5-Day Adventure in Albania: Exploring Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, and Ksamil

Day 1: Tirana City Exploration

Tirana, Albania on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum

Enjoy traditional Albanian coffee and breakfast in a vintage setting, offering a great start to your day with authentic flavors.
ALL600, 1h

9:30am

Skanderbeg Square

Explore the central square of Tirana, featuring the statue of national hero Skanderbeg and surrounded by important cultural buildings; a perfect introduction to the city’s history.
Free, 1h

10:45am

National History Museum

Visit the largest museum in Albania to understand the nation’s rich past, including artifacts from Illyrian times to the communist era.
ALL350, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Taste classic Albanian dishes in a cozy atmosphere; the tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) is a must-try.
ALL1200, 1h

2:30pm

Bunk'Art 2 Museum

Discover Albania’s communist past through an interactive museum inside a bunker, offering a unique historical perspective.
ALL700, 1h 30m

4:15pm

Mount Dajti National Park

Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to enjoy panoramic views over Tirana and hike some trails surrounded by nature, open until sunset.
ALL800, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Dine on fine Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine with elegant ambiance in downtown Tirana.
ALL1500, 1h 30m

Day 2: Historic Berat Visit

Berat, Albania on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Mangalemi

Enjoy a traditional Albanian breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Berat.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Tirana to Berat

Drive approximately 2 hours south to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Berat, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows.'
Transport approx. ALL1500, 2h

11:00am

Berat Castle and Onufri Museum

Explore the well-preserved Berat Castle area and visit Onufri Museum to see exquisite Byzantine iconography artwork.
ALL500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Antigoni Restaurant

Sample local Berat cuisine in a charming setting; the qifqi (rice balls) and fresh salads are recommended.
ALL1000, 1h

3:00pm

Mangalem and Gorica Quarters Walk

Wander through these historic neighborhoods, admire traditional Ottoman houses and the beautiful views overlooking Osum River.
Free, 1h 30m

4:45pm

Ethnographic Museum

Visit this museum in a historic Ottoman house to learn about local culture and traditions.
ALL300, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Homerit Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Albanian dishes with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
ALL1200, 1h 30m

Day 3: Gjirokastër Exploration

Gjirokastër, Albania on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an energizing breakfast before the journey to Gjirokastër.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel Berat to Gjirokastër

Drive approximately 3 hours south to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stone architecture.
Transport approx. ALL2000, 3h

11:30am

Gjirokastër Castle

Visit one of the largest castles in the Balkans, housing the National Museum of Armaments with stunning views over the city.
ALL500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kujtimi

Enjoy traditional southern Albanian cuisine known for its rich flavors and grilled meats.
ALL1000, 1h

3:00pm

Skenduli House

Explore this well-preserved Ottoman-era house museum reflecting wealth and lifestyle from the 18th century.
ALL300, 1h

4:30pm

Old Bazaar Walk

Stroll through the cobblestone streets with artisan shops and local crafts perfect for souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Gjirokastër Restaurant

Dine at the hotel, enjoying regional specialties and a relaxed ambiance.
ALL1200, 1h 30m

Day 4: Beach and Archaeology

Sarandë, Albania on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a healthy breakfast before heading towards the coast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel Gjirokastër to Sarandë

About 1.5-hour drive to Sarandë, a popular coastal city along the Ionian Sea.
Transport approx. ALL1500, 1h 30m

10:00am

Butrint National Park

Explore the ancient archaeological site with ruins dating back to Greek, Roman, and Venetian periods; open until 7:00pm.
ALL700, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Limani Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Greek-inspired dishes by the harbor with beautiful sea views.
ALL1500, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Sarandë Beach

Spend the afternoon at the pebble beach, take a swim in clear waters, and relax in a vibrant coastal atmosphere.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taverna Fish Land

Savor grilled fish and local Albanian delicacies in a casual seaside environment.
ALL1200, 1h 30m

Day 5: Ksamil Island Day

Ksamil, Albania on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Sarandë

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to prepare for a day of sun and sea in Ksamil.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Sarandë to Ksamil

Short 20-minute drive to Ksamil, famous for its crystal-clear waters and island hopping.
Transport approx. ALL300, 20m

9:30am

Ksamil Beaches and Islands

Spend the day beach hopping, snorkeling around small islands, and enjoying the idyllic beaches with turquoise waters.
Free, boat rental approx. ALL500, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Bar Restorant Limani i Qytetit

Relax with fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors right on the beach.
ALL1000, 1h

4:00pm

Afternoon at Beach or Explore Blue Eye Spring

Optionally, visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) natural spring about 30 minutes away for stunning water clarity and nature.
Entry ALL300, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Limani Ksamil

Enjoy a final dinner of traditional Albanian dishes and seafood while watching the sunset.
ALL1300, 1h 30m