Durres: Day Trips and Tours from Tirana

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Albania’s history, a day trip from Tirana to Durres is a wonderful way to do so. Duress has a history dating back almost 3,000 years and it’s one of the few places where you can still see the legacy of the Roman, Christian and Byzantine empires in one location.

Durres is Albania's second-largest and oldest city on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea. This charming seaside town offers beautiful coastal landscapes, delicious local wine and incredible monuments, like the Roman Amphitheatre, Durres Castle and the Durres Archaeological Museum.

Here's all you need to know about Durres, one of the most exciting day trips from Tirana.

How to get to Durres from Tirana?

The charming city of Durres is around 40 kilometers west from Tirana and is a 45-minute trip by car depending on the traffic.

From Tirana to Durres by car

Traveling from Tirana to Durres by car is straightforward. You need to get on the SH2 highway which connects the cities. After roughly 30 kilometers on the highway, you can take the exit to Durres.

From Tirana to Durres by bus/public transport

Given Tirana's close location to Durres, taking a bus is an easy and convenient option.

Head to the South and North Albania Bus Terminal in Tirana to catch a bus to Durres. The journey takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a bus from Tirana Airport to Durres as five buses depart from the airport throughout the day.

For your return trip, you can catch a bus at the Durres bus station, which will take you back to the same bus terminal in Tirana.

Guided tour to Durres from Tirana

Various tour operators offer guided tours to Durres from Tirana. These tours generally start with a hotel pick-up and some include a wine or food tour.

You also have the option to visit other beautiful cities nearby, so you can explore more of the region. A day trip to Durres from Tirana is a wonderful way to learn more about Albania's history and culture.

What is the typical itinerary?

Durres boasts a plethora of historic sites. Most tours include a visit to the Roman Amphitheater in the center of the city, the Roman baths, and Durres Castle which was built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. Some tours also include a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which consists of over 3,000 artifacts and includes an extensive collection from the Ancient Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Wine lovers will delight in the chance to explore the region, as Albania is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. You’ll not only enjoy a wine tasting but you can see how the wine is produced and learn about local agricultural methods. Some tours offer the option of doing a food tasting and this is a great way to savor Albania’s culinary offerings.

Combined day trips offer stops at the nearby cities of Kruja or Berat. At Kruja, there’s the old-world architecture with more castles to explore and the charming Kruja Bazaar, while in Berat you can visit ancient churches and visit the Gorica Bridge.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Durres?

A day trip to Durres from Tirana is an amazing way to soak up local culture, feast your eyes on beautiful architecture and enjoy delicious cuisines and wines. Numerous tour options are available with varying prices depending on the type of tour.

Private full-day tour of Durres plus Berat from Tirana

A private tour to Durres offers a personalized experience for you and your group. After your hotel pick-up, the first part of the tour starts in Durres. Take in the Amphitheater and enjoy a walk near the sea where you can take photos of the beautiful coastal landscape.

Your next stop is Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers some stunning views. Additional stops include the old and new parts of Berat, a visit to the Mangalem district and the King’s Mosque.

Guided tour of Durres plus wine tasting from Tirana

A day tour of Duress from Tirana including a wine tasting offers the best of both worlds. Explore the sights and sounds of Durres, taking in the city walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, the Amphitheater and the beautiful street art.

Next, satiate your thirst at a local winery where you can indulge in wines, cheeses and local food. You’ll also get a tour of the vineyard, where you can learn how wine is produced and more about the local agricultural methods. You can upgrade to a 3-course lunch at the vineyard for an added cost. Note the minimum drinking age is 18.

Guided tour of Durres plus Kruja from Tirana

This guided tour to Durres starts with pick up from your hotel in an air-conditioned van or car. The tour begins in Kruja with a stop at Kruja Castle, where you can visit the Dollma Bektashi Tekke (an important Albanian monument) and Skanderbeg Museum.

After exploring the grounds and the castle, travelers can enjoy free time in the Kruja Bazaar. At the bazaar you can enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant that offers an amazing view of the city.

Then you can enjoy your guided tour of Durres taking in the city walls, Byzantine Forum, the Roman Baths, Venetian Tower and the Amphitheater.

How much does a day trip to Durres from Tirana cost?

A day trip to Durres from Tirana ranges in cost depending on the duration of the tour and added visits.

For a private tour of Duress and Berat from Tirana, prices start from €100 per person for a maximum of eight travelers, although the price varies according to the group size. The tour runs for 7-8 hours, and meals and drinks are not included.

A guided tour of Durres from Tirana with a wine tasting starts from €120 per person but again, the price varies according to the group size. This activity takes a maximum of eight guests.

A guided tour of Durres and Kruja from Tirana starts at €140. The tour runs for 10 hours and is offered in English or Italian. It caters to small groups and is limited to 8 participants. It includes lunch and museum entrance fees.

What will you see and do?

Durres is crammed with old-world charm and there's plenty to see and do. Enjoy excellent food, history, architecture and the coastal landscapes.

Roman Amphitheatre

No visit to Durres is complete without taking in the majestic Roman Amphitheatre. It was built in the second century B.C. but was only discovered in 1966 by Vangjel Toçi a Durres resident and archaeologist.

According to local legend ­— ­­his finding was purely by chance ­— he noticed a fig tree had fallen a few meters below ground level and insisted on excavating the area. He discovered this ancient site, which is today recognized as one of the most beautiful Roman amphitheaters.

Durres Archaeological Museum

History buffs will love a chance to take in the Durres Archaeological Museum. It is Albania’s largest archaeological museum and also one of the most popular. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the country's rich history and is home to more than 3,000 historical objects.

The museum showcases three main historical periods starting with prehistory and the Dyrrah of 3,000 years ago, followed by the Hellenistic and Roman periods. You’ll be amazed by the bronze axes and stone hammer heads made by the indigenous inhabitants of Durres all those years ago. You’ll also need time to take in the treasure trove of sculptures from Greek gods to Roman emperors and ancient ceramic finds.

Explore the surrounding towns

The surrounding towns of Berat and Kruja also offer some exciting attractions. Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is a rare example of an Ottoman-era town.

Kruja, the hometown of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, has two wonderful museums, The Skanderbeg Museum and Ethnographic Museum, both of which are located in the stunning Kruja Castle.

When is the best time to visit Durres?

The best time to visit Durres is in the late spring (May to June) or fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is warm and comfortable, perfect for exploring. You'll also experience fewer crowds than the peak tourist summer season.

What other day tours can you do from Tirana?

• Shkoder day trips from Tirana
• Apollonia day trips from Tirana
• Ardenica day trips from Tirana

Travel tips

• Bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, especially in the summer months.
• Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exploring the city.
• It’s helpful to have some local currency on hand for small purchases, as not all places may accept credit cards.