10 Days Trip

Airport - Tirana, transfer: 18km 30 mins
Accommodation in Tirana. 3* Idea Hotel,https://maps.app.goo.gl/DD2hhp1k8BgGC9Z8A

Arrival at Tirana “Mother Teresa” Airport.
You will be welcomed by one of our agents at the airport and then transferred to Tirana. Depending on the time of arrival, you can make a first discovery of Tirana. Tirana, a former modest village, is totally transformed today to become the main center of the entire Albanian community where a population from all over lives. With a conurbation of nearly a million inhabitants, a city of bright colors and nightlife, Tirana is the nerve center of the country. The capital opens up to curious travelers as a festive and vibrant city.

Optional activities:
-Bunk'Art 2
-National History Museum
-The New Bazaar of Tirana (Pazari i Ri)
-The checkpoint
-The Blloku
Restaurant options:
Oda Restaurant:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oda+-+Traditional+Albanian+Restaurant/
Era restaurant:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restaurant+Piceri+Era+%22Blloku%22/
Lulishte 1-maj:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lulishte+1+Maji/

Tirana - Tushemisht: 130 km 2 hrs 30 mins
Accommodation: Bujtina Ollga,https://maps.app.goo.gl/7RmDZn7rignU7WKE8

Today, you will collect the rental car from Idea Hotel.
This morning, you collect your rental car from the hotel and you will leave towards Pogradec is one of the most interesting tourist towns in Albania thanks to its location on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO heritage site. It is one of the oldest lakes in the world (dating back 2/4 million years ago). It is the deepest lake in the Balkans (285 meters). Lake Ohrid, an exceptional phenomenon, serves as a refuge for many endemic species of fauna (including the Koran, a rare fish similar to trout).
You can take the bikes to Tushemisht, just 4-5 km south of the town of Pogradec, for a great discovery of the region.

Tushemisht-Korca: 42 km 50 mins
Korca – Farma Sotira: 68km1h 28m
Accommodation; Farma Sotira,https://maps.app.goo.gl/GTgwWGGCkH45xa4s5

You then take a trip to the town of Korça, renowned throughout the country for its historical attachment to France and the Francophonie, since this town hosted a French high school from 1917 to 1939, for Albanian students. The National Medieval Museum, the French military cemetery from the First World War and the “Bazar” represent the key monuments to discover and visit. We advise you to stop at the Pazari market to discover many picturesque stalls, full of local products. Korça Old Bazaar is a historic district with cobbled streets, colorful buildings and shops selling traditional Albanian products. It's a great place to wander around, buy souvenirs and soak up the local atmosphere.

Then, you will head to Farma Sotira, a farm located in the Germenj-Shelegur National Park, among pure and almost untouched forests of southeastern Albania. The forests are mostly pine, the views from the mountains are spectacular, the meadows are vast and wild, and there are several lakes near the farm where you can enjoy a nice swimming stop. It is at an altitude of 1000 meters and it is usual to see footprints of wild animals such as bears, wolves and deer.

Farma Sotira- Allows: 65 km 1 hour 30 minutes
Accommodation at Permet.Hotel Alvero,https://maps.app.goo.gl/C3t7e5BiHxk5GQNdA

Today, you are heading towards the city of flowers.
Allow is a real agrotourism stopover in the country. The landscape that will accompany you during this day will be fabulous. You have the chance to explore the main gateway to the Hotova-Dangëll Fir national park and, in particular, the Vjosa River.

The Vjosa River itself is a source of activity for visitors, offering opportunities for rafting, kayaking and fishing. The valley's picturesque villages also offer a glimpse of Albanian rural life, with traditional stone houses, historic churches and mosques.

On the 5th, day you will take the opportunity to explore the Langarica canyon and bathe in the thermal waters of Bënje, known for its curative properties.

You will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at the know-how of the region's artisans and their local products such as their jams, wines, raki, embroidery, etc.

Përmet - Gjirokaster: 63km 1h10min
Gjirokaster – Qeparo: 88 km 1h 37m

Accommodation:https://maps.app.goo.gl/T5kU78be2SLLv62r6

Today, you will head to the town of Gjirokastër also known as “the stone town”. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokastër is the birthplace of the great Albanian writer “Ismail Kadaré” and on less literary notes, the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. This city is full of typical neighborhoods and shaded terraces, but it is also, and above all, home to the ethnographic museum and its fortress, witnesses to a large part of Albania's history. Gjirokastra has managed to preserve its picturesque and typical architecture of ancient Albanian residences.
You will discover the technique of cutting stones from a local craftsman which is a very interesting experience.

Optional activities in Gjirokaster:
• Meeting with a stonemason
• Visit to the fortress
• Visit to the traditional market
• Visit to Ismail Kadare's house
• Visit to the Skenduli house

Your path will continue towards Qeparo. Nestled between two rocky outcrops, Qeparo beach has all the services you need for a successful beach day. Rent umbrellas and deck chairs and admire the turquoise waters of the bay. During these days, you will have the opportunity to relax by the sea.
You will also have the opportunity to discover and explore Ali Pasha's fortress on the edge of the splendid bay of Palermo, as well as the different beaches next to Qeparo, Porto Palermo beach, Llaman, Potam, the town of Himara with its lively evenings or the famous bays of the Riviera like Livadh, Dhërmi andGjipe Bay. Several options are available to you: relaxation on the seaside or exploring the Gjipe Canyon!

Accommodation: Qeparo, Hotel Riviera,https://maps.app.goo.gl/T5kU78be2SLLv62r6

You can admire the seaside landscape or shop for local products (honey, scented herbal teas and other seasonal fruits) sold in “stalls” on the side of the road.
During this day, you will have the opportunity to relax by the sea.
Proposed Activities:
• Boat trip
• Explorations of old Qeparo
• Explorations of wild creeks by boat

Qeparo - Berat: 158 km 2 h 41 min
Accommodation in Berat, Onufri Hotel,https://maps.app.goo.gl/ndeQyetUs18Trnpu7
Meals included: morning

Resuming of the road trip towards the north. You will take a magnificent road, with numerous viewpoints over the Albanian Riviera, to Dhermi, a charming village with Greek architecture, so characteristic of the Ionian coast, then gain height to reach the Llogara pass. The road ascends and winds in a series of turns before arriving at the summit perched at an altitude of 1043 meters with an impressive panorama of the region and the Adriatic Sea. You then enter the Llogara national park, known for its wide variety of conifers (Bosnian pines, Buglarian firs, etc.), its mountain fauna (chamois, wolves, etc.) but also for its numerous hiking trails.

Before reaching Berat, you can take a possible detour via the village of Zvernec, north of Vlora, to discover the Narta lagoon with its colony of pink flamingos and its famous Orthodox monastery erected on an island covered with pine trees and accessible from a wide footbridge.

After this nature break, head to Berat, “the city of a thousand windows”, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon your arrival, set off to explore the ancient citadel, one of the most beautiful sites in Albania. Located on the heights of the Mangalem district, the fortress houses the oldest mosque in the country, numerous churches as well as the famous museum dedicated to the painter Onufri. Also, not to be missed are the ethnographic museum and the Gorica district located on the left bank of the Osum river and accessible by the two bridges from the city center.

Optional activities in Berat:
• Fortress
• Medieval Center, The King's Mosque and Teke Bektashi
• The Onufri Museum
• Stroll around the old neighborhoods in the evening
• Tastings of local wine and traditional dishes.

Restaurant options:
Onufri Restaurant:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Onufri+restaurant/
Restaurant Klea: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Klea/

Berat – Divjake: 66.8 km 1 hr 7 mins
Divjake – Tirane: 84.8 km 1h 23 min
Accommodation in Tirana. 3* Idea Hotel,https://maps.app.goo.gl/DD2hhp1k8BgGC9Z8A

Last discovery of the city of Berat, and on the way to your last stop in Tirana.
You can take a possible passage through the lagoon and the Karavasta national park, south of Durres. It is a little paradise for ornithologists and migratory birds, the 4,300 hectare park is known for being home to one of the largest colonies of Dalmatian pelicans in the world.

Upon arrival, return your vehicle directly to your hotel located in the city center.
For this last Albanian evening, we invite you to Oda, a classic in the Albanian capital. Located in the popular district of Pazari i Ri, the establishment has a pleasant shaded terrace, and offers quality traditional cuisine accompanied by music.

Today is the departure day depending on your flight schedule. One of our agents will accompany you to the airport.
It is time for us to say “Mirupafshim” and wish you a good trip.
We hope you enjoyed this trip!