8-Day Comprehensive Albania Itinerary: Tirana to Saranda via Historical and Coastal Wonders

Day 1: Welcome to Tirana

Tirana, Albania on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Era Restaurant

Start the day with a traditional Albanian breakfast featuring byrek and strong coffee, located in the heart of Tirana, known for its authentic cuisine.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:30am

Skanderbeg Square and National History Museum

Explore the central square dominated by the statue of national hero Skanderbeg and visit the National History Museum to understand Albania's rich past. The museum is open 9am-5pm.
EUR3, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Enjoy contemporary Albanian dishes with fresh ingredients, set in an elegant ambiance close to the city centre.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Bunk'Art 2

Discover the Cold War history of Albania through this underground bunker museum showcasing communist-era artifacts, open until 9pm.
EUR4, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through the Grand Park (Parku i Madh)

Relax at the artificial lake, enjoy the greenery and spot locals enjoying afternoon walks. Park open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Oda Restaurant

Dine in a traditional setting with homemade Albanian recipes including lamb and fresh seasonal vegetables.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Historical Krujë

Krujë, Albania on August 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Vila Bekteshi

Enjoy a simple breakfast with fresh bread, cheese, and fruit before setting off to Krujë, located approximately 45 minutes north of Tirana.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:00am

Krujë Castle and Skanderbeg Museum

Explore the medieval fortress that was Skanderbeg’s stronghold, including a museum dedicated to his legacy. Open 8am-8pm in August.
EUR4, 2h0m

11:30am

Old Bazaar Shopping and Sightseeing

Browse artisan crafts, traditional Albanian souvenirs, and enjoy the ambiance of the quaint bazaar dating back centuries.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Te Tavi

Taste traditional dishes including qofte and fërgesë, with a view of the castle.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Travel to Shkodër

Drive approximately 2.5 hours northwest to Shkodër, a historic city near the Adriatic coast and Lake Shkodër.
EUR20 (taxi or rental car fuel), 3h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel Tradita

A charming hotel located in Shkodër city center, perfect for relaxing after the day’s journey.
EUR50, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Rozafa Restaurant

Enjoy local specialties like freshwater fish and regional wines in a cozy setting near the Rozafa Castle.
EUR18, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Natural Beauty of Theth

Theth, Albania on August 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Tradita

Simple Albanian breakfast with bread, eggs and fresh fruit before the mountain journey.
EUR5, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Theth National Park

Drive 2.5 hours plus a rugged last stretch; enjoy scenic mountain landscapes en route to Theth, a famous destination for hiking and nature lovers.
EUR20 (transport), 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Theth Restaurant

Sample local dishes like homemade cheese and mountain lamb in this remote village setting.
EUR10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Theth National Park Exploration

Visit the stunning Grunas Waterfall and the historic Theth Church; hiking routes are moderate and the park typically open all day.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Overnight Stay at Rilindja Theth Hotel

Stay in traditional stone houses with modern comforts for a peaceful mountain night.
EUR40, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Rilindja

Enjoy fresh local produce with a focus on simple, hearty Albanian mountain fare.
EUR15, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Valbona Valley Trek

Valbona, Albania on August 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel Rilindja

Fuel up with breakfast including eggs and bread for a mountain trek day.
EUR5, 1h0m

8:00am

Hike to Valbona

Embark on the scenic, approximately 6-7 hour hiking trail through the Albanian Alps connecting Theth to Valbona, witnessing breathtaking landscapes.
Free, 7h0m

3:00pm

Arrival and Rest at Hotel in Valbona

Check in at Valbona Inn or similar hotel; rest after trekking in the tranquil Valbona Valley.
EUR45, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Valbona Inn

Enjoy locally sourced trout and seasonal vegetables while soaking in Alpine views.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Historic Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër, Albania on August 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Valbona Inn

Simple but wholesome breakfast to prepare for the drive to Gjirokastër.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Gjirokastër

Approximately 4.5 hour drive south to the UNESCO World Heritage town famous for its stone houses and castle.
EUR30 (transport), 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Kujtimi Restaurant

Try local delicacies such as tava and baklava in a cozy traditional Albanian setting.
EUR15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Gjirokastër Castle and Museum

Explore the expansive castle complex offering panoramic views, Ottoman architecture, and a weapons museum. Open 8am-7pm in August.
EUR3, 2h0m

7:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Kalemi

Relax in this traditional Ottoman-era guesthouse located in the old town.
EUR50, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Kalemi Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful dinner featuring regional specialties and local wine.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Cultural Berat

Berat, Albania on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Kalemi

Start your day with a hearty Albanian breakfast of bread, cheeses, and olives.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Berat

A 3-hour drive to Berat, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows' and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
EUR20 (transport), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Homemade Restaurant

Experience authentic Berat cuisine offering dishes like fërgesë and fresh bread.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Berat Castle and Onufri National Museum

Wander inside the hilltop castle with its medieval churches and visit the museum showcasing Byzantine icons. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR3, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk through Mangalem and Gorica Quarters

Admire the Ottoman architecture and the iconic windows that give Berat its nickname.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Antigoni Restaurant

Delight in a blend of traditional Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine in a historic ambiance.
EUR18, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight at Hotel Mangalemi

Stay in a charming hotel offering views of the city and river.
EUR50, Overnight
View Hotels

Day 7: Coastal Saranda

Saranda, Albania on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Mangalemi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking Berat’s old town.
EUR5, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Saranda

Approximately 4-hour scenic drive south to the coastal town Saranda, gateway to the Albanian Riviera.
EUR30 (transport), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Limani Restaurant

Seafood-focused dining right on the harbor with fresh fish caught daily.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Butrint National Park

Tour the nearby UNESCO World Heritage ancient city ruins featuring Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage; open 8am-8pm.
EUR5, 3h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Brilant

Stay in a comfortable hotel right by the beach, ideal for relaxing after sightseeing.
EUR55, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Taverna Pupi

Indulge in Mediterranean dishes with a lively atmosphere and great views of the Ionian Sea.
EUR18, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 8: Beach Day & Departure

Saranda, Albania on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Brilant

Breakfast with seaside views to start the day leisurely.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:00am

Relax at Ksamil Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing at the beautiful nearby Ksamil Beach, known for its turquoise water and white sand.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bar Restorant Guvat

Casual dining with a variety of grilled seafood and Albanian dishes right on the beach.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Saranda Promenade

Leisurely walk along the seaside promenade with cafes, shops and stunning Ionian views.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Departure Preparation

Return to hotel to pack and prepare for onward travel or airport transfer.
Free, 1h0m
View Hotels