Albania-7-days: offbeat-culture

Arrive at the Tirana International Airport (Airport Code: TIA). Once you pass immigration, retrieve your luggage and clear customs. Look for a JrnyOn representative holding a placard with the JrnyOn logo at the exit. They will transfer you to your hotel.

Meet your driver at Tirana airport. Settle in for a smooth transfer north to lakeside Shkodra.

Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 100 kms / 62.13 miles

Stroll through Shkodra’s historic heart, where cobbled lanes lead past pastel façades and Ottoman-era houses. Admire the lead mosque, browse local artisan shops, or pause at a café with views of Rozafa Castle. Soak in the city’s easy charm at your own pace.

Settle into with a warm welcome dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant. Feast on local favourites like byrek, grilled meats, fresh salads, and slow-cooked lamb, a perfect introduction to Albania’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

Travel through winding mountain roads framed by alpine peaks and wildflower-strewn valleys. Watch rugged landscapes shift with every turn. Reach Theth, tucked deep in the Albanian Alps, where stone towers and cascading streams hint at tales of a time untouched.

Distance: 2.5 hours
Duration: 75 kms / 46 miles

Venture into the Albanian Alps and discover the Blue Eye of Theth, a mesmerising natural spring hidden in lush forest. Follow a scenic trail, listen to the rush of water over rock, and gaze into crystal-clear turquoise depths. Let nature's quiet majesty leave its mark on you.

Stroll through winding lanes lined with wooden chalets and blooming balconies. Breathe in crisp mountain air as cowbells chime in the distance. Pause for a coffee in the village square. Embrace the quiet charm of alpine life and let the slow rhythm of the mountains steady your pace.

Depart from Theth and journey towards Kruja. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through rugged mountains and quaint villages. Embrace the rich history awaiting in Kruja’s old bazaar.

Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance: 160 kms / 99 miles

Discover Kruje Castle perched above the town. Wander through ancient stone walls and imagine historic battles. Stroll the Old Bazaar’s narrow streets where craft stalls and vibrant colours invite you to savour authentic Albanian culture. Embrace the charm of tradition and timeless heritage.

Continue to Tirana. Take in the changing landscape as the journey unfolds. Arrive in the vibrant capital, where history and modern life meet seamlessly.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 40 kms / 25 miles

Depart for Berat, a city of Ottoman charm and cobbled streets. Explore ancient castles and vibrant bazaars. Immerse yourself in timeless history and welcoming Albanian culture.

Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 97 kms / 60 miles

Explore Berat Castle’s ancient walls and towers. Wander through cobbled paths and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Discover centuries of history etched into stone. Feel the timeless charm as you step back into Albania’s rich past on this guided visit.

Onufri Museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary within the historic Berat Castle. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of Byzantine icons and religious artefacts, including works by the famous 16th-century icon painter Onufri. Known for his vivid colours and expressive style, Onufri’s masterpieces offer a fascinating insight into Albania’s rich Orthodox artistic tradition.

Explore the timeless charm of Mangalem, Berat’s historic neighbourhood. Wander narrow cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-era houses painted in soft hues. Admire the fusion of cultures and soak up the atmosphere where past and present meet. Let the town’s heritage unfold around you.

Discover the rich flavours of Albanian wine with a tasting at a local vineyard in Berat. Sample indigenous varietals like Puls and Shesh i Zi in a scenic setting surrounded by rolling hills and historic charm.

Depart Berat in the morning and journey towards Gjirokastër. Wander its cobbled streets and admire Ottoman-era stone houses. Discover the fortress overlooking the town and delve into the rich history. Experience the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site firsthand.

Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 178km/ 110 miles

Drive through lush countryside to the Blue Eye spring.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: 68 kms / 42 miles

Pause at the Blue Eye Spring, a natural wonder with vibrant blue waters bubbling from deep underground. Marvel at the clarity and colour, a perfect spot to refresh and capture stunning photos.

Drive from Blue Eye Spring to Butrint, passing lush hills and glimpses of the coast.

Duration: 45 minutes
Distance: 32 kms / 20 miles

Step into the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site layered with Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins. Wander through crumbling amphitheatres and moss-covered walls. Hear cicadas hum as history rises from forested marsh and stone-lined paths. Let the past surround you.

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive along the Albanian Riviera, passing cliffs, beaches, and clear waters.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 46 kms / 28 miles

Step inside Porto Palermo Castle, a coastal fortress steeped in intrigue. Wander through its stone corridors and gaze out to the Ionian Sea. Soak in the silence, the sea breeze, and a view that once guarded an empire.

Stroll Vlora’s lively promenade, lined with cafés and sea breeze. Sink your feet into soft sand or unwind beside the turquoise Ionian sea. Take in coastal views, sip a cool drink, or simply pause and breathe. This is your time—slow down and savour the rhythm of Albania’s Riviera.

Today your JrnyOn journey comes to an end. Transport will be arranged to get you to the Tirana International Airport (Airport Code: TIA) for your flight back home.