Visit Tiranë

Visit Vlorë, a coastal city in Albania known for its historical significance and Mediterranean charm. Explore the Independence Monument (commemorating Albania's 1912 declaration of independence), stroll along the promenade with views of the Adriatic Sea, and visit the Ethnographic Museum (showcasing traditional Albanian culture and artifacts). Nearby, discover the ancient ruins of Apollonia (an archaeological site with a well-preserved theater and monastery) and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the waterfront.

Visit Durrës, Albania's second-largest city and main port on the Adriatic Sea. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre (one of the largest in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century AD), see the Venetian Tower and Byzantine walls in the historic center, stroll along the Durrës Beach promenade, and visit the Archaeological Museum (housing artifacts from Illyrian, Greek, and Roman periods).

Visit Athens, the historic capital of Greece. Explore the Acropolis (ancient citadel with the Parthenon temple, built in the 5th century BC), wander through the Plaka district (old neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional tavernas), see artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum (one of the world's greatest museums of ancient Greek art), and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.

Visit Monaco, the second-smallest sovereign state in the world. Explore the Prince's Palace (official residence of the Grimaldi family with daily changing of the guard), try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo (iconic Belle Époque building featured in James Bond films), and stroll through the Jardin Exotique (botanical garden perched on cliffs with over 1,000 succulent plants).

Visit Valletta, the fortified capital of Malta. Explore the Baroque masterpiece of St. John's Co-Cathedral (home to Caravaggio's painting 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist'), walk the historic streets of the UNESCO-listed city center, and see the Grandmaster's Palace (former seat of the Knights of St. John, now housing the Office of the President).

Visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Explore the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with St. Mark's Church (colorful tiled roof depicting medieval coats of arms) and the Lotrščak Tower (19th-century cannon fired daily at noon). Stroll through the Dolac Market (one of the largest open-air markets in Europe, known for fresh produce and local crafts) and see the Museum of Broken Relationships (unique collection of personal objects and stories about failed relationships).

Visit Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and the world's last divided capital city. Explore the Venetian Walls (16th-century fortifications surrounding the old town), see the Selimiye Mosque (originally a Gothic cathedral converted after Ottoman conquest), and walk along the Green Line (UN buffer zone splitting the city into Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides).

The town of a thousand windows: Ottoman houses stacked up a hillside below a still-inhabited castle.