Authentic cultural tour of Albania

Travel Tip

Since the trip eventually ends here in Tirana, we recommend waiting to buy souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family until shortly before departing. In the next few days you will be able to admire numerous specialties at local markets and factories, such as the Albanian hat «Plis», and purchase them if they suit your personal taste.

In the early afternoon we will depart for Kruja, which will take about two hours. In past centuries this small city on the slopes of the Skanderbeg Mountains was considered impregnable and thus strategically important. Georg Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero, led his battle against the Ottoman Empire from this location, symbolized by the medieval fortress here. We will visit the fortress and museum in the afternoon. When we reach the top, we’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the Albanian midlands. We will have dinner at a traditional restaurant in the old town, and then spend the night here in Kruja.

Traditional handicrafts from Kruja

The town of Kruja has always been a historical and cultural center in Albania. The next morning we will visit the shops surrounding the bazaar, where traditional handicraft techniques have been preserved even until the present day. Carpets, intricate wooden pieces, and traditional clothing (often made from wool) are produced here by hand in small workshops. We at THROUGH ALBANIA conscientiously support local producers. This is the best way to discover the authentic Albania and to introduce visitors to the country and its people. We will visit one of these workshops the next morning.

This morning we will visit a traditional workshop at the old bazaar. For generations, wool from local farmers has been carefully hand-crafted into many high-quality individual products.

This work requires years of experience to perfect, and these skills are passed down through the generations. Working with a combination of soap and pressure to form the fabric into shape, the true dedication of these artisans makes it possible to preserve this centuries-old tradition. We will be happy to help you find a souvenir to remember your Albanian journey.

Afterwards we will travel to the city of Durrës. This important harbor town has much more to offer than its kilometer of sandy beaches. After we arrive and have lunch we will visit the old town and the ancient amphitheater, which dates from the Roman Empire. This structure, one of the largest of its time, is presently only partially restored and open to view. Most of this archaeological site is still underground and exists partly as an excavation site. We will be accompanied by a local archaeologist on this tour of these ancient remains. In the early evening we will visit and ascend the city’s Venetian tower. A tall, narrow staircase bears witness to the olden-times origin of this architecture. At the top is a cafe where we will experience and enjoy the classic Mediterranean lifestyle. A dinner together on the Adriatic Sea will complete the evening.

Meaning of the word «Xhiro»

In Albania, this stroll along the promenade means more than just walking; it is part of the expression of the country’s lifestyle and culture. Exchanges of news and information have happened for ages via this method of communication. Keeping with the spirit of our cultural journey, we will finish out the evening spending time together as a group.

This morning we will visit the castle in Berat, which is located on the city’s hillside and houses a variety of museums and different cultural sites, such as the Church of the Holy Trinity. The paved footpath leading uphill is remarkably straight. One interesting feature of this historic fortress is its current use: for centuries many families have been living around the perimeter of the castle. Culture and tradition are deeply ingrained here. Wander among the castle’s narrow alleys and enjoy the view of the two city districts of Mangalem und Gorica. Berat is undoubtedly a city of great historical importance, and the locals are happy to have guests, so you will readily experience Albanian hospitality and feel a closeness to the local population. The thousands of windows, and the view of the city divided by the Osum River, will transport visitors to another time. Parts of the old town are counted among the world’s important cultural heritage sites and enchant Albania’s cultural travelers again and again. In the afternoon we will visit the other district of Berat: Gorica, on the opposite side of the river, offers a spectacular view of the city’s thousands of windows. After that we will continue to Gjirokaster. After arriving in Gjirokaster in the evening, we will have dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Culinary Albania

Berat is known throughout the country for its indigenous variety of olive, «Kokër Madh», which translates to «large pit». We will sample this variety at our lunch together in a traditional restaurant in the old town.

Even today, gray slate slabs from the region line the roofs of the stone houses. This traditional architecture is still preserved today, and the inclusion of the old town in the UNESCO World Heritage List has raised awareness of its cultural heritage. From here, the Frashëri Mountain massif on the opposite side of the valley, which reaches an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level, is an amazing sight indeed. The fortress houses a museum which primarily displays Albania’s recent history, while ancient ruins are a testament to its earlier times. After dinner in a local restaurant we will spend the night in a hotel.

Travel tip for Gjirokaster

Before visiting the museum, you can enjoy seeing the various sights and exploring the winding alleyways. Gjirokaster is among the most beautiful cities in Albania and should be a part of every cultural tour.

We are pleased that you are immersed in our authentic cultural trip. We genuinely thank you for your trust in us, and we look forward to seeing you again.