Albania

Name: Balkan Adventure
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 2498.0 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (18 reviews)

Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Albania in a way like no other.

There are a few true hidden gems in Europe - and Albania is one of them. Closed to outsiders for almost half a century, Albania opened their doors to the world in the nineties after overthrowing a brutal Communist regime. Since then, the country’s extraordinary treasures have slowly been revealed to a stream of curious travellers… And our Albania tours will get you there. Perched on the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean coastline, Albania is filled with enchanting mountains and lakes, not to mention the postcard-worthy beaches that rival any in Europe. There’s also the ancient Greek and Roman ruins, fortress towns, crumbling castles, Ottoman architecture and the lively capital city Tirana to explore. If that’s not enough, we’ll also introduce you to delicious Albanian food and the famously friendly locals as we take you to the heart of Albania.

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Albania at a glance

Filled with enchanting mountains, lakes and beaches, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, fortress towns, crumbling castles and the vibrant capital Tirana, Albania is one of the true hidden gems of Europe. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover everything from the striking Ottoman architecture to delicious Albanian food.

Currency

Albanian lek

Winter avg

7°C

Language

Albanian

Summer avg

32°C

Good morning

Miremengjes

Time Zone

GMT+1

Good evening

Mirembrema

"Albania has the spectacular landscapes and incredible history and culture to rival any Mediterranean country in Europe. After being buried in communism for so long, it's now open for all, and there's never been a better time to visit this wonderful country. But hurry - this secret won't be kept for much longer."

Travel Director

See the Palace of Culture in Tirana

The Palace of Culture in Tirana really lives up to its name. It's a grand building where you’ll find cultural institutions like the National Library and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The first stone of this stunning building was symbolically laid by former Soviet president Nikita Hrushov in 1959 and your Albania travel guide will show you around the highlights of this cultural treasure.
Stroll through Skanderbeg Square

Of all the top Albania attractions, you can’t miss checking out Skanderberg Square, the main square in Tirana. It’s a massive 40,000 square metres and you’ll find some of the country’s most important buildings here including the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower and the giant Skanderberg Monument of the Albanian national hero.
See Tirana's famous Clock Tower

The 35-metre tall Clock Tower is an unmissable stop on any Tirana tour, and we’ll take you to see this famous piece of Ottoman architecture dating back to 1822. After hearing the bells ring out, you can even climb the spiral staircase to take in the spectacular views over Tirana. Be sure to come back in the evening to see the tower beautifully lit up after dark.
Walk through the winding streets of Tirana city centre

One of the best parts of your Tirana trip will be roaming the colourful streets of the city, where brightly painted façades mingle with leafy streets and shopping strips. You’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, before having time to delve into the trendy café districts and vibrant markets where you’ll find some real Albanian arts and crafts.
Learn about the decades of communist rule in Albania

When you travel Albania with Trafalgar, we'll dive into the rich history of the country. You’ll learn how Albania was once ruled by a communist regime and see the remnants of this tyrannical period. Stop by former Communist buildings, visit the Bunk’Art museum, and wander through the Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite.

Our top 5 things to do in Albania

Our Albania trips will show you all the best things to do in Albania, from the top Tirana attractions to the historical gems of the country.

National Historic Museum

The National Historic Museum is the best Albania museum to explore the country’s complex history. There are thousands of objects, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages to the 21st century. There’s a pavilion dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime, and don’t miss the Beauty of Durrës, a treasured mosaic from the 4th century BC.
House of Leaves

Also known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, this excellent museum is located in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi, the secret Albanian police, and the German Gestapo. Used as an interrogation and torture house, you can see old surveillance items and learn the stories of those who were spied on and executed during the communist regime.
Bunk'Art

You can’t miss this fantastic museum on your Albania tour. It’s a massive underground anti-nuclear bunker constructed for the country’s communist politicians and military elite. Spread out over five stories and over 100 rooms, including a 200-seat meeting hall, you'll marvel at the architecture and learn more about Albania’s tragic communist history.

Best museums in Albania

Tirana’s museums are some of the best places to visit in Albania and we’ll show you all the historic highlights like the giant underground bunker and a former secret police headquarters.

Byrek

The most popular food in Albania, byrek is a baked or fried pastry made with flaky, thin dough. It’s stuffed with all kinds of tasty fillings and the favourite is spinach and feta cheese, or you can also find ones with meat or pumpkin. Keep your eyes peeled for the street vendors selling this treat, as it’s sure to become your go-to Albanian snack.
Tavë Kosi

If you’re looking for some real Albanian comfort food, you can’t go past tavë kosi, the heartwarming national dish. It’s made with tender chunks of lamb stirred with rice, garlic and oregano, and covered with a mixture of yoghurt and egg. With a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, it’s then baked until it forms a golden, creamy crust - and it’s utterly delicious.
Fried Kaçkavall

This beloved cheese is found all over the southern Balkans and Albania, it’s often served in traditional restaurants as an entrée. It’s a yellow salty cheese made with sheep’s or cow’s milk, and you can also eat it in all sorts of dishes like baked kaçkavall or kaçkavall salad. We say fried kaçkavall is the best of them all and you can’t miss it on your Albania trip.

Best food in Albania

If you’re dreaming of discovering the best of Albania, you can’t miss out on the delicious Albanian cuisine, from hearty baked lamb and rice to fried cheese and flaky pastries.

What to pack for Albania

Layered clothing

Whether you travel Albania in the hot summer, the chilly winter or somewhere in between, you’ll need to bring versatile clothing for any weather.

Sun protection

The Albanian sun is powerful at any time of year, especially higher in the mountains. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen for your Albania holidays.

Insect repellent

The Balkan Peninsula is known for its mosquitoes and Albania is no different. Bring along some strong insect repellent and bite cream to soothe any itchy bites.

Albanian phrasebook

It’s always a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local language. You’ll have a better chance at connecting with the friendly Albanians and they’ll certainly appreciate your efforts.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering the winding streets of Tirana or beyond, you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes when you discover Albania.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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