5 Days of Historical Exploration in Albania Itinerary

Begin your day with an excursion to Krujë, just an hour's drive from Tirana. Start with Krujë Castle (Kalaja e Krujës), an ancient fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy breakfast at Bar Restorant Bardhi, located near the castle and known for its delicious local cuisine.

Explore the Old Bazaar of Krujë, where you can find traditional Albanian crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the chance to visit the Skanderbeg Museum within the castle complex for more historical insights. Take a lunch break at Hotel Panorama Restaurant, which offers panoramic views and excellent food.

Return to Tirana in the evening and unwind at Pyramid of Tirana (Enver Hoxha Pyramid). Though controversial, this structure is an interesting piece of modern history. End your day with dinner at Pazari i Ri, a vibrant area filled with various dining options.

Start your morning with an adventurous trip to Mt. Dajti via the Dajti Express Cable Car (Dajti Ekspres). The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of Tirana and its surroundings. Have breakfast at Ballkoni Dajtit, located atop Mt. Dajti, offering both great food and stunning vistas.

After enjoying some time on Mt. Dajti, embark on the activity: From Tirana Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain Hiking Day Trip. This guided tour will take you through some beautiful natural landscapes while providing historical context about the area.

Return to Tirana in the evening for some relaxation time before heading out for dinner at Artigiano Vila, known for its delicious Italian-Albanian fusion cuisine.

Start your day with a trip to Berat, often referred to as the 'City of a Thousand Windows.' Begin with a visit to the Berati Castle (Kalaja e Beratit), which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Enjoy breakfast at Lili Homemade Food, known for its authentic Albanian breakfast dishes.

After exploring the castle, head down to the Mangalem Quarter, famous for its Ottoman-era houses. Don't miss the Ethnographic Museum, which provides insights into traditional Albanian life. For lunch, stop by Antigoni Restaurant, which offers delicious local cuisine and stunning views of the Osum River.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Gorica Quarter, located across the river from Mangalem. This area is known for its beautiful stone bridges and historic churches. Enjoy dinner at Hotel Mangalemi Restaurant, where you can savor traditional dishes in a charming setting.

Begin your final day with a trip to Durres, Albania's second-largest city and one of its oldest. Start with a visit to the Durres Amphitheatre (Amfiteatri i Durrësit), one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans. Enjoy breakfast at 2 Kitarrat, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

Next, explore the Durres Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Illyria and Rome. Take a break for lunch at Gusto di Mare & Sushi Time, offering both local seafood and international cuisine.

End your day with a stroll along Durres' seaside promenade, where you can enjoy beautiful sunset views over the Adriatic Sea. For dinner, head to Restorant Piazza, located near the waterfront and known for its excellent seafood dishes.