8 Days in Albania
Enjoy your adventure in Albania! It's a beautiful country with lots to explore, from its rich history to breathtaking landscapes.
Tips
Renting a car is the best way to travel between these destinations as public transportation can be unreliable.
Albania offers a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs. In the mountains (like Theth), you may stay in traditional guesthouses.
Be sure to pack for varied weather conditions. Coastal areas are warmer, but the mountains can be chilly, especially in the evenings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Afternoon:
Explore Skanderbeg Square, the main public square in the heart of the city. Visit the National History Museum and see the impressive mosaics and exhibitions. Wander around the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower nearby.
Evening:
Enjoy a dinner at one of the local restaurants such as Taverna Tirona to try Albanian specialties like tavë kosi (lamb and yogurt casserole). Take a stroll through Blloku, the trendy district with cafes and nightlife.
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Afternoon:
Explore Skanderbeg Square, the main public square in the heart of the city. Visit the National History Museum and see the impressive mosaics and exhibitions. Wander around the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower nearby.
Evening:
Enjoy a dinner at one of the local restaurants such as Taverna Tirona to try Albanian specialties like tavë kosi (lamb and yogurt casserole). Take a stroll through Blloku, the trendy district with cafes and nightlife.
Day 2: Tirana to Shkoder
Morning:
Drive to Shkoder, approximately a 2-hour journey. Visit Rozafa Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
Explore the town’s charming streets and visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography. Enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk or a boat ride at Shkoder Lake.
Evening:
Have dinner at a local restaurant by the lake or in the city center.
Morning:
Drive to Shkoder, approximately a 2-hour journey. Visit Rozafa Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
Explore the town’s charming streets and visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography. Enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk or a boat ride at Shkoder Lake.
Evening:
Have dinner at a local restaurant by the lake or in the city center.
Day 3: Shkoder to Theth
Morning:
Travel to Theth, a picturesque village nestled in the Albanian Alps. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation. Take a short hike to the Theth Waterfall, which is about a 30-minute walk. Visit the Church of Theth and the Lock-in Tower to explore the village’s cultural and historical heritage.
Evening:
Enjoy traditional Albanian food in a local guesthouse or restaurant
Morning:
Travel to Theth, a picturesque village nestled in the Albanian Alps. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation. Take a short hike to the Theth Waterfall, which is about a 30-minute walk. Visit the Church of Theth and the Lock-in Tower to explore the village’s cultural and historical heritage.
Evening:
Enjoy traditional Albanian food in a local guesthouse or restaurant
Day 4: Theth
Morning:
Hike to the stunning Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring with crystal-clear water. The hike takes approximately 2–3 hours each way.
Afternoon:
Relax or explore the nearby Valbona Valley National Park for additional trekking options and breathtaking scenery.
Evening:
Spend a peaceful evening enjoying the traditional rural atmosphere in Theth.
Morning:
Hike to the stunning Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring with crystal-clear water. The hike takes approximately 2–3 hours each way.
Afternoon:
Relax or explore the nearby Valbona Valley National Park for additional trekking options and breathtaking scenery.
Evening:
Spend a peaceful evening enjoying the traditional rural atmosphere in Theth.
Day 5: Theth to Berat
Morning:
Drive to Berat, approximately a 4–5 hour journey. Known as the "town of a thousand windows," Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon:
Visit Berat Castle, which offers stunning views of the town and surrounding areas. Wander through the old Ottoman neighborhood of Mangalem and explore the historic Onufri Museum located inside the castle.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, trying local dishes such as qofte (meatballs) and byrek (savory pastries).
Morning:
Drive to Berat, approximately a 4–5 hour journey. Known as the "town of a thousand windows," Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon:
Visit Berat Castle, which offers stunning views of the town and surrounding areas. Wander through the old Ottoman neighborhood of Mangalem and explore the historic Onufri Museum located inside the castle.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, trying local dishes such as qofte (meatballs) and byrek (savory pastries).
Day 6: Berat to Gjirokastër
Morning:
Head south to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed city, with a drive of approximately 3–4 hours.
Afternoon:
Visit Gjirokastër Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, and explore the fascinating Zekate House for insight into the city’s Ottoman heritage. Stroll around the old bazaar and admire the cobbled streets lined with traditional stone houses.
Evening:
Have dinner in a traditional restaurant with a view of the castle, savoring local specialties.
Morning:
Head south to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed city, with a drive of approximately 3–4 hours.
Afternoon:
Visit Gjirokastër Castle, offering panoramic views of the city, and explore the fascinating Zekate House for insight into the city’s Ottoman heritage. Stroll around the old bazaar and admire the cobbled streets lined with traditional stone houses.
Evening:
Have dinner in a traditional restaurant with a view of the castle, savoring local specialties.
Day 7: Gjirokastër to Vlora
Morning:
Drive to Vlora, approximately 2.5 hours, a coastal city at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Afternoon:
Visit Independence Square, where Albania declared its independence in 1912. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Vlorë Beach or visit the Muradi Mosque. Optionally, explore the Castle of Vlora or take a boat ride to the nearby Sazan Island.
Evening:
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling dishes like fresh fish or grilled squid.
Morning:
Drive to Vlora, approximately 2.5 hours, a coastal city at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Afternoon:
Visit Independence Square, where Albania declared its independence in 1912. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Vlorë Beach or visit the Muradi Mosque. Optionally, explore the Castle of Vlora or take a boat ride to the nearby Sazan Island.
Evening:
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling dishes like fresh fish or grilled squid.
Day 8: Vlora to Saranda and Departure
Morning:
Take a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera towards Saranda, approximately a 2-hour journey. Upon arrival, visit Lëkurësi Castle for stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
Afternoon:
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, an ancient city featuring well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins. If time permits, unwind at the picturesque Ksamil Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy shores.
Evening: