Albania Short Break

Our Albania short break is a great way to get acquainted with this fascinating country. Spend time in the bustling capital of Tirana, with its striking Communist era architecture, peaceful public squares and the lively cafes of the Blloku district. Venture down to Berat and admire the stunning views of Mt Tomorri and the minarets and rooftops of the lower town from the top of the Medieval Citadel. Finish up in Kruja  for a lesson in Albanian history at the Skanderbeg  Museum.  

This short tour will surely  wet the appetite and leave you wanting to discover Albania in more detail!

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO TIRANA

Fly to Tirana. On arrival, transfer to your Tirana hotel for a two night stay.

DAY 2

TIRANA

Spend the day on a guided tour of Tirana visiting its main sites, including; Et’hem Beg Mosque, the National Historical Museum, with its impressive mural on the façade, and the newly opened cold war era bunker on the outskirts of Tirana. The bunker has 106 rooms, built over 5 floors and provides a fascinating insight into the mindset of the Communist era government. (B)

DAY 3

TIRANA TO BERAT

Transfer to Albania’s treasured UNESCO heritage town of Berat today stopping at the Ardenica Monastery, site of Skanderbeg’s marriage to Andronika Arianiti in 1451 and the archaeological site of Apollonia en-route. Spend two nights in Berat. (B)

DAY 4

BERAT

Explore the beautifully preserved Ottoman settlement of Berat today. The upper town includes the Medieval citadel and many small churches and mosques are packed tightly inside its walls. Visit the Icon Museum, which features works by the famous Albanian painter Onofri, before venturing to the lower town for a look back across to the hillside of the Mangalemi quarter, where the many windowed, white-washed houses earn the town its nickname of ‘town of a thousand windows’. (B)

DAY 5

BERAT TO TIRANA

Transfer north to Kruja, via the coastal town of Durres where you will visit the Roman amphitheatre. Kruja is the cultural centre of Albania and is home to the Skanderbeg Museum, depicting the life and times of the Albanian national hero, and a very interesting ethnographic museum.

 

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in the old bazaar before transferring back to Tirana airport. (B)