Albania Classic Historic Towns & Coast 9-Day Bus Loop
A car-free itinerary for first-timers, connecting Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, and Sarandë.
Connecting three Ottoman historic towns and the southern coast by intercity bus, this is the most common route for first-time visitors using public transport. The pace is moderate, with stays of about two nights in each place, making it more hassle-free than driving. Bus stations are often outside town centers, some schedules are irregular, and you will need a taxi to reach the Blue Eye. This route skips the Himarë coast and northern mountains, which are difficult to reach by bus.
Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures. In winter, bus frequencies decrease, and some businesses in coastal towns close.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Tirana City Center
Tirana（Skanderbeg Square、Et'hem Bey Mosque、Clock Tower of Tirana、Blloku）
Take the airport bus to the city center (approx. 40 mins), then explore on foot.
Stay: Skanderbeg Square Area
Day 2 · Krujë & Bunker History
Tirana（Krujë Castle、Skanderbeg Museum、Krujë Old Bazaar、Bunk'Art 2、Pyramid of Tirana）
Take a minibus to Krujë in the morning (approx. 1 hour), return in the afternoon, and walk to Bunk'Art in the city.
Stay: Skanderbeg Square Area
Day 3 · South to Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows
Berat（Mangalem Quarter、King Mosque & Halveti Tekke、Gorica Bridge）
Take a bus from Tirana's South Bus Terminal to Berat (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours), then take a taxi to the Old Town.
The Tirana bus terminal is about 25 mins from the city center, so allow extra time.
Stay: Mangalem
Day 4 · Berat Castle Day Trip
Berat（Berat Castle、Onufri Iconographic Museum、Holy Trinity Church, Berat、Ethnographic Museum of Berat）
Explore on foot all day. Walk up to the castle from Mangalem (approx. 25 mins, steep path), and return to the Old Town in the afternoon.
Stay: Mangalem
Day 5 · To Gjirokastër, the Stone City
Berat（Gorica Quarter） → Gjirokastër（Gjirokastër Old Bazaar）
Explore Gorica in the morning, then take a bus to Gjirokastër in the afternoon (approx. 3 hours). Take a taxi from the station up to the Old Town.
Direct buses from Berat are limited; confirm schedules at the station the day before.
Stay: Old Bazaar
Day 6 · Castle & Historic Houses Walk
Gjirokastër（Gjirokastër Castle、Gjirokastër Cold War Tunnel、Skënduli House、Zekate House）
Walk through the Old Town all day. The cobblestone streets are steep and slippery. It takes about 20 mins to walk from the castle to Zekate House.
Wear non-slip shoes. Opening hours for historic houses can be irregular, so ask your guesthouse first.
Stay: Old Bazaar
Day 7 · Via Blue Eye to Sarandë
Sarandë & Ksamil（Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)、Sarandë Promenade、Lëkurësi Castle）
Take a taxi via the Blue Eye to Sarandë (approx. 1.5 hours, plus sightseeing time). You can share a taxi to split the cost.
It is difficult to stop at the Blue Eye with luggage on public buses, so taking a taxi is more practical.
Stay: Sarandë Town
Day 8 · Butrint & Ksamil
Sarandë & Ksamil（Butrint、Ksamil Beaches、Ksamil Islands）
Take a local bus from Sarandë to Butrint (approx. 30 to 40 mins), and get off at Ksamil on the way back.
Sarandë's new bus station opens in July 2026; check schedules on-site.
Stay: Sarandë Town
Day 9 · Bus Back North to Tirana
Tirana（New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri)）
Take a bus from Sarandë back to Tirana in the morning (approx. 5 hours). Visit the New Bazaar after arriving in the afternoon.
Do not book a departure flight for this evening; flying out the next day is recommended.