Widely known for its contemporary 'Dolce Vita' atmosphere of cafes and restaurants, Albania's capital city of Tirana is like no other Balkan capital cities. Following its recent rapid transformation, it now vividly showcases iconic high-rise architecture and redesigned public spaces, created by renowned architects whose work attracts international attention and is winning awards worldwide.  Manifesting Albania's delayed capitalism is the unprecedented construction boom that also embodies the quality of the designs and professional finesse of the ultramodern Belgian and Dutch architects, much like the Austrian and Italian architects who a century ago transformed Tirana from an oriental town into a western city. We will meet at the designated hour in front of the Tirana International hotel. Our half day walking tour will start at the very heart of the city's Monumental Center, where we will observe the strong differences between the overbearing communist buildings of the Palace of Culture and the National History Museum, versus the Italian governmental buildings of the 1920s by the Italian architect Armando Brasini. As we will walk by the statue of Albania's national hero Skenderbeg, we will initially head to the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Watch Tower - reminders of Tirana's 17th and 19th centuries expansion, and later its twentieth century turbulent history. Prior to exploring what remains of Tirana’s historic heart - the old bazaar, we will have a chance to walk on by the newly reopened Toptani castle, and the stone Tanner's Bridge. We will have a quick stop at the repurposed Pyramid, and visit the Blloku area, along with the dictator's Enver Hoxha villa. Afterwards we can enjoy some time together in a fashionable Blloku cafe to address any additional questions about our history, the local restaurants, customs, or other things of interest you may have while in Albania.

Highlights

• Marvel at the sights of Tirana's ever-growing city center through a guided tour
• Learn about Albania's complex history and what the future will bring
• Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail during the tour

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

• Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.