Summer Day in Albania: Food, Traditions & Celebration
Welcome spring in a colorful, traditional Albanian way, with vibrant celebrations, street food, music, and local traditions across Tirana, Elbasan, and Berat. This short cultural journey is built around Summer’s Day, Albania’s most joyful seasonal celebration, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The experience blends festive street life with hands-on moments, from sharing food during local celebrations to taking part in a traditional cooking class. Along the way, we move between Albania’s lively capital, the heart of Summer’s Day traditions in Elbasan, and the historic streets of Berat, offering a balance of celebration, culture, and everyday life.
Activities
Day 1 - Arrival in Tirana: Food, Culture & Nightlife
You arrive at Tirana International Airport, where your professional guide welcomes you and accompanies you throughout the experience.
We transfer to the city center, where we begin our tour with a guided walk through Tirana, offering an introduction to the city’s atmosphere and daily life. As we move through central areas, the guide shares insight into Tirana’s history, social rhythms, and how tradition and modern life blend in Albania’s capital.
In the afternoon, you take part in a traditional Albanian cooking class. Guided by local hosts, you learn how seasonal ingredients and family recipes come together in a hands-on, social setting. The experience highlights the importance of food in Albanian culture, especially during celebrations and gatherings.
The evening is free to explore the city’s nightlife, especially in the Blloku area, known for its cafés, bars, and lively atmosphere.
Overnight in Tirana at Hotel Opera (or similar)
Day 2 - Summer Day Festivities in Elbasan & Visit of Berat
After breakfast, we travel to Elbasan, the birthplace of Summer’s Day, one of Albania’s most meaningful traditional celebrations. Rooted in ancient seasonal rituals, the day marks the end of winter and the renewal of nature, welcoming spring with joy, color, and shared traditions.
As the celebration unfolds, the city fills with music, traditional dances, street performances, and the scent of freshly baked ballokume, Elbasan’s iconic sweet. Families gather in the streets and public spaces, and the atmosphere reflects how deeply this day is woven into everyday life and collective memory.
We spend time experiencing the celebration at a local pace, observing and taking part in the rhythms of the day. We enjoy a picnic lunch, sharing food outdoors in the spirit of the holiday.
In the afternoon, we continue to Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows.”
Upon arrival, we begin our visit of the city, taking time to walk through its historic quarters and along the river, where everyday life unfolds among traditional houses and stone streets. The visit offers a first introduction to Berat’s atmosphere before settling in for the evening.
Dinner and overnight in Berat at Hotel Mangalemi (or similar)
Day 3 - Berat Castle Sightseeing & Return to Tirana
Depending on flight schedules, we begin the day with a visit to Berat Castle. We explore the castle walls and viewpoints, walk through the acropolis, and visit medieval Orthodox churches, gaining insight into the layers of history that shape the area.
After the visit, we transfer back to Tirana and continue to the airport for departure.