Cultural Tour “From North to South” – Tracing Albania’s Heritage

Overview

Castles, Heritage Cities, and the Soul of a Nation

This journey offers a cultural immersion from the ancient cities of the north to the historical treasures of the south. From the Ottoman bazaars of Kruja and Shkodra to the ruins of Apollonia and the stone city of Gjirokastër, this itinerary is a living exhibition of Albanian identity. It’s a road trip through time—castle by castle, town by town—designed for travelers eager to discover the true cultural roots of the country.

Wander through cobbled streets, visit centuries-old fortresses, admire Orthodox cathedrals and Ottoman mosques, and explore archaeological sites that date back to antiquity. Along the way, you’ll take in breathtaking landscapes—from mountain passes to lakeside towns—and experience authentic Albanian hospitality in every region you visit.

Perfect for culturally curious travelers who want to go beyond the beach and dive deep into Albania’s diverse history, architecture, and traditions.

Itenerary

1

Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana – Krujë – Shkodër

12:30 – Arrival at Tirana Airport
13:00 – Transfer to Krujë (45 min)
13:45 – Visit Krujë Castle, Skanderbeg Museum, and Ottoman bazaar
15:00 – Free lunch in historic area
16:00 – Free time and museum visits
17:30 – Departure to Shkodër (2h)
19:30 – Hotel check-in and overnight in Shkodër

2

Day 2 – Shkodër – Lake – Lezhë – Durrës

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Visit Rozafa Castle
10:30 – Drive to Lake Shkodër (15 min), lakeside coffee & walk
12:30 – Free lunch with lake view
13:30 – Drive to Lezhë (1h), visit Skanderbeg’s Memorial
16:00 – Continue to Durrës (1h 30 min)
18:00 – Hotel check-in and overnight in Durrës

3

Day 3 – Durrës – Kavajë – Berat

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Morning walk in Durrës: Roman Amphitheatre, old town, seaside promenade
11:00 – Transfer to Kavajë (30 min), short visit
12:00 – Continue to Berat (1h 30 min)
13:30 – Hotel check-in
14:00 – Free lunch
15:30 – Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, and historical neighborhoods
Overnight stay in Berat

4

Day 4 – Berat – Apollonia – Fier – Vlorë

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Visit Mangalem quarter and local bazaar
11:00 – Transfer to Apollonia (1h)
12:00 – Guided tour of archaeological site and Monastery of Saint Mary
13:30 – Drive to Fier (20 min)
14:00 – Hotel check-in & free lunch
16:00 – Free time or city walk in Fier
17:00 – Transfer to Vlorë (1h 30 min)
18:30 – Hotel check-in and overnight stay

5

Day 5 – Vlorë – Llogara – Porto Palermo – Sarandë

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Visit Independence Square & city center of Vlorë
11:00 – Traditional lunch
12:30 – Transfer to Llogara National Park (1h 15 min)
13:45 – Panoramic stop and walk in Llogara Pass
14:45 – Transfer to Porto Palermo (1h)
15:45 – Visit Ali Pasha Castle (1h)
16:45 – Continue to Sarandë (1h)
18:00 – Hotel check-in and overnight stay

6

Day 6 – Sarandë – Butrint – Gjirokastër

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Drive to Butrint (30 min)
09:30 – Guided tour of the UNESCO archaeological park
12:00 – Transfer to Gjirokastër (1h 30 min)
13:30 – Free lunch
15:00 – Hotel check-in
16:00 – Walk through Ottoman bazaar and old town
17:30 – Visit Gjirokastër Castle and Arms Museum
Overnight stay in Gjirokastër

7

Day 7 – Gjirokastër – Tepelenë – Korçë

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Drive to Tepelenë (1h 30 min)
10:30 – Visit Ali Pasha Castle and scenic views of Vjosa River
12:00 – Free lunch
13:00 – Drive to Korçë (2h 30 min)
15:30 – Hotel check-in
16:30 – Visit Orthodox Cathedral and pedestrian center
Overnight stay in Korçë

8

Day 8 – Korçë – Pogradec

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Transfer to Pogradec (1h 30 min)
10:30 – Walk and relax by Lake Ohrid
12:00 – Lunch by the lake
Afternoon free time in Pogradec
Overnight stay in Pogradec

9

Day 9 – Pogradec – Belsh – Tirana

08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Drive to Belsh (1h), visit the lakes area and walk around
12:30 – Transfer to Tirana (2h)
14:30 – Hotel check-in
Afternoon cultural tour of Tirana: National History Museum, Bunk’Art 2, Blloku district
Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant
Overnight stay in Tirana

10

Day 10 – Departure from Tirana

08:00 – Breakfast
Morning at leisure for shopping or rest
Transfer to airport based on flight schedule

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