# ALBANIA: FLAVORS OF HERITAGE > Discover Albania's soul through its rapidly emerging culinary scene on this 9-night "Flavors of Heritage" expedition. The journey moves from the farm-to-table revolution in the northern highlands to the seafood-rich Ionian shores. Break bread with locals, sip indigenous Shesh wines, and experience legendary Albanian hospitality. **Source:** https://www.via-croatia.com/itinerary/sample/albania-flavors-of-heritage **At a glance:** 10 days · 9 nights · 14 locations · Land · from $8,729 / person **Destinations:** Albania ## Overview A quick overview of the experience ahead — where you'll go, what you'll see, and how long you'll savor it. ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1 — Day 1 - **Arrival in Tirana** — Welcome to Tirana. Tirana is Albania’s vibrant capital—colorful streets, lively cafés, rich history, and a creative energy that surprises at every turn. Compact, welcoming, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect gateway to the country. - **Tirana rooftop private chef dining experience** — As evening falls, stroll to a nearby rooftop restaurant for an intimate dining experience. A local chef will prepare each a la carte dish in front of you, sharing insights into the ingredients and techniques. Savor every bite as you take in the stunning views and warm ambiance—an unforgettable way to celebrate your arrival and taste the region’s flavors. ### Day 2 — Day 2 - **Food tour of Tirana** — Discover Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, flanked by rugged mountains, with your local guide. Explore main attractions like Skanderbeg Square, the National Museum, Blloku, and the Castle of Tirana. Sample local cuisine with traditional dishes and sweets, visit the underground museum Bunk’Art 1, and take a cable car to Dajti Mountain for panoramic city views over coffee. ### Day 3 — Day 3 - **Cuinary Workshop and Wine Tasting in Berat** — Today, enjoy the culinary and wine delights of Berat, with a refreshing stop at scenic Belsh Lake. Learn to prepare traditional Albanian dishes like kulaci, japrak, Berati vejnez, and katmari under the guidance of skilled chefs, then savor a shared meal. Conclude with a visit to Cobo Winery for a tour and tasting of the region’s finest wines. ### Day 4 — Day 4 - **Berat Highlights Tour** — Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is a postcard come to life. Its white Ottoman houses cling to the hillside like stacked lanterns, all watching over the river below. With a magnificent hilltop castle, winding cobbled streets, and golden light glowing on its stone walls, Berat feels timeless—peaceful, romantic, and full of quiet magic. ### Day 5 — Day 5 - **Explore UNESCO Gjirokastra's History and Dhoksat's Village Life** — Explore the timeless charm of Gjirokastra on a private guided tour. Wander the old bazaar and visit a traditional stone carving workshop. Conclude at Gjirokastra Castle for panoramic views of the city and Drino Valley. Then, experience rural life in Dhoksat Village with seasonal activities and a farm-to-table barbecue. ### Day 6 — Day 6 - **Discover UNESCO Site of Butrint with Mussel Tasting and Nature's Splendor of Blue Eye** — Butrint, Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage Site near Sarandë, showcases ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian times, including a theater and city walls—a scenic walk through history. Nearby, the Blue Eye spring captivates with its deep blue waters and lush surroundings, perfect for nature lovers and photography. ### Day 7 — Day 7 - **Apollonia's Ruins and Vlora's Independence Legacy** — Visit Apollonia Archaeological Site near Fier to explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including an odeon, agora, and a hilltop monastery with a museum. Then discover Vlorë, a lively coastal city known for its beaches, Lungomare promenade, and access to Karaburun–Sazan Marine Park, blending history with seaside charm. ### Day 8 — Day 8 - **Durres Treasures and Duka Wine Pleasures** — Discover Durres, Albania’s ancient port city. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre, Byzantine walls, Venetian Tower, and the Durres Archaeological Museum. Continue to DUKA Winery for a guided wine tasting, then enjoy a scenic boat ride with gourmet dishes paired with local wines across the Adriatic. - **Kruja castle dinner** — Dine within the historic walls of Krujë Castle, where traditional Albanian cuisine meets a timeless setting. Enjoy locally inspired dishes, warm candlelit ambiance, and panoramic views that bring history, culture, and flavor together for an unforgettable evening. ### Day 9 — Day 9 - **Exploring Mrizi i Zanave, City of Kruje and Traditional Folklore Show with Dinner** — Savor Albanian slow food at Mrizi i Zanave in Fishtë, touring the farm and winery while tasting wines, rakias, and seasonal local dishes. Then explore Krujë’s Old Bazaar, historic castle, and Ethnographic Museum. End the day with a traditional dinner and folklore show celebrating Albanian heritage. ### Day 10 — Day 10 - **Departure from Albania** — Private transfer to the airport Tirana to catch your flight. Bon voyage! ## Good to know Impeccable planning, local support, and the standards you deserve. - **Stays with soul** — We don’t just book rooms; we hand-pick them. Our team personally visits every property to make sure the atmosphere, the service, and the views are exactly what we promised. - **Your people** — Think of us as your local inside track. Whether it’s landing that perfect table in Hvar or handling a last-minute change of plans, we’re here behind the scenes making it look easy, others call it concierge, we call it your people. - **Made to measure** — View this itinerary as a starting point, not a final script. If you want to change the pace or add a detour, just let your travel agent know—we’ll keep refining it until it’s perfect. - **The right choices** — A great guide changes everything. We work with charismatic locals who know the hidden corners and the best stories, turning a simple tour into a meaningful conversation. - **Vision to life** — This pricing is simply a starting point based on a curated sample. In reality, your trip is a blank canvas. We work hand-in-hand with your travel agent to ensure every detail of your final itinerary reflects your personal vision, turning a a trip into your journey. - **The luxury of access** — We leverage our local standing to open doors earlier and keep them open longer—bypassing the rules to give you the one thing you can’t buy: more time to just be. - **Seamless motion** — The journey between stops should be just as enjoyable as every other aspect of the trip. You’ll be driven in premium, late-model vehicles by professional chauffeurs who know the destination inside and out. - **Our sincere thanks** — We are honored to be the architects of your escape. Working alongside your travel agent, our only goal is to ensure your journey is a masterpiece of travel. --- Crafted by Via Croatia — luxury yacht charters and bespoke Adriatic itineraries. Contact: sales@via-croatia.com · +1 800 832 1596