Qofte And Raki Tasting Stroll

A 2-hour tour, rated 4.8 across 71 traveller reviews.

Overview

This two hour walk pairs a city center tour of Tirana with a food stop at the end. You meet an English speaking guide on Rruga Myslym Shyri and work your way through the main sights before finishing at a local eatery with a qofte sandwich, a grilled minced meat dish, and a glass of raki. The operator calls it an Albanian welcome rather than a food tour, and the balance reflects that: most of the time is spent walking and talking, with the tasting as the closing act.

The route covers the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, Skanderbeg Square, the New Bazaar, the Namazgah Mosque, Mother Teresa Square and the Pyramid of Tirana. Along the way the guide covers Albanian history and culture, plus how the capital has changed in recent decades. Guides also share insider tips on where else to eat, drink and visit in the city. Several travellers mention receiving a list of recommendations from their guide after the tour ended.

It suits anyone who wants an orientation walk with a local and a chance to try two Albanian staples without committing to a full food tour. A half liter water bottle is included, along with the qofte and one raki. Tips are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet the guideThe tour starts at Rruga Myslym Shyri 65 in Tirana. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Orthodox CathedralA 10 minute visit to the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral.
3. Skanderbeg SquareA 20 minute stop with a photo opportunity at the city's central square.
4. New BazaarA 30 minute visit to the New Bazaar area.
5. Namazgah MosqueThe group passes by the mosque over about 10 minutes.
6. Mother Teresa SquareA 10 minute stop at Mother Teresa Square.
7. Pyramid of TiranaA 15 minute visit to this distinctive contemporary structure.
8. Qofte and rakiA 10 minute walk to a local eatery, where the tour ends with one qofte sandwich and a glass of raki.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what helps to know before booking this walk.

• Walking pace. The tour lasts 2 hours and covers a string of central sights entirely on foot. One reviewer said the qofte and raki at the end was a welcome reprieve after walking around the city, so expect to be on your feet for most of it.
• Guide style. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides as friendly, warm and knowledgeable about Tirana and Albania.
• After the tour. More than one traveller mentions their guide sent a list of recommended places to eat, drink and visit afterwards. It is worth asking if you want suggestions for the rest of your stay.
• Food and drink. One qofte sandwich, one glass of raki and a 0.5 liter water bottle are included. Anything beyond that, including tips, is not covered.
• Language. The live guiding is in English. An audio guide in Italian, Spanish, French or German is also included for those who prefer it.
• Book ahead. Reviewers occasionally ended up with the guide almost to themselves. The live booking page shows available dates and start times for the day you want.

Common issues. The tour runs on foot through the city center, so comfortable shoes matter, and the itinerary does not mention any vehicle transport. Tips and gratuities are excluded, as is anything not listed in the inclusions. Only one sandwich and one raki are provided, so it is a tasting rather than a meal. The listing gives no details on wheelchair accessibility or minimum age, so check with the operator through the booking page if either applies to you.

Common Questions