ALBANIA

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

TIRANA (TIA)

Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, is a kaleidoscopic blend of Ottoman history, Italian architecture, and bold post-communist reinvention. The city centers on the vast Skanderbeg Square, home to the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque and the striking National History Museum. Visitors can explore Bunk’Art 2, a nuclear bunker turned museum, or ascend the Dajti Ekspres cable car for sweeping mountain views. From the pastel-colored buildings of the bustling Blloku district—the heart of the city’s elite cafe and nightlife scene—to the tranquil Grand Park, Tirana offers a spirited, high-energy introduction to the Balkans.

VLORA (VLO)

Vlora, Albania’s scenic “City of Two Seas,” sits at the spectacular meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. It remains a cornerstone of Albanian identity, home to the Independence Monument where the nation’s sovereignty was declared in 1912. Visitors can stroll the palm-fringed Lungomare promenade, explore the 16th-century Muradie Mosque, or take a speedboat to the rugged Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island. Whether dining on fresh seafood in the historic center or enjoying panoramic sunset views from the hilltop Kuzum Baba, Vlora serves as the vibrant, sun-drenched gateway to the Albanian Riviera.