7-Day Relaxed Albania Road Trip from Tirana to Shkoder

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Albania begins when you reach Tirana, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Tirana is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Rinia Park. Around 2,631 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Tirana offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is ejona. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 802 customers.

Artigiano at Vila serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Tirana has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,092 reviews.

Restaurant Piceri Era "Blloku" is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,065 customers, Restaurant Piceri Era "Blloku" is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Tirana looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Komiteti Bar - Tiranë, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 715 reviews.

Sofra e Ariut offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Tirana. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 658 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Salt Rest. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 586 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Albania! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Albania!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Albania, you'll explore the best attractions in Tirana at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Tirana, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Skanderbeg Square. This incredible square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,228 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Albania by seeing another popular site in Tirana, the wonderful Palace of Culture. This must-see tourist destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,228 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Et'hem Bej Mosque. This mosque has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,429 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Bunk’Art 2. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,114 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Fortress of Justinian. This amazing site is a wonderful cultural monument of albania with more than 1,396 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Albania. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Tirana itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Albania extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Tirana. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Artigiano. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,025 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Era Vila, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Era Vila is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 847 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Shije Fshati - Taste of the Village. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 569 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Tirana and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,494 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Hotel Mondial. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 578 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is New Irish Pub. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. New Irish Pub has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 380 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Albania, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Albania.

From your accommodation, or your home for another 3 nights, you’ll leisurely drive to your first stop of the day, the remarkable Dajti Ekspres. The famous Dajti Ekspres has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 435 visitors.

Another popular attraction worthy of a visit while you’re leisurely touring Dajt, is the stunning Dajti National Park. As one of the most well-known attractions in the area, Dajti National Park has earned an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 376 travelers' reviews.

There’s still a lot of things to see and experience in Albania.

Your relaxed road trip across Albania continues as you discover more popular sites and explore to your heart’s content.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Albania more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Albania. Tirana offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you can drive back to your accommodation in the city of Tirana to rest and refresh yourself after your long adventure.

After relaxing at your hotel, you might want to grab a bite at one of the best restaurants in the city, like the Bati Restaurant 1. This restaurant is a favorite among locals and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 495 customers.

We also recommend that you try the different dishes served at Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine. This restaurant has many positive reviews which earned it an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,353 food lovers worldwide.

Another top-rated restaurant in the city of Tirana is Rogner Hotel Tirana. Praised by local and foreign customers for its delicious food, this restaurant is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 950 customer reviews.

After your meal, it’s time to loosen up and experience the nightlife in Tirana. Unwind at the amazing Radio Bar Tirana and get a few glasses of their bestselling liquor. Radio Bar Tirana is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 455 customers.

Hop on to another top-rated bar in the city and have an amazing night. Visit the Millennium Garden bar and try its wide selection of beverages and liquor. This bar is a favorite among locals and has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 567 customers.

Make the most of your Tirana nightlife experience and get a few shots of your favorite drink at the Hemingway Bar Tirana. This bar is highly recommended, having an outstanding 4.6 out of 5 stars from 299 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in Albania with this fun but relaxed road trip escapade!

Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Albania.

From your accommodation, or your home for another 2 nights, you’ll leisurely drive to your first stop of the day, the remarkable Venetian Tower of Durrës. This amazing attraction is one of the best travel destinations in the city of Durrës. The famous Venetian Tower of Durrës has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,509 visitors.

Another popular attraction worthy of a visit while you’re leisurely touring Durrës, is the stunning Durrës Amphitheatre. As one of the most well-known attractions in the area, Durrës Amphitheatre has earned an impressive average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 4,252 travelers' reviews.

Take your time exploring Durrës and visit another attraction that we highly recommend, the amazing Fisherman. The amazing Fisherman has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25 visitors.

If you’re looking for something incredible during your relaxed road trip around the city, then consider a visit to the magnificent Sfinksi. This famous best-rated sightseeing destination is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 558 visitors.

There’s still a lot of things to see and experience in Albania.

Your relaxed road trip across Albania continues as you discover more popular sites and explore to your heart’s content.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Albania more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Albania. Rilë offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you can drive back to your accommodation in the city of Tirana to rest and refresh yourself after your long adventure.

After relaxing at your hotel, you might want to grab a bite at one of the best restaurants in the city, like the Restorant Tymi. This restaurant is a favorite among locals and is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 474 customers.

After your meal, it’s time to loosen up and experience the nightlife in Tirana. Unwind at the amazing Colonial Cocktails Academy Tirana and get a few glasses of their bestselling liquor. Colonial Cocktails Academy Tirana is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 270 customers.

Hop on to another top-rated bar in the city and have an amazing night. Visit the Nouvelle Vague Tirana bar and try its wide selection of beverages and liquor. This bar is a favorite among locals and has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 218 customers.

Make the most of your Tirana nightlife experience and get a few shots of your favorite drink at the Kafe Flora. This bar is highly recommended, having an outstanding 4.5 out of 5 stars from 186 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in Albania with this fun but relaxed road trip escapade!

On day 5 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Albania. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Albania.

As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Shkoder. You’ll spend 1 night in Shkoder.

This castle and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars from 268 visitors.

Another top sight worth checking out is the amazing Lezhë. This city and go-to attraction has an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars from 429 travelers.

If you’re looking for another unforgettable attraction to explore during your laid-back trip, the wonderful Rozafa Castle is the perfect place for you. This castle and travel location has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,607 reviewers.

This notable place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to 505 reviews.

Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Albania, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Albania and discover the wonderful Shkoder.

While in Shkoder, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Rozafa Castle. This castle and popular site has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,607 reviews.

Another top location in the city is the fascinating Xhamia e Madhe - Ebu Bekr mosque. Most travelers find that this place of worship and travel destination lives up to its rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 505 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Shkoder.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Albania comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Shkoder. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Shkoder, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Shkoder. Check out Aroma Restorant, a top choice in Albania due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Shkoder restaurant to try is a local favorite, Pasta e Vino.

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Hotel Tradita is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in Shkoder has a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 725 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Shkoder. The popular Bar Restaurant Elita has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 253 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Albania.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like MANIFATURA. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.6 from 125 individuals.

If you want to visit another place, the locals of Shkoder recommend Restaurant Arbri. Due to its local reputation, this bar boasts an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars from 401 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Albania with a toast at a top-rated bar in Shkoder!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Albania will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Albania, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Shkoder, and continue your explorations in the city of Kruje. The charming Tirana is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Your first stop is the great city of Shkoder, where you will see the amazing Mesi Bridge. This famous best-rated sightseeing destination has an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,139 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Buna River - Velipoja. The amazing Buna River - Velipoja is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 692 travelers.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Shkoder than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Shkoder, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Albania, the lovely Kruje!

In Kruje, you’ll find the magnificent Krujë Castle. This popular fortress has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,260 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Kruje by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu National Museum. This popular site is a wonderful museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,150 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Tirana for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Albania, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Tirana.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Tirana and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Whisky Bar Tirana for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 217 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Bufe Wine Bar. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 127 customers.

You may also try Zgara Supreme 2, another top-rated bar in the city. About 457 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 6 of your laid-back self-drive in Kruje! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Albania!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Albania is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Tirana.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Tirana once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Albania on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Tanners' Bridge is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Tirana. This top sight is a popular stone bridge, rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 812 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Tirana or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Tirana and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Albania is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.