Combined Individual Tour in Albania: Culture & Hiking - INTI Tours

After your arrival at the airport in Tirana, reception and transfer to your hotel. Today there is time to visit the capital Tirana. Founded in 1614, the city has been the capital of the country since 1920 and is also considered the cultural centre of the country. It is known for its colourful buildings and the successful coexistence between religions. A visit to the National History Museum, located in Skanderbeg Square, will acquaint you with Albania's rich history. In Skanderbeg Square you can also visit the Et'hem Beu Mosque, which was preserved during the communist era thanks to its historical value. Right next door are other sights such as the Opera House, the so-called Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture and the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals. Afterwards, you will visit the Pyramid, which houses a museum about the life of the former dictator Enver Hoxha. And if the weather is good, you can take another walk through the park with its man-made lake. Overnight at the Comfort Hotel.

Tirana Airport > Tirana, approx. 25 min (15 km)

Today your tour starts - departure towards Shkoder. The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times and today it is considered a symbol of deep harmony between the religious ages. It houses places of different cults of Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox. Shkoder is considered the capital of northern Albania and has been a city of great importance for the entire region since ancient times. Legends, different architectural styles, museums and art workshops enliven the city in many ways. You will visit Rozafa Castle and the Marubi Photo Studios.

Overnight in Shkoder at Hotel Tradita.

Tirana > Shkoder, approx. 1h ,55 min (102 km)

The start of the day begins early today, as you set off at 5:30 in the morning towards the Albanian Alps in the Valbona Valley. First you cross Lake Koman by ferry. The ferry ride takes about two and a half to three hours. You will have the opportunity to see impressive landscapes very similar to the fjords in Scandinavia. After arriving in Valbona, you can get to know the region and meet the inhabitants of the village. You will have dinner with the friendly locals and also stay overnight. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Valbone.        

Hiking altitude difference: 150+ 150-
Shkoder > Koman, approx. 2h 50 min 136 km

A beautiful day of hiking in the Valbona Valley is on the programme. During the tour of about five to six hours in the heart of the Albanian Alps, you can expect dreamlike scenery and, after climbing the Rama Falte to an altitude of 1,800 metres, a breathtaking view of the area. Once you have reached your destination, fresh delicacies made in the village of Valbona await you as a reward for the effort, so to speak. The afternoon is at your leisure for further minor exploration of the area. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbone.

Altitude difference for the hike: 850+ 850-.

You leave the Verdona Valley again and continue towards Prizren. Prizren - located in Kosovo - is a very important city for Albanian history. In 1878, the so-called "League of Prizren" was held here, where 300 representatives from Albania stood up against almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. The city's architectural heritage is unique due to Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman influences. Then continue to Kruje, again very close to the Albanian capital. In the 15th century it was the scene of many battles between the Ottomans and the Albanians. The Albanians resisted the Ottomans for 25 years under the command of Skanderbeg, who was the national hero of the Albanians at that time. When you visit the Skandenbeg Museum, you will learn more about this figure, who is considered one of the most famous in all of Europe. The old bazaar is also absolutely worth a visit. Overnight in Kruje at the Panorama Hotel.

Valbone > Prizren, approx. 2 h 10 min 102 km
Prizren > Kruje, approx. 2 h 15 min 172 km

Your journey is not over yet, because destinations in the southern part of Albania are still to come. Today's destination is Berat. Besides Gjirokaster, Berat is the second city in Albania to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary architecture. The name "City of a Thousand Windows" refers to Berat's fascinating architecture with its white houses with many windows and its stone roofs as well as its steep, long alleys. Visit to the castle and the Onufri Museum. Overnight in Berat at the Belagrita Palace Hotel.

Kruje > Berat, approx. 2 h 10 min 134 km

Travel to the Ionian coast to the city of Durres, the second largest city in Albania. Durres has a great historical and cultural heritage that dates back to antiquity. Especially the Roman amphitheatre, once the largest in the Balkans, is not to be ignored. What used to be called the Adriatic Tavern was once the starting point after crossing the Adriatic from the Via Egnatia - the caravan route that connected great Rome with Byzantium at that time. After visiting the Roman amphitheatre and the archaeological museum, return to Tirana. For the evening we recommend the Bllok, where young Tirana celebrates nightlife. Accessible only to the communist nomenclature/society in times of dictatorship, today the Bllok district is the ideal place to spend an exciting night in Albania. Here you have the opportunity to end your trip in one of the numerous bars and get to know modern Albania. Overnight stay in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Berat > Durres, approx. 1h 20 min 91 km
Durres > Tirane, approx. 46 min 37km

Depending on departure time, transfer to the airport and journey home full of memories.

Tirana > Tirana Airport, approx. 25min