Welcome to a beautiful end to a hopefully unforgettable tour through enchanting Albania. Fortunately, your adventure isn't over yet. It's time to get on your motorbike and ride along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera on the way to Durrës, where you have the option to take the ferry to Italy. However, if you have some extra time in your back pocket, consider continuing your journey towards Montenegro, Kosovo or North Macedonia. The choice is entirely yours.

The morning starts with a departure from Ksamil and Butrint National Park. Maybe you have already seen the ferry and know what to expect. The wooden pontoon takes you to the other side of the water. Once back on solid ground, the ride can really begin.

Via a simple but beautiful main road you drive to the charming city of Sarandë, where you can admire the famous SS Probitas, a ship that tells about Albania's rich maritime history. This ship played a crucial role during the Second World War and commemorates the brave sailors who fought for the freedom of Albania.

If you decide not to visit Sarandë, you can take a break at Restaurant Joni further along the route. As with most restaurants and bars along this route, you can plop down on a terrace overlooking the sea.

If history and architecture make your heart beat faster, there are many places along the route you won't want to miss. Not far from Restaurant Joni you will find Borsh Castle. With its ancient walls and towers, it tells stories from a distant past. Dating back to the 4th century, this castle has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. It is a witness to the many reigns and conflicts that Albania has gone through.

The next special historical place is the fortress of Port Palermo. It offers a glimpse into Albania's military history. Built in the 19th century, it served as a strategic stronghold against possible attacks from pirates and enemy fleets. The fortress holds several secrets and is a beautiful example of military architecture.

If you're interested in military history and intriguing structures, you're in for a treat after Port Palermo. As you have already noticed in the previous days, the famous Albanian bunkers can be admired along the route, a legacy from an era of conflict. Today you can see something special: a mysterious submarine bunker, built during the Cold War and witness to the turbulent period in Albanian history. Unfortunately it is not possible to view this bunker up close. The entrance to the tunnel is clearly visible from the road. Who knows, maybe another submarine will show up?

The winding road along the Riviera offers stunning views of the azure sea, with picturesque bays that invite you to take a refreshing dip. The road takes you past the Gjipe Gorge, a natural wonder where the cliffs seem to touch the sky and you feel like you are in an oasis of peace. And then there's the enchanting Llogara National Park, where lush forests and breathtaking mountains come together. Here you can also take a break and enjoy yourself at a restaurant along the route. Of course again with delicious local food on a terrace with a beautiful view.

And don't forget Vlorë, the city of the Holy Mary Monastery. It is not directly on the route, but - if you have time - definitely worth a detour. The religious monument offers a spiritual oasis amidst breathtaking nature. The monastery was originally built in the 6th century and has a rich history. During Ottoman rule it served as a refuge for monks and pilgrims. Today it remains an important pilgrimage site for believers and history buffs.

On the next part of the route you will pass the Apollonia Archaeological Park. This park reveals remains of an ancient civilization that once flourished here. Founded in the 6th century BC, Apollonia was a thriving Greek city that was an important cultural and trading center. The remains of temples, theaters and public buildings testify to the grandeur of this ancient city.

As you can already notice, there are more than enough opportunities to visit special places along the route. Think about how much time you have for trips before you start the next part of your trip. If you want to see everything, you'll need two extra days!

The last part of the route is mainly functional: eventually you have to catch the ferry. You can cover the last 100 kilometers at a high pace via main roads (no highways!). In Durrës you can arrange tickets for the crossing to Italy (if you have not already done so online), you can stroll around the city center and enjoy the atmosphere, but you can also consider avoiding the crowds of Durrës. Not far back on the route you can spend the night in the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park. It is located about 70 kilometers from the city. The route review contains two suggestions for good places to stay overnight.