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Things to do in Albania

Our most recommended things to do in Albania

Virpazar: Private Guided 2-Hour Lake Skadar Boat Tour

1. Virpazar: Private Guided 2-Hour Lake Skadar Boat Tour

Your 2-hour tour begins in Virpazar from where you will travel through the river channel surrounded by lotus flowers and cane before reaching the open lake. Throughout your boat tour, explore islands which are protected by UNESCO, fishing villages, and hidden passages, among other attractions. Skadar Lake is a treasure trove for a large number of birds which you will see during the tour. As you travel, your knowledgeable guide will also dig into the lake's history through providing expert commentary. There will be some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim on the open lake or on the private beach, following which you can enjoy a refreshing drink on board. At the conclusion of your experience, return to Virpazar.

From Virpazar: Scenic Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Little Venice

2. From Virpazar: Scenic Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Little Venice

Begin your journey in Virpazar, the tiny fishing village located in the heart of Lake Skadar. Leave its dock, sailing along a narrow river channel bordered by reeds and rows of willows. Uncover the deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar as you exit. Admire views of mountains far away in Albania; and Vranjina, the island just in front of you, with two peaks proudly standing against the largest lake in southern Europe. Turn left, and go under the nearby bridge. Discover the 18th-century fortress Lesendro as you glide through the endless fields of water chestnuts carpeting the lake. Spy birds lining up along the remains or soaring through the sky. Observe them dry their feathers and enjoy their beauty and sound as you start smelling the wild thyme in the summer breeze. Marvel at the three nearby islets and the view they hide - meadows of white and yellow water lily flowers with their large, floating, dark-green leaves. Pass through the fjord Pavlova strana and reach Little Venice - the old fisherman's village named by the river - Rijeka Crnojevića. The historical meaning of this townlet, authentic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings construct a perfect atmosphere for you to experience true Montenegrin mentality. After exploring the village (you have around 1 hour to do that), climb aboard your boat again and head back to Virpazar. In the meantime, don't forget to pack your sunscreen, swimsuits and towels! Grab your opportunity and swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Skadar, surrounded by magnificent views.

Day Trip to Saranda and Butrint National Park from Corfu

3. Day Trip to Saranda and Butrint National Park from Corfu

Explore the beauty of Albania on a guided day trip from Corfu. Step back in time at the ancient Greek and Roman city of Butrint. Visit an archaeological museum in a Venetian castle. Savor a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant in Saranda.  Board the airconditioned bus at your meeting point on the island of Corfu. Sit back and enjoy the ride to the port city of Saranda. Enjoy a 20-kilometer guided bus tour of the stunning southern coast and its virgin shores and islands. Pass through small villages and through endless fertile plains that lead to a great lake. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, where the ancient Greek city of Buthrotum disappeared under layers of silt and vegetation until its was found by archaeologists.  Tour a Venetian tower and see the remains of the theater and Temple of Asclepius. Continue to the ruins of the ancient gymnasium and Roman Baths and admire a priceless mosaic floor in the Roman Baptistery. Travel back in time as you explore the Cyclopean walls and get panoramic views of the lake and plains from the top of the hill. Return to Saranda for a mouth-watering lunch, and then take a guided walking tour before sailing back to Corfu.

Skadar Lake: Self-Guided Bird Tour & Kayak Rental

4. Skadar Lake: Self-Guided Bird Tour & Kayak Rental

Drift around water lilies and reeds as you kayak through one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe. Spot Skadar Lake’s 270 bird species, including cormorants, gulls, and squacco. Take in the natural beauty at your own pace with one-hour, two-hour, and whole-day booking options. Begin your adventure in Virpazar with a basic safety and route briefing. Paddle through the open lake to a bridge that connects two villages, Virpazar and Vranjina, known as Little Venice. Take a break for fresh fish soup at the local restaurant if you’re feeling peckish before heading to Fort Lesendro.  Glide past the bird sanctuary and around the islands of Cakovica and Kamenik. Lounge in the sun at the local beaches and swim in the clear lake waters.

From Virpazar: Lake Skadar Scenic Boat Trip in Nature

5. From Virpazar: Lake Skadar Scenic Boat Trip in Nature

From Virpazar, you begin your cruise on Skadar Lake, the largest lake on Balkan. Going through the river that is rich with reeds, you will reach an open lake. Soon, you will pass close to the fortress Lesendro - the Key of Skadar Lake, built in the 18th century. The lush vegetation of the lake is a real decoration of National Park, which you will get to enjoy when you reach delta of river Moraca. This is also a bird reserve with plenty of bird species flying around. Next, you will go through small narrow channels to reach more beautiful nature and go around few islands to get to the open lake, where you can enjoy some free time to swim from the boat. After the swim, take your time to refresh with drink onboard. Returning to the Virpazar at the end of the tour.

Lake Skadar: Private Cruise around the Montenegrin Alcatraz

6. Lake Skadar: Private Cruise around the Montenegrin Alcatraz

Start your journey in Virpazar - a tiny townlet situated in the heart of Lake Skadar, and set off on your scenic 1-hour sightseeing cruise. Navigate along a small river channel with a fence made of willows and reeds. Exit the river and find yourself on the open lake while the boat proceeds to Grmožur. Meanwhile, soak up the incredible views of Mount Vranjina and the impressive ranges in Albania, rising from the biggest lake in Southern Europe. Twenty-five minutes away from Virpazar, the ruined fortress Grmožur ascends from the waters of Lake Skadar. This abandoned fortification is known as Montenegrin Alcatraz and used to be a jail in the time of King Nikola. Among the locals, Grmožur was called the Island of Snakes. Nowadays, the island is a permanent habitat for certain bird species and a temporary retreat during the migration from Central and Northern Europe to Africa. That is why it has another, much more beautiful name - the Island of Birds. Admire the impressive fortification - Grmožur, from approximately 20 meters distance as you circle it.  During the journey, marvel at the breathtaking panoramas, and keep your eyes peeled for many species of native birds, including cormorants, herons, seagulls, and, if you are lucky, maybe some pelicans. Observe them as they dry their wings on the top of the walls of Grmožur.  On your way back, the boat will stop in the middle of the open water for you to take a refreshing swim. Ensure you bring your swimsuit and towel and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear blue waters. Finally, return to the starting point where the tour concludes.

Virpazar: Private Lake Skadar and Pavlova Strana Wine Cruise

7. Virpazar: Private Lake Skadar and Pavlova Strana Wine Cruise

Discover the wonders of Lake Skadar as you glide across its pristine waters in a traditional wooden boat, known as a čun. Indulge in the flavors of local wine while meandering through the breathtaking landscapes that adorn the lake. Immerse yourself in the invigorating freshness of the water, enveloped by majestic mountain ranges, and delve into the captivating stories and rich history of Lake Skadar. Begin in Virpazar - the main gateway of Lake Skadar. Sail along a tiny river channel and observe birds catch the fish and soar through the sky. Exit the river and discover the vast blue waters of Lake Skadar, the far-away mountains of Albania, and Vranjina, along with its two peaks. Glide through the meadows of water chestnuts and discover the ruins of Lesendro, the 18th-century fortress and the Key of Lake Skadar. These ruins and their bird visitants will feast you with a stunning view. Feel the fresh air rush through your body, as you come close to Lake Skadar's largest tributary, Morača River. Continue your journey in the direction of three islands – Mala Čakovica, Velika Čakovica, and Kamenik. Have your breath taken away by the view these islets hide. Marvel at thousands of water lilies, covering the surface of the lake with their leaves. Sights to follow will satisfy your traveller’s thirst also. As you pass through the picturesque fjord Pavlova strana your eyes will absorb the beauty. The rocky coast, with abandoned houses and small hidden piers, makes a perfect background for your swimming stop.

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

8. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

Leave the old fishing village of Virpazar through a narrow little canal enclosed with willows and reeds. Head left, under the bridge, and discover the remains of the centuries-old fortress Lesendro. Observe cormorants, herons, gulls, coots, and kingfishers - among many others. Challenge your luck and look for the pelicans - these rare birds are at the official Lake Skadar National park logo. Pass near the Morača River - an International Birding Area and head for the three nearby islands. Gaze in awe as you glide through the hidden, narrow channels concealed with reeds and covered in lotus flowers and their big, floating, dark-green leaves. Guess what - this is the perfect place for you to spot some nests and baby birds! As you leave the wilderness behind, immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of Lake Skadar - just before you return to Virpazar.

Transfer Skopje Tirana with Prizren Half-Day Tour

9. Transfer Skopje Tirana with Prizren Half-Day Tour

Starting from your hotel in Skopje or Tirana, travel to Prizren in a private vehicle for a half-day tour with a licensed guide. Prizren is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Kosovo. It is known for its ancient history, a rich cultural and religious heritage, traditional handicraft shops, and a variety of festivals, including film, music, and art. It is the most multiethnic, multireligious, and multicultural city in Kosovo.   Visit the old part of the town and the Stone Bridge, dating from the 16th century. See the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Serbian Orthodox church of Our Lady of Ljevis. Visit a hammam, a Turkish public bath, and the Albanian League of Prizren, the city's most visited historical museum.   You'll also travel to the Archaeological Museum, the castle of Prizren, and the Workshop of Silversmith Filigree. At the end of the tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own, or have lunch. Afterwards, continue your private transfer to Tirana or Skopje, where you will be dropped off at your chosen address.

Virpazar: Skadar Lake by Boat and Kom Monastery Guided Tour

10. Virpazar: Skadar Lake by Boat and Kom Monastery Guided Tour

Explore wild beauty of Skadar Lake during our guided small group monastery Kom 3h boat tour. Enjoy watching different bird species, drink local wine and take a refreshing swim in the lake. Admire water lilies carpet. Me and my team, as someone who was born and leave in Virpazar, will share with you stories about the lake. Begin your journey in Virpazar- a tiny townlet situated in the heart of Skadar Lake, navigate along a small river channel surrounded by reeds and willow trees. After exiting the first river, find yourself on the open lake while the boat proceeds to peninsula and island Lesendro 18th century. Meanwhile, soak up the incredible views of peninsula and fishing village Vranjina. This tour includes passing by bird reservat and few small islands cruising surrounded by carpet of lotus flowers. When we park the boat in front of island Kom, you will need 3-4 min to reach the monastery Kom from 15th century, from where the lake view is amazing. There will be some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim on the open lake, following which you can enjoy a refreshing drink(water, juice, local wine) on board. Finally, return to the starting point where the tour concludes. ! Note that entrance ticket 4 euros per person is not included in the price. Entrance is free for children bellow 15 years.

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What people are saying about Albania

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 675 reviews

This tour is a MUST if you arrive in Tirana. The guide was knowledgable about many topics and it felt as if it was customized to me and my questions. I couldn't recommend this tour enough. Travel from the past to the present and get a terrific overview of all things Albania. Don't hesitate to book this!

He was a good guide and a good group. Berat is worth visiting and from Tirana you need to go by car, so this is the best option. The explanations were very good and so was the chosen route.

Illyria is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about Albania's landmarks, as well as the history and heritage behind them. Highly recommended, and would tour with him again.

Very good guide who loves his work and country. Nice landscapes and great nature!

A great City tour to see it all best of Tirana in half a day