Albania in Four Days: History & Culture

Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, you will be met and transferred by taxi to your centrally located hotel in Tirana for check-in. Depending on your flight schedule, the program for the first day can be adapted to ensure a smooth start to your journey. The afternoon is left free for you to relax, recover from your travels, or begin exploring the vibrant streets of the Albanian capital at your own pace. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional Albanian Night Show, an authentic cultural experience with live music, traditional dances, and local specialties (advance reservation required). Overnight stay in Tirana.

After breakfast, you will meet your professional guide and driver in the hotel lobby and begin the journey north towards Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest cities. The first stop is the legendary Rozafa Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Buna and Drin rivers. Following the visit, continue to the city center for a guided walking tour through its charming pedestrian streets. For lunch, we recommend heading to the lakeside Shiroka district, known for its delicious carp fish dishes from Shkodra Lake. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Kruja, the historic hometown of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Here, you’ll explore the Old Bazaar, Kruja Castle, and its cobblestone alleys rich in history and handicrafts. In the early evening, return to Tirana for some free time before settling in for the night. Overnight stay in Tirana.

Following breakfast, you will set off for Berat via the scenic Belshi Road, with a short coffee stop along the way. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living museum of Ottoman architecture. Your walking tour begins inside Berat Castle, where you can admire ancient churches, stone houses, and spectacular views over the valley. Lunch is free, and we suggest trying one of the charming traditional restaurants inside the castle walls. The visit continues with Mangalem and Gorica, two historic quarters connected by the graceful Gorica Bridge. In the afternoon, transfer to Durrës, Albania’s main port city, for a guided walk through its highlights including the Amphitheatre and Venetian Tower. Return to Tirana in the evening, with free time to explore or enjoy dinner at leisure. Overnight stay in Tirana.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and store your luggage at reception. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tirana, taking in its colorful architecture, Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and other key landmarks. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to shop for souvenirs, relax at a café, or explore on your own before your flight. Your driver will meet you at the hotel for a transfer to Tirana International Airport, scheduled 2.5 hours before your departure.