (10 minutes).
ALL3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beach Day in Saranda

Saranda, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Mangalemi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in a traditional Berat hotel before heading to Saranda.
Start your journey with a drive from Berat to Saranda.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Saranda

Experience a scenic route with hills and views of the Ionian Sea.
2-hour drive via SH4, beautiful coastal views.
Costs included with car rental, 2 hours

11:00AM

Arrive at Saranda Beach

Settle on this beautiful beaches and enjoy some sun and swimming.
Directly on the waterfront; parking available nearby.
Free, 5 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Taverna Mako

Savor fresh seafood dishes while overlooking the crystal-clear waters.
Tavern located right on the beach.
ALL4000, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Beach Games

Enjoy beach games and activities like volleyball or frisbee; fun for the whole family.
Directly accessible on the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Limani

Feast on delicious Mediterranean cuisine with views of the sunset over the sea.
Short walk from the beach.
ALL3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Brat Hotel

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast before your trip to Gjirokastra.
Leave Saranda and drive to Gjirokastra.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Gjirokastra

Travel through winding roads and lush landscapes, ideal for picturesque family moments.
1-hour drive via SH4.
Costs included with car rental, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Gjirokastra Castle

Explore the castle with your family and learn about the rich history through interactive exhibits.
Located in the center of the city.
ALL300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Ethnographic Museum

Tour the museum set in the former home of Enver Hoxha, which depicts Albanian culture and daily life.
A short walk from the castle.
ALL200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Kodra

Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local delicacies in a cozy environment.
10-minute walk from the museum.
ALL3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Bazaar of Gjirokastra

Wander through the bazaar, perfect for souvenir shopping and local crafts; engaging for kids.
Just a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive back to Tirana

Complete your adventure by winding back through the scenic routes to Tirana.
Take SH4 back (2-hour drive).
Costs included with car rental, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sky Tower

Celebrate the end of your road trip with gourmet dining and spectacular views of Tirana.
Located downtown Tirana.
ALL4000, 1.5 hours
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