Albania May 22-31, 2026

Day 0, May 22 Meet at our accommodation in Tirana. Introductory supper together (optional, not incuded)

Day1, May 23,  From Tirana to Shkodra in Northern Albania

To the home of a family near Shkoder where Arian will talk us through their textile and costume collection and the history of textiles in Northern Albania. Hands -on workshop, techniques from Northern Albania.

Supper with traditional local dishes at a traditional restaurant in Shkodra with music and dance

Stay in Hotel Univers, Shiroke near the lake

Day 2, May 24th  

Relaxed lakeside stroll to include Zogs former summer villa (outside only) and the church of Saint Rok

Travel to Zogaj to a local carpet weaving workshop where Nebije will talk about the secrets behind the patterns that have passed down through generations. We will learn  about the village and sample the local rose drink

Lunch (and swim) at Labiatan on the lake shore

To Shkodra  to visit The Museum of Witness and Memory  which focuses on the history of Albania under Hoxa 

Option to stroll the town or to visit  National Photography Museum

Supper in Shiroke

 Day 3, May 25th Kruja

Travel to he hilltop town of Kruja.

Wander through the Bazaar

Lunch in  the castle area

Demonstration of carpet weaving on a vertical loom. Demonstration of the art of making the Qeleshe hat, a felt hat, part of the national traditional costume.

Lunch in  the castle area

Visit the stunning Ethnographic Museum.

Pre- supper walk to explore the castle area , including the Teka and  drink with a view in the castle area (optional)

Day 4, May 26th Berat

Chance to shop in the bazaar before leaving at around 10.30 for the Unesco -listed city of Berat.

Lunch in Berat

Stroll the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters with stunning examples of Ottoman architecture.

Visit the ethnographic museum

Dinner at the guest house

Day5, May 27th Berat and Roshnik

Visit one of the oldest houses in Berat for a sample of local drinks.

Walk (or drive)  up to and   around the castle area with its pretty cobbled streets, and great views

Visit the Onufri museum, home to Albanian religious art

Lunch

After lunch travel to the hilltop village of Roshink for wine tasting and supper at Agrotourism Alpeta with stunning views.

Day 6, May 28th Gjirokaster

Travel to Gjirokaster.

Wander through the bazaar where artisans display handwoven rugs, embroidery and filigree jewellry

Visit the Skenduli house, one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture 

Supper with polyphonic singing, a rich musical tradition of Southern Albania.

Day 7, May 29th Gjirokaster

Embroidery demonstration and workshop with Mrs Eli

Visit the historic  Zegate House, another Ottoman house with a stunning interior

Lunch

Free afternoon to wander with optional visits the castle and /or house of Hoxas birth , now an ethnographic museum. Our guide will be available to accompany to the castle.

 Day 8,May 30th

Return to Tirana , stopping for lunch at UKA organic farm.

Back to Tirana with a guided tour of the city to include beautiful interior of the Et hem Bey mosque, the market and a selection of artisan shops.

Farewell dinner with  traditional Albanian music at a garden restaurant in Tirana 

Accommodation in Tirana

Day 9, May 31 st

Breakfast and farewell