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4/20/25 — 4/22/25 4/20/25 — 4/24/25 4/20/25 — 4/26/25 or
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Albanian Heroes Walking Tour × × × × × × ×
Albanian Heroes Walking Tour

Albanian Heroes Walking Tour

Discover Albania’s history on a 2.5-hour walking tour. Be inspired by heroes who saved Jewish families in WWII, resisted dictatorship, and preserved sacred writings for over 1000 years.

Did you know ...

Did you know that Albanian people are some of the most hospitable people in the world?

Did you know that Albania was declared the world's "first" atheist state in 1967?

Did you know what happened to the imams and priests?

What about when sacred writings were found at a university during communism? 


Join us at Albania Ventures for a 2.5-hour historical walking tour. 

On this tour, you will:

  • See an unusual 18th-century mosque 
  • Take in the majesty of an Orthodox cathedral 
  • Walk on the square that was a battleground for democracy
  • Be inspired by stories of the bravery of Albanian heroes

COST & TIPS

The walking tour costs 15 Euro. Optional tips may also be given at the end of the tour.


ITINERARY

  • National Opera House
  • Skanderbeg Statue
  • Et'hem Bey Mosque
  • Italian-style Municipality Buildings
  • Eastern Orthodox Church
  • Pyramid
  • Prime Minister’s Office
  • Communist-era Bunker
  • Former Dictator Enver Hoxha’s Villa


TESTIMONIALS


"My daughter and I experienced a fantastic  guided tour of the centre of Tirana with insightful
details and stories about its rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems. Josh and Sarah’s passion and knowledge made the tour truly memorable. I highly recommend it."


- Dan Dupree, United Kingdom



"I really loved how Sarah and Josh made the history of Albania come alive."

Charles Parton, Ohio, USA



"Going around in Tirana with Albania Ventures gives you great opportunity to see the city, understand the country, its history. Highly recommended."


- Gellert Horvath, Hungary



"Great tour, full of history, information and nice spots! Recommended!"


- Luana Lima, Brazil 



"It was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Tirana. Highly recommend for couples, solo travelers, friend
groups and travelers of all ages."


- Kelsey Kay Love



"I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of Albania via walking from one notable city centre Tirana building to another. Both Sarah and Josh are enthusiastic, well prepared and knowledgeable guides. I would highly recommend Albania Ventures Tours to anyone interested."


- Neil Harvey, Manchester, UK




Check out more testimonials here




  • Duration : 150 Minutes (approx.)
From EUR €15.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *

From Castles to Cliffs: Discover Krujë & Bovilla × × × × × × ×
From Castles to Cliffs: Discover Krujë & Bovilla

From Castles to Cliffs: Discover Krujë & Bovilla

Visit the castle where Albania's national hero led his countrymen to fight off massive foreign invaders! And to see one of the most beautiful lakes on earth. Do both in one day on the Kruje Castle + Beautiful Boville Lake Trip!

Krujë Castle 


Have you heard the story of Skenderbeg, Albania's national hero?


He was abducted as a child and taken to the Ottoman Empire.

He was forced to adopt new customs and to train to fight in the Sultan's wars.


He won battles and was entrusted more and more. 


On his way to fight for the Sultan against Europe, he defected with 300 Albanian men and returned home.


He united the Albanian tribes like no one else had! 


And fought off the Ottoman armies in 25 battles! 


Stunning Bovilla Lake


Here's what others have said about the short hiked to get a beautiful view of Lake Boville:

"It was like a breath of fresh air." 

"I never imagined I would see a place this beautiful." 

"Just outside the city - so glad we did this!"



Sample Itinerary


Start Time: 08:30 AM


08:30 AM - Pick Up

Drive to Lake Boville (1 hour)


Visit Lake Boville (1 hour)  

A short hike to the mid-point of Mt. Gamti for some of the most breathtaking lake views you'll ever see.  


Travel to Kruje (1.5 hours)

Travel through the mountains where Skenderbeg and his men would engage in guerilla warfare, cutting off enemy supply lines and attacking at night. We'll also stop for a coffee.


Kruje Castle and Museum (1.5 hours)

Visit the castle and learn about the exciting history of Skenderbeg and his rise to power. The cost of the museum is included in this package. 


Outdoor Bazaar ( 1/2 hour)

Before we return, we'll walk through the outdoor market where you can shop for embroidered dresses, basic musical instruments and other items at a much lower price than in Tirana. 


Return to Tirana (1-1.5 hours)


Please note: Good walking shoes are recommended. Light clothing is recommended in summer as outdoor sites can be very hot.

  • Duration : 6 Hours (approx.)
From EUR €90.00

Enter Number of Participants *

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Tirana by Night - Free Walking Tour (Tip-based) × × × × × × ×
Tirana by Night - Free Walking Tour (Tip-based)

Tirana by Night - Free Walking Tour (Tip-based)

Join us for a 2-hour walking tour through Tirana. We'll visit a mosque, a cathedral and the home of the former dictator. Many say Tirana is more beautiful at night than during the day. Option tips will be collected at the end o

Did you know ...

Did you know that Albanian people are some of the most hospitable people in the world?

Did you know that Albania was declared the world's "first" atheist state in 1967?

Did you know what happened to the imams and priests?

What about when sacred writings were found at a university during communism? 


Join us for a 2-hour historical walking tour.   

On this tour, you will:

  • Be inspired by stories of Albania heroes
  • Enjoy a walk through the picturesque boulevards of Tirana
  • See the Et'hem Bey Mosque, an Orthodox cathedral and other key historical sites.

COST & TIPS

Tips: The walking tour is free. Optional tips will be collected at the end of the tour. People have tipped from 5 to 40 Euro/person. Any guests are welcome and any amount is appreciated.

This walking tour does not require advance reservation but if fully booked, preference will be given to those that have completed the booking procedures.


ITINERARY

  • National Opera House
  • Skanderbeg Statue
  • Et'hem Bey Mosque
  • Italian-style Municipality Buildings
  • Eastern Orthodox Church
  • Pyramid
  • Prime Minister’s Office
  • Communist-era Bunker
  • Former Dictator Enver Hoxha’s Villa



TESTIMONIALS

"My daughter and I experienced a fantastic guided tour of the centre of Tirana with insightful details and stories about its rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems. Josh and Sarah’s passion and knowledge made the tour truly memorable. I highly recommend it."


- Dan Dupree, United Kingdom



"Great tour, full of history, information and nice spots! Recommended!"


- Luana Lima, Brazil 



"Going around in Tirana with Albania Ventures gives you great opportunity to see the city, understand the country, its history. Highly recommended."


- Gellert Horvath, Hungary



"I really loved how Sarah and Josh made the history of Albania come alive."

Charles Parton, Ohio, USA



"It was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Tirana. Highly recommend for couples, solo travelers, friend
groups and travelers of all ages."


- Kelsey Kay Love


"I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of Albania via walking from one notable city centre Tirana building to another. Both Sarah and Josh are enthusiastic, well prepared and knowledgeable guides. I would highly recommend Albania Ventures Tours to anyone interested."


- Neil Harvey, Manchester, UK



Check out more testimonials here

  • Duration : 2 Hours (approx.)
From EUR €0.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *

Albania's Jewish Legacy Walking Tour × × × × Book Now Available × ×
Albania's Jewish Legacy Walking Tour

Albania's Jewish Legacy Walking Tour

Have you heard the stories of Albanian families (Muslims and Christians) who risked their lives to save Jewish people during WWII? Wonder what motivated them to do this? Join us to be inspired by stories of compassion and courage.

Are you ready to unearth untold stories of bravery and compassion?

Curious about the remarkable bond between Albanian and Jewish communities?

Ever wondered what motivated Albanian Muslims to save Jewish families during WWII?


Discover the heroes that will inspire you like never before!


Experience a 90-minute journey through Tirana's streets, guided by an expert in local history.

Unravel the stories of Albanian families who risked everything to shelter Jewish people during the darkest days of WWII.

From the first Jewish people who came to Albania in the 2nd century through the period of the Ottoman empire, we’ll introducing you to Albania, the language and the history of Jewish people in Albania.


Cost & Tips

The walking tour is 15 Euro. Optional tips will be collected at the end of the tour. People have given tips from 5 to 40 Euro/person. Any guests are welcome and any amount is appreciated. 

 

Itinerary



Et'hem Mosque


Just as the mosque has unique paintings on the outside, people in Albania who embraced Islam have been uniquely prepared to rescue those seeking protection.


Skenderbeg Statue

We’ll learn about the unique role that Skenderbeg and his predecessor Lek Dukagjin had.


Italian-built Ministries and Municipality.

We’ll learn about the edict of King Zog to open the borders of Albania to Jewish people in 1938 just before the Italians took over Albania.

 

Blloku Area

Then, we’ll weave our way through the streets of the Blloku area, as you hear moving accounts of stories of sacrifice and compassion of Albanian families who sheltered Jewish people in their homes.


Holocaust Memorial

The tour is completed at the Holocaust Memorial where we’ll stop in a moment of honoring those who died during the holocaust and to honor the Albanian families who risked their lives to protect Jewish people.


Embark on a journey of remembrance and solidarity, where the echoes of the past resonate with the promise of a brighter future. Join us and become part of a legacy of compassion that knows no bounds. 


Albania Ventures Recommendations:


"Great tour with some different topics out of the mainstream."


- Luana Lima, Brazil



"My daughter and I experienced a fantastic  guided tour of the centre of Tirana with insightful details and stories about its rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems. Josh and Sarah’s passion and knowledge made the tour truly memorable. I highly recommend it."


- Dan Dupree, United Kingdom



"It was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Tirana. Highly recommend for couples, solo travelers, friend groups and travelers of all ages."

- Kelsey Kay Love



"I really loved how Sarah and Josh made the history of Albania come alive."

Charles Parton, Ohio, USA


"We learned so much about Albania’s rich history and culture and would highly recommend Miekley Tours to anyone
interested."


- Jonathan Dingeldein, Iowa, USA




Check out more testimonials here

  • Duration : 90 Minutes (approx.)
From EUR €15.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *

History of Christianity in Albania Walking Tour Book Now 20 Available × × × × × ×
History of Christianity in Albania Walking Tour

History of Christianity in Albania Walking Tour

From the birth of 1st-century church during the Apostle Paul's visit to Albania stopping the Ottoman advance against Europe to people preserving 6th-century gospel manuscripts, you will be inspired by the history of Christianity in Albania.

Did you know ...

... that the Albanian hero helped stop the advance of the Ottoman armies against Europe?

... that Albania was declared the world's "first" atheist state in 1967?

... that 6th century gospel manuscripts were hidden for centuries?

... the gospel inspired Christians to start first Albanian school for girls?


Join us to be inspired with the stories of heroes from Albania through the rich Christian history in this country!  


COST & TIPS

The walking tour costs 3 Euro.

Optional tips will be collected at the end of the tour. Tip amounts have ranged from 5 Euro to 40 Euro per person.

Advanced reservation is recommended. 


ITINERARY

We will go inside two churches on this tour.


1. National Opera House

- From early Christian church history to iron-clad communist days where (almost) nobody came in or out, this is where we'll set the stage for what unfolded in Albania


2. Skanderbeg Statue

- As a young boy, Gjergj Kastriot was taken from his home and trained to fight in Ottoman wars. He was given the name Skenderbeg

- You'll hear how he deserted the Ottoman army to return to Albania 

- We'll also consider what happens when changing one's religion is more of a strategic political move than a personal conviction 


3. Et'hem Bey Mosque

- Learn about the unusual paintings on the mosque walls

- Grapple with what happened in the mosques and churches during communism


4. Italian-style Municipality Buildings 

- Architecture gurus, this is your chance to see Italian-era buildings

- You'll hear stories of how Albanians--both Christians and Muslims--saved Jewish people during WWII 


5. Orthodox Church

- Learn about the 6th-century gospels hidden for generations from Ottoman armies to Hitler's henchmen.

- Enter the largest cathedral of its kind in the Western Balkans. 


6. St. Paul's Cathedral 

- Hear the inspiring faith of what one Albanian priest did to welcome others into his parish

- Meet an Albanian hero of faith - she didn't intend to be a hero and you might be surprised she's Albanian! 


7. Pyramid

- Originally built as a shrine to the dictator during the oppressive communist regime

- Find out about what happened when Brother Andrew left Bibles during communism 


8.  Communist-era Bunker

- Hear the sad origin of one of over 300,000 bunkers designed to protect Albania from American imperialists

- Hear the story of Gjerasim Qiriazi, a gospel preacher turned educational pioneer


9.  Enver Hoxha's Villa

- Visit the former dictator's home 

- Hear incredible stories of reconciliation and forgiveness in the 30 years since 

- Dream of how Albania might be a beacon of light in the next 30 years




TESTIMONIALS


"Going around in Tirana with Albania Ventures tours gives you a great opportunity to see the city, understand the country, its history. Highly recommended."


-Gellert Horvath, Hungary



"My daughter and I experienced a fantastic  guided tour of the centre of Tirana with insightful details and stories about its rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems. Josh and Sarah’s passion and knowledge made the tour truly memorable. I highly recommend it."


- Dan Dupree, United Kingdom



"We really enjoyed our tour with Josh and Sarah! We learned so much about Albania and its history. I truly appreciated the stories they shared and the information they provided about this beautiful country. I had just finished reading the book Free by Lea Ypi before my tour, and found this tour helped me to gain an even better understanding of some of the complexities of Albania’s past. I highly recommend Albanian Ventures to anyone visiting Albania!"


- Noelle Slagel, South Carolina, USA


"I really loved how Sarah and Josh made the history of Albania come alive."

Charles Parton, Ohio, USA



"We learned so much about Albania’s rich history and culture and would highly recommend Albania Venture tours to anyone interested."

- Jonathan Dingeldein, Iowa, USA




Check out more testimonials here





  • Duration : 90 Minutes (approx.)
From EUR €1.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *