From Tirana: Funar Lake, Roman Baths and St Joan’s Monastery

Traveling from Tirana to explore Elbasan’s lesser-known treasures offers an appealing mix of history, natural beauty, and peaceful rural life. This guided tour, rated a perfect 5 out of 5 based on eight reviews, promises a well-rounded experience that combines ancient ruins, serene lakes, and spiritual sites in just about seven hours. We love how it offers a taste of Albania’s deep past and stunning landscapes all in one day.

Two standout features are the chance to swim in crystal-clear Funar Lake surrounded by lush greenery, and the opportunity to explore remarkably preserved Roman Baths, which introduce you to the area’s ancient past. The tour also includes a peaceful visit to St Joan Vladimir’s Monastery, giving a glimpse into monastic life amid tranquil gardens.

A possible consideration is the tour’s duration—about seven hours—which might be tight for those wanting a more leisurely pace or to linger longer at each site. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, active day with varied experiences, especially if you’re keen on history, nature, and authentic village life.

This tour offers strong value for money, with plenty included in the price: transportation, a knowledgeable guide, entry fees, and a village-style lunch. It’s an excellent choice for curious explorers eager to see a different side of Albania beyond Tirana’s city streets.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences including ancient ruins, lakeside swimming, and monastery visits.
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioned vehicles for a smooth ride.
• Authentic local flavors through a village lunch and friendly guides who share rich insights.
• Breathtaking scenery at Funar Lake, Bixelle Mountain, and scenic viewpoints.
• Historical depth via well-preserved Roman Baths and monastery architecture.
• Ideal for active travelers who enjoy a packed itinerary with a mix of culture, history, and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This full-day adventure begins with a pickup from Tirana or Elbasan, making it flexible and convenient whether you’re staying in the capital or nearby. The drive out to Elbasan is roughly 40 minutes, during which your guide sets the tone, sharing insights into the region’s past and present.

Visiting St Joan Vladimir’s Monastery

The first stop after arriving is St Joan Vladimir’s Monastery, a quiet spot that offers more than just scenic beauty—it’s a chance to step into a world of contemplative peace. Surrounded by green gardens and century-old stone architecture, it’s a calm retreat from city life. Travelers consistently mention the “quiet beauty” and the “genuine love” guides show for these sites, with one reviewer describing the guide as a “friend” who makes the history come alive.

Exploring the Roman Baths (Ad Quintum)

Next, you’ll visit the Roman Baths, also known as Ad Quintum. These ruins are remarkably well-preserved and provide a tangible link to the past. Walking through these ancient structures, you can imagine how travelers from centuries ago used them for socializing and cleansing. One reviewer highlighted the “step back into history” this site offers. The ruins are a fascinating reminder of the enduring nature of human efforts and remind us of the area’s historical significance.

Scenic Bixelle Mountain and Viewpoints

A quick 15-minute drive takes you to Bixelle Mountain, where the views of the Shkumbin Valley unfold like a living postcard. This stop is perfect for photos, offering sweeping landscapes that make you appreciate Albania’s natural beauty. You might find the vistas as awe-inspiring as some reviews describe, with one mentioning their “breathtaking” scenery.

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Funar Lake: The Highlight

The crown jewel of the tour is Funar Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by lush forests and picturesque scenery. Here, you get a chance to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural quiet. Many travelers have raved about the lake’s crystal-clear waters, with one saying it’s “beautiful, clean, and natural.” For those feeling adventurous, swimming, kayaking, or paddling are available, making it a refreshing break from sightseeing.

The lake’s tranquil setting is perfect for reflection, and some reviews mention bringing swimwear to fully enjoy the water. It’s also a chance to stretch your legs amid nature, with the opportunity to trek around the area or just sit back and soak in the views.

Village Lunch and Local Flavors

Midway through the day, the tour includes a traditionally inspired village lunch, which many reviewers describe as “delicious,” “natural,” and “authentic.” The food is prepared in a farm-to-table style, emphasizing local ingredients and flavors, providing a genuine taste of rural Albanian cuisine. It’s a welcome rest and social moment after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Optional Water Activities

The two-hour leisure period at Funar Lake is flexible: swim, kayak, paddle, or even ride a horse if available. This part of the day is about enjoying the landscape at your own pace. Several reviews mention that bringing comfortable shoes and swim gear enhances the experience.

Return Journey

The drive back to Tirana or Elbasan is about an hour, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries. The guide’s storytelling continues to add context, making the journey informative and engaging.

Practical Details and Value

The tour is priced to include transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, a knowledgeable English/French-speaking guide, and all entry fees. The convenience of being picked up and dropped off from Tirana or Elbasan adds to the appeal, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transportation options.

The 7-hour duration is ideal for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. The tour runs with flexible start times, so checking availability in advance is recommended. Price-wise, considering the included attractions, meals, and comfortable transportation, many travelers find it offers excellent value.

One particular strength is the balance—not too long to cause fatigue but long enough to truly experience the highlights without rushing. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in history, scenic landscapes, and authentic rural life. However, it’s not designed for travelers with mobility impairments or those who prefer a more leisurely, unstructured day.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is perfect for curious travelers eager to see a different side of Albania—beyond Tirana’s urban scene. It offers a compelling mix of history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural explorers. Families with active children, especially those interested in outdoor water activities, will enjoy the lakeside stop. People wanting an authentic village experience and a taste of local cuisine will find the lunch particularly memorable.

It’s also great for those who enjoy small-group tours with a friendly guide who shares detailed insights. The tour’s balanced mix of history, nature, and authentic local life makes it a well-rounded day out that leaves many visitors feeling enriched and refreshed.

The Sum Up

This guided day trip from Tirana to Elbasan’s hidden gems offers an excellent blend of history, scenery, and authentic Albanian life. You’ll appreciate the well-preserved Roman Baths, the peaceful monastery, and the stunning scenery of Funar Lake, all within a manageable seven hours. The tour’s value lies in its inclusiveness—transport, guiding, entry fees, and a tasty village lunch are all part of the package—making it a practical choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing logistics.

If you’re someone who loves discovering historical sites, enjoys outdoor water activities, and appreciates tranquil landscapes, this tour is a fantastic way to spend a day. It’s perfect for those who want to see the natural and cultural richness of Albania in a thoughtfully curated, friendly environment.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off from Tirana or Elbasan.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience takes about 7 hours, with specific start times that can be checked upon booking.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, a sun hat, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, and outdoor clothing for comfort throughout the day.

Are there any physical limitations?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those who have recently had surgeries.

Can I swim in Funar Lake?
Yes, swimming, kayaking, and paddling are available, so bring your swim gear if you’d like to enjoy the lake thoroughly.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a village-style lunch with authentic Albanian flavors is part of the experience.

What is the guide’s language?
The guides speak English and French, making communication easy for international travelers.

Are entry fees included?
All entry fees for sites visited are covered in the tour price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if needed.

Who would enjoy this tour most?
It suits active travelers, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience genuine Albanian culture and scenery in a day.

You can check availability for your dates here: