10-Year Anniversary Trip (Secret Trip Planned by Tarnya ♥♥♥)
Key Information
Albania
Capital: Tirana
Currency: Albanian Lek (LEK)
Language: Albanian (English widely spoken)
Highlights: Skanderbeg Square, Blloku district, Bunk’Art, colorful architecture
Montenegro
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Montenegrin
Highlights: Bay of Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Budva, Sveti Stefan
Travel Tips for Albania
- Airport Transfer: Use the Tirana Airport bus to get to the centre. The 24-hour city bus is by far the most convenient transit option. Tickets cost 400 LEK. The bus runs in both directions once an hour, departing from the city centre and the airport on the full hour (at 6am, 7am, 8am, etc.).
- Cash is King: Card is widely accepted at restaurants, bars, hotels and shops in Tirana and other major cities. Always check the final total before you pay. Cash is absolutely still required for markets, taxis and smaller venues.
- ATM Fees: Every ATM in Albania charges a withdrawal fee. The lowest we could find was the American Bank of Investments, which charges 500 LEK (compared to 600-650 LEK for Tirana Bank and most others).
- Mobile Data: Vodafone has the best coverage in Albania and competitive prices. Budget around 2,000 LEK for 30 GB of data (valid for 30 days) plus an additional 200 LEK for the SIM.
- Safety: Tirana is an overwhelmingly safe city, even for solo female travellers. Street crime is rare, and there are no ‘no-go’ neighbourhoods. Mind your belongings, avoid walking late at night, and exercise common sense caution.
Summary of Plan
| Day | Date | Plan |
| 1 | Fri 13-Dec | Arrive Tirana |
| 2 | Sat 14-Dec | Tirana City Tour & Street Art |
| 3 | Sun 15-Dec | Day Trip to Montenegro |
| 4 | Mon 16-Dec | Free Day (10-Year Anniversary!) |
| 5 | Tue 17-Dec | Fly Home |
DAY 01 [13/12/24] – Arrive Tirana
Flight: Arrive 19:40
Arrive in Tirana at 19:40, pass through immigration and then get the bus to the city centre.
Finding the Bus at Tirana Airport: Exit the arrivals hall through the glass doors immediately to your left. Walk past the KFC and along the line of rental car offices, following the signs that point to ‘Autobuses’. The bus fare is 400 LEK.
Walk to our Airbnb and check in for the evening. As it’s late we will order a delivery for food on Wolt.
The Airbnb is a modern apartment located a convenient 15-minute walk from the city centre. The stylish accommodation boasts a spacious living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and a separate bedroom, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and functionality.
DAY 02 [14/12/24] – Tirana
This morning we will wake up and walk to the city to grab some breakfast. There’s lots of cool options including Pasticeri Nefeli for tasty baked goods or In’d Arena for bougie plates. We’ll have a walk around the city and possibly visit Bunk’Art.
Bunk’Art
Bunk’Art is a network of Cold War-era military bunkers in Albania, some of which have been transformed into unique museums. These underground complexes offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s communist past. Visitors can explore labyrinthine tunnels, air raid shelters, and command centres, all while learning about Albania’s history and the impact of the Cold War.
Tirana Highlights:
- Skanderbeg Square
- Blloku district
- Dajti Mountain views
- Et’hem Bey Mosque
- National History Museum
We will then grab some lunch, possibly at Radio Bar, a quirky communist-themed bar, one of the best things to do in Tirana at night or for a spot of lunch.
Tirana: Street Art & Modern Architecture Tour (3PM)
We then have a Tirana: Street Art & Modern Architecture Tour at 3PM. We meet at the steps of the Opera House. On this tour, we’ll explore Tirana’s coolest sights! We’ll see the city’s modern buildings, like the TID Tower, and discover hidden gems of street art. Get ready for a colourful and surprising adventure!
We can then enjoy the evening at leisure and grab some dinner before heading back to our apartment.
DAY 03 [15/12/24] – Montenegro Day Trip
Pickup: 6AM
Return: Late evening
This morning we will be picked up at 6AM for our tour to Montenegro.
Montenegro Seaside Tour
Explore the Montenegro Seaside in one day trip! Be prepared for a long but amazing day!
Sveti Stefan
Our first destination for today is Budva in Montenegro, before getting there we will make a stop near Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. Even while standing on the coast, Sveti Stefan is a sight for sore eyes, worth a picture.
Budva
We will drive towards Budva, a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature and old characteristic buildings. The city is separated between an old and new part. On the one hand, in the New Budva, there are many modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. On the other hand, in the Old Budva, there is the historical centre and many sights to visit, such as the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary and the medieval splendours of the old town, which we will visit on this tour.
Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Our second destination for today is Kotor, UNESCO world heritage site. The city is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. The intention was to confuse intruders who came to plunder the town, while nowadays it characterizes the city. Many of the old buildings and churches have small plaques on them with their dates of construction and original use. We will visit the Saint Luke’s church which has a great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them.
We will be back in Tirana in the late evening.
DAY 04 [16/12/24] – 10-Year Anniversary!
Free Day in Tirana
Free day in Tirana to explore the city on our 10 year wedding anniversary, enjoying lots of wonderful food and drink and taking in the sites.
Today marks a decade since we tied the knot on December 16, 2014, in a stunning beachfront ceremony in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka. From the serene beaches of Ahungalla to the lively streets of Tirana and the historic charm of Montenegro, our love story continues to be one of adventure, joy, and a shared zest for life.
We plan to indulge in fine Albanian wine and sample local delicacies at some of the city’s best restaurants. It will be a day of relaxation and celebration, soaking in the joy of 10 incredible years together.
DAY 05 [17/12/24] – Return Home
Flight: Depart 10:50
Check out of our Airbnb early in the morning and get a taxi to the airport ready for our 10:50AM flight to the UK. Leave at 7AMish?
Get home and start preparing for our trip to Ghana and Togo!
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