Tirana , Albania

The Historical Daytrip around Tirana

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This is a great way to learn more about recent and actual history of Tirana. The tour will bring you to fascist and communist public and secret corners of Tirana, to the recently opened Bunk'Art and to some corners of the city center of Tirana that you would not think of visiting on your own. This is a tour of locals, made and guided by locals and will make you feel and understand the tragic and comic side of life in one of the most isolated capitals in the World during approximately 44 years. Life's been hard and sweet under Communism and we'll have great ways to illustrate all that by always telling the truth. Apart from history and art we will also make sure you taste a bit of the local cuisine and products for which Tirana is building up quite a reputation. Our good thing is that we try to involve and get into conversation with locals regarding the past and the present Albania and you will see that this will be enriching your travel experience quite importantly.

Available options

The Historical Daytrip around Tirana

Pickup included

What's included

Driver/guide

Live commentary on board

Driver/guide in English and another optional language eventually

What you'll see

We'll meet at your hotel at 09h30 and we' first go for a walk of about 3 hours around the city center of Tirana. Our visits will include the Gallery of Arts, the Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard, the Block and Enver Hoxha's villa (from the outside for the moment), bunkers and art relating to Albania's worst historical periods during the 20th century.

We'll eventually continue the tour with a visit of our Villa with Star and our Communist Memorabilia Collection. We'll be good at offering our very own home made raki and some of the jam our Moms prepared recently as from our best tradition.

At around 13h we'll take a little lunch break in either your favorite or interesting part of the downtown or in the one or two places we'll recommend. Please note we'll be trying to consider this as a culinary experience tour too and if you will allow us to choose for you we'll make sure not to bring you to expensive places but to memorable ones.

After the lunch we'll pick up a car (depending on the size of the group) and we'll go around Tirana surroundings and neighborhoods to see what remains from Communist architecture, lifestyle and again meet more people and see their opinions about what happened.

We'll drive you back to your hotel at around 16h.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Infant meals not included

Meeting point

Kalaja e Tiranes,Rruga Murat Toptani, Tirana, Albania

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Tirana

Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, is a city where Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences blend to create a unique urban tapestry. Known for its colorful buildings, lively cafes, and rich history, Tirana offers a dynamic mix of old and new that captivates visitors.

Top Attractions

Bunk'Art 2

A Cold War-era bunker turned museum, Bunk'Art 2 offers a fascinating look into Albania's communist past. The museum features exhibits on the history of communism, the secret police, and the Cold War.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Blloku

Blloku is Tirana's most vibrant district, known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, and cafes. Once the exclusive residential area of communist leaders, it has transformed into the city's entertainment hub.

Entertainment Evening or full day Free to explore, varies by venue

Dajti National Park

Dajti National Park offers stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike, enjoy nature, or take the cable car for panoramic views.

Nature Half day or full day €5 for cable car, free for hiking

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tavë Kosi

A traditional Albanian dish made with baked lamb and rice, topped with a yogurt and egg sauce.

Main Dish Contains dairy and meat

Byrek

A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, baked until golden and flaky.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Fërgesë

A hearty dish made with peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, often served with bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Dajti National Park Mountain biking in the surrounding hills Paragliding near Tirana Visiting Blloku for cafes and people-watching Enjoying a spa day at a local wellness center Relaxing at a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) Exploring Bunk'Art 2 and other museums Attending a performance at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring Tirana, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. The city is in full bloom during spring, while autumn provides a warm, pleasant climate.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Albanian
Widely spoken: English, Italian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Albanian Lek (ALL)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Tirana is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit and populated areas.

Getting there

By air

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza • 20 km from city center

By bus

Tirana Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Tirana. The system is affordable and covers most major areas, though it can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: TaksiTirana, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Blloku Pazari i Ri Kamza

Day trips

Berat

120 km from Tirana • Full day

Berat, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Windows,' is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore Ottoman-era houses, churches, and the Berat Castle.

Durrës

35 km from Tirana • Half day or full day

Durrës is Albania's largest beach resort, offering a mix of relaxation and history. Visitors can enjoy the beach, explore the Roman amphitheater, and visit the Archaeological Museum.

Krujë

30 km from Tirana • Half day or full day

Krujë is a historic town known for its medieval castle, bazaar, and the Ethnographic Museum. It's a popular day trip from Tirana, offering a glimpse into Albania's medieval past.

Festivals

Tirana International Film Festival • November Tirana Jazz Festival • November Tirana Summer Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Visit Bunk'Art 2 for a fascinating look into Albania's communist past.
Explore the vibrant Blloku district for nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Take a day trip to Berat or Durrës for a mix of history, culture, and beach relaxation.
Try local dishes like Tavë Kosi and Byrek at traditional restaurants and cafes.
Use public transport or rent a bike to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint.