Tirana - Shkodra

Tirana - In Tirana, visitors can explore the main Boulevard in the city center, the Gallery of Arts, Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque, the Bunker, the Pyramid, Mother Theresa Square, the Blloku area, which is the city’s most popular spot, and the national park of Tirana. The tour offers an engaging journey through the city’s transformation from the Dictatorship era to modern times.

National Gallery of Art - This beautiful venue showcases the relatively short history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to today and hosts temporary exhibitions. The intriguing collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting everyday Albanian life and others with a more political focus, featuring excellent examples of Albanian socialist realism. The gallery’s entrance is not always open, so if exhibitions are available during your visit, you can enter the gallery.

Blloku - An upscale area in Tirana, Albania, Blloku is renowned as an entertainment hub with its boutiques, shops, restaurants, trendy bars, pubs, and cafes. It is part of the Tirana e Re neighborhood in southwestern Tirana. During peak summer months, its trendy bars relocate to the Albanian Riviera.

After the fall of Communism in Albania, Blloku became very appealing because it was a restricted residential area for the Albanian politburo members during the communist period, and ordinary Albanians were not allowed in. It was unmarked on most maps. In Blloku, visitors can still find the residence of Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha.

In the Blloku neighborhood, visitors can enjoy free time 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 more recently a convention center and nightclub. Today, covered in graffiti and surrounded by Tirana’s homeless encampments, its once-white marble walls are crumbling, with no decision yet on whether to demolish or restore it.

The pyramid is part of the sightseeing tour, with a 10-minute stop for explanation.

Et`hem Bey Mosque - Located in Skanderbeg Square, this mosque, built in the 17th century, is a fascinating attraction where visitors can learn its full history during their visit.

Muzeu Historik Kombetar - Albania’s largest museum houses many of the country’s archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg’s massive sword. The lighting may be poor, but the excellent collection is mostly signed in English and takes visitors chronologically from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era. The collection of statues, mosaics, and columns from ancient Greek and Roman times is breathtaking. Admission to the museum is not included in the tour price.

Shkoder - This diverse city has a rich artistic heritage and has significantly contributed to Albanian culture. Shkodra is the birthplace of notable Albanian poets like Migjeni, painters like Kol Idromeno and Edi Hila, and photographers, the Marubi Family. Shkodra is home to the haunting Marubi National Photography Museum, displaying the first photo taken in Albania, and the Venice Art Mask Factory, where a local master crafts the intricate masks used in Venice carnivals and Las Vegas shows. A city of myths and legends, the famous Castle of Shkodra is said to be held by the body of Rozafa, the beautiful young mother who sacrificed herself for it. This naturally beautiful city is abundant with reflections in the Adriatic Sea, Lake Shkodra, and the Buna River. Known as the “city of bicycles,” the best way to admire the city’s views is by cycling in the open air. Visitors will have free time and an overnight stay in this city.

Rozafa Castle - Due to its strategic location, the hill has been settled since antiquity. It was an Illyrian stronghold during the rule of the Labeates and Ardiaei, whose capital was Scodra.

During the Third Illyrian War, the Illyrian king Gentius concentrated his forces in Scodra. When attacked by the Roman army led by L. Anicius Gallus, Gentius fled into the city and was trapped there, hoping his brother Caravantius would arrive with a large relieving army, but it didn’t happen. After his defeat, Gentius sent two prominent tribal leaders, Teuticus and Bellus, as envoys to negotiate with the Roman commander. On the third day of the truce, Gentius surrendered to the Romans, was placed in custody, and sent to Rome. The Roman army marched north of Scutari Lake, where, at Meteon, they captured Gentius’ wife, Queen Etuta, his brother Caravantius, his sons Scerdilaidas and Pleuratus, along with leading Illyrians.

### Shkodra - Ferry ride - Valbona village (Ferry Ride and Hiking Tour day Optional)

Komani Lake - Early in the morning, the journey to Valbona National Park begins. Breakfast is served in small take-out boxes. The trip continues with a ferry ride to Valbona village via Koman Lake, one of Albania’s highlights. This superb three-hour ferry ride across vast Lake Koman connects the towns of Koman and Fierzë. Lake Koman was created in 1978 when the Drin River was dammed, allowing travelers to cruise through spectacular mountain scenery where many resilient people still live as they have for centuries, tucked away in tiny mountain villages. Unfortunately, the scenic beauty is somewhat marred by the thousands of plastic bottles and other rubbish floating in the lake. In some areas, this rubbish forms ‘islands’ so large they pose a shipping hazard.

The ferry trip ticket is included in the package.

Valbona Valley National Park - The Valbona Valley is a place of rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and endless forests under the shade of the surrounding high peaks. In this stunning setting, organic, farm-fresh products and clear air seemingly add years to one’s life. This natural wonder offers a rare sense of tranquility and beauty, not to be missed by those seeking Albania’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures.

### Valbona - Gjakova - Prizren (Kosovo) - Kruja

Prizren - Nestled on the slopes of the lush Sharr Mountains and divided by the Lumbardh River, Prizren, including its modern suburbs, was home to about 180,000 people in 2011, making it the second-largest city in the country after Pristina, the capital. The majority of the population is ethnic Albanian. Kosovo’s Turkish, Bosniak, and Gorani communities are concentrated in Prizren as well. As such, the standard bilingual street signs in Albanian and Serbian are complemented by Turkish, which is freely used, particularly in the old town and among other Albanians. The local Serbs vacated the city after the Kosovo War of 1998–99, when Kosovo was de facto detached from Serbia, leaving their charred houses derelict on the upper streets leading to the fortress.

### Kruja - Durres Seaside (Relaxing by the Adriatic Sea)

Kruja Castle - Kruja is just 32km from Tirana and very close to Tirana International Airport. This historic city is 608m above sea level and offers a stunning panoramic view.

The city’s name and significance are closely linked to the 25 years of activity of the national hero, Skanderbeg, who in the fifteenth century made Kruja a bastion of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. The Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum is located within the castle walls, which date back to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D.

The museum was inaugurated in 1981. Within the castle walls are also the Ethnographic Museum and the Dollma Tekke. Near the castle’s entrance is a traditional market, dating back to Skanderbeg’s time. Here, tourists can find Albanian craft products such as embroidered items, carpets, silver objects, copper, alabaster, filigree, traditional clothing, and antiques at the traditional Old Bazaar of Kruja.

Durres Amphitheatre - The Amphitheater of Durrës remains one of the most majestic of the ancient world and one of the ten most beautiful Roman amphitheaters. Widely recognized among Antiquity enthusiasts, it is a pearl of the Balkans that is slowly emerging from its shell. Discovered relatively recently, in 1966, its unearthing occurred in a slightly comical way by Vangjel Toçi. Legend has it that Vangjel, an archaeologist and resident of Durrës, stumbled upon a fig tree that had fallen a few meters below ground level. Curious and inquisitive, he insisted on excavating the area. Rightly so, for beneath it lay the long-sought-after Amphitheater.

• Fuel for the vehicle
• Driver, guide fee, food expenses, and accommodation for 4 days
• All fees and taxes
• Rental car fee
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Parking fee
• 1 night in guest house and 2 nights in 3-star hotels

• Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions

This 4-day tour begins in Tirana and covers many of Albania’s top tourist attractions. It’s perfect for those who love exploring nature in the Alps, delving into the culture and history of countries like Albania and Kosovo, and enjoying walking tours in historic towns and major cities. Additionally, participants can relish the beauty of the Adriatic seaside. This tour could be the ideal choice for you.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.