Stop #1: Shkoder, Albania

Leg #1: Durres, Albania –> Shkoder, Albania

Transportation:
Took 9:30am bus from Durres to Tirana
–Arrived 10:30am
–Cost: 130 lek
Took 11am bus from Tirana to Shkoder
–Arrived around 1
–Cost: 300 lek (This price varies depending on who is collecting money)

Buses in Albania have a schedule but only locals seem to know. To find out times, just head to the bus station the day before and ask around. Luckily, Nicole & I had taken many buses to Tirana before so we knew they left every half hour. But we weren’t sure what time the bus from Tirana to Shkoder would leave so we just winged it.

Lodging:
Hotel Kaduku
–1 Night
–Cost: 2250 lek/person

The hotel was pretty nice but the wi-fi didn’t quite reach our room so we had to sit in the lobby to use it. They had an amazing free breakfast: omelet made to order, coffee/tea, bread & real butter (real butter not common in Albania), cheese & jelly. The location was great because it was near the bus station but tucked away enough to make it more private but still easy enough to find. Plus there were plenty of stores/restaurants around with the main square & mosque just a short walk away. The reception was friendly, helpful and spoke English very well!

Food:
Dinner & Snacks: 705 lek

Must try Albanian foods include: suflaqe, byrek, pizza & Turkish coffee.

Shkoder Total: 25€

Nicole & I had been to Shkoder before. This was a stop mainly to recuperate from our goodbyes and the stress of leaving our Albanian family.

Go to stop #2: Kotor, Montenegro!