6 Days in Albania

4 Nights Tirana (Airbnb) + 1 Night Berat

Day 1 – Tirana & Durrës

Overnight: Tirana

Morning – Tirana Highlights
Start at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Albania. Visit Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the few Ottoman-era buildings that survived communism. Explore the National History Museum to understand Albania’s complex past. Walk to the Pyramid of Tirana, now a symbol of post-communist transformation.

Optional: Take the Dajti Ekspres for panoramic views over the city and mountains.

Afternoon – Durrës (40 min drive)
Visit the impressive Durrës Amphitheatre (2nd century AD), then walk along the seaside promenade and see Durrës Castle. Dinner by the Adriatic Sea before returning to Tirana.

Day 2 – Krujë & Shkodër

Overnight: Tirana

Morning – Krujë (1 hr)
Visit Krujë Castle, stronghold of national hero Skanderbeg. Inside is the Skanderbeg Museum. Stroll the Old Bazaar for handmade carpets and souvenirs.

Afternoon – Shkodër (1.5 hr)
Climb Rozafa Castle for views over rivers and Shkodra Lake. Enjoy coffee in the lively pedestrian center before returning.

Day 3 – Bovilla Lake & Gamti Hike

Overnight: Tirana

Drive 1 hour to Bovilla Lake, a turquoise reservoir surrounded by cliffs. Hike up Gamti Mountain (moderate, ~1–1.5 hrs round trip). The summit viewpoint offers spectacular canyon-like scenery. Afternoon free in Tirana.

Day 4 – Berat (UNESCO City)

Overnight: Berat

Drive ~2 hrs to Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Explore Berat Castle, still inhabited and offering panoramic valley views. Visit the Onufri Museum (iconic Orthodox art). Wander through Mangalem and Gorica quarters and cross the historic Gorica Bridge at sunset.

Day 5 – Gjirokastër & Sarandë

Overnight: Tirana or Durrës

Morning – Gjirokastër (2.5 hrs)
Explore Gjirokastër Castle, one of the Balkans’ largest fortresses. Walk the stone streets of the Old Bazaar and visit a traditional Ottoman house.

Afternoon – Sarandë (1 hr)
Relax along the Ionian coast. Stop at the crystal-clear spring of Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). Return to Tirana (approx. 4 hrs, start early).

Day 6 – Departure Day

Relaxed morning in Tirana or beach time in Durrës before departure.