7 day itinerary for Albanie, Montenegro

Itinerary

A week in Albania and Montenegro sounds like a fantastic adventure, especially for a young couple who loves nature. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances stunning landscapes, charming towns, and some affordable fun.

## Day 1: Arrival in Tirana, Albania

Morning: Arrive in Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. Check into a budget-friendly hotel or guesthouse.

Afternoon: Explore the city! Start with Skanderbeg Square, where you can admire the National History Museum and the Et'hem Bey Mosque. Grab a quick lunch at a local eatery—try some traditional Albanian dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).

Evening: Stroll through the Blloku district, once an exclusive area for the communist elite, now filled with cafes and bars. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the lively atmosphere.

## Day 2: Berat - The City of a Thousand Windows

Morning: Take a bus or drive to Berat (about 2 hours). This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautiful Ottoman architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Berat Castle, where you can wander through ancient streets and enjoy stunning views of the Osum River. Have lunch at a local restaurant with a view.

Evening: Explore the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, crossing the Osum River via the Gorica Bridge. Enjoy dinner at a cozy spot, perhaps trying byrek (savory pastry) for a local touch.

## Day 3: The Albanian Riviera - Dhërmi

Morning: Head to the Albanian Riviera, specifically Dhërmi (about 3 hours from Berat). The drive is scenic, with beautiful coastal views.

Afternoon: Spend the day at Dhërmi Beach. Relax on the sandy shores, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a beachside lunch at a local tavern.

Evening: As the sun sets, take a romantic walk along the beach. For dinner, try fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

## Day 4: Explore the Blue Eye and Gjirokastër

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a stunning natural spring (about 1 hour from Dhërmi). Take a dip in the refreshing waters and enjoy the lush surroundings.

Afternoon: Continue to Gjirokastër (about 1 hour from the Blue Eye). Explore the Gjirokastër Castle and the charming old town, which is also a UNESCO site. Have lunch at a local eatery.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Gjirokastër, perhaps trying qifqi (rice balls with herbs) and local wine.

## Day 5: Cross into Montenegro - Kotor

Morning: Depart for Kotor, Montenegro (about 3 hours). The drive takes you through beautiful landscapes, so keep your camera handy!

Afternoon: Arrive in Kotor and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb the fortress for breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. Grab lunch at a local konoba (tavern).

Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner in the Old Town, sampling Montenegrin cuisine. Don’t forget to try njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and local cheese!

## Day 6: Perast and the Bay of Kotor

Morning: Take a short trip to Perast, a picturesque town on the bay (about 20 minutes from Kotor). Visit the beautiful Our Lady of the Rocks island.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Perast, then take a boat ride around the bay to soak in the stunning scenery.

Evening: Return to Kotor for dinner. Explore the nightlife a bit—there are plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy a drink and some live music.

## Day 7: Lovćen National Park and Departure

Morning: Head to Lovćen National Park (about 30 minutes from Kotor). Hike to the Njegoš Mausoleum for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Afternoon: After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or head back to Kotor for a final meal.

Evening: Depending on your departure time, you can either head back to Tirana (if flying out from there) or enjoy a leisurely evening in Kotor before your journey home.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Transportation: Consider renting a car for flexibility, especially for the scenic drives.
• Budget: Look for local eateries and street food for affordable meals.
• Nature: Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring!

This itinerary should give you a perfect blend of culture, nature, and romance while keeping things affordable. Enjoy your adventure in Albania and Montenegro! 🌍❤️