Bunkers of Albania

Meet with our professional guide at your hotel lobby or we can arrange airport pick-up at Tirana International Airport. Next, we continue with the city tour of the capital of Albania. Tirana is a vibrant city with a rich and busy life. The guided walking tour takes to spots like Mother Theresa Square, where is founded the University of Tirana. A walk through the main boulevard will encounter places that have created the history of Tirana since medieval times. Skanderbeg Square holds many great stories which you should not miss. We will discover the diversity of religions in the city at the Orthodox Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral, and Et'hem Bej Mosque located only 5 min away from each other. You will visit the National History Museum to learn in-depth about the history of Albania.

After lunch, we transferred to the largest bunker in Albania. BunkArt 1 is a complex of underground tunnels built during the 70s for the protection of the communist elite leaders. In the evening you can explore the buzzy nightlife of the Blloku area. Accommodation in Tirana.

After breakfast, we drive north of the country. Our first destination will be the ancient port of Shengjin. Besides being a popular summer destination, Shengjin used to be an important station during communist times. Here were constructed several bunkers and tunnels, and the port was turned into a great defensive wall against any attack from the sea. We will drive to some rural hills to visit from inside these fortifications and get more familiar with their history. After lunch, we continue towards Shkoder. First will appear the symbol of the city, Rozafa Castle. Built during ancient times by the Illyrian tribe of Labeat, it offers great views and an interesting legend. In the afternoon you will have some free time to bond with locals on the main promenade. Accommodation in Shkoder.

In the morning we continue our journey to Kune lagoon, not only rich in flora and birds but also bunkers. Later our trip carries on to the Adriatic Sea. We will visit the Cape of Rodon which is beautifully located on the coast and is full of history and bunkers. The military history of this area starts in medieval times during the reign of Skanderbeg and continues to extend during communism. Today several bunkers stand by the beach where lots of people come to enjoy the sunshine. You will enjoy a drink inside a bunker looking at the Adriatic Sea. After lunch, transfer to Durres.

Durres is the second-largest city in Albania and the largest port in the country. It is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast, founded by the Illyrian tribe of Taulanti and colonized by the Greeks and Roman Empire.

The famous Roman trading route “Via Egnatia” started in this city which has given it many ancient sites. During the walking tour of Durres, you will visit the Roman amphitheater, the Venetian Tour, Byzantine walls, ruins of the Byzantine market, and Roman baths. Accommodation in Durres.

After breakfast, our trip carries down south to Kucova city or Stalingrad, the name of the city during communist times. In the 50s was built an airbase, which has resisted the times and today is the NATO base.

Founded back in the 4th century B.C., Berat presents a remarkable history through different ages from ancient Illyrians to the Roman Empire, Byzantine to Ottoman Empire. The city is most known by its nickname “The White City” or “one above another window”. Since 2008, Berat has been listed under UNESCO World Heritage.

The castle of Berat has been continuously inhabited for 2400 years. It is surrounded by high walls and inside are located about 200 houses, medieval orthodox churches, ruins of mosques, and water cisterns.

During the walking tour in the city, you will stroll along the cobblestone narrow streets of Mangalem and Gorica quarters. They are beautifully divided by the Osumi River, which can be crossed by the medieval Gorica Bridge or the Suspension Bridge. In the old town, you will visit the Bachelor’s mosque, King’s mosque, Halveti Tekke, and Onufri Museum. Accommodation in Berat.

Today we head towards the Ionian Sea. In Vlore, we get on board a boat that will sail to the largest island in Albania. Sazan Island is strategically positioned in the Bay of Vlora and since ancient times has served as a military zone. During communism, this island became inhabited by Albanian soldiers and their families. Today it seems like time has stopped, but while walking around the island we can experience what used to be a lively town with schools, hospitals, and houses. After visiting the island, we stopped at a beach by the Karaburun peninsula to relax in the clear blue sea. Accommodation in Vlore.

This morning you will wake up by the sea, which you will explore during the day. Through the coastal road, we continue to visit lots of villages with amazing vacation atmospheres and rich history. Porto Palermo Bay is a place where the communists built the submarine base. The area is completed with Ali Pashe Tepelena fortress standing glamorous in the middle of the sea. The journey will carry along the small beaches of the Albanian Riviera to arrive in Saranda. Accommodation in Saranda.

Today is dedicated to the history of the area. We will drive further south to visit the archeologic park of Butrint. The ruins found here date back to the 8th century B.C representing a long living history of the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantine empires. A walk inside the city guided by our knowledgeable guide, surrounded by beautiful nature and ruins will make you feel like you are in another past world.

Not far from the park are located Ksamil Islands which are so well-known for their sandy beaches and views of Corfu Island located only 4km across the sea.

The next destination is the city of Gjirokaster, a site listed under UNESCO World Heritage in Albania. The town hosts unique local architecture which has been nicknamed Stone City. Argjiro castle stands with pride at the top of the hill and can be seen from all over the city and the valley. The walking tour will include a visit to the birthplace of communist leader Enver Hoxha. Accommodation in Gjirokaster.

In the morning we take a road less traveled through the southeast of Albania. This part of Albania is rural with beautiful mountains, valleys, friendly people, and good food. Of course, we will face many bunkers during our trip. We will stop for lunch at a local farm and see the mushroom bunkers in Erseke. On arrival at the city of Korce, we take a walking tour through the old bazaar and the boulevard. The city of Korce is known as "The Little Paris" due to its architecture and history. Accommodation in Korce.

This amazing journey is coming to an end. On the last day, we will explore the surroundings of Lake Ohrid. The village of Tushemisht is remarkably known for its fish farms. Nearby is Drilon Park, which served as the summer residence of leader Enver Hoxha. West of Lake Ohrid, is located the village of Lin where there are some bunkers with great views. In the afternoon arrive in Tirana and accommodate in your hotel.