YPT Tours to Albania

Our Albania tours are unique and also the gateway to many other interesting countries. 

Nestled on the shores of the Adriatic sea, Albania is an independent nation with a strong ethnic identity. Despite having a wealth of natural beauty, hospitable locals, and an abundance of history from ancient to modern, this country is one of the lesser-traveled destinations and very underrated.

The modern history of Albania has been far from pleasant. Albania was locked in the grip of a tyrannical communist dictatorship for over 40 years and descended into civil war soon after breaking free of the regime in the 1990s. It then underwent a grueling civil war during the same era. Since then, Albania has become safe for travel with a lot to offer and is progressing towards a brighter future and trying to shake off the stigma left from its dark past.

As a result of the various empires that have passed through Albania, the country is home to a wealth of different cultures, foods, and history. For foodies, Albania is a dream come true. The grim period of Fascist Italian occupation during WW2 introduced world-class coffee and cuisine to Albania which they have since mastered. Roman, Greek, and Ottoman influence through the centuries have heavily impacted Albanian food and as such, it is a delight to behold.

YPT has been visiting Albania with our Eurasian Adventure, Balkan Badlands, and private tours for a number of years. With Pioneer Media, we also worked on a US horror movie for a number of months in the country. So it’s fair to say, we’re the go-to experts when it comes to this underrated country. Our Albaniatours can feature a range of highlights from traverse through the jaw-dropping Albanian mountains, passing villages infamous for vendettas and blood feuds, and of course, exploring the vibrant capital of reaching Tirana where we’ll learn the shocking history of a communist regime that was one of the most brutal, secretive and isolationist during the Cold War era.

Group Tours to Albania

YPT runs group tours to Albania as part of our Communist Albania Tour. Join us to discover the communist reign of Enver Hoxha in the former People’s Socialist Republic of Albania.

Communist Albania Tour – December 3^rd – 9^th, 2024 – $1395

Independent Tours to Albania

YPT can arrange Albania tours deep into the country, leveraging on its network of local partners, or link it with tours to parts of the former Yugoslavia such as Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, or the Kosovo. Overland trips to Romania, Bulgaria, and beyond are possible as well. Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent Albania tour.

Below is an example Albania tour for a post-WWII and post-soviet city experience. This can be extended or combined with other activities to create independent tours. 

Example of a 7-day Albania Post-WWII and Post-Soviet Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana

• Arrive at your own leisure into Tirana – the capital city of Albania is well connected with many European and Middle Eastern Countries. Self-transfer to our centrally hotel. Group members from our Ultimate Yugoslavia Tour will arrive into Tirana in the afternoon.  
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• We’ll make our way to Skanderbeg Square, where you can see an amazing socialist mosaic outside of the National Museum. There used to be a towering Hoxha statue here until it was toppled in 1991.
• As per tradition, we’ll head out to our favourite restaurant in Tirana that serves local cuisine. We recommend trying Tava e Kosit, a dish that originates close to Tirana.
• For those inclined for a few refreshments after dinner, we’ll continue to Hemingway Bar which serves amazing cocktails.
• Overnight stay in Tirana.

Day 2 – Tirana – Shkodra

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast at our hotel before we check out. We’ll leave our luggage in the hotel before we head out to discover Tirana.
• The long-time communist leader, Enver Hoxha has not only left a lasting impression on the country’s history, but also its architecture. Tirana went through a major reconstruction after WWII, creating some on the most iconic structures in the Balkans. These include the Pyramid of Tirana, Hoxha residence and the various secret government bunkers!
• We’ll first visit infamous House of Leaves. Now a museum, the building was operated by the communist authorities as a surveillance centre. Gaining intelligence on the local population, foreign embassies, and the rare foreign tourists who visited. Many innocent people were unfairly spied on, detained and executed. It’s an informative hard-hitting introduction to our tour.
• We’ll then visit the most the famous centre piece, the bizarre and foreboding Pyramid of Tirana. It was originally opened as the Enver Hoxha Museum. In later times, it was used as a NATO base during the 1999 Kosovo War. The iconic structure has been a subject of tense debate with petitions to demolish it. Luckily, it’s recently been redeveloped and serves a positive purpose.
• Our tour continues to an undisclosed location, hidden away and kept out of sight of the general public are a collection of enormous Soviet era statues. Although it’s not permitted to enter the site, there’s a way around this to get some great pictures of Lenin and Stalin monuments. Currently the Hoxha monument is covered up!
• We’ll meet our driver, collect our bags and head out to the outskirts of the city to a farm. Not unusual, the farm has a large bunker known as a Pike Zjarri (PZ), which is now used for storage. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the farmer what life was like under communism and what changes they saw and experienced after Hoxha death.

Afternoon

• A traditional lunch will be served which is locally sourced at the bunker farm and enjoy our surroundings. As guests at the farm, our host will serve us some homemade raki!
• Drive to Shkodra. Just before we leave, we’ll visit Hoxha’s modest grave. Our guides will explain how he was moved here from another site.
• Our scenic journey will take you through the rural Albanian countryside. You’ll notice throughout the journey numerous amounts of bunkers. These smaller bunkers are known as Qender Zjarri (QZ) type. We’ll make stops along the way for photo opportunities and to enjoy the scenery.
• We’ll make a stop at Fushë Kruje, to see the monument of George W. Bush. The first US president to visit Albania after the collapse of communism made an unexpected visit in 2007 putting the small town on the global stage.
• On our arrival to Shkodra, we’ll check into our hotel, we’ll have some time to relax or have a few drinks at the hotel bar.
• Once everyone’s ready, we’ll head out for dinner in town. We’ll head to a local restaurant and enjoy the amazing food and drinks.
• Shkodra is less frequented by tourists, it’s a great place to stay out later for a few relaxing drinks and interact with the friendly locals. 
• Overnight stay in Shkodra.

Day 3 – Shkodra

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast at the hotel before we explore Albania lesser-known places.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head out and drive along the Adriatic Sea until we reach close to the Montenegro border. Here you’ll visit one of the most unique bunkers in Albania which has been turned into a tattoo studio. We’ll meet the famous artist and hear first account stories of the Albanian underworld and prison life after communist rule. Options are available to get a permanent souvenir.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll stop at a local store, we recommend trying the Byrek – a delicious pastry snack filled with cheese, vegetables or meat.
• Before we leave, we’ll head to banks of Shkodra Lake and enjoy the scenery, it’s also a great place to grab a chilled beer.
• On arrival, we’ll explore the capital of the north. Shkodra is known for its religious diversity, art and culture. We’ll walk around the charming city visiting key sites.
• Next, we’ll head to the Site of Witness and Memory. During Hoxha reign, the site was used by the Ministry of Internal Affairs as interrogation centre. Here you’ll learn about the harrowing events that took place under Albania communistic rule. After the tour, your guides will explain about the turbulent history in the region, giving you the opportunity to ask questions.
• We’ll head out for dinner and drinks at a popular seafood restaurant. Other food options are available, including vegetarian dishes.
• Overnight stay in Shkodra.

Day 4 – Shkodra – Kukes

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast at our hotel before we head out to learn about the darker side of Albania’s communist past.
• We’ll start making our way to Kukes. Along the scenic journey, we’ll have the opportunity to make stop at small local villages to pick up supplies.
• Before reaching Kukes you’ll visit the notorious Spaç Prison. During Hoxha reign, Albanian prisoners were either sent to isolation prisons or forced labour camps. Spaç Prison was a combination of the two and housed inmates who opposed the Hoxha regime. Your guide will give you an insight to the living conditions prisoners were kept in. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the site and capture some eerie pictures.

Afternoon

• You’ll continue the road trip, along the way we’ll stop at a local café for lunch. We recommend trying Trilece, a delicious milk cake with a cup of coffee.
• Arrive into Kukes, and check into our hotel. We’ll have some time to relax and freshen up before we head out.
• Kukes is a charismatic city in the backdrop of socialist apartments and mountains, however you’re here to explore what’s beneath the city. The tunnels are technically an underground city. They were constructed during communistic times designed to shelter government offices, army quarters, hospitals and housing for residents from invading forces.
• We’ll have a debriefing covering the safety aspect before our decent into the tunnels. Don’t forget to pack a flash light/head torch and an extra layer of clothing as it gets chilly.
• After a busy day exploring and learning about Albania past, we’ll grab a quick drink and reflect on our day before heading out to dinner.
• Overnight stay in Kukes.

Day 5 – Kukes – Patok – Tirana

• We’ll have a leisurely morning start with breakfast at our hotel.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll check out of the hotel ready to explore Kukes. One thing you’ll notice is how friendly the local residents are – the city is not use to foreign tourists.
• Visit the famous Radio Kukesi, the former radio station is easily identified with its beautiful socialist bas relief above the entrance. You’ll learn about how the station was used to spread propaganda during the communistic era. The building has a unique underground bunker to continue radio communication during times of conflicts.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll begin our scenic road trip to Patok. We’ll take breaks along the journey to stretch our legs and pick up supplies. Once we reach Patok, we’ll have a picnic lunch overlooking the picturesque lagoon and bunkers. Depending on the weather, we can take a villagers boat out on the lagoon. We’ll get close to residents living in shanty houses on the lagoon.

Afternoon

• Arrive to Tirana in the early evening. We’ll make a stop at the Martyr cemetery, where Hoxha was once laid to rest but was later removed. The cemetery overlooks Tirana and is dedicated to the 900 partisan who dies during WWII.
• Visit a PZ type bunker, located just on the outskirts of Tirana. The huge complex has 5 levels underground including an assembly hall. Hoxha has a dedicated apartment built within the tunnels, where you can still find his personal items on display.  
• We’ll head towards our hotel, once we arrive, we’ll check in. After a busy day, we’ll have some time to relax and freshen up before head out for dinner and drinks.
• For those adventurous foodies, we recommend trying pache. A local delicacy of a tender sheep head stewed in aromatic herbs. There are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from.
• For those inclined, we’ll head to a local bar which serves cheap beer and raki. You won’t find any tourists here!
• Overnight stay in Tirana.

Day 6 – Tirana

• We’ll start the day with breakfast at our hotel before we check out.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head to a private screening of a communistic era documentary about Albania as a travel destination. Both bizarre and fascinating.
• We’ll take a road trip to Cape Rodoni, a rock cape which extend to the Adriatic Sea. We’ll explore the area including the nature reserve, St. Anthony’s Church, an ancient church built in 1418. You’ll still find bunkers here, even in the most remoted parts of Albania.
• You’ll have the perfect opportunity to take some scenic pictures and relax after a busy few days. We’ll take advantage of our location and have lunch. 

Afternoon

• On our arrival to Tirana, we’ll head out to explore the city hidden past. We’ll visit Hoxha modest residence in the Blloku district. The residence is famous for its media room, where Hoxha and Nexhmije would watch interrogation and torture videos of their political rivals. Currently it’s being renovated, however we’ll try our luck entering.
• We’ll visit a hidden souvenir shop, which sells controversial Hoxha memorabilia and antiques. You can find images of Hoxha on fridge magnets to tote bags. There’s even bunker shaped ashtrays!
• We’ll continue to explore the Blloke district where once the socialist elite resided. The secretive district was guarded by the Sigurimi, the secret police and there’s reasons for this. Unlike the rest of Tirana, the residents here lived without the restriction of communism. Now the district is popular with bars, we’ll head to a couple of places for a few drinks.
• As it’s our final night, we’ll head to a popular restaurant and reflect on our journey together. For those inclined, we’ll head out for a few refreshments in the city!
• Overnight stay in Tirana.

Day 7 – Tirana

• Leisurely start with breakfast at our hotel.
• We’ll visit one of the best bunkers in Albania, Bunk’Art 2 – a beautifully persevered nuclear bunker constructed during the communist era. It was created for the Minister of Interior consisting of 24 rooms and facilities to communicate in the event of a nuclear warfare.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head to the market to pick up any final gifts, it’s also a perfect spot to grab a coffee and lunch before we depart.
• End of the tour depart at your own convenience. YPT can arrange additional nights in Tirana and airport drop off for a fee, we are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights

Make the most out of your visit to the Balkans and extend your adventure with us on our Ultimate Yugoslavia tour.

Bespoke tours to Albania

As part of our travel packages within Central and Eastern Europe, we can offer bespoke and independent tours to Albania. These can be done as full Albania tours or be combined with other countries. 

For more information on the following programs, simply get in touch. 

Eco-Travel in Albania

Young Pioneer Tours can arrange trips to the lesser seen places of Albania, such as the rural areas that cater to eco-tourism within the country, especially in its extraordinary national parks like Teth or Valbona Valley. The Albanian Alps, stunning lakes, dense forests, and charming towns invite for profound relaxation of the soul.

Albania to Montenegro Overland Tour

Starting with the exploration of Tirana and its surroundings we will then head to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. After two nights in Albania, we will learn about Montenegro’s role in WW2 and the communist era.

Albania to North Macedonia Overland Tour

Starting with the exploration of Tirana and its surroundings we will then head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After two nights in Albania, we will learn about Montenegro’s role in WW2 and the communist era.

Outdoor Adventure Tour

Hiking the Albanian Alps and Gamti Mountain, a speed boat trip to Karaburun and Haxhi Ali cave, rafting in Osumi Canyon, or a kayak tour to the lukova caves. Albania os an outdoor heaven who provides it all.

Underground Albania Tours

Tirana, Shkodra, Kukes, and the wider country have some amazing dark tourism, urbex and contemporary historical sites that few tourists get to see. Working with our local partners, YPT can arrange and underground and dark tourism tours to Albania. Get in touch to have a bespoke itinerary planned for you. 

Wine Tasting Tour

Albanian wines stand out with their unique indigenous grape varieties, rich flavours, and captivating stories behind each bottle. With a winemaking history that stretches back to ancient times, these wines blend traditional techniques, artisanal craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to quality, making them truly exceptional. The grapes are grown in distinct geographical regions, from the high- to the lowlands and the costal plains. 

Filming in Albania

Through our media arm Pioneer Media we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others, to film within Albania from big budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalist wishing to do projects within the country.

Visit our full Albania Guide for more info on the country.

Frequently asked Questions about travel to Albania

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