The best way to see Tirana? On two wheels! Ride along city streets and take in Tirana’s most famous sites, from the city castle to the bizarre bunkers to that weird pyramid. Then, once you’ve absorbed 1,500 years of history, pedal your way to an authentic Albanian lunch and well-deserved local beer.
Your Tirana bike tour will start at the city’s centre, at Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll find the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and the Museum of History. We’ll take off pedalling toward City Hall and onto Pedonalja, a lovely car-free street only open to pedestrians and bicycles. It’s an old-fashioned neighbourhood, but still a place where locals meet for barbecues and live music. It’s here that you’ll also find the Castle of Tirana (also known as the Fortress of Justinian), which dates back to the 6th century. Justinian was an imperial bodyguard who reached the throne and is considered today to have been one of the greatest Roman and Byzantine emperors.
We’ll then leave behind the calmness of Pedonalja and weave our way through city traffic, passing the Parliament, the new mosque of Tirana (fun fact: it’s going to be one of the biggest in the Balkans), and the Catholic Cathedral. But the highlight of all these sites will be the bizarre Pyramid of Tirana, which once was a museum and conference centre but is now an abandoned building and a canvas for graffiti. We’ll make a stop to see some of the Albanian “mushroom” bunkers, another remnant of communist leader Hoxha’s rule. There was once a bunker for every four residents in Albania, and while there aren’t as many as there once were, they’re still scattered throughout the Albanian countryside. Some of them have been converted into cafés, storage spaces, and even shelters for animals or the homeless.
We’ll finish up our Tirana sightseeing tour at Mother Teresa Square, where the University of Tirana and the Academy of Arts are located. Finally, no doubt hungry from all the biking, you’ll refuel with an authentic lunch at a traditional Albanian restaurant, where you’ll get to try local meat-lovers’ delicacies like kernacka and shishkebap, washed down, of course, with an Albanian beer.
Today after meeting with you guide, you will experience real Albania by off road cars. Once got in the cars you will start driving following the road Saranda - Bajkaj - Vergo - FusheBardhe - Kardhiq - Gjirokaster for a 3.5 hours’ drive mostly off road.
This exciting off-road excursion in search of adventure, will allow you to cover parts of southern Albania and appreciate sights that most visitors never get to discover. We’ll drive on dirt roads off the beaten track, through rivers and old plantations from the Ionian coast into the heart of the south part. We’ll leave the jeeps behind to engage in a 90 minute visit to the stone city part of UNESCO world heritage list, Gjirokastra. You will see a variety of birds, old rural villages and typical Albanian houses and families. Learn the real life of the rural part of the small but charming country of Albania.
Once arrived in Gjirokastra you will continue the visit for 1.5 hours. Gjirokastra which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the southern part of Albania, on the slope of the hills of (Mali I Gjere), overlooking river Drinos. It became an urban centre by the 13th century. Gjirokastra is mentioned for the first time in a document of 1336, under the name ARGYROPOLIHNE (the township of Argyro), derived, according to the legend. (Princess Argyro, who hurled herself to her death from a tower to avoid falling into the hands of the invaders. Later the town became known as ARGYROKASTRO. Gjirokastra played an important role as the cradle of the patriotic movement of the Albanians for freedom and independence. Gjirokastra or so called “the town of one thousand steps” or “the stone town” is of particular interest for its native architecture. Today we will visit the old bazaar with wood and stone carving shops, old typical houses and quarters protected by UNESCO and the fortress of Argjiro overlooking the old and new quarters.
Your way back to Saranda will be from the normal asphalted national road for 1.5 hrs approximately
After meeting with the guide you will be transferred in Durres. Durres is the largest port of Albania. It also has the status of one of the oldest settlements in Albania being founded in 7th
century BC from Greek colonists. Being in such favorable position in the Adriatic Sea, Durres (named Epidamnum from Greeksand Dyrrachium from Romans) has always been envied and was a very influential city under the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires as an important connection point. It’s importance still lives today as being one of the most influential cities in
the country’s economy.
Arriving in Durres, the exploration of the city starts with a visit of the Roman Amphitheatre of Durres, the largest in the Balkans built since 2nd century BC. Roman influence here continues with the Trajan’s Baths and the Roman Forum. The famous road of Roman Empire, Via Egnatia, started from Durres as the gateway to the Balkans and hence the Romans fortified the stronghold in Durres which was later reconstructed again by Byzantine Empire and the Venetians, from which Durres inherited the Venetian Tower standing at the beginning of the boulevard.
Next follows a relaxing stroll along the boulevard alongside the shore of the sea. Colorful buildings on one side and the sea on the other offer a special pleasure. On the boulevard there are monuments like the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to the lost soldiers of the liberation army of WW2, etc. After the visit in Durres, you will be transferred to Scanderbeg winery for a visit and wine tasting.
The Skenderbeu Winery was founded in 1929 by an Italian family with note able experience in the growth and development of premium wine. Their combined experience in enology, viticulture and wine marketing brought a unique background to the Winery.
They also invested in the vineyard in the Sukth hills, were there were cultivated the first varieties, Barbera/Sangiovese and Riesling.
They used the latest technology of the time for the wine production; the winery capacity was 1300HL. As time went by, the system changes in our country leadership were reflected in the winery management. In 1960 the vineyard surface grew to 1500ha, and was located in all the Durres county area, it was enriched with different varieties like: Merlot, Kabërnet, Riesling, Shesh i Bardhë, Shesh i Zi, Muskat kanellë, Muskat Hamburg, Pamid, Zarsin, Shiroka Mellnishka, Dimiat etc.
After the delicious time at the winery you will be transferred back to Tirana for the end of your journey.
Vlore, the independency city is picturesquely located on the Bay of Vlore. Vlore has a long history as it, not unlike other ancient towns along the coast, was first founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC. Later, it was an important port of the Roman and the Byzantine Empires. Changing hands several times over the centuries, Vlore finally fell to the Ottomans in 1417.
It was in Vlore that five centuries later - in 1912, during the First Balkan War, Albania declared its independence from the Ottomans, only to be occupied by the Italians a couple of years later. History speaks for itself in Vlore while visiting the city. In the centre is the Flag Square, where the people gathered to celebrate the raise of the flag. And in front of the square is the building where the flag was raised and the Declaration of Independency was signed.
More from history that you will visit in Vlore is the Muradie Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the whole country which survived the communist suppression. Also you will walk towards Kuzum Baba hill where you can visit the Bektashi teke located in the top of the hill and enjoy the wonderful panorama Once finished all your visits, you will be walking back to your ship for the end of your journey.
After meeting with the guide you will be transferred in Apollonia. Apollonia is one of the ancient colonies of the Greeks, dedicated to God Apollo. Founded in the turn of the 6th century BC by Greek colonist from Corinth and Corfu, Apollonia soon became one of the most important city-states in the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
In antiquity it has been famous for the production of tasty wines, olive oil and for its philosophy school, where Emperor Augustus studied. There have been found objects from both Greek and Roman influence and today, in the remains of the mighty city that once stood, you can see many of the parts of the ancient Apollonia depicting both periods. It was so important that the Romans built a branch connection Via Egnatia to Apollonia, especially for Apollonia.
The city started losing its importance in 3rd century AD because of a destructive earthquake. Once you have visited the park and the museum of Apollonia you will have a traditional lunch in a restaurant inside the park.
After the lunch you will be transferred in Tirana for the end of your journey.
Today after meeting with the guide we will choose our bicycles and for 15 minutes you will be given information about the road that we will follow and precautions along the way. After settling everything we will cycle towards Ksamil village for 1.5 hours passing first through Saranda city center, following the Burinti road. Along the way on our right side Ionian Sea will accompany us for half the trip, and the other half we will have perfect view of Butrint Lake and mussels farms. Once arrived in Ksamil village, you will have free time to relax in the beautiful sandy beaches of Ionian Sea. Possible pedal boat trip to Ksamil islands once there.
Next is our way back following the same way with a 30 minutes stop to visit the old Onchesmi and ruins of the Synagogue in Saranda city center. Saranda the gateway to the southern Albania, is a small town of about 33.000 inhabitants, situated on a beautiful horseshoe bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (Forty Saints). In antiquity, Saranda was known as Onchesmus. Located opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and warm sea waters.
Morning departure to visit Pogradec - on the Roman via Egnatia route to the east Drive through Elbasan (ancient Scampa). Arrive at Lake Ohrid - one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Europe - it is the home to a number of fish and birds found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy the lunch at local restaurant in Drilon (nice spot not far from Ohrid Lake which has been a preferred holiday place for the ex-dictator Hoxha) – decorated with willow trees, and streams flowing down to the lake. (Optional) Drive back to Tirana.
After meeting with the guide, you will be transferred for approximately 2 hours to the Museum city of Berat. The town of Berat is one of the most ancient towns of Albania, 2400 years old. Lying on the banks of the Osumi river, and overshadowed to the east by the Great Tomorr mountain 2415m,is an ancient Illyrian settlement founded in the 4th and 5th centuries B.C. on the territory of the Illyrian tribe of Desaretes. Its innumerable monuments and the beautiful and characteristic architecture of its houses have proclaimed Berat, a “Museum Town”. The houses on the fortress have typically two stories, with the upper storey slightly overhanging and rich wood carving within. With their wide facades and large windows, they seem to be built almost on top of one another, giving Berat its name of “The City of One–Thousand Windows”.
Your visit will start with a walk from the Gorica old bridge for some 20 minutes to come back to Mangalemi quarter from the new bridge. A walk in the newly built boulevard will follow the tour before you continue the visit to the Castle of Berat located on top of the hill overlooking Berat town. You will embark back on the Bus to continue the tour in the Castle of Berat which involves a bit of walking in uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets and a bit of inclination. Once inside the Castle first we will continue towards the Museum of the Icons for a visit.
National Museum Onufri is located in the center of the inhabited quarter in Berat medieval castle. It is organized in Virgin Mary cathedral, built in 1797 on the foundation of an older church with the same name. It bears the name of the most remarkable Albanian painter, Onufri, who left a very rich fund of iconographic creation.
Finishing the visit at the museum, a traditional lunch from Berat is a must after a tiring day. You will be welcomed in one of the restaurants located in the old quarter of the castle to try different specialities cooked in a traditional way from the local house family especially for you. After lunch, a short walk to the view point of 15 minutes will follow to have some nice views of all the quarters of Berat before your transfer back to Durres for another 2 hours’ drive.
Your morning city tour begins from marvelous city of Berat - known as “the city of thousand windows”. Visit the lovely painted Mosque of the Bachelors and the Tekke of the Helvetis with its beautiful portico. Visit to Onuphri Icon Museum that contains some of the finest examples of his work as well as other outstanding Albanian artists. Stop for the lunch at restaurant in the Fortress where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and a wine tasting of Berat cellar. (Optional) Drive back to Tirana.
Your day starts with the visit of the Museum town of Berat. Berat, with an ancient history from 2400 years ago, is located along the stream of river Osum and in the middle of the great mountains of Tomorr and Shpirag. It is located on the side of a rocky hill and in the same place was settled the ancient town from the Illyrian tribes. It has been conquered many times but its castle has always been famous of being very difficult to invade.
Today it has the name of the city of a thousand and one windows, coming from the panoramic view of the houses on the hill. It is a part of UNESCO World Heritage List with the well preserved houses of original Ottoman architecture. The trip in the city of one thousand and one windows starts in the old quarter which will send you back in time to the Middle Ages from the cobbled streets and the houses built in a special architecture and fanatically well preserved till the modern days. From what you see Berat has gained it’s status as one of the cities of UNESCO World Heritage List.
The fortress, located on the hill top, is the most special attraction there, offering an amazing panoramic view of everything surrounding Berat. And there you understand the reason why it was such an important stronghold. Another specialty of Berat is the Onufri Iconographic Museum, named after one of the greatest Albanian painters. There are best preserved Albanian icons from XVIth century that were used in the many churches in the town.
Not only history but also traditional cooking from the locals! Today you will experience one of the best meals of the region. Immerse yourself in the kitchen and learn about the recipe and the local cooking. Do it yourself, do it better!