7 Food & Drink Experiences in Albania Worth The Early Start

1.Cooking Classes and Traditional food tasting in Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 282 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $49Our pick

Learn to cook Albanian classics with Sindi in a small Tirana class, including lunch, wine, raki, dessert, and local food stories.

“It was great to have Sindi’s expert advice when making each dish. It will help us to be successful in cooking the dishes at home. There was a convivial atmosphere and a spirit of generosity over the entire afternoon. It was lovely to meet Sindi and the other participants and to join everyone in conversation.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Local food experience & walking tour of Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 192 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Taste Tirana through byrek, markets, Albanian dishes, and raki on a small-group walking tour led by a local guide.

“Excellent tour with a friendly and extremely knowledgeable guide. The food stops were great and good insight into local food and cuisine”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Best of Local Food & City Tour of Tirana – Food & Drinks Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $72

Taste Tirana from meat soup to raki while exploring communist landmarks, the New Bazaar, Blloku, and the city’s changing food culture.

“Aron is an amazing host and guide to Tirana - so much history and Albanian life was shared. Food spots with cevapi and meat soup were the best…u wont be hungry after thats for sure. Must do ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Traditional Albanian Cooking Class in Tirana with Raki Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 125 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $53

Cook burek, village chicken, and sheqerpare in Tirana with chef Dervis, then share meze, homemade wine, and an Albanian raki tasting.

“I got lucky and had a small class, which meant more chatting and learning about the others in my class, and Dervin, who is an amazing teacher. The food was amazing, and I truly enjoyed the process and care that went into it. I feel accomplished and yet I think anyone could do it. Cooking classes are such a unique way to experience local culture, and this place is set up to focus on just that, with a very professional and clean kitchen. I would for sure return. Tempted to book again tomorrow in fact 😂”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Ksamil: Mussel Sailing Tour with Food and Drink in Albania

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Sail Lake Butrint, learn mussel farming, and enjoy fresh mussels, vegetables, bread, wine, and a quiet lakeside meal near Ksamil.

“An excellent tour. Great insight onto mussel cultivation and they taste delicious as did the local wine.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Vineyards, Albanian Wine Tasting & Boat Tour from Tirana/Durres

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $95

Taste Albanian wine and raki, tour a vineyard, share local snacks, and take a scenic boat ride on a private lake near Tirana or Durres.

“The driver picked us up from Tirana, but we waited for almost an hour because he blamed the traffic jam. I believe better planning could have avoided this delay. During the trip, he only talked about himself and his favorite cars instead of discussing the country and its history—or he could have simply been quiet. While driving, he constantly checked his phone and watched YouTube for music, which was very dangerous. Then, at the winery, he introduced us to an unprofessional guide who spoke for barely 10 minutes about the winery's history and production process. I expected more: a demonstration of wine tasting, how to appreciate different wine aromas, and…”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Cooking Class in Berat Slow Food Community

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $66

Cook four traditional Berat recipes in a working restaurant kitchen, enjoy lunch and local products, and learn Albanian food in a small private group.

“We just wrapped up a cooking class with Antela at Castle Park hotel and let me tell you, it was a blast!”

Check availability →Read our full review