Tour start: 09:00
Tour start location: Central Tirana (the entrance of Bank of Albania, next to the small fontaine)
The first destination of the City & Food tour is one of very few remaining typical breakfast restaurants, or 'Mengjezore'. Here we have the chance to taste Pace, a traditional thick, spicy soup made of cow head or bone marrow. Located at the Bicycle Market, a very typical local neighbourhood, this restaurant has since 2004 kept alive the breakfast restaurant tradition and Pace.
After an energising breakfast, passing by the New Bazaar we will get introduced to some of the most typical Albanian fruits, vegetables and souvenirs. The area of the New Bazaar is one of the most interesting in Tirana. A short stop in a local pastry shop allows you to taste Merengue cake that has been prepared with love since 1998 using the same recipe. For the owner, it all started with a special memory from the happy days of childhood.
Passing the old part of the city and getting closer to the city centre we are able to spot the communist influence on the buildings and architecture. It is time for some coffee so we will stop by a local coffee shop. With more than 25 different types of coffee from all over the world it's not going to be an easy decision, but if you would like to do as the locals do, go with a small espresso or Turkish coffee.
The tour continues on the main Boulevard of Tirana, Deshmoret e Kombit. You will learn more about its architecture, style and history. It is also where Piramida and the most famous buildings of the city are situated. The former communist part of the city, Blloku, on the other hand used to be the residential area of the communist elite, including the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha, and is nowadays the most famous and expensive area in Tirana. Lunch stop is at a traditional grill restaurant where we will have the chance to taste 2 of the most famous dishes of Tirana, Fergese and Qofte.
Walking through the Pedonale, the artistic pedestrian boulevard we will reach the Castle of Tirana. Situated in the centre of Tirana, it has been an administrative point for different ruling systems. Recently renovated, it is now one of the most interesting attractions of the city with unique shops and bars.
Visiting a specialised olive oil shop we will get professionally introduced to the history of olive oil, olive trees and how to taste olive oil. There is an array of different products that make great souvenirs or gifts.
Our final stop of the day is a small 100% 'Made in Albania' shop. This is where all the products from different regions around Albania bring us a myriad of flavours including jams, cheeses, herbs and Raki. It's here in the midst of all the delicious tastes and tempting aromas our tour ends.
