Albania 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Albania Itinerary: Exploring History, Culture & Nature

This itinerary balances historical exploration with cultural immersion and natural beauty. It’s just a starting point and can be customized based on your interests!

Day 1: Tirana Arrival & Historical Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Tirana, the vibrant capital city. Settle into your accommodation and familiarize yourself with the area.

  • Afternoon: Explore Tirana’s historical center:

    • Things to see: Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Bunk’Art 2 (a Cold War bunker turned museum), the National History Museum, the Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) for a glimpse into local life.

  • Transportation: Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA). You can take a taxi or bus to reach Tirana’s city center.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the trendy Blloku area, known for its cafes and restaurants.

Things to know:

  • Albania is a safe country with a friendly population.**
  • Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL) as currency. However, Euros are widely accepted.

Day 2-3: Coastal Charms of Durrës & The Albanian Riviera

  • Travel to Durrës by bus from Tirana (buses are an affordable and reliable way to get around).
  • Things to do: Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Amphitheater in Durrës, wander through the colorful streets of its port, and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant. For the coastal experience, relax on the beach, take a boat tour along the beautiful coastline, or hike the scenic trails.

Activities:

  • Day 2:
    • Visit Durrës’ Roman Amphitheatre: This impressive amphitheater is one of the best-preserved in the Balkans and offers a glimpse into Albania’s ancient past. Explore its history as an ancient Roman city, visit the Venetian Tower and enjoy the beaches.
  • Day 3: Head down to the stunning Albanian Riviera.

Day 4: Exploring Theth & Exploring Albanian Culture

  • Enjoy the beauty of the Albanian Alps: Travel to the picturesque village of Theth (options include driving, hiking, or taking a guided tour).
  • Visit the Blue Eye: This natural wonder is a breathtaking spring that flows into a crystal-clear pool.

Activities:

  • Hike to the Grunas Waterfall: A beautiful and refreshing hike for all levels.
  • Experience the local culture: Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine, visit local shops and workshops, and learn about the country’s rich history and folklore.
  • Visit a local guesthouse: Immerse yourself in the warmth of Albanian hospitality.

Day 5-7: Discover Theth’s Hiking Trails & Explore the Coast

  • Day 5: Enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant in Tirana before heading to the coast for the rest of your trip.

  • Days 6-7: Spend these days exploring the stunning beaches and coastal towns of the Albanian Riviera. Consider:

    • Relaxing on the beach: Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
    • Visiting the “Butrint” National Park: Explore ancient ruins and learn about Albania’s history as a Roman colony.

Things to do:

  • Day 6: Hike the scenic trails along the Albanian Riviera, enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline.

  • Relax by the beach: Enjoy the beauty of the Albanian Riviera on a guided tour.

  • Day 7: Explore the beaches and enjoy the fresh seafood and local cuisine in nearby coastal towns.

Transportation:

  • Take a bus or hire a car to travel along the Albanian Riviera, exploring beautiful coastal villages like Himara, Dhermi, and Borsh.
  • Enjoy the scenic drive through the rugged mountains and lush valleys.

Things to know:

  • **Bunk’Art: ** Theth is part of a larger network of “bunkers” and underground tunnels that were built as fallout shelters during Albania’s communist era.
  • Currency: While Euros are widely accepted, it’s still helpful to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases and tipping.

Albania Travel Tips:

  • Enjoy the beaches: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water! The sun can be strong, and the weather is hot in the summer.

  • Things to consider:

  • Language: English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, but learning some basic Albanian phrases like “thank you” (faleminderit) and “hello” (përshëndetje) will enhance your experience.

  • Local currency: The Lek is the official currency of Albania.

  • Currency exchange: It’s best to exchange money at banks or licensed bureaus in Tirana, rather than relying on unofficial exchanges.

  • Bargaining: While bargaining is not uncommon in traditional markets, it’s generally not practiced when exchanging currency.

Important:

  • Always check with your local embassy regarding current visa requirements for Albanian citizens travelling to Albania.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Albanian Alps: Hike through stunning mountain scenery, visit remote villages and experience the beauty of nature.
  • Visit a local guesthouse: Enjoy traditional Albanian hospitality and meet other travellers.

Remember:

  • To bring cash for smaller expenses.

  • Many businesses in Albania prefer to deal in cash rather than credit cards, so it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

  • Bring a universal adapter if your electronics use a different plug type.

  • Bunk’Art: Learn about the history of Albania during the communist era.**