Up Albania

Welcome to Albania!
This is the day of arrival. After arriving at Tirana Airport, you will be transferred to the city. Once everyone has checked into the hotel, we will have an introductory tour session. Depending on your flight schedule, we can organize a walking tour of the city to explore its rich history and culture, with stops at notable locations such as Bunk’Art, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious food, get to know each other, and share experiences.

Meals included: Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 0.5 hours

We’ll leave the city of Tirana behind after breakfast this morning and drive north to historical city of Kruja, to visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu. Known for uniting Albanians and defending the land against Ottoman forces for 25 years, Skanderbeg is also revered as ‘Athleta Christi’ (Champion of Christ) for his role in protecting Christian Europe. The second activity is the visit in Ethnographic museum immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Albania, exploring traditional costumes, handcrafted artifacts, and historical exhibits that vividly portray the daily life and customs of the Albanian people. After free time and lunch in the Castel of Kruja old hamlet, we’ll explore the Old Bazaar, discovering local crafts, including the “qeleshe”, a wool skull cap traditionally worn by Albanian men, meticulously handcrafted by expert artisans. In the afternoon we will transfer in Berat, for the next day adventure

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Berat
Drive time: 2.5 hours

In the morning, we will explore the ‘City of One Above Another Windows,’ Berat, with its unique architecture. The castle, over 2,400 years old, is rich in Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques. We will visit the National Iconographic Museum Onufri, housed in the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, where we can admire Onufri’s renowned icons and vibrant frescoes. The journey continues with a visit to the Holy Trinity Church, perched on the hillside, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of this ancient city. After exploring Berat, we’ll head to a local rural winery and agritourism site. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the winery, followed by a wine tasting featuring wines made from authentic local grape varieties. We’ll then savor a lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a relaxing evening in Berat, with time to explore the town, savor local food, or relax in a cozy café.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch+wine tasting
Overnight: Hotel in Berat
Drive time: 1 hour

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel to Apollonia, an ancient Illyrian city founded in the 7th century BCE. Explore Apollonia’s rich history as a prominent trade center that blended Illyrian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Under Roman rule, Apollonia thrived and was praised by Cicero as a “magna urbs et gravis.” The city, declared a “free city,” was notable for educating Julius Caesar’s nephew and future Emperor Augustus, along with General Agrippa. Following our exploration of Apollonia, we’ll proceed to the Ardenica Monastery, renowned for its historical and cultural significance. After our visit to the monastery, we will return to Tirana, concluding our day with a relaxed evening in the capital city and a farewell dinner to share laughs and memories.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 3 hours

Before leaving, take advantage of a free morning. Depending on your departure time take a guided city walk across Tirana and discover its rich history and culture, stopping at famous locations like Bunk’Art, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. You can also visit the Tirana Castle, where you can relax at cafes and bars while enjoying the ambiance. If time permits, consider shopping at nearby centers for souvenirs and local products. Take the spirit of Albania with you, vowing to come back for more laughs, adventures, and treasured memories.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: N/A
Drive time: 40 min.