Archaeological Tour for 5 Days in Albania
This 5-day Archaeological Tour of Albania will immerse you in the country's deep historical roots, showcasing its impressive ruins from ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. You'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and uncover stories from Albania's fascinating past while enjoying the beauty of the landscapes.
Tips
This itinerary allows you to explore important archaeological sites while balancing time for relaxation and local culture.
The best months for an archaeological tour in Albania are April to October, when the weather is mild, and the sites are less crowded
The best months for an archaeological tour in Albania are April to October, when the weather is mild, and the sites are less crowded
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana – Explore the Capital’s History
Morning:
- Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania. After checking into your hotel, take a few hours to relax and get settled.
- Begin your archaeological exploration with a visit to the National History Museum, located in Skanderbeg Square. The museum's extensive collection includes prehistoric artifacts, ancient pottery, and displays from Albania’s communist period.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the country. The mosque features exquisite frescoes and intricate designs, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.
- Explore Tirana's Archaeological Park, home to the remains of an ancient Roman city. The park contains ancient structures, including remnants of the Roman Theater and fortifications.
Evening:
- Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like byrek (savory pastry) and tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).
- Overnight in Tirana.
Morning:
- Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania. After checking into your hotel, take a few hours to relax and get settled.
- Begin your archaeological exploration with a visit to the National History Museum, located in Skanderbeg Square. The museum's extensive collection includes prehistoric artifacts, ancient pottery, and displays from Albania’s communist period.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the country. The mosque features exquisite frescoes and intricate designs, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.
- Explore Tirana's Archaeological Park, home to the remains of an ancient Roman city. The park contains ancient structures, including remnants of the Roman Theater and fortifications.
Evening:
- Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like byrek (savory pastry) and tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).
- Overnight in Tirana.
Day 2: Tirana to Durrës – Roman Ruins and Ancient Amphitheater
Morning:
- Drive to Durrës (approx. 40 minutes), one of the oldest cities in Albania and home to an impressive collection of Roman and Byzantine ruins.
- Begin your visit at the Durrës Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The museum's exhibits include marble statues, mosaics, and pottery.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Roman Amphitheater of Durrës, one of the largest and most well-preserved amphitheaters in the Balkans. It could once hold around 20,000 spectators and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient entertainment and Roman architecture.
- Visit the Venetian Tower, which sits atop the old city walls and provides a great view of the city and the surrounding coastline.
Evening:
- Head back to Tirana and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
- Overnight in Tirana.
Morning:
- Drive to Durrës (approx. 40 minutes), one of the oldest cities in Albania and home to an impressive collection of Roman and Byzantine ruins.
- Begin your visit at the Durrës Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The museum's exhibits include marble statues, mosaics, and pottery.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Roman Amphitheater of Durrës, one of the largest and most well-preserved amphitheaters in the Balkans. It could once hold around 20,000 spectators and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient entertainment and Roman architecture.
- Visit the Venetian Tower, which sits atop the old city walls and provides a great view of the city and the surrounding coastline.
Evening:
- Head back to Tirana and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
- Overnight in Tirana.
ADVENTURE TOUR FOR 7 DAYS
Day 3: Tirana to Apollonia and Fier – Ancient Greek and Roman Sites
Morning:
- Drive to Apollonia Archaeological Park (approx. 1.5 hours), one of Albania’s most important ancient sites. This Greek and Roman city dates back to the 6th century BC.
- Visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the remains of a Roman theater, basilica, and several public buildings. The site also contains a museum showcasing many finds, including inscriptions, statues, and pottery.
Afternoon:
- Continue your journey to the nearby Fier Archaeological Park, which features the remains of a Roman settlement. Explore the Roman villa, mosaics, and other remnants of ancient residential buildings.
- Visit Buthrotum (Butrint) if time allows, an ancient city located near the Greek border, which boasts ruins dating back to the Greek and Roman periods. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening:
- Return to Tirana for dinner and overnight stay.
Morning:
- Drive to Apollonia Archaeological Park (approx. 1.5 hours), one of Albania’s most important ancient sites. This Greek and Roman city dates back to the 6th century BC.
- Visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the remains of a Roman theater, basilica, and several public buildings. The site also contains a museum showcasing many finds, including inscriptions, statues, and pottery.
Afternoon:
- Continue your journey to the nearby Fier Archaeological Park, which features the remains of a Roman settlement. Explore the Roman villa, mosaics, and other remnants of ancient residential buildings.
- Visit Buthrotum (Butrint) if time allows, an ancient city located near the Greek border, which boasts ruins dating back to the Greek and Roman periods. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening:
- Return to Tirana for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows and Ancient Ruins
Morning:
- Depart for Berat (approx. 2 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Ottoman architecture, but also home to several historical ruins.
- Begin by visiting the Berat Castle, a massive fortress that dates back to the 4th century BC. Within the castle, explore ancient Byzantine and Ottoman ruins, including churches, mosques, and defensive walls.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Onufri Museum, located inside the Saint Mary Church in the castle, to admire religious art from the 16th century, including works by Onufri, an Albanian icon painter.
- Explore the Mangalem Quarter, where ancient Ottoman houses and stone pathways wind through the town. Although not as much of an archaeological site, the area is rich in history and offers a charming atmosphere.
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling fërgesë (a local dish with peppers and cheese) and tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt).
- Overnight in Berat.
Morning:
- Depart for Berat (approx. 2 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Ottoman architecture, but also home to several historical ruins.
- Begin by visiting the Berat Castle, a massive fortress that dates back to the 4th century BC. Within the castle, explore ancient Byzantine and Ottoman ruins, including churches, mosques, and defensive walls.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Onufri Museum, located inside the Saint Mary Church in the castle, to admire religious art from the 16th century, including works by Onufri, an Albanian icon painter.
- Explore the Mangalem Quarter, where ancient Ottoman houses and stone pathways wind through the town. Although not as much of an archaeological site, the area is rich in history and offers a charming atmosphere.
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling fërgesë (a local dish with peppers and cheese) and tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt).
- Overnight in Berat.
Day 5: Gjirokastër – City of Stone and Roman Influence
Morning:
- Depart for Gjirokastër (approx. 2 hours), another UNESCO-listed town known for its preserved Ottoman architecture, but also a site rich in Roman and medieval history.
- Visit the Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. The castle has been inhabited since Roman times and offers magnificent views over the town and the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
- Inside the castle, explore the Gjirokastër National Museum, which showcases exhibits from the ancient Roman and Byzantine periods.
- Visit the Ethnological Museum, housed in a traditional stone house that illustrates local life through the ages. You can also wander through the Gjirokastër Bazaar, which retains its medieval atmosphere.
Evening:
- Enjoy a relaxing dinner in Gjirokastër, trying qifqi (rice balls) or sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls).
- Overnight in Gjirokastër.
Morning:
- Depart for Gjirokastër (approx. 2 hours), another UNESCO-listed town known for its preserved Ottoman architecture, but also a site rich in Roman and medieval history.
- Visit the Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. The castle has been inhabited since Roman times and offers magnificent views over the town and the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
- Inside the castle, explore the Gjirokastër National Museum, which showcases exhibits from the ancient Roman and Byzantine periods.
- Visit the Ethnological Museum, housed in a traditional stone house that illustrates local life through the ages. You can also wander through the Gjirokastër Bazaar, which retains its medieval atmosphere.
Evening:
- Enjoy a relaxing dinner in Gjirokastër, trying qifqi (rice balls) or sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls).
- Overnight in Gjirokastër.