One-Week Albania Road Trip from Tirana to Shkoder, Vlore, and Gjirokastra and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Albania starts when you reach the incredible city of Tirana, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Tirana and begin your adventure in Albania.

Tirana is a popular cheap holiday destination in Albania with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Tirana and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Grand Park of Tirana will make your cheap holiday in Albania truly special. This attraction is a fascinating urban park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,845 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Tirana. An excellent example is the popular ejona. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 802 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Albania is Artigiano at Vila. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,092 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Restaurant Piceri Era "Blloku". This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,065 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Komiteti Bar - Tiranë is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 715 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Tirana we recommend is Sofra e Ariut, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 658 customers.

Salt Rest is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 586 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Albania!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Tirana, proving that cheap holidays in Albania can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Skanderbeg Square. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,228 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Et'hem Bej Mosque. This popular place of interest is a stunning mosque that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,429 visitors.

To make your trip to Tirana more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Bunk’Art 2. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,114 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Bunk’Art 2 is often mentioned in Albania road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Fortress of Justinian is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This cultural monument of albania and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,396 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Palace of Culture. More than 223 visitors have rated this top-tier point of interest and tourist destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Tirana does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Tirana on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Albania.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Albania, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Artigiano, one of the best restaurants in Tirana. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,025 reviews.

You can also check out Era Vila. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 847 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Shije Fshati - Taste of the Village. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 569 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Tirana.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Tirana for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,494 customers.

Hotel Mondial is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 578 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit New Irish Pub. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 380 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Tirana.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Tirana!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Albania, Tirana. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Tirana!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Xhura Mosque. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 109 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable mosque is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Rinia Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,631 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Regency Casino. This popular casino in Tirana has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 170 travelers.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Tirana?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Tirana. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Tirana offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Albania worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Tirana has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Tirana is Bati Restaurant 1. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 495 customers.

Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,353 reviews. Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in Tirana is Rogner Hotel Tirana. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 950 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Tirana as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Tirana, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Radio Bar Tirana, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 455 customers.

Millennium Garden serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Tirana. Customers have rated Millennium Garden an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 567 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at Hemingway Bar Tirana. This bar is popular in Tirana for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere. Proof of this claim is clear in its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 299 bar goers.

A road trip vacation in Tirana can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Albania!

Day 4 of your road trip across Albania offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Kruje and the enchanting Shkoder, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Kruje and end the day in Shkoder, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 4 of your affordable vacation in Albania will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Kruje is the magnificent Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu National Museum. Around 1,150 visitors have rated this excellent museum and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Krujë Castle on this leg of your self-drive tour in Albania. This attraction is a well-known fortress that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 6,260 travelers.

The remarkable Kruja Bazaar is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Albania. This attraction, an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination, is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 360 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Kruje, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Shkoder.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Rozafa Castle. This popular site is a valued castle in Shkoder and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,607 visitors.

Another must-visit in Shkoder is the spectacular Xhamia e Madhe - Ebu Bekr mosque. This outstanding place of worship and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 505 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Albania. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Albania. Make your cheap holiday experience in Albania more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Shkoder offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Albania. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Shkoder offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Albania.

Aroma Restorant is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 227 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Shkoder is Pasta e Vino, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 134 customers.

Hotel Tradita offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Shkoder. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 725 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Shkoder’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Bar Restaurant Elita is an excellent example of a great bar in Shkoder offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 253 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at MANIFATURA, another of locals’ go-to bars in Shkoder. MANIFATURA is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 125 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Restaurant Arbri is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Shkoder. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 401 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Albania with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Albania!

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Albania gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Shkoder and end your day in the city of Durrës.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Vlore for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Albania.

While you’re in Shkoder, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Mesi Bridge. The fantastic Mesi Bridge is a popular top-tier point of interest and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,139 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Buna River - Velipoja, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.4 out of a 5 star-rating from 692 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Shkoder, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Durrës.

Make Venetian Tower of Durrës your first stop. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,509 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Durrës is the outstanding Durrës Amphitheatre. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,252 visitors, this remarkable must-see tourist destination and attraction deserves a spot on your Albania travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Albania. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Albania and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Vlore. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Vlore, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restorant Tradicional VANI, one of the best restaurants in Vlore. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,120 customers.

Restorant 'Joni ' Vlore is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Restorant 'Joni ' Vlore is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 708 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Restorant Amantia, another well-loved restaurant in Vlore. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 375 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Albania.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Vlore, The Wave. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 408 bar goers.

Seasons Cocktail Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Vlore, with its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 103 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Brooklyn Restaurant, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 504 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Albania. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Albania!

Day 6 of your road trip across Albania offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Shëndellia and the enchanting Xarrë, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Shëndellia and end the day in Xarrë, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 of your affordable vacation in Albania will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Shëndellia is the magnificent Independence Monument. Around 611 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Kuzum Baba on this leg of your self-drive tour in Albania. This attraction is a well-known place of worship that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from around 291 travelers.

The remarkable Radhimë Beach is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Albania. This attraction, an amazing natural feature, is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 203 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Shëndellia, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Xarrë.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Butrint National Park. This popular site is a valued national park in Xarrë and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,351 visitors. Around 55,000 people travel to the city every year to see this wonderful local feature.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Albania. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Albania. Make your cheap holiday experience in Albania more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Gjirokastra offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Albania. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Gjirokastra offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Albania.

Taverna Tradicionale KARDHASHI is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,078 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Gjirokastra is Restorant Tradicional Urat, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,146 customers.

Taverna Lani offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Gjirokastra. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 410 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Gjirokastra’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Hangover Cocktail Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Gjirokastra offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 5 out of 5 stars by 332 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Submarine 105, another of locals’ go-to bars in Gjirokastra. Submarine 105 is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 289 customers having rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Gjirokastra. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from more than 128 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Albania with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Albania!

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Albania gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Tirana for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Albania.

The fantastic Castle of Gjirokastra is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,120 travelers.

Make Berat Castle your first stop. This popular castle among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,804 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Berat is the outstanding Old Town. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,303 visitors, this remarkable top-tier point of interest and attraction deserves a spot on your Albania travel bucket list.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Gorica Bridge. This attraction, a stunning stone bridge, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 715 travelers.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Albania. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Albania and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Tirana. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Tirana, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restorant Tymi, one of the best restaurants in Tirana. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 474 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Tirana, Colonial Cocktails Academy Tirana. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 270 bar goers.

Nouvelle Vague Tirana is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Tirana, with its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 218 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Kafe Flora, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 186 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Albania. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Albania!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Albania as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Tirana.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Albania.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Tirana is the remarkable Tanners' Bridge. This stone bridge and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 812 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Tirana and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Albania!