Albanian Trip
The Culinary Reinvention of Albania
The dates we are proposing for the coming seasons for group tours that will start at 5 participants and will not exceed 12 are:
February 12th 2025
April 22nd 2025
May 05th 2025
September 06th 2025
October 22nd 2025
November 02nd 2025
The Reinvention of Albanian Cuisine and Wines: A Culinary Journey Through History
Embark on a 9-day, all-inclusive journey that will take you deep into the heart of Albania’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. This tour is perfect for travelers who seek an authentic, immersive experience where history, culture, and food intertwine in unforgettable ways. From the ancient vineyards to the local kitchens, you’ll discover why Albania is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for food lovers and wine enthusiasts.
For centuries, Albania’s food and drink culture has been shaped by its history—its rich agricultural land, farming communities, and diverse traditions. Today, Albania is redefining its culinary future, blending ancient methods with modern sustainability to create unique flavors that are at once fresh, organic, and sustainable.
Join us for a tour where you’ll not only taste exceptional food and wines, but also engage with local farmers, chefs, and artisans, uncovering the traditions that make Albanian cuisine a treasure waiting to be discovered.
Tour Highlights:
- Culinary Immersion: From hands-on cooking classes to wine tastings at Albania’s top wineries, discover the secrets behind Albania’s authentic dishes and drinks.
- Local Connections: Visit traditional shepherds’ villages, meet family-run wineries, and learn from locals who have preserved their culture through generations.
- Cultural Exploration: Explore Albania’s most iconic historical sites—from Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the Skenduli House in Gjirokastra—while savoring local dishes that tell the story of the land.
Your Culinary Itinerary:
Day 1 – Welcome to Albania
- Arrive at Tirana Airport, then head to Patok for a traditional fisherman’s meal with the catch of the day.
- Take a boat ride around Patok Lagoon, enjoying the natural beauty and remnants of communist history.
- Overnight at Mrizi I Zanave in Lezha, a beautiful family-run restaurant, where you’ll enjoy dinner with local wine and raki.
Day 2 – Explore Shkodra’s Culinary Traditions
- Meet local shepherds over coffee and learn about Albania’s rich agricultural heritage.
- Experience a cooking class in Zogaj, located on the shores of Shkodra Lake, where you’ll learn how to prepare the locally renowned carp—an unexpected delicacy with deep cultural roots.
- Visit the women’s carpet cooperative and continue to Shkodra for an evening at a traditional family hotel.
Day 3 – Discover the Heart of Albania
- Drive to central Albania, stopping for a visit to the Bunker Farm, which celebrates seasonal products and organic farming methods.
- Return to Tirana and enjoy a guided tour of the capital, followed by dinner at the highly-rated Mullixhiu restaurant, known for its commitment to authentic Albanian cuisine.
Day 4 – Unveil Tirana’s Local Treasures
- Explore Tirana’s best-kept secrets, including the Albanian Memorabilia Family Collection and the historical Bunk’Art 1 museum.
- Enjoy a countryside lunch, followed by a relaxed evening exploring the New Bazaar area.
- Overnight in Tirana.
Day 5 – Elbasan and Berat: A Culinary Double-Header
- Start your day in Elbasan, where you’ll participate in a cooking class with Naim Bashmili, Albania’s most renowned chef. Learn the secrets of Elbasan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and use of locally-sourced ingredients.
- Continue your journey to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where you’ll explore the Berat Castle and enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner.
Day 6 – Wine, Seafood, and Coastal Delights
- Breakfast at a local restaurant with regional delicacies, including head, cheeks, tongue, and pilaf—a daring but authentic experience for food lovers.
- Visit Cobo Winery for a wine tasting experience led by the family. Albania has been producing wine for over 2400 years, and Cobo is a perfect example of the country’s rich winemaking heritage.
- Drive to the coastal region of Vlora, where you’ll enjoy a fresh seafood meal at the Baci fishermen’s cooperative.
- Overnight in Rradhima, a charming coastal town.
Day 7 – The Hidden Villages of Albania
- Take a morning hike to the ancient village of Tragjas, left untouched since WWII. Explore its historical ruins and learn about its wartime history.
- Meet Dhurata and Sofo, two local women who will teach you traditional cooking methods in their rustic kitchen. Enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch with the family.
- Continue to Qeparo for a relaxed evening with local dishes and raki. Overnight in Qeparo.
Day 8 – Explore Butrint and Gjirokastra
- Discover the ancient ruins of Butrint, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region.
- Afterward, head to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed town, and enjoy a traditional dinner at the Skenduli House—one of the best-preserved Ottoman-style homes in the country.
Day 9 – A Final Taste of Albania
- Before heading back to the airport, enjoy a farewell lunch at a beachside restaurant in the Bay of Durres.
- Depart for Tirana Airport.
Tour Details:
- Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
- Group Size: Minimum 6, maximum 9 participants
- Price: Starting at €1449.90 per person (based on double occupancy). This price includes:
- All accommodation (boutique hotels, local guesthouses, and family-run properties)
- All meals, including cooking classes and traditional meals
- Wine, raki, and local beverages (wine tastings, a glass of wine, local beer, soft drinks, coffee, and mountain tea with meals)
- All transfers, entrance fees, and guided tours
- Private tours available upon request
Please note: Prices may vary based on seasonality and group size. Contact us for detailed pricing and special offers.
Why This Tour?
- Authentic and Unique: You’ll experience Albania’s culinary treasures and historical landmarks with the help of local experts.
- All-Inclusive Value: The price covers everything—meals, accommodation, transfers, excursions, wine, and even local drinks, offering you the best value for an immersive, high-quality experience.
- Hands-On Experiences: Enjoy private cooking classes, meet local farmers, and engage with artisan producers to understand the heart of Albanian cuisine.
- Limited Group Size: With only 6-9 people per group, you’ll enjoy a personalized, intimate experience, ensuring you get the most out of every moment.
Book Your Tour Today!
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste your way through Albania and experience its food, culture, and people like never before. Contact us for more information or to secure your spot!
Here’s what Camilla Bell-Davies from the Financial Times thought of this tour!
