Albania: Local Food & UNESCO Heritage – 6 Days

Get to the heart of Albanian culture.

Delve beyond the sheep-dotted green landscapes to the cities and villages that span the country, all the way from Tirana to Saranda. Mingle with locals in rustic Agrotourisms, pick up a souvenir in the Neck of the Bazaar in Gjirokaster, drive along the Albanian Riviera, and walk across the historic Butrint. After a week of exploring, you’ll leave feeling like a local (if you can even bear to leave at all).

Group size: Min 4 – Max 12 travelers

Day–by–day itinerary

Tirana   |   2 nights
Day 1: Travel Day & Tirana

Included meals: Welcome Dinner

Airport pick-up service available throughout the day (included).

Welcome to Albania! Transfer to Tirana and settle into your hotel. For those of you not too tired, there is a guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid and the Blloku area.

Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 2: The Old Capital of Kruja & Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism

Included meals: Breakfast, Agritourism Lunch
Included entrances: Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographic Museum

We start our journey from Tirana, directly to the city of Kruja.

• Set off on a guided tour of Dollma Bektashi Teqe , the surroundings and the Castle itself, the Skanderbeg and Ethnographic Museum.
• You will have free time to wander around the Old Bazaar, with beautiful cobblestone alleys and lovely old architecture.

Transfer to what is considered the best restaurant and Agrotourism in the country.

With its countryside settings in the village of Fishte and its Albanian Slow Food excellence, you will spend a couple of hours visiting the surrounding and tasting the best Albanian food there is.

Saranda  |   2 nights
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokaster (UNESCO)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included entrances: Castle of Gjirokaster, Skenduli House

Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”, driving through small villages.

• Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family.
• Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above.
• Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses.
• Head out for lunch in a small, local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes.

Transfer in Saranda in the late afternoon.

Day 4: The Blue Eye Spring, Butrint National Park (UNESCO) & Mussel Tour Boat Ride

Included meals: Breakfast, Mussel Degustation
Included entrances: Blue Eye Spring, Butrint Archaeological Park, On-site expert guide

In the morning we travel to the Blue Eye spring and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it, before reaching Ksamil.

• Travel to Butrint Archaeological Park where a local guide explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the castle, the churches, and the Lion Gate.
• Afterwards, hop on a boat for a tour of the “Queen of Butrinti Lake” and learn about the mussel cultivation, how to collect your own mussels, clean them, open them, and then taste them in fresh olive oil and lemon juice, with bread, by the side of the lagoon with a glass of local wine while the warm breeze comes in across the water.
• Enjoy free time in the idyllic beach of Ksamil before transfer in Saranda.

On the way to Saranda, stop for coffee-break Lekursi Castle for a view from above of the city of Saranda.

Berat  |   2 nights
Day 5: Berat via Porto Palermo Bay & Albanian Riviera Road

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included entrances: Ali Pasha Castle

En route to the city of Berat via the scenic Riviera road, explore the Ali Pasha Castle with your Tour Director.

• Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who build it, Ali Pashe Tepelena.
• Stop for lunch at a rustic local restaurant along Shushica river.

Reach Berat, get settled in the hotel and enjoy an evening in the lights and promenade of this pretty UNESCO town.

Day 6: Walking Tour & Local Food in Berat (UNESCO) 

Included meals: Breakfast, Agritourism Lunch
Included entrances: Berat Castle, Onufri Iconographic Museum

This morning set out for a walking guide through the UNESCO – recognized old town.

• Admire the White Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church, Gorica Bridge and the Berati citadel/castle
• Enjoy a coffee and raki break inside the castle of Berat
• Visit Onufri National Iconographic Museum, built in 1986. The Museum’s name honors the Albanian master painter of the 16th century, Onufri, who is responsible for a rich legacy of iconography in the country. The museum contains an immense collection of one-hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries.

Transfer to the scenic and family owned Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery located among the rolling hills that surround the city. Tour the facilities for a complete view of the process of vinification, its cellar and vineyard.

After the visit, enjoy lunch with their seasonal home-grown and locally sourced organic delights and their fine wine.

Return in Berat for a free evening.

Flight Home   |   0 nights
Day 7: Departure Day

Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we depart at 09.00 for Tirana/Tirana Airport.