ALBANIA ITINERARY
Logistics:
Fly into Tirana and rent a car. In our experience, Albania is best to explore by car, since there isn’t a train system like the rest of Europe. (I did see bus systems, but can’t give best reccos there).
Targeted Cities:
- Tirana – just one night, since we had a late night arrival and wanted a fresh day for the road trip ahead.
- Berat – only a stop over for lunch
- Dhermi – Med sea / beach vibes, 2-3 nights here
- Gjirokastër – the old stone city, 2-3 nights here
- Wish we had more time for: Ksamil Beach, Corfu Island (Greece but close)
Day 1 – Tirana
- Since it’s a larger city, we opted to only spend one night here to spend time exploring the rest of the country.
- Must eat: Oda Garden restaurant – what a welcome to Albania our first night, traditional Albanian food with live music (looks like they take reservations but we were able to get a table on a busy night)
- Stay: Didn’t research too much, but opted for the Marriott to use points
- If we had more time, we would have stayed at Agroturismo Gjepeli – 40 mins away from the town but a farm-to-table vineyard that looks amazing.
Day 2 & 3 – Dhermi
- On the way: Stop by Berat (cute little town) and drive up the mountain a bit for lunch at Agroturizëm Kodra e Gjelbër, a family farm-to-table vineyard with the most amazing lunch (literally $20 a person for 3-courses)
- Stay: Zoe Hora Resort, an absolute must! The most beautiful luxury resort (that was super affordable given how amazing it was)
- Do: Enjoy the beach and hikes around
Day 3 & 4 – Gjirokastër
- On the way: Stop by The Blue Eye trail near Sarande – a quick easy trail but nice to stretch the legs and see a beautiful a natural spring. It’s a bit touristy, but a nice stop if you have the time.
- Stay: Resort Kerculla – an absolute must, top of the mountain with amazing views. We woke up to fresh fruit picked from the property and cows roaming around.
- See: The old castle, Ali Pasha bridge hike, the old bazaar (shops)
- Must eat: Grill House 13 and Vojsava for traditional Albanian
Last day logistics:
- Since we had an early flight the next day, we stayed near the airport. MK Tirana was super convienient and clean! Free shuttle to airport too – only 5 mins away.
- If you have more time, visit Agroturismo Gjepeli before leaving for a vineyard visit and a meal
SWITZERLAND ITINERARY
Logistics:
We flew into Milan and took the train to our first city (Zermatt). All by train! Super easy to get around. A bit of a walk into mountain towns, but do-able.
Good to knows: There’s first-class, panoramic view trains, and meal options for different trains. Only splurge for train rides that are +2 hours long. Any shorter and there’s no need, so save your money! The view is great from any window seat and the panoramic views weren’t as dramatic as we anticipated.
Timing: we went during shoulder season (off-season for the hospitality industry). While things close down, we were able to take advantage of lower prices.
Day 1 & 2 – Zermatt
- Stay: 22 Summits Boutique hotel – a bit of a splurge, but we went during off season. Was nice to have all the spa amenities after long travel. We also paid a bit more for Matterhorn views and it was worth it to spend time in the room relaxing more.
- Do:
- Mountain Bike! Such a good way to see the town + views. A good way to climb without hiking too. Opt for an e-mountain bike 🙂
- Gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Point – the lift tickets were spendy but it was worth it to see the views.
- Eat: Get resos at Whymperstube – more of a fondue/raclette experience vs. good food but a good experience.
Day 2 & 3 – Grindelwald + Lauterbrunnen
- Stay: I don’t have a recco here, did not love Hotel-Restaurant Kreuz & Post.
- Do: Alas, we mountain biked again – biked from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen (Ben was training for his Ironman heh) but I honestly think this is the best way to be able to see all the views! I did e-MTB, so it was easier.
- MTB Trail: There are flat and climbing options. Totally do-able for anyone that knows how to ride a bike! Only do the climb option if you are experienced or have done high resistance on the Peloton 🙂
- Eat: Didn’t love the food here but Onkle Tom’s Pizza was the only place recommended
The Last Night – Zurich
- Stay: We used points for Neus Schloss Private Hotel Zurich – super great location, walkable near Lake Zurich and all the good stuff.
- Eat: Trattoria Sempre, an Italian tapas spot but was so good! Great redemption meal after not so great meals in Switzerland. Get resos if possible, we lucked out with a walk-in table.
- Do: have a date night in the city
- Drinks at BarMunster
- Grab a beer (opt for plastic cup) near one of the Lake Zurich quick serve vendors and walk around
- Jazz dancing under a gazebo – Musicpavillon am Burkliplatz. Felt like a scene from a movie, as we were walking back to our hotel to call it a night, we heard big jazz music from afar. We checked it out and stumbled upon a jazz dancing gazebo
