8 Day Culinary Holiday in Vlora, Albania
Vlora is renowned as one of Albania’s most beautiful cities, celebrated especially for its breathtaking sunsets, which cast a particularly dreamy spell when viewed from the terrace of Eden at the Valza Boutique Hotel. Another spectacular aspect of Vlora is its traditional cuisine.
A very tasty cuisine, made of few simple ingredients such as lamb, cheeses, wild herbs, eels, but rich in colors, flavors, and the myriad ways in which it is prepared by the skilled Vlora housewives.
Vlora has been known since antiquity as a port city, which makes it open to other cultures, particularly to the Italian one. In Vlora, Italians find the perfect air and water to create dishes as perfect as if you were in Italy.
These days of vacation in Vlora and its surroundings will give you plenty of sea and fun, but they will also introduce you to the people who make Vlora a treasure trove of history, culture, scents, and unforgettable flavors. “Mettendo le mani in pasta” (getting hands-on) together with Chef Pasquale and Mrs. Ledi will give you the satisfaction of creating culinary art, but above all, the skill to be able to cook at your own home dishes that are deliciously evocative of the Mediterranean.
Chef Pasquale & Mrs. Ledi
Chef Pasquale
Chef Pasquale, of Calabrian origin, has worked for 40 years as a cook and pizza maker in Bolzano, northern Italy. Therefore, he knows Italian cuisine in its roots and its many nuances. Married to a charming woman from Vlora, he came to work in this beautiful city that, as he himself says, belongs to him. Chef Pasquale is a radiant and generous man who wants to share his art and bring, through these small teachings, a piece of Italy everywhere in the world.
Mrs. Ledi
Mrs. Ledi has a beautiful smile and “golden hands,” as they say in Albania. She has always lived in Vlora and knows its history, secrets, and wonders. In the kitchen, she moves gracefully among the pots and pans, preparing traditional dishes with skill and pride. Her contribution is very important because she faithfully reproduces numerous dishes, sometimes simple but significant because they are laden with evocative and existential meanings.
Get to know your Location: Vlora
Vlora stands as an attractive gem on Albania’s southwestern coast, boasting a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled between the azure waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, this coastal city exudes an enchanting allure that has mesmerized travelers for centuries.
Steeped in antiquity, Vlora’s roots trace back to ancient times, bearing witness to the rise and fall of empires, from Illyrians and Greeks to Romans and Ottomans. Its strategic location as a prominent port city has endowed it with a diverse and vibrant heritage, blending influences from various civilizations throughout the ages.
The cityscape of Vlora is a captivating blend of old and new, where ancient landmarks stand alongside modern structures, creating a juxtaposition of the past and present. From the imposing ruins of Kanina Castle to the picturesque streets of the historic Old Town, each corner of Vlora whispers tales of bygone eras, waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers.
Nature lovers are drawn to Vlora’s breathtaking landscapes, where verdant mountains cascade down to meet pristine beaches lapped by crystalline waters. The Karaburun Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and hidden coves, offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure off the beaten path. Meanwhile, the Llogara Pass presents panoramic vistas of unparalleled beauty, providing a scenic gateway to the Albanian Riviera.
Vlora’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of flavors, where traditional Albanian dishes mingle with Mediterranean influences to create a gastronomic symphony for the senses. From succulent spit-roasted lamb to freshly caught seafood delicacies, each bite offers a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s culinary heritage.
But certainly Vlora’s most precious treasure lies in its warm and welcoming people, whose hospitality knows no bounds. Whether sharing stories over a cup of strong Turkish coffee or dancing to the rhythmic strains of traditional folk music, the spirit of community and camaraderie permeates every aspect of life in Vlora.
In essence, Vlora is more than just a city – it is a living testament to Albania’s rich cultural tapestry, a place where history, natural beauty, and heartfelt hospitality converge to create an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences and timeless memories.
Your Experience at Valza Boutique Hotel
During this vacation, you will be guests of the Valza Boutique Hotel, a gem of comfort and serenity. The hotel is located halfway between the sea and a hill overlooking the Gulf of Vlora. While having breakfast on the terrace, you feel like you’re on a ship that is always on an endless journey towards new horizons.
For the food that will be prepared and consumed, only fresh, local, seasonal ingredients will be used.
Fruits and vegetables are purchased at local markets, directly from farmers. Dairy products are sourced from dairies in the villages surrounding Vlora. Wine is selected based on the menu from small Albanian wineries.
For lunches and dinners out, we choose culinary establishments that best respect and reflect ancient tradition, to complement the wide range of local cuisine that spans from the sea to the lagoons to the mountain pastures.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks (Essentially fresh fruits and vegetables, in season)
- Drinks (Water, Coffee, Local Beer, Local Wine)
About Your Holidays
What’s included
- 7 Nights accommodation
- 7 Breakfasts
- 1 Welcome buffet dinner
- 1 Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant
- 1 Dinner in town
- 4 Cooking classes followed by lunch or dinner
- 1 Cooking class followed by breakfast
- 3 Out-of-town excursions including transport and lunch
- 1 Wine tasting + Visit to the vineyard and cellar
- 1 Extra virgin olive oiltasting + Visit to an olive mill
- 1 Island picnic + transport by boat
- Professional guide
- Eden apron
- Certificate of participation
- Taxes
What’s not included.
- Airfare
- Ferry tickets
- Extra drinks and meals not mentioned above
- All optional activities/meals
Your Holiday's Program
Arrival
Free time to explore Vlora, walking on lungomare or hearing the waves crashing on Uji Ftohtë Area or have a swim.
Evening
Welcome buffet dinner on Valza Hotel Rooftop enjoy the sunset and get the group presentation and journey program overview.
Breakfast on the terrace
Organic home-made breakfast with cakes, fritters, seasonal fruit jams, honey, fresh eggs, cheeses, butter and yoghurt from the dairy, fresh fruit.
1st cooking class on the best cuisine in the world: fundamentals of Italian cooking.
A hands-on three-hour class during which you will prepare an Italian lunch that you will then enjoy paired with an elegant Shesh i Bardhë.
The menu includes the preparation of fresh stuffed pasta with tomato sauce; a fillet of fish with sauce and a rainbow salad with delicate flavor and balanced nutritional values.
Lunch on the terrace
Afternoon rest & swim time
An elegant dinner by the seaside. Vlora, being a port city, is synonymous with openness to the new, to the foreigner; it is rich in traditions, but it loves and makes its own the beauty and taste that fascinate it. Thus, in the kitchen, roots, tradition, meet innovation, transformation, and become gourmet, a pleasure for the palate.
2nd Cooking Class
Breakfast is an important moment of the day, and if you enjoyed the one from the previous day, here we learn some quick recipes to share all together later. Trahana me spec të kuq and Kulaç.
Trahana is a type of crumbled pasta, which in the Vlora region is also made with tomato and bell pepper, mixed with yogurt. It is produced during the summer by the women of the family, dried in the sun, and then savored during leisurely Sunday breakfasts. Kulaç, on the other hand, is a type of fritter of Kosovar origin, also known as “llokum Kosove,” which has now become part of the typical cuisine of Vlora.
Breakfast on the terrace
Riviera Day – Trip to Himara
The road from Vlora to Himara, passing over the beautiful beaches of Palasë, Dhërmi, Gjipe, and Jale, is very picturesque. It crosses plains, dense forests of maritime pine, and runs alongside the Ionian Sea, evoking great emotion and a desire for crystalline waters.
Along this route, in the heart of the Llogara National Park, there is a mandatory stop for every traveler: Paçe koke (a kind of stew made with veal head meat, garlic, and herbs) & sheep yogurt, let’s say an appetizer.
In Himara, the itinerary includes a visit to Porto Palermo Castle, lunch by the sea, and then exploring the canyon and beach of Gjipe, undoubtedly one of Albania’s most stunning gem.
Before leaving Himara, there will be shopping time of Homemade Products
Return to the hotel for a light dinner prepared by Chef Pasquale.
Breakfast on the terrace
Day dedicated to discovering the Narta Lagoon and its flavors.
The Narta Lagoon, situated between the sea, the estuary of the Vjosa River, the Mediterranean maquis, and the salt flats, is an exceptionally rich ecosystem in biodiversity. This unique environment offers a variety of habitats that support a wide range of animal and plant species.
Next to the lagoon, you’ll find the islet of Zvernec, which is linked to the mainland by a boardwalk bridge.The island is dominated by an Orthodox Monastery dedicated to Saint Mary.
After visiting the island of Zvernec and the Monastery, the road will lead you to discover two significant and distinctive features of Vlora: the olive groves and vineyards, known for their extra virgin olive oil and the wine of Narta.
You will visit an olive mill and taste an important extra virgin olive oil, which is organic and owes its flavor to the fantastic land where the olives grow.
Next, you’ll visit a biodynamic vineyard which produce Vlosh wine, encapsulating wonderful history and nature in a glass.
To wrap up the first part of this lagoon day trip, indulge in a lunch featuring the famous Narta eel, fish soup, and fried sardines.
Free evening to relax and explore at your own pace.
Breakfast on the terrace
Exploring history and archaeology: Orikum – Tragjas – Kanina
Tracing the coastline all the way to the southernmost point of the Gulf of Vlora, you immerse yourself in a fascinating adventure that leads to the discovery of the picturesque hamlet of Orikum. This natural harbor, since ancient times, has offered refuge and rest to sailors who sailed the waters of the Adriatic, but has also been the stage for conquests and raids. Nowadays, Orikum stands as a sought-after destination for both history enthusiasts and archaeology aficionados.
Within the archaeological site of Orikum, one can admire significant remains of the various civilizations that have succeeded each other in this region over the centuries. Traces left by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines intertwine, narrating fascinating stories of past epochs. A short distance from here, rises the charming Byzantine church of Marmiroi, framed by a breathtaking landscape that includes the majestic mountain range of the Acroceraunian Mountains.
Continuing our journey, we will make a stop at Tragjas, where we will have the opportunity to explore the charming medieval castle and the evocative remains of the old town. Along the way, we will also have the chance to tantalize our taste buds at a local sheepfold, where the authentic flavors of the pastoral tradition await us. Here we can indulge in delicacies such as cheese in the sack, spit-roasted lamb, and arapash, a delicious polenta enriched with sheep offal and wild herb aromas.
To conclude this memorable day, we will visit the striking castle of Kanina, which majestically overlooks the city of Vlora. From its walls, we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire surrounding region, admiring the enchanting coastline of Albania and becoming enchanted by its millennia-old history.
3rd Cooking Class: Pizza
When I think of pizza Margherita, my mind fills with images of a thin and crispy crust, generously topped with fresh tomato sauce, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and aromatic basil. I imagine the vibrant contrast between the vibrant red of the tomato sauce and the creamy white of the cheese, with accents of fresh green basil just picked. Pizza Margherita represents the essence of Italian culinary simplicity and excellence, a celebration of fresh and genuine flavors that come together harmoniously to create an iconic and unforgettable dish.
Pizza that we will learn to make with our own hands, guided by Chef Pasquale, a master in the art of Italian cuisine. With his contagious passion and deep knowledge of ingredients and traditional techniques, he will lead us step by step in this culinary adventure. Not only will we learn to make a delicious pizza Margherita, but we will also understand the essence of Italian cuisine: the importance of quality ingredients, simplicity as a form of perfection, and the joy of sharing food with others.
Breakfast on the terrace
The island that winks at you every morning during breakfast will reveal its wonders and secrets today. You’ll embark on a morning boat trip ride and spend a beautiful day exploring the beaches and caves of Sazan and Karaburun. You’ll bring along the typical picnic fare of the region: rustic pie, hard-boiled eggs, meatballs, cheese, fruits, vegetables and homemade bread. We’ll await your return at 6:00 PM with a refreshing aperitif!
4th Cooking class.
When we Albanians are far from home, studying or working, and our mothers come to visit us, inevitably, they roll up their sleeves and start preparing byrek for us, with water, flour, whatever they find in the fridge, and the secret ingredient: the scent of home!
In the evening, with Mrs. Ledi, we’re going to prepare a byrek (rustic pie) with wild herbs. We’ll also make another strong dish from Albanian cuisine: baked lamb with yogurt. To stay in line with Mediterranean flavors, we’ll prepare a rich salad with spring onions, olives, and oranges, all washed down with white and red local wine and, at this point, we think we’ve earned ourselves a gelato!
Breakfast on the Terrace
Enjoy a free morning to explore some of the town’s attractions, including Independence Monument, Muradie, Mosque, National Museum of Independence, Old Town, Kuzum Baba or perhaps take a refreshing swim.
We can suggest some local restaurant for lunch.
We’ll gather at 5 pm for the 5th cooking class. It’s the last evening, let’s celebrate! The menu will be a mix of Italian & Albanian plates, delicious and elaborate, but not too difficult. It will be a real joy to prepare them together with Chef Pasquale and Mrs. Ledi.
The menu includes: Supë me Pashaqofte (rice meatball soup), Stuffed Grape Leaves, Saffron Risotto with Shrimp, Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal, Seasonal Salad with Edible Flowers and Tiramisù to finish on a sweet note.
It’s an immersive culinary experience that combines learning with delicious food and enjoyment.
To complement the evening, we’ll be serving a red Kallmet from Northern Albania and a rosé from Southwest.
You can relish the meal you’ve prepared while listening to live music performed by local musicians.
Breakfast on the terrace
Departure day…
Experience 8 days of culinary delights, all for the attractive price of 1980 euros per person.
Our Facilities
We welcome you on the rooftop
Every day
Breakfast : 8:00 a.m to 10:30 am
Lunch : 12:00 to 15:00
Dinner : 18:00 to 23:00