14-Day Family Friendly Road Trip in Albania on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Tirana

Tirana, Albania

10:00AM

Arrive in Tirana

After arrival, pick up your rental car and check into your accommodation.
Drive to your hotel in the center.
USD50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Piazza

Enjoy traditional Albanian dishes at a local eatery.
Walking from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Explore the iconic Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana.
10-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tirana Castle

Discover the historic castle and its beautiful gardens.
15-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square.
USD5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Oda

Savor more Albanian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Drive to Oda.
USD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Tirana

Tirana, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Era

Start your day with a hearty Albanian breakfast.
Walk to Era.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of this iconic mosque.
5-minute walk from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the National History Museum

Discover Albania’s rich history through its exhibits.
15-minute walk from the mosque.
USD3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Taverna Tafaj

Enjoy local dishes in a traditional setting.
10-minute walk from the museum.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Bunk’Art 1

Explore this fascinating museum in a former communist bunker.
10-minute drive from lunch.
USD7, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through the Grand Park

Relax and enjoy a leisurely walk around the park.
10-minute drive from Bunk’Art.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Pergola

Dine al fresco with a view of the park.
Drive to La Pergola.
USD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Shkodra

Shkodra, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before hitting the road.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Shkodra

Begin your drive to the charming city of Shkodra.
On the road.
N/A, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Rozafa Castle

Explore this historical castle with stunning views.
Drive to the castle.
USD4, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tradita

Taste local specialties in a beautiful setting.
Drive to lunch.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shkodra Lake

Enjoy some time by the lake with various activities.
Drive to the lake.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at BarCafe

Relax with a casual dinner overlooking the lake.
Drive to dinner.
USD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Theth Adventure

Theth, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a local breakfast before the adventure.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Theth

Embark on a scenic drive to the village of Theth.
On the road.
N/A, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch picnic

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature.
Stop by a scenic spot.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike in Theth National Park

Explore the stunning landscapes of Theth National Park.
Start hike from the village.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Visit Church of Theth

See the charming 19th-century church in Theth.
Walk from the hiking trail.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy hearty Albanian food served at your guesthouse.
At the guesthouse.
USD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Durres

Durres, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Fuel up with breakfast before check out.
At the guesthouse.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Durres

Head back to the coastal city of Durres.
On the road.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vila Ferdinand

Dine with a sea view and fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
Walk from parking.
USD35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Durres Amphitheatre

Visit this historical site that dates back to Roman times.
Short drive from lunch.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Durres Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun along the Adriatic.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Piazza

Enjoy local seafood specialties for dinner.
Walk from the beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Visit Berat

Berat, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel before departure.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Berat

Travel to the historic city of Berat, a UNESCO site.
On the road.
N/A, 2 hours

11:00AM

Rumah i Muzeut

Visit the National Museum of Education and its historical significance.
Short drive from the parking.
USD4, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Home Land

Experience traditional Albanian recipes and hospitality.
Walk to restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Berat Castle

Wander through the ancient castle and take in the breathtaking views.
Short drive from lunch.
USD4, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Mangalem District

Enjoy the charming streets and Ottoman-era architecture.
Drive to district.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kulla e Nyshemit

Try local delicacies at this family-friendly restaurant.
Walking distance from Mangalem District.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Gjirokaster Exploration

Gjirokaster, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Gjirokaster

Drive to the historical town of Gjirokaster.
On the road.
N/A, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Gjirokaster Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning views.
Short drive from parking.
USD5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Dervish

Enjoy delicious traditional dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Short drive from the castle.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ethnographic Museum

Discover the history of Albanian culture in this museum.
Walk from restaurant.
USD2, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk around Stone City

Enjoy the architecture of the historic stone houses.
Stroll through the city.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Bizarre

Try a variety of local dishes and enjoy the ambiance.
Walking distance from the stone city.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Coastal Adventure in Saranda

Saranda, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a solid breakfast before hitting the road.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Saranda

Travel to the beautiful coastal town of Saranda.
On the road.
N/A, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Petite

Enjoy Mediterranean flavors with a sea view.
Drive to lunch.
USD35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax at Saranda Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at the beach.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Visit Lekursi Castle

Enjoy panoramic views of the coast from the castle.
Short drive to the castle.
USD3, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset

Indulge in fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to dinner.
USD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Beach Excursion in Ksamil

Ksamil, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a breakfast before leaving for Ksamil.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Ksamil

Take a short drive to the picturesque beach areas of Ksamil.
On the road.
N/A, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Relax on Ksamil Beach

Enjoy swimming and relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches.
Arrive at beach.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Caffe Kokal

Try some local dishes with a view of the sea.
Short walk to lunch.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Islands

Take a boat to the nearby islands for a unique experience.
Boat rental from beach.
USD20, 3 hours

4:30PM

Close the Beach Day

Enjoy the stunning sunsets before heading for dinner.
Relax at beach.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Taverna Ksamil

Indulge in delicious seafood dishes with local wine.
Short drive to dinner.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Historical Butrint

Butrint, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before visiting Butrint.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Butrint

Head to the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the road.
N/A, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Butrint National Park

Navigate through ancient ruins amidst beautiful nature.
At the site.
USD10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Restaurant Butrinti

Enjoy a delicious meal with views of the park.
Short drive from the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

More Exploration

Continue to explore the fascinating ruins and park.
Stay in the park.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Vlorë

Travel to the coastal city of Vlorë for your next stay.
On the road.
N/A, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check into Hotel

Settle in at your accommodation in Vlorë.
At the hotel.
USD50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Piazza

Enjoy local cuisine at a popular eatery.
Drive to restaurant.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Visit Vlorë

Vlorë, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Zvernec Monastery

Explore the picturesque monastery located on a small island.
Drive to Island.
USD2, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some leisurely hours at the beautiful beach.
Short drive back to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Aloha

Savor fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
Drive to lunch.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Muradie Mosque

Visit the historic mosque and its unique architecture.
Short drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk around the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic seaside promenade.
Drive to promenade.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Dajlani

End the day with a delightful dinner in a lovely setting.
Short drive from promenade.
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Exploring Apollonia

Apollonia, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Apollonia.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Apollonia

Head to the ancient city of Apollonia, a UNESCO site.
On the road.
N/A, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Apollonia Archaeological Park

Discover ancient ruins and rich history within the park.
At the site.
USD5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Apollonia

Enjoy local cuisine while overlooking the ruins.
Short drive from the site.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Monastery of Apollonia

Explore the historic monastery and its surroundings.
Short drive from lunch.
USD3, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive back to Tirana

Return to Tirana for your final night.
On the road.
N/A, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel for the night.
At the hotel.
USD50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Padam

Delight in an exquisite dinner to end your trip on a high note.
Short drive to restaurant.
USD40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Relax in Tirana

Tirana, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Pyramid of Tirana

Explore this iconic structure and its history.
Drive to pyramid.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stroll in the former Blloku District

Walk through the trendy district filled with cafes and shops.
Drive to Blloku.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Era

Luncheon one last time with local delicacies.
Walk to Era.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Free time to shop

Spend your afternoon shopping for last-minute souvenirs.
Stroll through Blloku.
Variable, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Pergola

Enjoy a farewell dinner with delicious local dishes.
Drive to La Pergola.
USD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure

Tirana, Albania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast before checking out.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check out

Complete hotel check-out process.
At the hotel.
N/A, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Drive to Airport

Return your rental car and prepare for departure.
On the road.
N/A, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability