A culinary trip to Albania offers a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman traditions. From the fresh seafood along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts to hearty mountain dishes, the journey is a feast for the senses. Explore local specialties like byrek (savory pastry), tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt), and fërgesë (a mix of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese). Visitors can enjoy authentic village meals, sample olive oils, and taste the region’s renowned wines, all while soaking in the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. It’s an immersive experience in both culture and cuisine, offering a true taste of Albania’s rich heritage.
4 overnights at Tirana, Sky Hotel 4* or similar.
1 overnight at Gjirokastër, Sharm Hotel Luxury 4* or similar.
1 overnight at Saranda, Demi Hotel 4* or similar.
Professional guide throughout the itinerary.
Not included, but with specific request can be arranged.
Lunches as mentioned.
Farewell dinner in Tirana.
All types.
Bus, coach or sprinter with A/C air.
Personal expenses.
Flght tickets.
Gratitude/ tips always welcomed.
Welcome to Albania!
Meet at airport and transfer to the hotel.
After a short break in the hotel, visit the National Museum of History, which is a great introduction to the history of the country and its people. Afterwards, take a driven tour of the major sites of Tirana, including the colorful buildings for which the Albanian capital is now known. The dull grey communist architecture buildings have been transformed into modern art canvases through splashes of bright colors and abstract shapes—an ingenious way of uplifting the facades and the moods of the inhabitants.
Late lunch at any of the restaurants of New Bazaar Area. ''Oda Restaurant" is known for delicious traditional food, break your hunger with byrek (savory pastry) with cheese or meat and proceed at other plates as per your liking. An Albanian lunch without coffee can't be, brewed in the Turkish way, aromatic and energizing is all you need.
Overnight in Tirana.
Depart
from Tirana.
Shkodra is one of the pearls of Albania
known for the nature, food, hospitality and artistic spirit that their citizens
have. You'll feel the most welcomed here. City tour, starting
with Rozafa Castle, built on a rocky hill overlooking the city, by the rivers
of Buna and Drini, you will find the most important monument of Shkoder.
After visiting the Castle area, you will
have the chance to explore the Leaden Mosque and Catholic Church and notice the
diverse religious elements and architecture. Stroll through the local bazaar of
Shkoder, get a glimpse of Albanian traditions and shop souvenirs etc.
Lunch offers a delicacy Krap fish which is
cooked on a roof tile and salads of the season, proceed with your free
time.
Return and overnight in Tirana.
After breakfast proceed to Berat, known as the city of 1000 Windows. We start with Berat Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is home to many ancient buildings, including the Onufri National Iconographic Museum housed in the Cathedral of St. Mary.
Enjoy a wine tour in one of the best wineries in Albania, after that procced with the lunch, tave kosi – A traditional Albanian dish made with lamb or beef, yogurt, and eggs, which is baked in the oven. Free time and procced to Gjirokaster approx. 2.30h. Spend the rest of your free time wandering in this vibrant city, and traditional dinner. Sample local specialties like Pasha Qofte (meatballs with herbs) , slow-cooked lamb, pickles and yoghurt sauce.
We procced to Gjirokaster and spend the overnight.
After breakfast we procced to with Gjirokastër city tour, quite similar with Berat, UNESCO heritage, known as the ''City of Stone. Visit Rozafa Caste and Enver Hoxha's house, ex-communist dictator.
Depart to Saranda, stop at Blue Eye Spring.
City tour of Saranda and discover the ruins of the old city of Buthrotum (Butrint) on a private tour of one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Learn the Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian history of the once important trading post.
Enjoy the seafood along the Saranda waterfront. Procced your culinary journey in Butrint with a farewell dinner. Taste dishes like Tave Peshku (fish casserole) or sample different meze plates. Finish with traditional Albanian desserts like Baklava or Revani.
Overnight in Saranda.
Proceed back to Tirana. During the road many stops, enjoy the view of Llogara Pass and after that of Vlora city a beautiful coastal city.
Today time is in your hands. Enjoy a lunch or a coffee in this city. Manny stops during the road.
Optional: Folklore dinner with show in Tirana or spend the time as per your liking.
Overnight in Tirana.
After breakfast
procced to Pogradec a romantic idyllic city known for smoked trout and duck
Drive to Drilon
National Park, located just a few kilometers outside of Pogradec. This park
is famous for its lush vegetation, crystal-clear springs, and beautiful
landscapes. You can take a boat ride or simply enjoy a relaxing walk in the
park.
On your way back from Drilon, stop by the charming village of
Tushemisht, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The village is a perfect
place to take a leisurely walk, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and
experience rural life.
Return to Tirana and overnight.
After breakfast we procced to Airport. This journey was filled with flavors, colors and landscapes a fulfillment for the soul. Thank you for choosing us!