Itinerary
- Day 1
Kruja - Shkodra
Start with a walking tour through the 500-year-old Kruja Bazaar, then head up Kruja mountain for views across Tirana, Durres, and the Adriatic Sea. After that, you'll drive to Shkodra to see Rozafa Castle and walk around the historic Mangalemi neighborhood before checking into your hotel for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Kruja Bazaar (500-year-old market)
- Walking tour within Kruja Castle walls
- Ascent to Kruja mountain summit (1100 meters elevation)
- Visit to Rozafa Castle
- Exploration of Shkodra city boulevard
Optional Activities
- Traditional lunch in Shiroka neighborhood by Lake Shkodra
- Dining at Frost of the Fairies restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Kruja Bazaar Kruja Castle Rozafa Castle Lake Shkodra - Day 2
Theth - Tirana
Drive through the Albanian Alps with scenic stops along the way. You'll arrive at Theth Village and check out the Church of Theth and the Reconciliation Tower. Then there's a hike (about 45 minutes through forest) to reach the Blue Eye of Theth waterfall where you can spend time by the river. From there, head back to Tirana to settle in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Church of Theth
- Experience of Reconciliation Tower
- Discovery of Grunas waterfall
- 45-minute hike to Blue Eye of Theth
- Time by the river in the forest
Landmarks/POIs Theth Village Church of Theth Reconciliation Tower Blue Eye of Theth Grunas Waterfall - Day 3
Tirana - Berat
Head out from Tirana toward Berat with a coffee break in Belsh near one of the town's 84 lakes. When you arrive, walk up to Berat Castle and have traditional Albanian lunch with a local family or at a scenic spot. Later, explore the Mangalemi neighborhood including the city gate, the former Pasha's residence, and Sultan's Mosque. Check out the Gorica Bridge and old Gorica neighborhood. If you're interested, there's an optional wine tasting tour at a local winery in nearby Peshtan village to finish the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Albanian lunch with local family inside the castle or at scenic restaurant overlooking Berat's old town (subject to availability))
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Berat Castle
- Exploration of Mangalemi neighborhood
- Visit to city gate and former Pasha's residence
- Visit to Sultan's Mosque
- Visit to Gorica Bridge
- Exploration of old Gorica neighborhood
- Exploration of Berat's boulevard
Optional Activities
- Traditional Albanian lunch with local family inside the castle
- Traditional Albanian lunch at scenic restaurant overlooking Berat's old town
- Wine Tasting Tour at local winery in Peshtan village
Landmarks/POIs Berat Castle Mangalemi Neighborhood Sultan's Mosque Gorica Bridge Gorica Neighborhood - Day 4
Berat - Gjirokastra - Saranda
Arrive in Gjirokastra and walk through the bustling bazaar with local crafts and traditional products. You'll head up to Gjirokastra Castle and see the museum and old prison inside. Make your way to the iconic clock tower at the castle's highest point, then check out Zekate House to learn how wealthy families lived historically. After that, drive to the Blue Eye hidden in the forest, then continue on to Saranda. Before settling in, climb up to Lekursi Castle on the highest hill overlooking the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Gjirokastra Bazaar
- Visit to Gjirokastra Castle
- Tour of castle museum
- Visit to castle's old prison
- Visit to clock tower at castle's highest point
- Visit to Zekate House
- Exploration of Blue Eye near Gjirokastra
- Visit to Lekursi Castle
Landmarks/POIs Gjirokastra Bazaar Gjirokastra Castle Zekate House Blue Eye Lekursi Castle - Day 5
Saranda - Ksamil - Butrinti - Tirana
Start by visiting Ksamil Village nearby and spending time by the shoreline with three islands just 100 meters offshore. Then explore the ancient Greek Colony and Roman city of Butrinti, which is a UNESCO protected site. As you travel back toward Tirana, you'll drive along the Albanian Riviera with stops at various beaches including Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, and Qeparo to see the coastal landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Ksamil Village and shoreline
- Exploration of Butrinti ancient Greek and Roman city (UNESCO site)
- Stops at Albanian Riviera beaches (Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, Qeparo)
Landmarks/POIs Ksamil Village Butrinti Porto Palermo Dhermi Beach Jale Beach Qeparo
