Circuito Albânia

About the destination: With an almost Northern European feel, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - influential in industries from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its unique charm is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels and paparazzi flock to the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or simply window shop. Milan is the primary industrial, commercial and financial hub of Italy and as such, it unsurprisingly has a business-like appearance. At first glance, it may lack the wow factor, but if you take the time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – and they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle and bustle, and you will stumble upon impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the stylish Brera district and vibrant university quarter, and it goes without saying that the city is home to landmarks such as the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be criticised when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and snacks before heading home is more the norm than the exception. So whether you’re looking for affordable fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.

About the destination: Tirana is by far the largest city in Albania and its administrative, cultural, economic and industrial centre. Today it's an interesting and captivating city, with a lively nightlife. Tirana is where old and new Albania meet. There's an impressive Ottoman mosque and its towering minaret near Skanderbeg Square, the main square of Tirana. The construction of the Ethem Bey Mosque began in 1798 and was completed in 1821. Closed under the communist regime, the mosque reopened as a place of worship in 1991. Look at the frescoes outside and in the porch depicting trees, waterfalls, Ottoman houses and bridges, motifs rarely seen in Islamic art. The centre of Tirana is a delightful area of wide tree-lined avenues and large squares, populated by unforgettable brutalist architecture and at times extremely colourful. It also has some great examples of heroic and socialist realism, like the huge mural on the facade of the National History Museum. Tirana is a captivating city and the capital of a fascinating country. It's very relaxing, with friendly and hospitable people, some great restaurants and a lively nightlife. You can practically see everything the city has to offer in a day or two, but it's a great place to start exploring nearby places, like Durres and Kruja.

About the destination: Gjirokastër is a city in southern Albania, on a valley between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino, at 300 metres above sea level. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as "a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of large estate". The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress, where the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival is held every five years. It is the birthplace of former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha, and author Ismail Kadare.

About the destination: Saranda (Sarandë) is a small city located in southern Albania, near the border with northern Greece. It is a destination that in recent years has become fashionable in Albania due to the recent arrival of several cruise ships to its port. A quiet city, well located, that always has something to do, with cafes and terraces open all year round and with a Mediterranean climate to enjoy its beaches. Not surprisingly, it was chosen as the stopover for their Greek island cruises. (English (Ireland) translation would remain the same as the text is already in English.)

About the destination: Tirana is by far the largest city in Albania and its administrative, cultural, economic and industrial centre. Today it's an interesting and captivating city, with a lively nightlife. Tirana is where old and new Albania meet. There's an impressive Ottoman mosque and its towering minaret near Skanderbeg Square, the main square of Tirana. The construction of the Ethem Bey Mosque began in 1798 and was completed in 1821. Closed under the communist regime, the mosque reopened as a place of worship in 1991. Look at the frescoes outside and in the porch depicting trees, waterfalls, Ottoman houses and bridges, motifs rarely seen in Islamic art. The centre of Tirana is a delightful area of wide tree-lined avenues and large squares, populated by unforgettable brutalist architecture and at times extremely colourful. It also has some great examples of heroic and socialist realism, like the huge mural on the facade of the National History Museum. Tirana is a captivating city and the capital of a fascinating country. It's very relaxing, with friendly and hospitable people, some great restaurants and a lively nightlife. You can practically see everything the city has to offer in a day or two, but it's a great place to start exploring nearby places, like Durres and Kruja.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European feel, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - influential in industries from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its unique charm is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels and paparazzi flock to the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or simply window shop. Milan is the primary industrial, commercial and financial hub of Italy and as such, it unsurprisingly has a business-like appearance. At first glance, it may lack the wow factor, but if you take the time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – and they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle and bustle, and you will stumble upon impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the stylish Brera district and vibrant university quarter, and it goes without saying that the city is home to landmarks such as the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be criticised when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and snacks before heading home is more the norm than the exception. So whether you’re looking for affordable fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.