Albania Discovered: Tirana & beyond

Albania Discovered: Tirana & beyond

Prepare for a journey which will take you into the heart of this Balkan gem. From the fascinating city of Tirana to the stunning Albanian Riviera, this tour will delve into the history and vibrant culture of this beautiful corner of Europe. The capital city, Tirana, is known for its colourful Ottoman, Italian and Soviet-era architecture and its secret surveillance museum gives you an insight into the country's communist past. Still on the history trail, there's an array of medieval mountain towns and villages to explore, each with their own stories to tell, as well as archaeological sites to visit for that step-back-in-time encounter on your travels, with Apollonia a particular highlight. The spectacular Albanian Riviera is a sight to behold and the resort of Sarande enjoys an enviable location on the Riviera, nestled between the Ionian Sea and hillsides overflowing with olive groves.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 7 nights in 4 star hotels
• 11 meals: 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners, including a traditional folklore show and dinner
• Welcome drink upon arrival
• Overseas transfers and other transportation
• Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide

Highlights:

• Tirana House of Leaves
• Berat Onufri Museum
• Gjirokastra Castle, weapon museum, ethnographic museum
• Butrint archeological site
• Porto Palermo Castle
• Apollonia archeological site
• Durres Amphitheatre and Venetian Tower

Day 1: Uk - Tirana

Today your Albanian adventure begins as you fly to Tirana and transfer to your hotel on arrival. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Gjirokastra

Today we begin with a visit to Apollonia, an ancient Greek colony in Illyria. Explore the vast remains, including the well-preserved Amphitheatre, once hosting 20,000 spectators, the Monument of Agonotheteve, and the elegant Odeon. Don't miss the Mosaics House, and the tranquil courtyard of the Monastery, where you’ll find the Byzantine-style church of Saint Mary. There is also time here for a visit to the archaeological museum. Later, we’ll travel to the stunning “Museum City” of Gjirokastra renowned for its distinctive stone houses, resembling medieval towers. Visit the Skenduli House, a fine example of local architecture, offering insight into the town's rich cultural heritage.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Sarandë

We'll start today with a visit to Argjiro castle, a 12th-century fortress steeped in local legend. Perched high above Gjirokastra , the castle dominates the city and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The castle's National Museum of Weapons houses an impressive collection spanning from Illyrian bronze swords to World War II artillery, telling the story of Albania's martial history. Our journey continues with a short visit at the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër). Here you'll discover a natural spring where crystal-clear water bubbles up from a deep karst hole, this creates an intense turquoise-blue colour resembling an eye that travellers describe as mesmerising. We will visit a winery for a tasting after this visit. Our final destination is Sarandë, this afternoon there is free time for you to relax at the hotel or unwind at the nearby beaches, enjoying the coastal charm of this vibrant city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Butrint

This morning, we will travel down the coast to Butrint a UNESCO site. A scenic narrow road leads you to the ancient city where you’ll explore the ruins of the Old Amphitheatre, Temple of Aesculapius, the colourful mosaics in the Baptistery and the ancient city walls. There’s time to visit the small museum that tells the story of a site which is one of the last unspoiled natural and ancient historical areas in Mediterranean. We’ll head back to Sarandë for a tour of its charming centre before gathering for a traditional Albanian dinner, where you’ll savour delicious local flavours and hospitality.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 5: Berat

Journey along the Albanian Riviera, where the Ceraunian Mountains plunge dramatically into the Ionian Sea. Pass through historic villages like Lukova, Borsh and Qeparo. We travel the Riviera as far as the town of Vlora, where we visit Independence Square, commemorating Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912. Continue to Berat where we’ll enjoy dinner this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6: Tirana

This morning we’ll explore Berat, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows' for its distinctive Ottoman houses cascading down the hillside. The 13th-century castle, one of the largest inhabited fortresses in the Balkans, houses Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri Museum, showcasing wooden icons and religious artifacts including works by the 16th-century iconographer known for his signature red pigment. Later, we travel up the Adriatic Coast to visit Durres. Looking out towards Italy, this port city has a well preserved Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved in the Balkans. Afterwards, we travel to Tirana for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Kruje

Head to Kruja, a medieval settlement with a rich history. Visit Kruja Castle, home to the National Hero Museum, dedicated to Skanderbeg, who led resistance against the Ottoman and visit the Ethnographic Museum which provides a deeper understanding of local traditions. Following this, stroll through Kruja’s historic bazaar - A number of cobblestone streets and wooden shops give you the opportunity to find different kinds of souvenirs such as local handicrafts, woollen goods, and carpets. This afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour to explore central Tirana. Enjoy a walk along the main boulevard where Tirana Main University, Presidential Palace, Pyramid building are situated. The next area to visit will be the lively Blloku district and then approach the main square of the city, named after the National Hero “Skanderbeg”. You will then visit the “House of Leaves” museum. Later, we’ll gather together for a farewell dinner to end this unforgettable journey.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Tirana - UK

After breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner