Tirana - Berat - Gjirokaster

Skanderbeg Square - In Tirana, you’ll explore the main Boulevard in the center, the Gallery of Arts, Skanderbeg Square, the main Boulevard, the Mosque, the Bunker, the Pyramid, Mother Theresa Square, the Blloku area (the city’s most frequented spot), and the national park of Tirana.

Durres - Once briefly Albania’s capital, Durrës is now almost an extension of Tirana, connected by a continuous urban corridor filled with hypermarkets and car dealerships. With a decent 10km stretch of beach, Durrës offers a pleasant, albeit built-up, escape from Tirana. Off the crowded, noisy, and somewhat tacky seafront, the town exudes a charming Mediterranean vibe. Durrës boasts a rich history, and international visitors are drawn more to its fascinating Roman amphitheater and excellent archaeological museum than its beaches. You’ll spend about 2 hours here for coffee and a walk.

National Gallery of Art - This beautiful space traces the relatively brief history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day and hosts temporary exhibitions. The intriguing collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting scenes from daily Albanian life and others with a more political dimension, featuring some outstanding examples of Albanian socialist realism. The gallery’s entrance isn’t always open, so if there are exhibitions during your visit, you can enter the gallery.

Blloku - An upscale area in Tirana, Albania, Blloku is known for its entertainment options, including boutiques, shops, restaurants, trendy bars, pubs, and cafes. Located in the Tirana e Re neighborhood in southwestern Tirana, its trendy bars move to the Albanian Riviera during peak summer months. After the fall of Communism, Blloku became very attractive, as it was previously a restricted residential area for members of the Albanian politburo, off-limits to ordinary Albanians and unmarked on most maps. In Blloku, you can still find the residence of Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha. You’ll have free time here for lunch or coffee.

Enver Hoxha Pyramid - Designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law and completed in 1988, this unattractive building was once the Enver Hoxha Museum and later a convention center and nightclub. Now covered in graffiti and surrounded by the encampments of Tirana’s homeless, its once-white marble walls are crumbling. No decision has been made yet on whether to demolish or restore it. During our sightseeing, we’ll stop for 10 minutes for an explanation.

Et`hem Bey Mosque - Located in Skanderbeg Square, this mosque was built in the 17th century. You’ll learn its full history during your visit.

Pazari i Ri - The New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), one of the oldest and most historic residential neighborhoods in Tirana, has recently been renovated and revitalized. Many traditional elements of the old town have been preserved, while the square has been updated with a modern look. The name comes from the local farmers’ market at the center, where over 300 farmers from surrounding areas sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, and spices. You’ll have some free time here to buy typical products if you wish.

Berat Castle - Built on a hilltop in the 4th century B.C., Berat Castle remains as magnificent and elegant as ever, and is the crown jewel of this ancient city. Surrounded by stone walls with twenty-four watchtowers, Berat Castle is one of the most beautiful in Albania, if not the most beautiful of them all. Its ancient name, dating back to 216 B.C., is Antipatrea. The view from its fortified courtyard reveals the entire city of Berat, the Osum River, and the old bridge of Gorica. A trip to Berat is incomplete without seeing this landscape from the castle’s heights. The solemn entrance, a large gate built on giant rocks, leaves a strong first impression on visitors. A moment of silence is necessary to truly appreciate the fortress’s magnificence before entering.

Durres Amphitheatre - The Amphitheater of Durrës is one of the most majestic of the ancient world and among the ten most beautiful Roman amphitheaters. Recognized by Antiquity enthusiasts, it is a Balkan gem slowly emerging from obscurity. Discovered in 1966 by Vangjel Toçi, an archaeologist and Durrës resident, its unearthing occurred in a slightly comical way. Legend has it that Vangjel found a fig tree that had fallen a few meters below ground level and insisted on excavations, leading to the discovery of the long-sought Amphitheater.

### Gjirokaster - Sarande - Vlore

Gjirokastra Bazaar - The lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the same family for generations, except for a few years during the communist period when the government took it over. You’ll likely be shown around by a family member. Dating from the early 1700s and partially rebuilt in 1827, the house features many fascinating elements, including a room used only for wedding ceremonies with 15 windows, many with stained glass. You’ll visit the house with a guide.

Skenduli House - The lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the same family for generations, except for a few years during the communist period when the government took it over. You’ll likely be shown around by a family member. Dating from the early 1700s and partially rebuilt in 1827, the house features many fascinating elements, including a room used only for wedding ceremonies with 15 windows, many with stained glass. You’ll visit the house with a guide.

Butrint National Park - After lunch, you’ll visit the top archaeological sites of Butrint. Butrint (Butrint in Albanian) was an ancient Greek city, later Roman, and a bishopric in Epirus. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Buthrotum was a city of the Greek Chaonian tribe, later a Roman colony and a bishopric. It declined at the end of Antiquity and was abandoned in the Middle Ages after a major earthquake flooded most of the city. Hotel check-in and free time by the sea in Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. Over the summer months, it seems like half of Tirana moves here to enjoy the lively beach and nightlife along its crowded seaside promenade.

### Vlore - Durres - Tirane

Qeparo - On the way to Saranda, you’ll pass by many exotic villages, one of the quietest and most fantastic being Qeparo Beach. You can spend a few hours here by the beach.

Porto Palermo - The Porto Palermo Castle is the crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera! Built on a hill of an island connected to the shore by a narrow man-made strip of land, this castle immediately attracts attention with its triangular shape and three bastions at each corner. Built in 1814 at the request of Ali Pashë Tepelena after the destruction of Justinian’s castle, the church of St. Nicolas was also built across from the castle during the same period. The castle is in great condition and located atop Porto Palermo’s beautiful historic beach, accessible to everyone.

Himare - Himarë is a bilingual town in Southern Albania along the Albanian Riviera and part of Vlorë County. It is the largest settlement and the seat of the Himarë municipality. You may pass by the city or stop for coffee, depending on your preference.

• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, fuel and rental included
• Lunch provided
• Entrance fees for museums and national parks covered
• Three full days of driver and guide services, inclusive of their food and accommodation
• Breakfast included
• Two nights’ stay in 3 or 4-star hotels