Albania 8 Days of Unique Cultural Sites

Points of Interest : Tirana

After landing at Tirana’s Nënë Tereza International Airport, a staff member is waiting to welcome you and drive you to your centrally located hotel. Use the rest of the day to relax after your journey or take a first stroll through the streets of Tirana at your own pace.

• Meals included : None
• Accommodation : Hotel Comfort in Tirana

Points of Interest : Vlora, Ardenicë, Apollonia (Poian)

Today you drive to Ardenica to visit the only active monastery in Albania, beautifully set on a hill with views over the surrounding countryside. You then continue towards Fier and on to Apollonia, once one of the most important ancient cities in the region and home to the largest archaeological park in the country. Here you can explore the Odeon, the Nymphaeum, the restored ancient theatre and the 13th‑century Church of Saint Mary.

Afterwards, you head to the coastal city of Vlora, where Albanian independence was proclaimed in 1912. You can learn more about this key moment in national history at the Independence Museum. In the afternoon there is time to enjoy the beach and take a swim in the Adriatic Sea before returning to your hotel.

Driving times: Tirana – Ardenica approx. 1 h 43 min; Ardenica – Apollonia approx. 20 min; Apollonia – Vlora approx. 36 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Vlora International in Vlora

Points of Interest : Saranda, Butrint National Park

You leave Vlora and follow the road along the spectacular Ionian coast. Several stops along the way allow you to admire the dramatic coastal scenery and visit traditional villages that together form the famous Albanian Riviera.

At the southern tip of the country, close to the Greek border, you visit the archaeological site of Butrint. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, this ancient city set amid wetlands and forests is one of Albania’s most impressive attractions, with well-preserved ruins from different historical periods.

In the afternoon you continue to the seaside town of Saranda. Here you can relax on the beach and sample fresh, locally caught seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Driving times: Vlora – Butrint approx. 2 h 41 min; Butrint – Saranda approx. 33 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Iliria in Saranda

Points of Interest : Gjirokastra

Today’s destination is Gjirokaster, one of Albania’s most remarkable cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Its steep, narrow stone streets, distinctive slate-roofed houses and imposing hilltop castle give the town a unique character.

You can wander through the well-preserved old town, visit the fortress with its sweeping views over the Drino valley, and explore the Ethnographic Museum, which offers deep insight into traditional Albanian life and the region’s history. The city’s architecture and historic core remain exceptionally well maintained, making it a highlight of your cultural journey.

Driving time: Saranda – Gjirokaster approx. 1 h 2 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Characterful Hotel Argjiro in Gjirokaster

Points of Interest : Berat

You continue to Berat, the second Albanian city, alongside Gjirokaster, to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding Ottoman-era architecture. Nicknamed the “city of a thousand windows”, Berat enchants visitors with its white hillside houses packed with rows of windows, stone roofs and steep, cobbled alleys.

On foot you can explore the hilltop fortress, from which there are magnificent views over the city and the Osum river, and visit several historic mosques as well as the National or Ethnographic Museum to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and history.

Driving time: Gjirokaster – Berat approx. 2 h 45 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Mangalemi in Berat

Points of Interest : Kruja, Durrës District

This morning you drive back to the Adriatic coast to reach Durrës. In antiquity, Durrës was a major trading center and the starting point of the Roman Via Egnatia road. Today you can still see remains of the Roman amphitheatre and sections of the old city walls. The town is home to Albania’s largest and most important port. Take time to stroll through the streets and characteristic lanes, and visit the archaeological museum to learn more about the city’s commercial and maritime past.

Your day then continues to Kruja, a town that played a crucial role in the 15th century as the scene of many battles between the Ottomans and the Albanians. Kruja is known as the birthplace of Skanderbeg, the national hero who led resistance against the Ottoman armies. At the Skanderbeg Museum inside the castle you will learn about his life and campaigns. The Ethnographic Museum offers another window into local culture, daily life and the traditions of Albanian families from the region. Finally, you can wander through the Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës) and the old town, an ideal place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts to remember your trip.

Driving times: Berat – Durrës approx. 1 h 24 min; Durrës – Kruja approx. 1 h 11 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Panorama in Kruja

Points of Interest : Tirana

Today you drive to the Albanian capital, Tirana, founded in 1614 and known for its peaceful coexistence of different religions. In the National Historical Museum you can trace Albania’s complex past from antiquity to the communist era. The Et’hem Bey Mosque, which survived the communist period, is another important landmark in the city center.

Other notable sights include the Opera, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, as well as the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals. The striking pyramid-shaped building, originally a museum dedicated to dictator Enver Hoxha, remains one of the city’s most controversial monuments.

In the evening, head to the Bllok district, once reserved for the communist elite and now a lively area filled with bars, cafés and restaurants, perfect for experiencing Tirana’s young and vibrant nightlife.

Driving time: Kruja – Tirana approx. 1 h 9 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Comfort in Tirana

Points of Interest : Tirana Airport

Depending on your flight schedule, an Ecotour staff member will pick you up at your hotel and accompany you to Tirana International Airport for your departure. If time allows before your transfer, you may enjoy a last walk or coffee in the city.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Last day : Private transfer to Tirana International Airport