Itinerary

1. Day 1: Tirana City Tour and Kazerma Experience

   Morning: Guided Walking Tour of Tirana

   Start your day with a guided exploration of Tirana’s most famous landmarks:

   • Skanderbeg Square: The city’s main square, home to the National History Museum and the statue of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.
   • Et'hem Bey Mosque: Admire the intricate frescoes and learn about this mosque’s survival during Albania’s communist regime.
   • Pyramid of Tirana: Explore this communist-era monument, now a cultural landmark.
   • Blloku District: Stroll through this trendy neighborhood filled with cafes and boutique shops.

   Lunch: Kazerma – A Unique Culinary and Cultural Experience

   • Visit an Ex-Military Base on the outskirts of Tirana for a farm-to-table lunch.
   • Menu Highlights: Roasted lamb, baked vegetables, local cheeses, and freshly baked bread.
   • Explore the surrounding farm, interact with farmers, and learn about sustainable agriculture practices.

   Afternoon: Free Time and Optional Activities

   • Relax at your hotel or explore more of Tirana at your leisure.
   • Optional Activities:
     • Raki Tasting: Sample Albania’s signature grape brandy paired with local meze.
     • Bike Ride: Explore Tirana’s Lana River and Grand Park.

   Dinner: Traditional Restaurant in Tirana

   • Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner at a local restaurant.
   • Menu Highlights: Byrek (savory pie), tave kosi (lamb and yogurt casserole), and baklava for dessert.

   Overnight: Tirana.

2. Day 2: Durres and Kruja – A Journey Through History

   Morning: Explore Durrës

   • Depart Tirana (8:30 AM) for Durrës (40-minute drive).
   • Roman Amphitheater: Tour this 2nd-century amphitheater, one of the largest in the Balkans.
   • Venetian Tower: A historic 15th-century structure offering insight into Durrës’ medieval past.
   • Durrës Promenade: Enjoy a seaside walk, stopping by local cafes and artisan shops.

   Lunch: Seaside Restaurant in Durrës

   • Indulge in a seafood lunch with Adriatic views.
   • Menu Highlights: Grilled sea bass, shrimp risotto, and fresh salads with olive oil from the region.

   Afternoon: Historic Kruja

   • Continue to Kruja (1-hour drive).
   • Kruja Castle and Skanderbeg Museum: Explore the historic fortress dedicated to Albania’s national hero.
   • Old Bazaar: Browse traditional crafts such as handmade rugs, wood carvings, and silver jewelry.
   • Optional Workshop: Join a short handicrafts class and make your own souvenir.

   Dinner: Rooftop Restaurant in Kruja

   • Enjoy panoramic views of Kruja while dining on regional specialties.
   • Menu Highlights: Stuffed peppers, lamb with yogurt, and qifqi (traditional rice balls from southern Albania).

   Overnight: Tirana.

3. Day 3- Shkoder and Dinner at a famous Agrotourism Restaurant:

   Morning: Discover Shkodër

   • Depart for Shkodër (2-hour drive).
   • Rozafa Castle: Walk through the ancient fortress while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Shkodër. Learn about the legendary tale of Rozafa and her sacrifice.
   • Marubi Photography Museum: View one of Albania’s most unique cultural treasures: the country’s oldest photographic collection.
   • Pedonale Street: A vibrant pedestrian street lined with cafes, shops, and street art.

   Lunch: Traditional Restaurant in Shkodër

   • Enjoy authentic northern Albanian dishes in a cozy setting.
   • Menu Highlights: Fërgesë (a hearty dish with peppers and tomatoes), baked trout, and chestnut cake for dessert.

   Evening: Agrotourism Dinner

   • On your return to Tirana, stop at a renowned Agrotourism Farm for dinner.
   • Menu Highlights: Freshly baked bread, organic cheeses, lamb slow-cooked with herbs, and homemade wine.
   • Optional Activity: Join the chef to learn how to make flija, a layered Albanian pancake.

   Overnight: Tirana.

4. Day 4- Belsh and Berat – Nature and UNESCO Heritage

   Morning: Peaceful Lakes in Belsh

   • Depart for Belsh (1.5-hour drive).
   • Take a leisurely stroll along the lake promenade. Optional kayaking or boat rides are available to explore the tranquil waters.

   Lunch: Traditional Albanian Restaurant in Berat

   • Dine at a restaurant near Berat’s historic center.
   • Menu Highlights: Regional dishes like stuffed peppers, lamb stew, and baklava.

   Afternoon: Explore Berat

   • Visit Berat Castle, where locals still live within the walls.
   • Tour the Onufri Museum, showcasing Byzantine icons.
   • Stroll through the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, connected by the historic Gorica Bridge.

   Dinner: Restaurant in Tirana

   • After returning to Tirana (2-hour drive), enjoy dinner at a trendy or traditional restaurant.
   • Menu Highlights: Lamb baked with yogurt, fresh salads, and trileçe (Albanian caramel cake).

   Overnight: Tirana.

5. Day 5- Gjiri i Lalzit and Wine Tasting

   Morning: Relaxation at Gjiri i Lalzit

   • Depart for Gjiri i Lalzit (50-minute drive).
   • Spend the morning on the beach, enjoying the sand and sea.
   • Optional Activities: Horse riding along the beach, kayaking, or boating.

   Lunch: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting

   • Visit a renowned Albanian winery for a guided vineyard tour.
   • Activity Highlights: Learn about the wine-making process from grape cultivation to production.
   • Enjoy a wine-tasting session paired with a gourmet lunch featuring local and seasonal dishes.
     • Menu Highlights: Grilled duck, slow-cooked beef, fresh vegetables, and desserts paired with wine.

   Dinner: Restaurant in Tirana

   • Return to Tirana for dinner at a chic urban restaurant.
   • Menu Highlights: Grilled meats, fresh seafood, and locally sourced desserts.

   Overnight: Tirana.

6. Day 6- Apollonia and Vlora – Ancient Ruins and Coastal Beauty

   Morning: Discover Apollonia

   • Depart for Apollonia (1.5-hour drive).
   • Tour the ancient city, including the Odeon, marketplace, and the Monastery of Apollonia, now a museum housing archaeological treasures.

   Lunch: Traditional Restaurant near Apollonia

   • Dine at a countryside restaurant near the ruins.
   • Menu Highlights: Grilled lamb, stuffed grape leaves, and homemade desserts.

   Afternoon: Coastal Charm in Vlora

   • Continue to Vlora (1-hour drive).
   • Stroll along the Lungomare Promenade, a vibrant seaside walkway.
   • Optional: Take a short boat ride to explore the coastline and nearby islands.

   Dinner: Seaside Restaurant in Vlora

   • Enjoy a seafood dinner with stunning views of the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
   • Menu Highlights: Mussels in white wine, lobster pasta, and desserts made with fresh local fruit.

   Evening: Return to Tirana

   • Arrive in Tirana (2.5-hour drive) for your final night. Spend your evening enjoying the city’s nightlife or a quiet drink at a rooftop bar.