Albania is a small country located in the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Greece. The capital of Albania is Tirana and the official language is Albanian. The population of Albania is approximately 2.9 million people. The country has a rich history and culture, with influences from both the Ottoman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.
The economy of Albania is largely based on agriculture, with some industry and tourism. Albania has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and lakes. It also has many archaeological sites that are popular tourist attractions.
Day 1: Tirana
Start your 20-day Albania itinerary by exploring the capital city of Tirana. Visit the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower. Take a stroll through the city’s main boulevard, Skanderbeg Square, and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife. Stay overnight in Tirana.
Day 2: Kruja
Head to Kruja, a small town located about 30 km from Tirana. Visit the Kruja Castle and explore its museum, which houses artifacts from Albania’s past. Take a walk through the old bazaar and shop for souvenirs. Stay overnight in Kruja.
Day 3: Durres
Drive to Durres, a coastal city located about 40 km from Tirana. Explore its ancient ruins, including the Roman amphitheater and the Venetian Tower. Spend some time at the beach and enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants in town. Stay overnight in Durres.
Day 4: Berat
Drive to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 100 km from Tirana. Explore its old town, which is filled with Ottoman-era architecture and cobblestone streets. Visit the Onufri Museum and take a boat ride on the Osum River. Stay overnight in Berat.
Day 5: Gjirokastra
Drive to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 120 km from Tirana. Explore its old town, which is filled with cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era architecture. Visit the Gjirokastra Castle and take a stroll through its bazaar. Stay overnight in Gjirokastra.
Day 6: Saranda
Drive to Saranda, a coastal city located about 150 km from Tirana. Spend some time at its beaches and explore its archaeological sites, including Butrint National Park and Lekuresi Castle. Enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants in town. Stay overnight in Saranda.
Day 7: Ksamil Islands
Take a day trip to Ksamil Islands, located about 20 km from Saranda. Spend some time at its beaches and explore its crystal clear waters by taking a boat ride around the islands. Enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants in town before heading back to Saranda for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Vlore
Drive to Vlore, a coastal city located about 200 km from Tirana. Explore its old town, which is filled with cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era architecture. Visit Independence Square and take a stroll along Vlore’s waterfront promenade before heading back to Saranda for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Shkoder
Drive to Shkoder, a city located about 250 km from Tirana. Explore its old town, which is filled with cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era architecture. Visit Rozafa Castle and take a stroll through Marubi Square before heading back to Saranda for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Theth National Park
Take a day trip to Theth National Park, located about 100 km from Shkoder. Explore its stunning landscapes by taking hikes around its trails or by taking boat rides on Lake Koman Ferry or Valbona River Valley before heading back to Shkoder for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Koplik
Drive to Koplik, a small town located about 50 km from Shkoder on Lake Shkodra’s shoreline. Take a boat ride on Lake Shkodra or explore its old bazaar before heading back to Shkoder for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Bajram Curri
Drive to Bajram Curri, a small town located about 150 km from Shkoder near Valbona Valley National Park’s border with Montenegro and Kosovo borders . Take hikes around Valbona Valley National Park or explore Bajram Curri’s old bazaar before heading back to Shkoder for an overnight stay .
Day 13: Pogradec
Drive to Pogradec, a small town located about 200 km from Shkoder on Lake Ohrid’s shoreline . Take hikes around Lake Ohrid or explore Pogradec’s old bazaar before heading back to Shkoder for an overnight stay .
Day 14: Elbasan
Drive to Elbasan ,a city located about 100 km from Tirana . Explore its old town ,which is filled with cobblestone streets ,Ottoman-era architecture ,and Elbasan Castle . Take hikes around Elbasan Castle or explore Elbasan’s old bazaar before heading back to Tirana for an overnight stay .
Day 15: Korca
Drive to Korca ,a city located about 150 km from Tirana . Explore its old town ,which is filled with cobblestone streets ,Ottoman-era architecture ,and Korca Cathedral . Take hikes around Korca Cathedral or explore Korca’s old bazaar before heading back to Tirana for an overnight stay .
Day 16: Dhermi Beach
Take a day trip to Dhermi Beach ,located about 200 km from Tirana . Spend some time at its beaches ,explore its crystal clear waters by taking boat rides around Dhermi Beach ,and enjoy some delicious seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants in town before heading back to Tirana for an overnight stay .
Day 17 : Apollonia Archaeological Site
Drive to Apollonia Archaeological Site ,located about 50 km from Tirana . Explore its ancient ruins ,including Apollonia Theatre ,the Temple of Apollo ,and Stoa of Philip II . Take hikes around Apollonia Archaeological Site or explore Apollonia’s old bazaar before heading back to Tirana for an overnight stay .
Day 18 : Butrint National Park
Drive to Butrint National Park ,located about 150 km from Tirana . Explore its ancient ruins ,including Butrint Amphitheatre ,the Temple of Aesculapius ,and Venetian Tower . Take hikes around Butrint National Park or explore Butrint’s old bazaar before heading back to Tirana for an overnight stay .
Day 19 : Berat Castle
Drive to Berat Castle ,located about 100 km from Tirana . Explore its ancient ruins ,including Onufri Museum and take boat rides on Osum River before heading back to Tirana for an overnight stay .
Day 20 : Departure
Depart Albania after spending 20 days exploring this beautiful country !
