Albania 5 Day Itinerary

Albania 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana and Exploration of the Capital City

  • Morning: Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower
  • Evening: Explore the lively streets of Tirana, visit the trendy Blloku neighborhood, and enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine at one of the many restaurants

Things to Know:

  • Albania is a cash-based economy, so have some local currency (ALL) with you
  • The country has a rich history, so be prepared for interesting historical facts and anecdotes from locals
  • Try to learn some basic Albanian phrases, such as “Shpresa” (hello) and “Faleminderit” (thank you)

Day 2: Tirana to Berat

  • Morning: Drive to Berat ( approx. 3 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman architecture
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic old town, visit the Berat Castle, and walk along the traditional cobblestone streets
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying some of the region’s specialties like lamb and honey

Transportation:

  • Rent a car or hire a private driver for the day (approx. 50-70 EUR)
  • Alternatively, take a public bus from Tirana to Berat (approx. 10-20 ALL)

Day 3: Berat to Saranda

  • Morning: Drive to Saranda (approx. 4 hours), a coastal town with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach, take a boat tour of the nearby islands, or visit the ancient ruins of Butrint
  • Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront

Things to Do:

  • Take a sunset cruise around the bay (approx. 20-30 EUR per person)
  • Visit the Lekursi Castle for panoramic views of Saranda and the surrounding area

Day 4: Saranda to Gjirokastra

  • Morning: Drive to Gjirokastra (approx. 1 hour), another UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved Ottoman architecture
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic old town, visit the Gjirokastra Castle, and walk along the cobblestone streets
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Albanian hospitality at a local guesthouse or restaurant

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of certain countries may need a visa to enter Albania. Check with the Albanian Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific requirements
  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Albania

Day 5: Return to Tirana and Departure

  • Morning: Drive back to Tirana (approx. 3 hours) and spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and fly home

Other Things of Interest:

  • Albania has a rich tradition of folk music and dance. Attend a local festival or event to experience it firsthand
  • The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, which combines Mediterranean flavors with Ottoman and Italian influences. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like ajvar (roasted red pepper sauce) and fërgesek (a type of corn bread)

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation: 30-50 EUR per night
  • Transportation: 20-50 EUR per day (car rental or private driver)
  • Food: 10-20 EUR per meal
  • Attractions: 5-15 EUR per person

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season, accommodation choices, and other factors.