Excursion to Albania from Budva takes a whole day. First you will proceed to the border between Montenegro and Albania. There are no formalities for Russian citizens, just a document check. A visa to Albania during the summer period is not required for our fellow citizens. Immediately after passing the control, there will be a stop for sanitary needs, as well as a visit to the border souvenir shop. Let me draw your attention to the fact that if you are planning to buy something from Albania as a keepsake, then it is better to do it here on the way there or back. Unless, of course, the bus will not return very late and therefore will not pass by the store. The fact is that in the future along the route you will practically not meet places where you can buy good souvenirs. The country today is not quite touristic. What is especially striking in comparison with neighboring Montenegro. The local national currency is the Albanian lek. Its exchange rate to the ruble is approximately the following – for 1 ruble they give three leks. But in this souvenir shop you can also pay with euros.
Throughout the route to the first visit to the Albanian city of Shkoder, the guide will tell you about the history of the country and the current state of its economy and politics. Along the road, you will notice evidence of Albania’s recent past – the country’s self-isolation among the countries of the European continent. These are the famous bunkers that the authorities ordered to build for all residents near their homes in case of war with the West. The war never happened, the regime changed, and all the bunkers were preserved as a reminder of the country’s history. Now they are used by local residents as outbuildings.
In Shkodra you will find a sightseeing tour with a visit to the most iconic historical sites and attractions. You will also visit the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city and its environs.
Then you will proceed to the capital of Albania – the city of Tirana. There will be a walking tour of the historical center. All major attractions are concentrated here. Then, as part of your free time, you can walk around this part of the city on your own or relax in a local park. Tirana is the poor capital of a poor country. That is why you will not see much chic and metropolitan gloss here. The cost of the tour includes lunch in a national restaurant of Albanian cuisine.