8 Days in Albania & Montenegro
An 8-day tour of Albania and Montenegro offers a fantastic opportunity to explore two neighboring countries rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. From Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Montenegro’s dramatic coastlines, mountains, and medieval towns, this itinerary will take you through the best of both nations.
Tips
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore both Albania and Montenegro, as public transportation options are limited in some areas. • Currency: Albania uses the lek, while Montenegro uses the euro. Make sure to have both currencies on hand.
The best time to travel is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer.
Albania and Montenegro are both visa-free for many countries, but check your specific visa requirements before traveling.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana, Albania
Morning:
- Arrive in Tirana – Start with a city tour visiting Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and Et'hem Bey Mosque.
- Walk around Blloku – Once restricted during the Communist era, now a vibrant area with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local restaurant – Try tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) or fërgesë (vegetable and cheese dish).
- Dajti Ekspres Cable Car – Ride to Mount Dajti for panoramic views and enjoy nature trails.
Evening:
- Overnight in Tirana – Dinner at a Blloku restaurant offering a lively atmosphere.
Morning:
- Arrive in Tirana – Start with a city tour visiting Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and Et'hem Bey Mosque.
- Walk around Blloku – Once restricted during the Communist era, now a vibrant area with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local restaurant – Try tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) or fërgesë (vegetable and cheese dish).
- Dajti Ekspres Cable Car – Ride to Mount Dajti for panoramic views and enjoy nature trails.
Evening:
- Overnight in Tirana – Dinner at a Blloku restaurant offering a lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Visit to Shkodra & Travel to Kosovo
Morning:
- Drive to Shkodra – About 1.5 hours from Tirana.
- Explore Shkodra Castle – Panoramic views of Lake Shkodra and nearby mountains.
- Visit Marubi Photography Museum – Discover Albania’s photographic history.
- Stroll Pedonalja – Walk along the main pedestrian street and visit Mesi Bridge or Rozafa Castle.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Shkodra – Enjoy local cuisine before driving 3 hours to Pristina, Kosovo.
- Check-in to accommodation – Relax and prepare for an evening tour.
Evening:
- Explore Pristina – Visit Mother Teresa Square, the Newborn Monument, and the Ethnological Museum.
- Dinner – Sample flija (layered pancakes) or qebapa (grilled minced meat).
Morning:
- Drive to Shkodra – About 1.5 hours from Tirana.
- Explore Shkodra Castle – Panoramic views of Lake Shkodra and nearby mountains.
- Visit Marubi Photography Museum – Discover Albania’s photographic history.
- Stroll Pedonalja – Walk along the main pedestrian street and visit Mesi Bridge or Rozafa Castle.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Shkodra – Enjoy local cuisine before driving 3 hours to Pristina, Kosovo.
- Check-in to accommodation – Relax and prepare for an evening tour.
Evening:
- Explore Pristina – Visit Mother Teresa Square, the Newborn Monument, and the Ethnological Museum.
- Dinner – Sample flija (layered pancakes) or qebapa (grilled minced meat).
ADVENTURE TOUR FOR 7 DAYS
Day 3: Prizren and Return to Albania
Morning:
- Drive to Prizren – About 1.5 hours from Pristina.
- Discover Ottoman heritage – Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren Fortress, and walk through the old town.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Prizren – Enjoy local dishes before returning to Albania.
- Stop in Pec, Kosovo – Visit medieval churches before crossing the border.
Evening:
- Overnight in Tirana – Or stay in Shkodra if preferred.
- Dinner in Tirana – Relax at a traditional Albanian restaurant.
Morning:
- Drive to Prizren – About 1.5 hours from Pristina.
- Discover Ottoman heritage – Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren Fortress, and walk through the old town.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Prizren – Enjoy local dishes before returning to Albania.
- Stop in Pec, Kosovo – Visit medieval churches before crossing the border.
Evening:
- Overnight in Tirana – Or stay in Shkodra if preferred.
- Dinner in Tirana – Relax at a traditional Albanian restaurant.
Day 4: Ohrid, Macedonia
Morning:
- Drive to Ohrid – About 4 hours from Tirana.
- Explore Ohrid Fortress – Visit Saint Sophia Church and the Antique Theatre.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Ohrid – Try local fish dishes.
- Boat trip on Lake Ohrid – Enjoy scenic views and visit the Church of Saint John at Kaneo.
Evening:
- Overnight in Ohrid – Dinner by the lakeside with trout or grilled carp.
Morning:
- Drive to Ohrid – About 4 hours from Tirana.
- Explore Ohrid Fortress – Visit Saint Sophia Church and the Antique Theatre.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Ohrid – Try local fish dishes.
- Boat trip on Lake Ohrid – Enjoy scenic views and visit the Church of Saint John at Kaneo.
Evening:
- Overnight in Ohrid – Dinner by the lakeside with trout or grilled carp.
Day 5: Explore Ohrid and Travel to Skopje
Morning:
- Visit Saint Naum Monastery – Located on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid.
- Explore nearby springs – Take a boat tour to the Black Drin River springs.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Ohrid – Then drive 3 hours to Skopje.
- Explore Macedonia Square – Visit the Stone Bridge and Skopje Fortress.
Evening:
- Old Bazaar Tour – Wander one of the largest Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans.
- Dinner in Skopje – Try tavče gravče (bean stew) or ajvar (pepper relish).
Morning:
- Visit Saint Naum Monastery – Located on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid.
- Explore nearby springs – Take a boat tour to the Black Drin River springs.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Ohrid – Then drive 3 hours to Skopje.
- Explore Macedonia Square – Visit the Stone Bridge and Skopje Fortress.
Evening:
- Old Bazaar Tour – Wander one of the largest Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans.
- Dinner in Skopje – Try tavče gravče (bean stew) or ajvar (pepper relish).
ADVENTURE TOUR FOR 7 DAYS
Day 6: Day Trip to Lake Prespa & Return to Skopje
Morning:
- Visit Lake Prespa – Shared by Albania, Macedonia, and Greece. Ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
- Tour St. Mary’s Monastery – Located on a lake island.
Afternoon:
- Lunch by the lake – Enjoy local specialties before returning to Skopje.
- Stop at Matka Canyon – Take a boat ride and visit Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves.
Evening:
- Relax in Skopje – End the day with dinner at a local restaurant
Morning:
- Visit Lake Prespa – Shared by Albania, Macedonia, and Greece. Ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
- Tour St. Mary’s Monastery – Located on a lake island.
Afternoon:
- Lunch by the lake – Enjoy local specialties before returning to Skopje.
- Stop at Matka Canyon – Take a boat ride and visit Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves.
Evening:
- Relax in Skopje – End the day with dinner at a local restaurant
Day 7: Travel to Tetovo and Return to Kosovo
Morning:
- Drive to Tetovo – Known for its Painted Mosque, Shara Mountain Park, and Ottoman architecture.
- Visit landmarks – Explore mosques, monasteries, and outdoor scenery.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Tetovo – Cross the border back into Kosovo.
- Explore Pec (Peja) – Discover Rugova Canyon and the Patriarchate of Peć Monastery (UNESCO site).
Evening:
- Overnight in Pristina – Enjoy a farewell dinner with Kosovo specialties.
Morning:
- Drive to Tetovo – Known for its Painted Mosque, Shara Mountain Park, and Ottoman architecture.
- Visit landmarks – Explore mosques, monasteries, and outdoor scenery.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Tetovo – Cross the border back into Kosovo.
- Explore Pec (Peja) – Discover Rugova Canyon and the Patriarchate of Peć Monastery (UNESCO site).
Evening:
- Overnight in Pristina – Enjoy a farewell dinner with Kosovo specialties.
Day 8: Departure from Pristina
Morning:
- Relax in Pristina – Visit any remaining sights or local markets.
Afternoon:
- Airport transfer – Depart from Pristina International Airport.
Morning:
- Relax in Pristina – Visit any remaining sights or local markets.
Afternoon:
- Airport transfer – Depart from Pristina International Airport.