LGBTQ friendly tour - South Albania

LGBTQ+ friendly 7-day tour through South Albania, designed to explore some of its most beautiful and welcoming locations. This itinerary blends cultural exploration, scenic landscapes, and relaxation. The key focus is on ensuring that the experience is inclusive and fun for the LGBTQ+ community.

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana

• Morning: Arrival in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the National History Museum to explore Albanian culture and history. Wander around Skanderbeg Square.
• Evening: Dinner at a LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant or bar in Tirana, such as BunkArt (a museum and cultural venue located in a former nuclear bunker, with events, exhibitions, and a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals).

Day 2: Tirana to Durres

• Morning: Depart from Tirana and drive to Durres (about 1 hour). Explore the Durres Amphitheatre and the local beaches.
• Afternoon: Relax at the beach. There are several LGBTQ+ friendly beach spots, and you’ll find cafes and bars offering a welcoming vibe.
• Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant and unwind by the sea.

Day 3: Durres to Berat

• Morning: Travel to Berat (about 2 hours). This UNESCO-listed town is known for its stunning Ottoman-era architecture.
• Afternoon: Explore Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. Take a walk around the picturesque cobblestone streets of the town, and enjoy the view from the castle walls.
• Evening: Dinner at a charming local restaurant with views of the Osum River.

Day 4: Berat to Gjirokaster

• Morning: Depart for Gjirokaster (approximately 2 hours drive). This town is also UNESCO-listed and boasts stunning stone houses and a rich history.
• Afternoon: Visit the Gjirokaster Castle and the Ethnographic Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. This city has a laid-back vibe, and you’ll find some local LGBTQ+ friendly spots for a drink.

Day 5: Gjirokaster to the Blue Eye, then to Sarande

• Morning: Depart for the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring famous for its bright blue water. It’s a great place for photos and a peaceful stop.
• Afternoon: Head towards Sarande (about 1 hour). Sarande is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, including LGBTQ+ friendly venues.
• Evening: Spend time at one of the LGBTQ+ friendly bars or clubs in Sarande. Enjoy the warm Mediterranean night!

Day 6: Sarande to Porto Palermo, Vlore & Sazan Island

• Morning: Depart Sarande and visit Porto Palermo, known for its picturesque bay and castle.
• Afternoon: Travel to Vlore (about 1.5 hours). Take a boat to Sazan Island, an isolated, uninhabited island once used as a military base. It offers beautiful nature and a unique spot for photography.
• Evening: Return to Vlore and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with LGBTQ+ friendly vibes.

Day 7: Vlore to Tirana

• Morning: After breakfast, drive back to Tirana (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Relax in Grand Park of Tirana or visit the BunkArt2, a museum dedicated to Albania’s communist past, situated in an old bunker.
• Evening: End your trip with a farewell dinner in Tirana, enjoying local delicacies at one of the LGBTQ+ welcoming venues.