One-Week Albania Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Tirana to Berat, Gjirokastra, and Saranda

On day 2 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Tirana and Linzë. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Tirana, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Rruga Murat Toptani, a street that captures the true essence of Tirana. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Catch Skanderbeg Square before the crowds roll in. This picture-perfect public square is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the photogenic features of Et'hem Bej Mosque, a must-visit mosque in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Bunk’art 2, a beloved museum. For a change of scene, check out Fortress Of Justinian, known for its culturally significant features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Tirana, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Linzë. This drive usually takes around 15 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Bunk’art, a beloved museum in Linzë. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Tirana.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Tirana. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Artigiano offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Hotel Elysee, Tirana is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Tirana.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kafe Flora, known for its lively atmosphere. Bufe Wine Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Whisky Bar Tirana offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Albania.

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Albania includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Berat. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Berat, where you'll spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Berat may take around 1 hour 45 min. Upon your arrival in Berat, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Berat Castle, an intriguing castle in Berat. Explore its history-steeped features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Onufri Iconographic Museum. This up-and-coming museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Gorica Bridge is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most awe-inspiring historical landmark in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the locally appreciated Old Town Berat and discover what makes this historical landmark unique.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Berat, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Berat, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at Homemade Food Lili, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Zonja Gjene beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Eni Traditional Food Berat. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Berat tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar Te Albani, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Albania.

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Gjirokastra. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Gjirokastra, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gjirokastra. This car ride takes around 2 hours 36 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Ali Pasha Bridge, an intriguing monument known for its breathtaking features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Castle Of Gjirokastra, an underrated castle.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Staryj Gorod Girokastry and uncover the details of this romantic historical landmark. Make sure to also explore Ethnographic Museum, an often recommended museum. For your last stop, consider Zekate House, a picture-perfect museum that many travelers find worth the detour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Gjirokastra. Gjirokastra offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Gjirokastra is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Gjirokastra.

Make sure to reserve a table at Taverna Tradicionale KARDHASHI, an iconic dining spot in Gjirokastra. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Taverna Brahimi, a popular restaurant in Gjirokastra. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restorant Tradicional Urat, a hidden gem nestled in Gjirokastra. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Hangover Cocktail Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Albania.

On day 6 of your road trip in Albania, you’ll start and end your day in Saranda, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Saranda, there’s no need to rush. Experience Vrinë, Krongj, and Piqeras to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Whether you decide to explore Vrinë on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Vrinë, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Saranda to Vrinë may take around 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Vrinë, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Butrint National Park. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Krongj. This car ride takes around 52 min.

Next, continue your sightseeing at The Blue Eye, an often recommended park.

After soaking in Krongj’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Piqeras. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive in Piqeras, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Buneci Beach and explore the romantic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Saranda and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Saranda. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at MARINI, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bagaron Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Taverna Fish Land. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Saranda.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Jericho Cocktail Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Albania!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Albania. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Himarë and Vlore. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Tirana, where you'll spend 1 night.

Savor the day by heading to Llogara Pass, a frequently visited mountain range that draws visitors from near and far.

Set your GPS to Vlore and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 17 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Vlore beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Himara Castle and explore the history-steeped features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Vlore may take around 1 hour 17 min. Upon your arrival in Vlore, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Kuzum Baba, a frequently visited historical landmark that everyone visiting Vlore should see. Next, head to Independence Monument. This stunning monument is one of the most intriguing attractions in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Tirana, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Tirana. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Shije Fshati - Taste of the Village, a top-rated dining destination in Tirana. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Villa Tafaj, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Tirana this evening.

Keep the evening going at Komiteti Bar - Tiranë, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Hemingway Bar Tirana, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Tribeca Bar Tirana, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!