Stories > How was Albania? not nearly as backwards as you might think.
How was Albania? not nearly as backwards as you might think.

How was Albania? not nearly as backwards as you might think.

Published 2018-05-20 by Administrator

Two weeks ago, 35 super cars met in Opatija, Croatia for Gran Turismo Adriatica. The following week, we drove south on the insanely beautiful Adriatic coastal roads visiting countries like Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania on the way. The event ended in Greece, with two days in Thessaloniki.

Albania? You are correct. How was it? One word: amazing. The roads are MUCH better than you think. Following massive construction in recent years, the road network is very good indeed. From the plains in the north at the Montenegrin border, to the dramatic scenery of the south east border to Greece - to much surprise, the roads are brand new and top notch.

It was an almost surreal experience to visit a country that just a few years ago was one of the most closed communist hard core regimes in the world (like North Korea) with a supercar. And, go full speed on brand new mountain roads together with a security detail and the kind help from local police. We got a royal welcome to the country, and we are most definitely going back to Albania in 2019.

As always, we brought our in-house photographer James Holm with us. He made a zillion of pics, not only from Albania, but from all countries along the way - Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. We have made a small selection for you here. Enjoy!

All the best from Tirana and see you soon

Peter, Bjorn, Michal and Justyna




Complete 2018 Calendar



Gran Turismo Adriatica (5 - 13 May) // Fully booked

We start the season on the Adriatic coast, with a road trip from Croatia all the way to Greece. We start in Opatija and drive south through Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania before we finish with a weekend in Thessaloniki in Greece. // Fully booked

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-adriatica-2018/





Gran Turismo Nurburgring (27- 30 May) // Fully booked

The most challenging racing track in world. 21 kilometers of fun. As always, we have two exclusive days on the track and three nights in Nurburg. This event is limited to 144 cars. // Fully booked

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-nurburgring-2018/





Gran Turismo Polonia (27 June - 1 July) // Fully booked

Gran Turismo Polonia. As always we have three days on track, and four nights of fun in Poznan, Poland. With almost 200 cars joining from all over Europe, Gran Turismo Polonia is the most important super car event in the former eastern bloc. // Fully booked

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-polonia-2018/





Gran Turismo Baltica (24 - 29 July) // Fully booked

After six(!) years in Pärnu it is time to try something new. For the 2018 edition of this event we go to Riga and Bikernieku racing track. The track is only 7 km from the city centre, and we stay in the number one hotel in town - Radisson Blu. Three days of driving on the track. The last day (Saturday) we close down four streets in the city for a street show. While Riga has almost the same population as Stockholm you can be sure that we will have a lot of attention. // Fully booked

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-baltica-2018/





Gran Turismo Hungaria (14 - 19 August)

Hungaroring and Budapest are awesome. In 2018 we are coming back. This time we will have three days on track - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The last day, Saturday, we organise a super car road trip through Budapest to Lake Balaton for lunch (and back).

Just like in 2017 we will be staying at a hotel on the Danube, walking distance to all the great night life of Budapest. The days we will spend on the F1 race track hungaroring, and the nights will be in town. Every evening we will have a dinner reservation at new and exciting place.

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-hungaria-2018/



Gran Turismo Europa (25 August - 2 September) // Fully booked

While in 2017 we tried something completely different, in 2018 we are back with the classic Europa road trip. For the 2018 Europa tour we return to Switzerland and the most beautiful mountain passes in the world. Say hello (again) to Stelvio pass, Grimsel- and Furka pass. Fully booked.

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-europa-2018/




Gran Turismo Italia (8-16 September) // Fully booked

Following our Tuscany event in 2017, we are organising a new event in Italy in 2018. Next year we intend to explore the beautiful southern part of Italy. Start is in the Vatican(!) on the 8th of September. Then we drive south towards the Amalfi coast and Positano, Calabria and Puglia. Fully booked.

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-italia-2018/



Gran Turismo Spa (25-28 September)

For many, Spa-Francorchamps is the best racing track in the world. It has become a tradition to finish our seasons on here. As always we will have two full days of driving on the track, and three nights in Hotel de la source, located just by the track.

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-spa-2018/





Gran Turismo Toscana Escape (18-21 October) // Fully booked

Join us for a weekend escape to Tuscany during the famous wine season. Two days of driving on beautiful Tuscan roads, great food and as much red wine you can drink. Supercar included! // Fully booked

>> http://www.granturismoevents.com/gran-turismo-toscana-2018/

Coming Events

Gran Turismo London
25-26 November 2023
London
Gran Turismo Toscana
11-15 October 2023
Florence - Chianti - Grosseto - Lucca - Florence
Subscribe to our newsletter

The latest news and stories. All the best roads, hotels and restaurants. Invitations to exciting events. Be the first to know by subscribing to our newsletter.

Mondo Gran Turismo

More news and stories from the world of Gran Turismo

Here is why I hate touchscreens
Here is why I hate touchscreens
The trend of big touchscreens in cars is a gigantic problem
The world’s most beautiful roads are in Switzerland
The world’s most beautiful roads are in Switzerland
Here is the holy trinity of Swiss alpine roads.
The legendary Rolls-Royce incident in Sweden in 1986
The legendary Rolls-Royce incident in Sweden in 1986
That time when Rolls-Royce went well out of their way to keep a client happy
Did the Ferrari Museum go too far?
Did the Ferrari Museum go too far?
How the Ferrari Museum coerced Marek to donate his car
Downforce is dark magic
Downforce is dark magic
I lost my downforce virginity recently. Here's how.
A postcard from Rome and The Vatican
A postcard from Rome and The Vatican
On March 23, we did a private tour of the Vatican.
Meet James Holm, our in-house photographer
Meet James Holm, our in-house photographer
Arguably the best automotive photographer in Scandinavia, James has been our event photographer since over a decade.
Houston, we have a massive problem
Houston, we have a massive problem
I love flying. This particular flight though, every pilot's nightmare became my reality.
Porsche is developing a hybrid 911
Porsche is developing a hybrid 911
It will utilize the latest hybrid technologies from the 919 Hybrid
Alfa Romeo is working on a new supercar
Alfa Romeo is working on a new supercar
They are pursuing a new Alfra Romeo tipo 33
Wallypower 118 - the coolest luxury yacht in the world
Wallypower 118 - the coolest luxury yacht in the world
Meet the luxury yacht from the movie "The Island"
Did you know? Rolex was founded in London.
Did you know? Rolex was founded in London.
The story of Rolex goes far beyond luxury watches.
The Ferrari F356 is the best Ferrari you never heard of
The Ferrari F356 is the best Ferrari you never heard of
Over the years, the F356 became one of the most sought-after cars in the world.
Sued by Ferrari because they deserved it
Sued by Ferrari because they deserved it
Guess what? Ferrari will sue you if you use their brand in a malicious way
Mr Bond, you have what the Greeks call thrasos
Mr Bond, you have what the Greeks call thrasos
Why James Bond films are so important.
The bizarre naming convention of Ferrari cars
The bizarre naming convention of Ferrari cars
Have you ever wondered how Ferrari determines the name for their cars?
I have no idea, I just stole the Lotus from a brat at Stureplan
I have no idea, I just stole the Lotus from a brat at Stureplan
The flashing blue light in the rear-view mirror approached at breakneck speed. Then I saw that the police blocked the road.
How to go from zero to owning a Ferrari in just one year
How to go from zero to owning a Ferrari in just one year
Dreaming about a Ferrari? Here is how you can make it happen in just one year.
Why the adorable Fiat 126p is the best car in the world
Why the adorable Fiat 126p is the best car in the world
Forget supercars like Lamborghini and Ferrari. The best car in the world is the Fiat 126p. Bear with us and let us explain.
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 1 to 20
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 1 to 20
As every year, we select the best pictures from the season. Here are places 1 to 20.
Mister Kawasaki and the most expensive chicken wings in the world
Mister Kawasaki and the most expensive chicken wings in the world
When you have unlimited money, amazing things can happen.
Forget the Fiat 500 of the 70s - The Lancia Stratos was really cramped
Forget the Fiat 500 of the 70s - The Lancia Stratos was really cramped
Fifteen years ago, I was the king of SEGA Rally. And the fastest car in the game was the Lancia Stratos.
Here comes the Swedish banker and his disgusting Italian girlfriend
Here comes the Swedish banker and his disgusting Italian girlfriend
Cencio la Parolaccia - The most fun restaurant in Rome.
No good deed shall go unpunished - How a Christmas gift went horribly wrong
No good deed shall go unpunished - How a Christmas gift went horribly wrong
A Christmas gift goes horribly wrong in Stockholm, 20 years ago.
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 21 to 40
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 21 to 40
As every year, we select the best pictures from the season. Here are places 21 to 40.
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 41 to 60
The best pictures from 2022 - Places 41 to 60
As every year, we select the best pictures from the season. Here are places 41 to 60.
I hereby pronounce you dead (he said)
I hereby pronounce you dead (he said)
Mr Andersson had followed our advise and selected "Doctor" when booking flights and hotels. This became a massive problem on the return flight.
The Aventador successor is  due - here is what we know.
The Aventador successor is due - here is what we know.
Here is what we know about the successor to the iconic Lamborghini Aventador.
A look at the Lamborghini Sterrato
A look at the Lamborghini Sterrato
We got a glimpse of the latest Lamborghini, the off-road Huracan Sterrato.
The secret behind a great Olive Oil
The secret behind a great Olive Oil
A great olive oil is simple to make, but hard to find in a store.
How a brand new Ferrari got ruined by a vomiting passenger
How a brand new Ferrari got ruined by a vomiting passenger
This was the work of the Olympic heavyweight champion of in-car puking. A true masterpiece.
A postcard from the most beautiful country in the world
A postcard from the most beautiful country in the world
Here are some pictures from our last driving event in Italy, Gran Turismo Italia.
Greetings from Monaco
Greetings from Monaco
Our annual Gran Turismo Europa-tour ended today. As always, thousands of great pictures were taken. Here is a small selection.
They should have sent a poet. We lack words to describe how beautiful Sardinia is.
They should have sent a poet. We lack words to describe how beautiful Sardinia is.
Here are the best pictures from our 2022 driving event on Sardinia.
Gran Turismo Nurburgring - here are the best pictures from our 2022 event
Gran Turismo Nurburgring - here are the best pictures from our 2022 event
Our annual Nurburgring event took place at the end of May. Here are the best pictures.
Hello from Croatia and Montenegro
Hello from Croatia and Montenegro
Our first big event of the 2022 season was our annual drive on the Adriatic coast. Here are the best pictures from our team of photographers.
A postcard from Paris and The Louvre
A postcard from Paris and The Louvre
It is difficult to describe. We can’t find the words. Being in the most important museum in the world, that hosts Mona Lisa, all by yourself.
Postcard from St Moritz
Postcard from St Moritz
Last week we went to St Moritz and our special event on the Olympia Bobsleigh track.
VIDEO: Happy New Year from Gran Turismo Events!
VIDEO: Happy New Year from Gran Turismo Events!
With this short film we would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Welcome to Gran Turismo and the most beautiful countries in the world in 2022.
The digital nomad’s guide to Montenegro
The digital nomad’s guide to Montenegro
Looking to spend winter far away from the cold north? Here is a personal favourite of mine: Montenegro.
More stories

La Guida - The Supercar Owner's Guide to Europe

Our favourite roads, hotels, restaurants and places to visit

 EALA - My Lakeside Dream
EALA - My Lakeside Dream
An elegant upscale hotel on the shore of Lake Garda.
Il Pescatore
Il Pescatore
The best seafood restaurant in Cala Gonone.
Alberobello
Alberobello
A village with cute little smurf houses
More locations

Events Calendar

Beautiful road trips and famous racing tracks since 2002. Supercars only.

Gran Turismo Vatican
23-24 March 2023
Rome, Italy
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Adriatica
6-14 May 2023
Slovenia - Croatia - Bosnia - Montenegro
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Nurburgring
29 May - 1 June
Nurburgring, Germany
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Riviera
5-9 June 2023
Forte dei Marmi - Santa Margherita - Monaco - St Tropez
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Sardinia
14-20 June 2023
Sardinia, Italy
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Polonia
6-12 July 2023
Warsaw - Gdansk - Kolobrzeg - Poznan
Gran Turismo Europa
3-10 September 2023
Innsbruck - St Moritz - Andermatt - Monaco - Saint Tropez
Fully booked
Gran Turismo Italia
17-24 September 2023
Florence - Maranello - Sirmione - Cortina - Verona
Gran Turismo Toscana
11-15 October 2023
Florence - Chianti - Grosseto - Lucca - Florence
Gran Turismo London
25-26 November 2023
London
The Drivers Collection
Contact us

While our head offices are in Geneva, Switzerland, the team is spread throughout Europe: Sweden, Poland, Italy and Croatia. Please select the appropriate team member to contact below.

For general enquiries, you can always use info@granturismo.org. For event registrations, please use registry@granturismo.org.

Justyna Weclawiak Justyna Weclawiak
Head of event organisation
+48 509 706 651
Björn Lagercrantz Björn Lagercrantz
CFO
+46 (0)70 844 64 00
Michal Weclawiak Michal Weclawiak
Event coordinator - General
‭+48 602 134 467‬
Chiara Mannucci Chiara Mannucci
Event coordinator - Italy
+39 346 763 22 74
Zdravko Anticic Zdravko Anticic
Event coordinator - Balkans
+385 (0)91 917 32 77
Pietro Bonuccelli Pietro Bonuccelli
Supercar fleet manager
‭+39 349 888 33 89‬
Marcin Jellinek Marcin Jellinek
PR and Media
+48 519 189 081
Joakim Niss Joakim Niss
Head of merchandise
‭+46 (0)70 468 60 75‬
James Holm James Holm
Photography
+46 (0)70 713 71 42
Peter Ternstrom Peter Ternström
Founder
+39 331 332 50 80