Mini Tour Albania And Wine Tasting Experience

About this tour

Mini Tour Albania and Wine Tasting: 5 Days of Culture, History, and Flavor

If you’re looking to explore the rich culture and history of Albania while enjoying some of the best local wines, our Mini Tour Albania and Wine Tasting is perfect for you. This 5-day guided tour takes you through the country’s most iconic landmarks, from ancient ruins to vibrant cities. Along the way, you’ll also experience some of the finest Albanian wines, produced in picturesque vineyards that have been crafting exceptional wines for generations.

Albania, often overlooked in European travel guides, offers a fascinating mix of history, beautiful landscapes, and unique culinary traditions. The wine industry here is quickly gaining recognition, thanks to the rich soils and ancient grape varieties that flourish in the country’s sun-drenched hills. This tour will give you a taste of the best Albania has to offer, combining culture, natural beauty, and wine tasting into one unforgettable experience.

Detailed Itinerary for the Mini Tour Albania and Wine Tasting

Day 1: Arrival in Durres

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Tirana International Airport, the gateway to Albania. After meeting your guide, you’ll head towards the coastal city of Durres, a historic city dating back to Roman times. Durres is home to some of Albania’s most important cultural and archaeological sites.

The Durres Amphitheater , one of the largest in the Balkans, is a major attraction and a key symbol of the city’s ancient past. Here, you’ll walk through the ruins of this once-thriving entertainment venue and marvel at its grandeur. After exploring the amphitheater, you’ll visit the Villa of Durres , a fascinating example of Roman architecture that was rediscovered in the early 2000s.

The day ends with a relaxing evening in Durres, where you can enjoy a leisurely dinner and a night at your hotel. The bustling modern city offers an array of dining options where you can sample fresh seafood and other traditional Albanian dishes.

Day 2: Berat & Wine Tasting at Cobo Winery

On Day 2 of your Mini Tour Albania and Wine Tasting, you’ll travel to Berat, one of Albania’s oldest cities. Founded in the 4th century BC, Berat is often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows” due to the unique Ottoman-style houses that line its hillsides. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why—its well-preserved architecture and stunning natural surroundings make it a must-see destination.

You’ll start your day with a visit to the Berat Castle, a hilltop fortress that dates back to the 13th century. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the city and the surrounding valleys. The Icon Museum, housed inside the castle, offers a glimpse into the region’s religious history, displaying rare Byzantine icons and artifacts. Berat is also home to several churches and mosques, showcasing the city’s religious diversity and rich cultural heritage.

After exploring Berat’s historical sites, you’ll head to Cobo Winery for a wine-tasting experience that will introduce you to the world of Albanian winemaking. Located on a hill with views of Tomor Mountain, Cobo Winery is a family-owned vineyard that has been producing wine for generations. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of winemaking, which have been passed down through the centuries. During the visit, you’ll also taste a selection of Cobo’s finest wines, paired with traditional local products, including cheeses and cured meats.

After the wine tasting, you’ll return to Berat, where you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at your hotel.

Day 3: Apollonia & Ardenica Monastery

Day 3 of your Mini Tour Albania and Wine Tasting takes you to Apollonia, an ancient Greek city founded by Corinthian settlers in the 6th century BC. Today, Apollonia is an important archaeological site, with ruins scattered across a vast area. The city was once a major cultural and commercial hub and is still home to impressive remains, including a Greek theater and a well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

Next, you’ll head to Ardenica Monastery , located in a serene setting overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The monastery is renowned for its historical significance and impressive architecture. Inside, you’ll visit the Church of Santa Maria, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, where you can admire beautiful frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible.

After a fulfilling day of history and culture, you’ll return to Durres for your final night in this coastal city. Here, you’ll have the option to relax and enjoy a final dinner in Albania’s vibrant dining scene.

Day 4: Kruja and Tirana

The fourth day of your journey will take you to Kruja, an ancient city that holds a special place in Albania’s history as the stronghold of the national hero, Skanderbeg. Skanderbeg led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, and Kruja was the center of his campaigns.

You’ll visit the Kruja Castle, where you’ll find the National Museum of Skanderbeg and the Ethnographic Museum. The castle is perched on a hilltop with views of the surrounding countryside, making it a great place to learn more about Albania’s medieval history.

After lunch in Kruja, you’ll continue your journey to the bustling capital city of Tirana. Here, you’ll explore landmarks like Skanderbeg Square and the Et’hem Bey Mosque before visiting the massive bunker built during the communist regime by dictator Enver Hoxha.

Day 5: Return to Italy

On the final day of your Mini Tour Albania and Wine Tasting, you’ll enjoy one last breakfast before heading back to the airport for your flight home. The tour will give you lasting memories of Albania’s rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and excellent wines, making it the perfect vacation for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Accommodation

The tour includes 4 nights of accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels.

• Berat: Hotel Onufri or similar.

• Tirana: Hotel Metro or similar.

• Durres: Arvi Hotel or similar.