Culture and Beach in Albania (private tour)

Your journey begins in Tirana, a city that embodies the vibrant pulse of modern Albania. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your friendly English-speaking guide and settle into your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city with a guided walk through its iconic landmarks: the colorful Skanderbeg Square, the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque, the intriguing Pyramid of Tirana, and the trendy Blloku district — once restricted to Communist elites, now the city’s social hub. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and rest up for the adventure ahead.

Today, travel to Kruja, a symbol of Albanian resistance and pride. Explore its atmospheric Ottoman-era bazaar and the hilltop Kruja Castle, home to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. Afterward, continue to Mrizi i Zanave, a renowned agritourism farm nestled in nature, where you’ll savor organic, farm-to-table Albanian cuisine. End the day in the northern city of Shkoder, one of the oldest in the country, where you’ll enjoy a free evening to stroll through its lively pedestrian streets or relax by the lake.

Begin your morning with a walking tour through Shkoder’s charming “Pedonale”, visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen, and discover the craftsmanship of traditional Venetian masks. In the afternoon, drive south to Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living museum of Ottoman architecture and Albanian history. Spend your evening wandering the cobblestone alleys of the Mangalem Quarter, framed by whitewashed homes and scenic river views. Dinner and overnight in a traditional hotel within the old town.

This morning, visit Berat Castle, a fortress still inhabited today, offering sweeping views of the city below. Inside the castle walls, you’ll explore the Onufri Iconography Museum, showcasing exquisite Orthodox art. After lunch, journey to Gjirokaster, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Stone City,” Gjirokaster boasts Ottoman-era stone houses stacked dramatically on the hillside. Visit the Argjiro Castle, a monumental fortress with panoramic views and a Cold War-era bunker within its walls. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional stone house hotel.

Start your day with a visit to Butrint National Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through ancient Greek and Roman ruins surrounded by unspoiled wetlands, lagoons, and lush forest. Then, travel along the stunning Ionian coastline to the Albanian Riviera, where the mountains meet crystal-clear waters. Check in to your seaside hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner as the sun sets over the turquoise sea.