Winter Escape: Celebrate the New Year in Albania

Arrive at Tirana International Airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to Hotel Opera or similar, located in the heart of the city. After checking in, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure or take a stroll through Tirana’s festive streets. In the evening, soak up the New Year atmosphere with live music, street performances, and local street food. Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Tirana.

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby. We depart for Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its historic architecture and scenic hilltop castle. We explore the impressive Berat Castle and discover the treasures of the Onufri Iconography Museum, home to exquisite religious art. Strolling through the Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods, we take in the cobbled streets, traditional Ottoman-era houses, and the town’s timeless atmosphere. We will enjoy a leisurely lunch of authentic Albanian cuisine, paired with local wine and rakí, at Mbrica Restaurant or similar inside the castle. In the afternoon, we return to Tirana and savor dinner at Vila Era or similar, soaking up the city’s lively winter energy. Overnight in Tirana at Hotel Opera or similar.

After breakfast, we depart for Krujë, a historic Albanian town steeped in culture and heritage. We explore the vibrant Old Bazaar, wander through the grounds of Krujë Castle, and discover the fascinating exhibits at the Skanderbeg Museum. Lunch is arranged at a restaurant inside Krujë Castle or similar, featuring a selection of traditional Albanian and Mediterranean dishes. We return to Tirana in the afternoon and visit the House of Leaves Museum, which offers a compelling look into Albania’s communist-era secret police. The afternoon is at leisure. We advise taking a stroll along Tirana’s bustling pedestrian street, stopping for a drink or snack, and joining the lively New Year’s atmosphere and Christmas Markets in the city center. Overnight in Tirana at Hotel Opera or similar.

After breakfast, we take the Dajti cable car up to Dajti National Park and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding mountains. Lunch is arranged at a mountaintop restaurant, soaking in the scenery and fresh air. In the afternoon, we visit Bunk’Art, an intriguing underground museum that reveals Albania’s modern history through immersive exhibits. We return to the hotel to relax and prepare for the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Enjoy a three-course festive meal with drinks, live music, dancing, and entertainment as we celebrate the arrival of the new year. Overnight in Tirana at Hotel Opera or similar.

After breakfast, enjoy a final moment in the city before your private transfer to Tirana International Airport, scheduled according to your flight details.