Welcome to Tirana, Albania’s capital since 1920. The downtown area, where your hotel is located, has a mix of Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences. Spend your evening in the bustling “Blloku” district, a former political enclave that has become the go-to spot for trendy bars and cafes, reflecting Tirana’s transformation.

Begin your day with a drive to Kruja, a historic city perched 600 meters above sea level. Once the capital of Albanopolis and the Principality of Arber, Kruja is deeply tied to the legacy of Skanderbeg. You can explore the castle, dating back to the 6th century, and enjoy breathtaking views from its hilltop location. Strolling through the 400-year-old traditional handicrafts market, you can feel how the local life once was.
In the afternoon, your journey continues towards Shkodra. The visit of the Rozafa Castle, a historic site with roots in Illyrian times, is recommended. The journey concludes with the drive to Budva, Montenegro, for an overnight stay.

Begin your day with a visit to Budva, an ancient town said to have been founded by Cadmus, the son of a Phoenician king. Feel the Venetian spirit, visiting Budva’s historic centre, rebuilt after the 1979 earthquake, and surrounded by 15th-century fortress walls. Your journey continues to Kotor, where the medieval fortifications and the Cathedral of St. Tryphon showcase Romanesque and Byzantine influences. Stop in Perast, a Baroque town known for its 17th and 18th-century architecture, and don’t miss the boat tour to the island of “Our Lady of the Rocks” and the visit of the sanctuary. End the day in Podgorica, with a possibility for a stop in Cetinje en route.

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey from Montenegro to Kosovo. As you travel through the Dinaric Alps, be amazed by rugged peaks, deep gorges, and flowing rivers. You will cross the border at Rozaje, stopping shortly afterwards at the serene Drini Waterfall. The day’s highlight is the Decani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1327 and 1335, where a brotherhood preserves its medieval traditions. In Gjakova, stroll through the reconstructed 16th-century bazaar, filled with local handicrafts. Overnight at a traditional hotel with a unique atmosphere.

Your day will start with the drive to Prizren, where a walk across the 16th-century stone bridge, a visit to the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and visit of the “Albanian League of Prizren Museum,” are highly recommended. Prizren is also renowned for its delicate filigree handicrafts, which you can see in the centre of the old town. After lunch, head to Prishtina to visit landmarks such as the Fatih Mosque, the ancient Roman town of Ulpiana, and the stunning Gracanica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Prishtina.

You can spend the morning exploring Prishtina’s attractions, from its historical landmarks to its vibrant city streets. Afterward, embark on the drive back to Albania. Your day concludes with the accommodation in a centrally located hotel in Tirana.

There is a lot to see and do in Tirana, Albania’s capital city. You can spend your morning discovering the city’s main attractions before leaving for Berat. On the way, don’t miss the visit of the archaeological site of Apollonia, a Corinthian colony founded in 588 B.C. and once a thriving ancient city home to 60,000 inhabitants. Accommodation is provided in Berat, a city boasting more than 2,400 years of history and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your day begins with a visit of Berat. Once an Illyrian settlement, it evolved into the fortified city of Antipatrea. The castle, home to both churches with ancient frescoes and a thriving community, is a must-see. Don’t miss the Onufri Museum, housing the exquisite works of Albania’s most famous icon painter. His works are unique due to the original Albanian style and character, not to be found elsewhere.
Continue your day with a trip to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage famed for its architecture. You can visit the iconic castle, rich in history, and step into the Skënduli House to experience a snapshot of life in the past. Wandering through the narrow streets of the old town you will soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Bazaar’s artisan workshops. Rest for the night in the historic ambiance of Gjirokastra.

Today, you will step into history at Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological treasure tied to the legend of prince Aeneas, dating back to the 7th century B.C.
After the visit, embark on a journey along the captivating Ionian Coast, where unspoiled nature meets echoes of ancient history. On the way, you can visit the enchanting bay of Porto Palermo, framed by agave plants and steeped in history spanning from antiquity to the Cold War. There, you can explore the majestic Ali Pasha Tepelena’s fortress, perched dramatically on a rocky peninsula. As you wander the ancient ruins of old Himara, the sweeping views of the coastline are nothing short of extraordinary. Accommodation in a hotel in a coastal village.

Today’s journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Llogara National Park. The road winds along the Çika mountain slopes, offering stunning views of the Ceraunian Mountains, which rise dramatically above the Ionian Sea. At the Llogara Pass, enjoy the “Balcony,” a viewpoint at 1,050 meters with panoramic vistas of the Albanian Riviera and Corfu Island. On the return to Tirana, consider a stop in Vlora for a stroll along its sea promenade. Accommodation in Tirana.

Tirana offers a wealth of attractions, and while one day isn’t enough to see it all, you can explore some key sights. You can visit Bunk’Art, a museum built in a nuclear bunker, where immersive exhibits take you on a poignant journey through Albania’s history. Consider a short excursion to Dajti National Park, accessible via cable car, and offering panoramic views of Tirana, Durrës, and the Adriatic coastline. Accommodation is in the same hotel in Tirana.

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before concluding your memorable trip to Albania.