Tiranë in 4 Days for Couples - Gjirokastër Old Town (UNESCO) and Gjirokastër Castle
In Collaboration with Enjoy Travel and Tours. Updated on February 19, 2026.
A structured 4-day tour through southern and central Albania: Durrës, Gjirokastër (UNESCO), Sarandë & Ksamil, the Llogara National Park and Albanian Riviera, Berat (UNESCO) and a final walking tour of Tirana. Includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, breakfasts, one lunch per day, local guides/drivers, and accommodation.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Enjoy Travel and Tours, inspired by the tour 4-Days UNESCO Towns and Albanian Riviera Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Gjirokastër Old Town (UNESCO) and Gjirokastër Castle
- Durrës Roman Amphitheatre and seaside promenade
- Ksamil islands and Butrint Archaeological Park (UNESCO)
- Scenic drive through Llogara National Park and Himarë
- Berat Castle and the historic Mangalem & Gorica neighbourhoods
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Tirana and half-day in Durrës followed by an afternoon drive to Gjirokastër. Evening free to explore the stone-built Old Town.
Pickup in Tirana and depart for Durrës
Meet your driver in central Tirana and depart west for the coastal city of Durrës. During the transfer the driver will give an overview of the route and highlights for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup location in Tirana ahead of time (common meeting point: Skanderbeg Square) so the driver can meet you promptly.
- Have a light jacket accessible for the coastal breeze when you arrive in Durrës.
- Keep passports/IDs handy — some entrances on this trip may request identification for group records.
Durrës walking exploration — City walls, Amphitheatre and seaside stroll
Guided walking visit that covers the Roman Amphitheatre and the nearby coastal promenade with notes on the city's Roman and Byzantine history.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the amphitheatre and nearby streets are uneven and partly cobbled.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for the short seaside stretch; the sun reflects strongly off the water in May.
- If you prefer a quieter photo spot, walk a short distance along the promenade away from the main pier for less crowds.
Seafood lunch in Durrës (local restaurant)
Lunch at a local seafood restaurant on the Durrës coast. The guide will choose a nearby, trusted venue so you can taste fresh, local seafood.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, tell the guide before ordering so the restaurant can accommodate you.
- Ask for local side dishes (seasonal vegetables or salads) to complement seafood for a balanced meal.
- Keep some cash available — while cards are accepted in many places, smaller coastal restaurants may prefer cash.
Drive from Durrës to Gjirokastër
Scenic inland transfer heading south-east toward Gjirokastër. The driver will provide historical context during the journey.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive is long (several hours) — charge phones and bring a bottle of water for comfort.
- If you want to rest upon arrival, request hotel check-in details from the driver in advance.
- Use the travel time to ask the driver about evening restaurant options in Gjirokastër for a quiet dinner.
Gjirokastër Old Town stroll and hotel check-in
Arrive in the UNESCO-listed 'City of Stone' and take an orientation walk through the cobbled lanes; time allowed to check in and relax.
Tips from local experts:
- Streets are steep and cobbled — take care at dusk and consider using the hotel luggage assistance for heavy bags.
- Look for local stonework details on house facades — they are characteristic of Gjirokastër’s architecture and make great photos at golden hour.
- If you want dinner recommendations, ask your hotel or the driver for quieter, romantic restaurants in the Old Town.
Day 2
Full day in Gjirokastër in the morning, then transfer south to Sarandë with a beach stop at Ksamil and an afternoon visit to Butrint (UNESCO). Overnight in Sarandë.
Gjirokastër Fortress & traditional museum house
Morning visit to the hilltop fortress and a traditional house-museum to learn about local Ottoman-era architecture and daily life.
Tips from local experts:
- The fortress has steps and uneven surfaces — take things slowly and use the handrails where provided.
- Carry a light scarf or sweater — elevated winds at the fortress can feel cooler in spring.
- Buy tickets or confirm opening hours in the morning; some small museums close earlier in the afternoon.
Transfer from Gjirokastër to Sarandë
Short coastal drive toward Sarandë with scenic views as you approach the Ionian coast.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect coastal views as you descend toward Sarandë — have your camera ready for panoramic shots.
- Roads along this stretch can be winding; if you’re prone to motion sickness, sit in front or use medication beforehand.
- Confirm your hotel arrival time with the driver if you need early check-in in Sarandë.
Ksamil Village — beach time and the three islands
Free time in Ksamil to relax on the beach, swim, and view the small islands off the coast.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear and a towel — Ksamil beaches have both public and small private sections.
- If you plan to swim to the islands, check local sea conditions and use an approved boat service rather than swimming long distances.
- Sunscreen and a hat are recommended — shade on the beach can be limited in May.
Butrint Archaeological Site visit (UNESCO)
Guided visit to the ancient city of Butrint to explore Greek, Roman and later-period ruins and the surrounding lagoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — the site includes paths that can be soft or uneven near the lagoon.
- Bring insect repellent in warmer months, especially near the water and marshy areas.
- Leave time to visit key highlights: the theatre, baptistery mosaics, and the ancient city walls.
Hotel check-in and evening at leisure in Sarandë
Check in to your hotel in Sarandë. Evening free to enjoy the waterfront or a seaside dinner independently.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table on the waterfront for sunset views if you dine along the seafront.
- Ask hotel staff for quiet spots along the promenade if you prefer a less crowded atmosphere.
- Confirm breakfast time at check-in to plan your next morning comfortably.
Day 3
Drive along the Albanian Ionian Riviera with photo stops, pass through Llogara National Park and Himarë before arriving in Vlorë for an evening exploring Independence Square and related sites.
Scenic drive along the Ionian Riviera with Llogara National Park stop
Depart after breakfast for a coastal drive featuring panoramic photo stops and a visit to Llogara National Park for sweeping views of the coastline.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light layer — higher elevations at Llogara can be chilly even in late spring.
- Use the designated viewpoints for photos; parking areas are limited at some overlooks.
- Keep a reusable water bottle — refreshments are available but sometimes limited at park kiosks.
Arrival in Himarë — traditional yogurt with honey
Short stop in Himarë to sample a local treat (traditional yogurt with honey) and enjoy the town’s coastal ambiance.
Tips from local experts:
- Try the yogurt with local honey for a regional taste; request a smaller portion if you prefer.
- There are short pedestrian streets in Himarë — good for a brief romantic stroll after your snack.
- If you prefer to sit by the sea, request a table with a sea view at local cafes.
Drive to Vlorë and hotel check-in
Continue along the coast and arrive in Vlorë where you will check in to your accommodation and rest before the evening program.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect winding coastal roads; use this time to relax and enjoy the views.
- If you’re planning an evening walk, request a hotel near the waterfront to minimize transfers.
- Ask the hotel about nearby seaside promenades for an after-dinner stroll.
Dinner at a local restaurant by the water
Evening dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Vlorë to sample coastal Albanian cuisine and relax.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a waterfront table where possible for a more intimate experience at sunset.
- Ask for local specialities such as grilled fish or seasonal vegetable meze to share.
- If you prefer quieter dining, request seating away from busier promenade areas.
Evening visit to Independence Square and Museum of Independence
After dinner take a guided walk to Independence Square and, time permitting, visit exhibits that explain Albania's declaration of independence.
Tips from local experts:
- Independence Square is best visited after dinner for softer lighting and fewer crowds.
- Museum opening hours can vary; if you want to enter, confirm times with the guide or hotel earlier in the day.
- Bring a small flashlight or use your phone light when walking darker side streets back to the hotel.
Day 4
Depart Vlorë for Berat to visit the castle and historic neighbourhoods, enjoy a traditional lunch, then return to Tirana for a concluding walking tour and free time before the end of service.
Drive from Vlorë to Berat
Morning transfer inland to Berat, the 'town of a thousand windows' and UNESCO-listed site.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive crosses rural areas — stop for photos if you see an appealing viewpoint with the driver’s agreement.
- Carry a light snack for the road in case you want to maximize sightseeing time on arrival.
- Confirm where you will be dropped off in Berat so you can easily find the castle or your guide.
Visit Berat Castle (Kala)
Explore Berat Castle, its churches with frescoes, and the historical structure that dominates the town's skyline.
Tips from local experts:
- Parts of the castle are inhabited — be respectful of resident pathways and private areas.
- Wear comfortable footwear; some internal castle paths are steep and uneven.
- Bring a camera for panoramic views of the city and river valley below.
Old Town walk (Mangalemi & Gorica) and traditional lunch
Stroll through the characteristic neighbourhoods of Berat and enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in the old town.
Tips from local experts:
- The streets in Mangalemi and Gorica are narrow and stepped — go at a relaxed pace for best enjoyment.
- Try a local lunch special such as tavë kosi or seasonal mezze to experience regional flavours.
- Keep an eye out for local handicraft shops if you want a small souvenir to remember Berat.
Drive from Berat to Tirana
Afternoon drive back to the capital Tirana. The journey crosses scenic countryside.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the drive to rest before the walking tour in Tirana; traffic can add a small delay depending on time of day.
- If you need to leave luggage in Tirana, confirm arrangements with the operator/driver in advance.
- Carry a light jacket for evening in Tirana as temperatures can drop after sunset in May.
Tirana walking tour — Skanderbeg Square, Bunk'Art & Pyramid
Guided walking tour of central Tirana including Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum frontage, and key modern/contemporary landmarks such as the Pyramid and a Bunk'Art overview (entry subject to opening hours).
Tips from local experts:
- Skanderbeg Square is spacious; meet your guide at the central statue for easy orientation.
- Bunk'Art sites have stairs and tight passages — allow extra time if you wish to enter exhibitions.
- If time is limited, prioritize the open-air highlights first (square, Palace of Culture) and plan museum entries accordingly.
Free time, dinner and check-in to accommodation in Tirana (end of service)
After the walking tour enjoy free time for dinner and final check-in. The tour concludes after you are settled in your Tirana accommodation.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer a quieter meal, head to the Blloku area where there are many cafes and quieter restaurants.
- Confirm your accommodation address with the driver or guide before leaving the group to ensure a smooth drop-off.
- Keep the guide/driver contact available in case you need assistance finding transportation after the tour ends.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 4 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Culture, Hotel, Break |
