Our first stop is Tirana, the capital, where you can stroll on Skanderberg Square and hop on a Free Walking Tour to learn all about the complex past of Albania. You can visit the Bunk’art 1 & 2 to dive deeper into history. If you get a little hungry, you can head to the Pazari ►
Our first stop is Tirana, the capital, where you can stroll on Skanderberg Square and hop on a Free Walking Tour to learn all about the complex past of Albania. You can visit the Bunk’art 1 & 2 to dive deeper into history. If you get a little hungry, you can head to the Pazari i Ri and enjoy local food while admiring the surrounding colorful buildings. And for a lively night out, the Blloku is the perfect trendy district to have a drink and listen to live music.
We now go to the country’s center, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a well-preserved Ottoman-era old town. While strolling through its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with centuries-old houses, you can marvel at the exquisite architecture. Climbing to the hilltop will take you to Berat Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Don’t miss the stunning Byzantine churches and the Onufri Museum, home to a remarkable collection of religious art. You can also enjoy the city center, which is more modern and bustling with life, the perfect place to have a coffee or enjoy local food in one of the numerous restaurants.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastër, transports visitors back in time with its ancient stone houses and narrow streets. The imposing Gjirokastër Castle houses the National Museum of Weapons, showcasing a fascinating collection of arms and armor. Discover the birthplace of the renowned writer Ismail Kadare, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of this charming town. Gjirokastër also houses the National Folk Festival in the fall every five years. It is one of the country’s most important cultural events. The concerts performed by iso-polyphonic groups, a tradition classified as intangible heritage by the UNESCO, are a significant highlight of the festival.
Escape to the breathtaking Albanian Riviera, a coastline adorned with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can explore the striking white sand beaches of the hidden coves of Dhermi and its charming village atmosphere. The vibrant beach town of Saranda is known for its lively promenade. For a more secluded experience, the unspoiled beauty of Himarë or the Ksamil Islands are a marvel. Step back in time to the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through the ruins of this ancient city, which dates back to the Hellenistic period, you can admire the well-preserved theater, Roman baths, and the stunning Lion Gate.
If you are a nature lover, you will be enchanted by the pristine beauty of the Valbona Valley, located in the “Albanian Alps” in the north of the country. The Valbona Valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for trekking or mountain biking. Hike through picturesque trails, and immerse yourself in the local hospitality by staying in traditional guesthouses and sampling delicious homemade cuisine. You can easily reach Valbona from Shkoder by taking a ferry that will take you across Koman Lake. You will then enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains, which seem to fall straight down into the water.
Shkoder, the oldest city in Albania, is right next to Lake Skodra, the biggest lake in the Balkan peninsula. The city is famous for its religious diversity and many mosques and cathedrals. You can visit the Rozafa citadel, built in 350 BCE, where you can also find a museum with many artifacts displaying the region’s rich history. If you like biking, you can easily decide to go on an adventure on the shores of the lake or the Mes Bridge, one of the longest Ottoman bridges in the world.
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