albania - West East Tours

Albania tours

Travel guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Albania in a way like no other.

There are a few true hidden gems in Europe – and Albania is one of them. Closed to outsiders for almost half a century, Albania opened their doors to the world in the nineties after overthrowing a brutal Communist regime. Since then, the country’s extraordinary treasures have slowly been revealed to a stream of curious travelers… And our Albania tours will get you there. Perched on the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean coastline, Albania is filled with enchanting mountains and lakes, not to mention the postcard-worthy beaches that rival any in Europe. There’s also the ancient Greek and Roman ruins, fortress towns, crumbling castles, Ottoman architecture and the lively capital city Tirana to explore. If that’s not enough, we’ll also introduce you to delicious Albanian food and the famously friendly locals as we take you to the heart of Albania.

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Albania at a glance

Filled with enchanting mountains, lakes and beaches, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, fortress towns, crumbling castles and the vibrant capital Tirana, Albania is one of the true hidden gems of Europe. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover everything from the striking Ottoman architecture to delicious Albanian food.

Currency

Albanian lek

Winter avg

7°C

Language

Albanian

Summer avg

32°C

Good morning

Miremengjes

Time Zone

GMT+1

Good evening

Mirembrema

"Albania has the spectacular landscapes and incredible history and culture to rival any Mediterranean country in Europe. After being buried in communism for so long, it's now open for all, and there's never been a better time to visit this wonderful country. But hurry - this secret won't be kept for much longer."

Travel Director

Our top 5 things to do in Albania

Our Albania trips will show you all the best things to do in Albania, from the top Tirana attractions to the historical gems of the country.

Best museums in Albania

Tirana’s museums are some of the best places to visit in Albania and we’ll show you all the historic highlights like the giant underground bunker and a former secret police headquarters.

National Historic Museum

The National Historic Museum is the best Albania museum to explore the country’s complex history. There are thousands of objects, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages to the 21st century. There’s a pavilion dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime, and don’t miss the Beauty of Durrës, a treasured mosaic from the 4th century BC.

House of Leaves

Also known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, this excellent museum is located in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi, the secret Albanian police, and the German Gestapo. Used as an interrogation and torture house, you can see old surveillance items and learn the stories of those who were spied on and executed during the communist regime.

Bunk'Art

You can’t miss this fantastic museum on your Albania tour. It’s a massive underground anti-nuclear bunker constructed for the country’s communist politicians and military elite. Spread out over five stories and over 100 rooms, including a 200-seat meeting hall, you’ll marvel at the architecture and learn more about Albania’s tragic communist history.

Best food in Albania

If you’re dreaming of discovering the best of Albania, you can’t miss out on the delicious Albanian cuisine, from hearty baked lamb and rice to fried cheese and flaky pastries.

Byrek

The most popular food in Albania, byrek is a baked or fried pastry made with flaky, thin dough. It’s stuffed with all kinds of tasty fillings and the favorite is spinach and feta cheese, or you can also find ones with meat or pumpkin. Keep your eyes peeled for the street vendors selling this treat, as it’s sure to become your go-to Albanian snack.

Tavë Kosi

If you’re looking for some real Albanian comfort food, you can’t go past tavë kosi, the heartwarming national dish. It’s made with tender chunks of lamb stirred with rice, garlic and oregano, and covered with a mixture of yoghurt and egg. With a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, it’s then baked until it forms a golden, creamy crust – and it’s utterly delicious.

Fried Kaçkavall

This beloved cheese is found all over the southern Balkans and Albania, it’s often served in traditional restaurants as an entrée. It’s a yellow salty cheese made with sheep’s or cow’s milk, and you can also eat it in all sorts of dishes like baked kaçkavall or kaçkavall salad. We say fried kaçkavall is the best of them all and you can’t miss it on your Albania trip.