15 days in Albania Itinerary

Tirana, the largest city in Albania, represents one a lively and fast-paced metropolis.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Kruja Castle and Durres Amphitheatre. Let the collections at Muzeu Historik Kombetar and BunkArt 2 capture your imagination. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tirana: Duka Winery and Vineyard (in Durres) and Spille Beach (in Spille). There's lots more to do: brush up on your military savvy at Bunk'Art 1, get engrossed in the history at Bektashi World Center, take in the spiritual surroundings of Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, and soak away your stress at Deluxe Spa & Massage.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Tirana trip planner.

Vancouver, Canada to Tirana is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a 9 hour difference. When traveling from Vancouver in April, plan for somewhat warmer days in Tirana, with highs around 24°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Berat.

A rare example of well-preserved Ottoman style, Berat is a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Tue): do a tasting at Cobo Winery, admire the masterpieces at National Iconographic Museum Onufri, then admire the landmark architecture of Berat Castle, then examine the collection at National Ethnographic Museum Berat, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Holy Trinity Church. Keep things going the next day: take in the dramatic scenery at Sotira Waterfall and then do a tasting at Nurellari Winery and Guest House.

For where to stay and tourist information, read Berat trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Tirana to Berat takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In April in Berat, expect temperatures between 23°C during the day and 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to drive to Gjirokaster.

Along with the central Albanian town of Berat, Gjirokastra serves as a striking World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman architecture.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): steep yourself in history at Zekate House, step into the grandiose world of Gjirokastra Bazaar, and then brush up on your military savvy at Gjirokaster.

To find other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read Gjirokaster online itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Berat to Gjirokaster takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is 1 hour. Traveling from Berat in April, Gjirokaster is a bit warmer at night with lows of 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time to drive to Saranda.

A popular summer destination for its inexpensive accommodation and stony Mediterranean beaches, Saranda has become a favorite of both Albanian and foreign travelers.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Butrint National Park and Lekuresi Castle. We've included these beaches for you: Mirror (Pasqyra) Beach and Santa Quaranta beach. Take a break from Saranda with a short trip to Blue Eye in Vlore, about 32 minutes away. The adventure continues: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, take in the spiritual surroundings of Monastery of 40 Saints, surround yourself with nature on Saranda Jeep, and explore the activities along Vivar Kanal.

For where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Saranda trip planner.

You can drive from Gjirokaster to Saranda in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in April, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) so you can go by car to Himare.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): enjoy the sand and surf at Gjipe Beach and then kick back and relax at Dhermi Beach. On the 27th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sand and surf at Jale Beach and then kick back and relax at Livadhi Beach.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, read Himare travel route planning app.

You can drive from Saranda to Himare in 1.5 hours. In April, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Shkoder.

Its geographic location has made Shkoder, one of Europe's oldest cities, an important cultural and economic center of the Balkans over the years.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): make a trip to Former Palace of King Nikola I, then explore the historical opulence of Rozafa Castle, and then take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

To see photos, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Shkoder online attractions planner.

Drive from Himare to Shkoder in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and bus; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Himare to Shkoder is minus 1 hour. In April, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 11°C. On the 29th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.