5-Day Adventure Through Albania: Culture, Coastline, and History

Day 1: Tirana Cultural Tour

Tirana, Albania on June 13, 2025

12:30pm

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine like fërgesë and fresh local dishes in a lively setting near the city center.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Explore Tirana’s main square, surrounded by important buildings and the statue honoring Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

National History Museum

Discover Albania’s fascinating history with detailed exhibits and mosaics, open from 9am to 7pm.
EUR4, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dajti Ekspres Cable Car

Take a scenic cable car up Mount Dajti for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Open until 8pm in summer.
EUR10, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Dine on refined Mediterranean and Albanian dishes with a cozy ambiance in Tirana’s Blloku neighborhood.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Berat Exploration

Berat, Albania on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangalemi

Start the day with a hearty Albanian breakfast featuring fresh bread, local cheese, olives, and honey.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Berat Castle

Visit the extensive hilltop fortress with stunning views and historic Ottoman architecture. The castle area is open daily from 8am to 8pm.
EUR3, 2h

12:00pm

Mangalemi Old Town Walk

Wander the cobbled streets of Berat’s UNESCO-listed old town, famed for its white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Onufri Restaurant inside Castle

Enjoy local specialties such as fresh trout and vegetable dishes within the castle setting.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Ethnographic Museum

Explore this museum housed in an old Ottoman house showcasing traditional costumes and daily life artifacts. Open till 6pm.
EUR3, 1h

5:00pm

Drive to Gjirokastër (approx. 2.5 hours)

Travel southwards to the historic town of Gjirokastër, known as the City of Stone.
Transport cost varies, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kujtimi Restaurant, Gjirokastër

Savor traditional Albanian dishes including lamb and hearty stews at this popular local spot.
EUR18, 1h30m

Day 3: Gjirokastër Historical Day

Gjirokastër, Albania on June 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Grab fresh pastries and Turkish coffee to start your day in the old town.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Gjirokastër Castle

Explore this massive stone fortress boasting a military museum, prison cells, and superb views. Open 8am-6pm.
EUR3, 2h

12:00pm

Skenduli House Museum

Visit this preserved Ottoman-era house for insights into traditional architecture and culture of the region.
EUR2, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Sarajet Restaurant

Taste traditional dishes in a rustic setting, with locally sourced ingredients and authentic flavors.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Sarandë (approx. 1.5 hours)

Head towards the stunning southern Albanian coast for some beach relaxation and exploration.
Transport cost varies, 1h30m

5:00pm

Beach time at Sarandë

Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Limani Restaurant

Dine seaside with fresh seafood dishes and spectacular views of the port and sunset.
EUR22, 1h30m

Day 4: Coastal Relaxation & Ruins

Sarandë & Butrint, Albania on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with fruit, pastries, and coffee before the day’s adventure.
Included in hotel, 0h45m

9:00am

Butrint National Park

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring exquisite ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods. Open from 8am to 7pm.
EUR8, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Livia Restaurant near Butrint

Sample fresh seafood or grilled meat close to the archaeological park in a tranquil setting.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Sarandë and visit Lekursi Castle

Drive up to this hilltop castle for breathtaking panoramic views of Sarandë and the coast. Open until sunset.
EUR2, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Mirror Beach (Pasqyra Beach)

Spend the late afternoon at this quieter beach known for its clear waters and relaxed vibe.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taverna Pupi

Enjoy traditional Albanian and Mediterranean dishes with local wines in a charming atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 5: Ksamil and Return

Ksamil & Tirana, Albania on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before heading out to Ksamil for a beach day.
Included in hotel, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Ksamil Beaches (30 mins from Sarandë)

Travel to the idyllic Ksamil beaches known for white sands and clear turquoise waters.
Transport cost varies, 30m

9:30am

Beach Time at Ksamil

Relax and swim in one of Albania’s most beautiful coastal spots with multiple small islands accessible by boat.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Kastielli

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a seaside view in Ksamil village.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Return Drive to Tirana (approx. 4 hours)

Begin the journey back to Tirana for your departure or next plans.
Transport cost varies, 4h

6:30pm

Early Dinner at Oda, Tirana

Savor authentic Albanian dishes in one of Tirana’s most acclaimed traditional restaurants before ending your trip.
EUR20, 1h30m