Experience Albanian Gastronomy
When it comes to food culture, Albania has a lot to offer. Being part of the Mediterranean it is heavily influenced by olive oil, fruits vegetables and incredible seafood.
Albania is a short-haul destination that is emerging as one of the most fascinating countries within Europe. It is an eighth of the size of the UK, and the entirety of the country is accessible by road, enabling easy exploration.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Explore the Southern Coastline
Along the coast, small towns and ancient ruins pepper the landscape with the likes of Apollonia and Butrint dating back 2,500 years.
Haggle for Souvenirs in Kruja
Ruined castles dominate the skyline of Kruja and the ancient bazaars are great for picking up traditional handicrafts.
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See the Ottoman cities of Gjirokastra and Berat
Best explored on foot, the old towns of Gjirokastra and Berat are home to unique architecture and imposing hilltop castles.
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Whatever your interests are – from archaeology, history or art – we will ensure you don’t miss a thing with our friendly and inspirational guides.
As an emerging tourist destination, there is no denying Albania has a long way to go in terms of accommodation choices, but if you thrive on being one of the first, then we urge you to explore it now. Albania is a rare treat for those on the hunt for authenticity. There is still an undiscovered ambience to a country of rustic beauty, but the secret will soon be out.
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Day 1
Tirana
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Day 2
Tirana - Kruja - Shkodra
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Day 3
Shkodra - Durres - Berat
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Day 4
Berat - Apollonia - Vlora - Oricum - Llogara
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Day 5
Llogara - Saranda
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Day 6
Saranda
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Day 7
Saranda - Gjirokastra
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Day 8
Gjirokastra - Korca
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Day 9
Korca - Pogradec - Tirana
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Day 10
Tirana
Day 1
Tirana
Founded by the Ottomans in 1614, modern Tirana became Albania’s capital in the early 20th century. Now a city in transition, Tirana showcases a mix of new-found wealth contrasting with relics of the recent communist era.
Day 2
Tirana - Kruja - Shkodra
Day 3
Shkodra - Durres - Berat
Berat is known as the city of one thousand windows and declared a Museum City, part of UNESCO heritage sites.
Day 4
Berat - Apollonia - Vlora - Oricum - Llogara
Day 5
Llogara - Saranda
The Albania Riviera where the landscape is covered with evergreen hills, golden beaches and crystal waters. The views are spectacular as you meander down fertile slopes and through quiet villages.
Day 6
Saranda
Day 7
Saranda - Gjirokastra
Day 8
Gjirokastra - Korca
Gjirokastra is a strikingly picturesque town, perched on the side of a mountain above the Drino River.
Day 9
Korca - Pogradec - Tirana
Day 10
Tirana
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A Dictator That Built a Thousand Bunkers
The country sits between an isolated past and a reinvented future. The thousands of stone bunkers that you can see on the landscape have renewed life, now home to museums, cafes and even a tattoo parlour. The mushroom-shaped bunkers were built over two decades from 1970 when communist dictator Enver Hoxha ruled.
When visiting the capital, look up Bunk’ Art, which was Hoxha’s atomic bunker, now an exhibition space. There is now a second Bunk Art open – proving to be a place of memory and an insight into the secrets of the regime. We urge you to go and have a look for yourself.
A City of One Thousand Windows
Berat Old Town is a declared Museum City and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sat in the shadow of Tomorr Mountain, this ancient Illyrian settlement sits isolated on a hilltop with great views of the surrounding plains. The main drawcard here is Bouleuterion, the ancient greek council house. Berat and nearby strikingly picturesque Gjirokastra contain both Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, a castle with origins in the fourth century, and a bazaar that is still trading today.
Walking the Albanian Alps
Kruja is a cultural gem and is best known for its impressive castle – and adjoining Skanderbeg museum – nestled in the lap of the mountains. It is also a good place to view some of the 800,000 bunkers located around the medieval capital. From your base in Kruja take time to explore further, walking into the Albanian Alps. Valbona National Park can be reached by sailing along Koman Lake, which is a journey with a wow factor. The most well-marked hiking trail here is the Valbona to Tethi hike. These high passes are snowbound and icy in the winter months so this is a summer activity only. The promise of a dip in the Blue Eye of Thethi after a long walk is pure bliss.
Tne Ancient City Of Butrint
As you travel along the impressive Adriatic and Ionian coasts, you pass through alpine forests and rolling green hills. The final destination on your journey is Butrint National Park, home to the ancient preserved ruins of Butrint. Only recently did archaeologists uncover one of the best remains of a Roman working town in the Mediterranean.
The ancient city of Vouthrota is situated at the edge of the lake, with its monuments and theatre. Stroll through the preserved gymnasium, the Roman ablutions, the temple with the priceless mosaic floor and the enormous stone walls. Amongst the acropolis lies the castle of Ali Passa where spectacular views of the Ancient City, the lake and the vast plains can be enjoyed.
Insider's Guide to Tirana
The city is best explored on foot or even bicycle. To get a sense of the capital the first place to go is at the Pyramid of Tirana. Built as a shrine to communist leader Enver Hoxha, it is now at the heart of the upmarket area of the city known as Blloku.
For a fleeting historical overview of the country, head for the National Historical Museum of Tirana at Skanderbeg Square.
Hands down, the best view of the city is from the east of Tirana, high upon the Datjti Mountain. The next best thing, if short on time, is the Panoramic Restaurant on the top floor of the Sky Hotel.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,806 Per person
When to travel
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters in the lowlands. The early summer months of May and June are not excessively hot but the days should be clear and sunny. When travelling in the mountainous areas the weather can vary. Even snow can fall from November until March; at these times the mountain towns are very cold.
Holiday Inspiration
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