Tiranë in 6 Days for Friends - Craft beer & distillery tour in Tirana's coolest neighborhoods
In Collaboration with Tipple Tours Ltd. Updated on February 3, 2026.
6-day friends' escape across Tirana, Berat, canyon rapids, the Riviera and Gjirokastër — beer, raki, wine, hearty food and local music with an English-speaking guide and minivan transfer included. Active days (rafting, walks) balanced with long lunches, village dinners and lively nights out.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Tipple Tours Ltd, inspired by the tour The Hop, Grape & Raki Escape: Albania Uncorked. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Craft beer & distillery tour in Tirana's coolest neighborhoods
- Boutique winery and overnight inside Berat Castle
- Rafting through Osum Canyon + winery lunch in Roshnik
- Scenic cruise/drive along the Albanian Riviera and mussel lunch
- Village feast with Grandma and live music from Grandpa
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tirana and introduction to Albania’s drink culture: brewery lunch, afternoon distillery visit and an evening in Bllok.
Arrival & Meet at Tirana International Airport
Group meet-and-greet, luggage load into the minivan and quick orientation. Guide reviews the week and hands out local SIM / emergency info if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for the local WhatsApp group — easiest way to split bills and coordinate late-night plans.
- Keep passports and boarding passes in a single, accessible pocket for quick check-in later.
- If you're stiff from flying, request a short leg-stretch stop at the airport café rather than doing it mid-drive.
Lunch: Traditional Albanian lunch with craft beer (guide-selected)
First taste of hearty Albanian cuisine paired with locally produced beers — think meaty, cheesy plates perfect for sharing with your group.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few small plates to share — this is the fastest way to try more regional specialties and keep costs down for the group.
- Ask for house beers on tap; the guide will suggest unfiltered vs clear depending on your taste preferences.
- If someone in the group is carrying a hangover, request plenty of water and a protein-heavy dish to help recovery.
Afternoon: Local spirits / distillery insight (behind-the-scenes style)
Visit a local distillery or small producer for a guided tasting of raki and other Albanian spirits — learn how raki is made and sample responsibly.
Tips from local experts:
- Raki is strong — take small sips and toast with the group to capture the moment, not the floor.
- Ask for non-alcoholic palate cleansers (water, bread) between tastings to stay fresh for the evening.
- If you want a souvenir bottle, buy it here — smaller producers may not ship, so this is the best place to pick up limited batches.
Evening: Bllok bar crawl (short stroll through Tirana’s nightlife district)
Bar-hopping in Bllok — craft cocktails, live DJs and bars that cater to groups. Your guide will point out the best venues and reserve a table if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with a cocktail bar for atmosphere then move to livelier spots; Bllok has venues that accept group tabs — ask your guide to set it up.
- Carry an ID; some venues are strict about entry after 23:00 and you’ll need to prove you’re 18+.
- If someone wants a break from the noise, the guide knows quieter late-night cafés in the same area — perfect for regrouping.
Day 2
Wine, cheese and castle vibes — agro-farm and winery in Ardenica then a UNESCO evening in Berat with castle accommodation and homemade raki.
Transfer to Ardenica (agro-farm & boutique winery visit)
Short drive out from Tirana to Ardenica for a tasting of boutique wines, local cheeses and farm-to-table snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the minivan for the best countryside views during the drive.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat — June sun can be strong in the lowlands.
- Ask the host for wine pairing cards so your group can remember favorite bottles for later purchases.
Lunch & wine tasting near Ardenica
Relaxed long lunch at the winery: sample reds and whites, local olives and hand-made cheeses — great for groups who want to taste everything.
Tips from local experts:
- Share tasting flights so everyone can try multiple varietals without committing to full bottles.
- Buy a mixed bottle pack if available — easier to distribute among friends and lighter to carry.
- Save room for dessert wine or lateharvest — a sweet finish is a crowd-pleaser after a savory spread.
Afternoon transfer to Berat & check-in
Scenic drive into Berat, check into your castle-area hotel and short rest before the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Request rooms facing the old town for classic views; groups often split between renovated guesthouses and small hotels.
- Ask reception about luggage storage if you want to head out for a quick walk before dinner.
- Bottled water and a small snack in the room are handy after a day of tasting.
Evening: Dinner inside or near Berat Castle with homemade raki
Group dinner cooked by local hosts; expect generous portions, storytelling and raki refills. A social, noisy dinner perfect for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive hungry—Albanian dinners are generous and perfect for sharing between friends.
- Toast with raki together to capture a group photo moment — it’s a cultural custom here.
- If anyone is sensitive to very strong drinks, ask for diluted pours or alternate with local wines.
Day 3
Adrenaline and altitude: morning rafting through a canyon, relaxed wine & lunch in Roshnik, then evening on the Llogara Pass with panoramic sea views.
Morning rafting in Osum Canyon
Half-day rafting adventure through the dramatic Osum Canyon — paddling, small drops and unforgettable scenery. Guide-led, all safety gear provided (rafting cost excluded from base price).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear quick-dry clothing and secure footwear; flip-flops are not safe — old trainers are best.
- Leave valuables locked in the van; bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos on the water.
- Bring a small dry bag for motion-sickness remedies and sunscreen — the canyon can get sunny and reflective.
Lunch & winery visit in Roshnik village
Post-raft recovery: local winery lunch in Roshnik — relaxed tasting and a hearty meal to refuel.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a pitcher or bottle to share — it’s cheaper and more sociable for groups.
- Try the local varietal the guide recommends; small producers here often have interesting single-vineyard wines.
- Ask for extra bread and cheese to soak up wine — perfect hangover-prevention strategy for the group.
Drive to Llogara Pass & dinner with sea-view chef
Climb to Llogara Pass for an unforgettable sunset dinner prepared by a chef with naval experience — panoramic views over the Adriatic.
Tips from local experts:
- Golden hour is spectacular here — ask to time dinner to sunset for the best group photos.
- It can be cooler on the pass even in June; bring a light jacket for evening comfort.
- If you want a table with the view, confirm with the guide in advance — the best spots fill quickly.
Day 4
Coastal cruising on the Albanian Riviera: cliffside drives, a famous mussel lunch and sunset time in Ksamil.
Riviera road trip (scenic driving stops & photo breaks)
Morning drive along the coastal road with stops at viewpoints and short walks — soak in dramatic sea cliffs and turquoise bays.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the sea-facing side of the van and keep cameras ready; the light in the morning is best for photos.
- Bring sunglasses and a hat — glare from the sea can be intense.
- Short stops are limited; pick 2–3 must-shoot moments and use them wisely for group photos.
Lunch: House of Mussels — seafood & local white wine
Group lunch famed for fresh mussels paired with crisp Albanian white wines — casual seaside dining ideal for sharing plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Order mussels in several styles (garlic, tomato, cream) so the group can share and compare.
- Ask for a chilled white by the bottle for the table — it pairs beautifully and keeps ordering simple.
- If someone in the group has shellfish allergies, let the staff know — they’ll recommend alternatives.
Afternoon: Ksamil Beach chill time
Free time on Ksamil’s iconic beaches — swim, rent a sunbed or hop on a short boat trip to the tiny surrounding islands.
Tips from local experts:
- Rent a sunbed as a group to keep your stuff together and have a central hangout spot.
- Bring cash for quick boat hires and beach-side snacks — many small vendors don’t take cards.
- If you want quieter water, walk a few minutes from the main strip — beaches thin out fast.
Evening: Relaxed seaside dinner & overnight in Ksamil / Sarandë
Group dinner in town; low-key night to recover from two big days, or optional cocktails for night owls.
Tips from local experts:
- Ksamil has lively late-night bars — if your group wants to continue, check with the guide for the best spots.
- Book a table near the water if you prefer quieter evenings; the main promenade gets busy quickly.
- If you plan to party, keep one person hydrated and on water duty for the group the next morning.
Day 5
Stone-city vibes in Gjirokastër: village lunch with a local family (Grandma cooks, Grandpa plays), evening music and castle views.
Drive to Gjirokastër (stone city)
Morning transfer inland to Gjirokastër with scenic countryside views; arrival near the old town for exploration.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry light layers — the stone city’s narrow streets can be shady and cooler than the coast.
- Leave large backpacks on the van for easier walking around the old bazaar and castle area.
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets — ankle support helps if you’ve been drinking the night before!
Village lunch: Grandma’s kitchen — traditional recipes and live tunes
Authentic home-cooked multi-course lunch in a nearby village — expect family-style service, local songs and communal dancing if Grandpa’s in the mood.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small gift (chocolates or tea) — it’s a friendly gesture that locals appreciate and breaks the ice.
- If you want to record the music, ask first — older musicians often love to teach a few steps and will perform if asked.
- Pace the group with water and light snacks between heavy courses to stay comfortable throughout the long lunch.
Evening: Explore Gjirokastër Castle and local music
Sunset at the castle, followed by a relaxed evening in the old town with the option of live local music in a courtyard tavern.
Tips from local experts:
- Castle terraces are great for group photos at sunset — arrive 20 minutes early to secure the best spots.
- Local taverns sometimes have no set prices for small performances — a small tip to performers is appreciated.
- If someone prefers a quiet evening, the guide can point out calmer cafés away from the music circuit.
Day 6
Farewells: last breakfast, final group photo and transfer back to Tirana for airport drop-off.
Hearty farewell breakfast in Gjirokastër
Group breakfast with leftovers from the week disguised as local breakfast specialties. Last-minute souvenir check and luggage load.
Tips from local experts:
- Use breakfast to divvy up shared costs and confirm any extra purchases to be paid before departing.
- Check room drawers and beds for chargers or small souvenirs — it’s easy to leave things behind in a rush.
- Take one last group selfie in the courtyard to share with those who joined late to the WhatsApp group.
Transfer: Gjirokastër to Tirana International Airport
Long scenic transfer back to Tirana with comfort stops; arrive in time for recommended check-in window for your flights.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for a 4–5 hour drive with a couple of comfort stops; keep chargers and snacks accessible in the van.
- If you have a late flight, ask the guide about a short Tirana city drop-off (extra time) for final shopping.
- Confirm your flight check-in time before leaving — domestic traffic in Tirana can be unpredictable during rush hour.
Goodbye & airport drop-off
Final goodbyes at the airport; guide hands over receipts, contact details and any bottles/cheese purchased on the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep purchase receipts handy in case airport security questions food or alcohol items.
- If you’re shipping wine or large items home, ask the guide for recommended courier services in Tirana.
- Exchange final contact info and photos in the group chat — it’s the best way to keep the memories (and future meetups) alive.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 6 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Meal, Experience, Nightlife, Hotel, Sport, Attraction, Restaurant, Outdoor, Culture |