4-Days Ferry Tour to Valbona Village , Kosovo and Seaside

Start at Skanderbeg Square

Begin your day in the vibrant heart of Tirana, the city’s main cultural and historical hub. Take a moment to walk around the vast plaza, named after Albania’s national hero, and absorb the mix of Ottoman, Italian, and Communist-era architecture.

Visit the Et'hem Bej Mosque

Step inside one of Tirana’s most treasured landmarks. Built in the late 18th century, this beautifully restored mosque is known for its intricate frescoes depicting trees, waterfalls, and bridges—rare motifs in Islamic art. Even if you’re not religious, its peaceful interior is worth a short stop.

National Museum Located right on the square, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Albania’s fascinating past, from ancient Illyrian times to the Communist era. The large mosaic on the facade, The Albanians, is an iconic symbol of Tirana.  National Gallery of Art Stroll Through the Former Blloku District

Head to Blloku, once an exclusive neighborhood restricted to Communist Party elites. Today, it’s Tirana’s trendiest area—full of stylish cafés, boutique shops, and lively streets.

Stop for a coffee or snack at one of its iconic cafés. It’s the perfect place to soak up Tirana’s youthful and modern vibe.

Stop at the Enver Hoxha Pyramid

Make a brief stop at this unusual concrete structure, originally built as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha. Although partially decayed, it remains one of Tirana’s most recognizable landmarks and a reminder of the country’s Communist past. The area offers good photo opportunities and insight into Albania’s complex history.

Drive from Tirana to Shkodra (Approx. 2 hours)

Depart Tirana and head north toward Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. The route is scenic, passing through small towns, rural landscapes, and views of the Albanian Alps in the distance.

Explore Rozafa Castle

Upon arrival, visit Rozafa Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city.

Here, you can:

Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Shkodra Lake, the Drin and Buna rivers, and the surrounding mountains

Learn the legend of Rozafa, a moving Albanian folktale about sacrifice and resilience

Walk along centuries-old stone walls and ruins that reflect Illyrian, Roman, and Ottoman influences

It’s one of the best spots for photography and understanding northern Albania’s history.

Overnight in Shkodra

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening. Consider a short walk through Shkodra’s charming pedestrian street, Rruga Kole Idromeno, filled with cafés, restaurants, and art studios. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of travel and exploration.

Komani Lake Ferry Ride (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM)

­Start your day early with a scenic ferry ride across Lake Komani. This 3-hour ride takes you through stunning mountain landscapes and isolated villages. Lake Komani, formed by the damming of the Drin River in 1978, offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks and deep valleys.

­Breakfast: Enjoy a light breakfast served in take-out boxes as you cruise through this spectacular setting.

­Mid-Morning: Arrival at Valbona Village

­Upon arrival in Valbona Village, you will explore Valbona Valley National Park, known for its pristine rivers, waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks. The area offers tranquil beauty, and it's a great place for short walks or a relaxing break in nature.

­Optional Hiking: For those looking to stretch their legs, you can take a moderate hike along the valley trails, enjoying the fresh air and stunning surroundings.

Check into a cozy guesthouse or lodge in Valbona Village for the night. Many accommodations in Valbona offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

­Lunch in Valbona  Afternoon: Explore and Relax

After your morning adventure, enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in a local guesthouse. Fresh, organic food made from local ingredients is served in the peaceful, rustic environment of Valbona.

­Optional Afternoon Hike or Relaxation , Spend your afternoon at leisure. You can take a longer hike along the valley or relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Valbona River and surrounding forest areas are perfect for unwinding.

Dinner  Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner at your guesthouse or a nearby restaurant. Sample regional specialties such as fërgesë (a type of stew), byrek (savory pastry), and fresh local meats and vegetables.

­

Overnight in valbona

This day takes you on a scenic and historical journey through Kosovo and Albania, visiting Prizren in Kosovo, Gjakova, and then heading back to Albania to end the day in Kruja.

Morning: Departure from Valbona to Gjakova

Leave Valbona (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)

Start your day early, heading towards Gjakova, a town in Kosovo located about 1.5 hours away by car. Along the way, you'll pass through some breathtaking mountain landscapes. Arrive in Gjakova

Gjakova is a historic town known for its Ottoman-era architecture and vibrant culture. Visit the Old Bazaar with its traditional shops and cafes.  You can also stop by The Great Mosque of Gjakova and the Hadum Mosque, both important symbols of the town's Ottoman past. (optional) Drive from Gjakova to Prizren

Arrive in Prizren ­and Have Lunch in Prizren in Local restaurant

Prizren, one of the most picturesque towns in Kosovo, is nestled beneath the Sharr Mountains, divided by the Lumbardh River. Known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, Prizren offers a charming blend of cultures, with Albanian, Turkish, Bosniak, and Gorani communities living side by side.

Explore the Old Town: Walk along the cobblestone streets, visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Prizren Fortress for panoramic views, and stroll along the Lumbardh River.

Prizren is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with Turkish influence evident in the local cuisine and architecture. You may want to try some local dishes in one of the charming restaurants overlooking the river.

Afternoon: Continue to Kruja, Albania

Depart Prizren for Kruja

After your exploration of Prizren, head back into Albania towards Kruja, a town famous for its historical significance, especially during the resistance against the Ottoman Empire led by Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero.

Late Afternoon: Explore Kruja Arrive in Kruja

Evening: Relax and Dinner in Kruja

End your day with a delicious traditional Albanian dinner in one of the local restaurants in Kruja. Try regional specialties like fërgesë (a stew made with peppers and cheese) or tave kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).

­

Overnight in Kruja

Morning: Explore Kruja

Kruja Castle (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

Kruja, just 32 km from Tirana, is historically significant for its role in resisting the Ottoman Empire under Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero.

Start your day by visiting the Kruja Castle, perched 608 meters above sea level with panoramic views. Explore the Skanderbeg Museum located within the castle, which is dedicated to the hero’s life and legacy.

Also visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn about traditional Albanian culture, and the Dollma Tekke, a beautiful Ottoman-era religious building.

After exploring the castle and museums, stroll through the Kruja Bazaar, a traditional market where you can shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Drive to Durres  After your exploration of Kruja, head to Durres, a coastal city on the Adriatic Sea. The drive takes around an hour, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside.

Durres Amphitheatre

Begin your visit in Durres with a tour of the Durres Amphitheatre, one of the most impressive Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans. It was discovered in 1966 when a local archaeologist, Vangjel Toçi, stumbled upon it after noticing a fallen fig tree.

The amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century AD, could seat up to 20,000 spectators. It’s a significant historical site and offers an interesting glimpse into ancient Roman architecture.

Late Afternoon: Relax at the Adriatic Sea

Relax at the Beach (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Head to one of the beautiful beaches in Durres. The city is famous for its long sandy coast along the Adriatic Sea, making it an excellent place for relaxation.

Spend your afternoon unwinding, enjoying the sun, and swimming in the clear waters. Many beachfront cafes and restaurants offer the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and relax by the sea.

Evening: Enjoy Dinner by the Sea

For your last meal of the trip, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a seafront restaurant, offering fresh fish, traditional Albanian dishes, and local specialties.

Enjoy the stunning sunset views over the Adriatic as you reflect on your journey.

­ ­