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Car
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Tirana International Airport
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Year-Round
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Cultural
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French
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Medium to Moderate
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1-6
Overview
Depending on your arrival time, you can begin your discovery of Tirana by visiting its numerous museums: the National Historical Museum retracing the history of Albania or the Bunk’art 2, a museum housed in a vast underground bunker and the House of Leaves which allows you to understand the history of espionage in Albania during communism.
Highlights
- Diverse Cultural Experiences: The itinerary includes visits to key historical and cultural sites such as the National Historical Museum and Bunk'art 2 in Tirana, the Deçani Monastery, and the Peć Patriarchate, offering a deep dive into the region's rich heritage.
- Scenic Hiking Adventures: The trip features multiple hiking opportunities through stunning landscapes, including the Shkelzen Mountain and Gropat e Erenikut, allowing travelers to experience the natural beauty of the Albanian Alps and Kosovo's picturesque valleys.
- Authentic Local Living: Accommodations include homestays in traditional Albanian homes in Tropojë and Sylbice, providing an authentic cultural experience with local families including traditional meals and customs.
- Gastronomic Delight: A visit to Mrizi i Zanave offers a unique culinary experience, where travelers can savor authentic Albanian cuisine made with local ingredients, providing a true taste of the region's culinary traditions.
Itinerary
Airport – Tirana: 30 min
Accommodation in Tirana. 3* hotel
Meals included: morning
Arrival at Tirana “Mother Teresa” Airport.
After collecting your luggage, you are met by one of our agents at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival times, you can begin your discovery of Tirana by visiting its numerous museums: the National Historical Museum retracing the history of Albania, the Bunk'art 2, a museum housed in a vast underground bunker and the House of Leaves which allows you to understand the history of espionage in Albania during communism. You can also take the time to admire the colorful facades of the city's buildings, testimony to the post-communist era of the early 90s.
You can then stroll through the Shetitorja Murat Toptani district to admire the ramparts of Tirana Castle, the Tanners' Bridge, the Et'hem Bey mosque and the Pazar i Ri bazaar.
Tirana – Koman by private transport: 3 hours
Crossing Lake Koman to Fierez by ferry for 2h30min
Fierez – Tropojë by local transport: 20 min
Overnight in Tropojë. Homestay.
At the homestay you will be sent to different families, a family can contain a maximum of 5 people and we will also eat each one with our host family. Tuttes are provided with towels, mattresses, own toilets, shower, etc.
Hiking: 11 km.
Type: Buckle
Duration: 4 hours
Height difference: 400m + and -
After leaving the ferry you take a local minibus to head towards the village of Tropojë probably the most popular village in Albania, for its historic pass.
Arriving in the village of Tropojë, we will meet our host families.
Authentic Albanian traditions persist over the centuries until today, this region is known for having kept its original character.
Once distributed among the host houses, we will take our picnics to explore the village and eat on the pastures, while exploring the attractions.
Tropojë– Sylbice
Hiking: 16km.
Type: One-way trip
Duration: 6 hours
Elevation difference: 750m + and 700 -
Overnight in Sylbice. Homestay
Meals included: morning, evening
This very simple accommodation, a restored traditional Albanian house, can accommodate up to 16 people in two different spaces, shower, outdoor toilet, hot water available, all mattresses, towels, blankets are provided.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Halil+Guesthouse+Sylbic%C3%AB/@42.5053272,20.1198562,1760m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xace320281d42ed0a!2sHotel+ sylbica!8m2!3d42.526!4d20.09!3m4!1s0x0:0x3285ed7000f9c42e!8m2!3d42.5091439!4d20.1295247
A 20-minute transfer to begin one of the most beautiful hikes in the Albanian Alps today you cross the first majestic massif which stands before you the mountain of Shkelzeni also known as a sacred mountain by the inhabitants of northern Albania.
Today's hike will allow you to see for the first time the massifs of the Albanian Alps which spread out before you very proudly, we walk on a ridge where all the flowers and plants are present, to arrive in the last of the border valleys with Kosovo, this valley is full of spectacular views and in the middle of which a river of clear water flows.
Luggage transferred in the evening
Sylbice-Gropat e Erenikut:
Hike: 14 km.
Duration: 5 hours
Elevation difference: 700 m + and 700 -
Accommodation: Gjakova. 3* hotel
Meals included: morning
Today, you will explore “Gropat e Erenikut” by foot. Let yourself be amazed by the picturesque hiking trails and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature. The Gropa e Erenikut is a picturesque valley located in the central region of Kosovo, near the town of Peja (Peć). This valley is renowned for its natural beauty with landscapes of mountains, rivers and lush forests.
Afterwards, the trip continues with a direct transfer to Gjakova, a historic town known for its Ottoman-era architecture and bustling bazaar.
Gjakove-Peje: 50 mins 36km
Accommodation: Peje.
Meals included: morning
Start your day in Gjakova, where you can stroll through the alleys of the old town. Admire the cobblestone streets, ancient mosques and traditional hammams. Make sure to visit the old Bazaar of Çarshia e Madhe, one of the largest and best preserved in the Balkans. Here, you can shop for traditional crafts, taste local delicacies and soak up the lively atmosphere.
After this exploration, we will take the scenic route to Peja, passing through the impressive Rugova Gorge. On your way, admire the limestone cliffs, waterfalls and lush forests that line the road.
Before arriving in Peja, we will take a detour to the Deçani Monastery located nearby. This monastery listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a jewel of Serbian medieval architecture. Its breathtaking frescoes and Byzantine architecture bear witness to the site's importance in Serbian Orthodox history. Take the time to soak up the calm and spirituality of the place.
Once in Peja, explore its charming historic center. Visit the Peć Patriarchate, another crucial site for Serbian Orthodox history and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the magnificent frescoes that adorn the walls of this monastery and learn about its historical and cultural role.
End your day with a stroll through the Peja Bazaar, where local crafts and culinary specialties await you for unforgettable memories.
Peje-Prishtina: 1h 30 mins 85km
Accommodation: Prishtina. 4* hotel
Meals included: morning
After breakfast, you will explore Prishtina, the dynamic capital of Kosovo. Start with the iconic Newborn Monument, a symbol of the country's independence. Then, we will stroll through Mother Teresa Square and admire the statue of this Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Then visit the Ethnological Museum to learn about local traditions and the National Library of Kosovo, known for its geometric facade. Not far away, you will see the statue of Bill Clinton.
Explore the historic district of Prishtina, its picturesque streets and bustling market. Stop at the Bear Sanctuary, a refuge for rescued bears. End your day with a visit to the Saint Mother Teresa Cathedral, dedicated to the famous humanitarian.
Prishtina – Prizren: 1h 15min 87 km
Accommodation: Prizren. 4* hotel
Meals included: morning
The day is dedicated to visiting Prizren, a picturesque and historic city in Kosovo, offering a captivating experience between cultural heritage, Ottoman architecture and medieval charm. Here is a suggested itinerary for your visit: Start your day by exploring Prizren's Old Quarter, where cobblestone lanes wind between well-preserved Ottoman houses and century-old mosques. Soak up the medieval atmosphere with a stroll to Prizren Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Then, you can learn about the region's history and culture at the Prizren Museum, which houses exhibits on art, crafts and local history, including collections of traditional costumes and antique artifacts.
Finally, end your day with a stroll along the Bistrica River, which runs through the town and offers picturesque views of the stone bridges and colorful houses that line its banks. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this natural setting before saying goodbye to this charming town.
Prizren-Shkodra: 2h 45min 194km
Accommodation in Shkodra. 3* hotel
Meals included: morning
This morning, we leave Prizren to go to Shkodra, the largest city in northern Albania on the shores of Lake Shkodra and next to the Drin River. This is the ideal place to start your discovery of Albania! Considered “the cradle of Albanian culture” and the capital of the Illyrian Empire during Antiquity, it has retained the charm of a historic city shaped by the Romans, Venetians and Ottomans are part of its history.
A city rich in history and charm, offering visitors a multitude of attractions to discover. You will have the opportunity to visit the Rozafa citadel, a historic fortress located on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Shkodra. The interior of the castle houses interesting museums and ruins.
Shkodra-Mrizi Zanave: 40 min
Overnight at Mrizi Zanave.
Meals included: morning
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit and taste some of the most authentic traditional dishes “Mrizi i Zanave”. Mrizi i Zanave is located in the village of Fishtë near Lezha. It is a traditional Albanian farm and restaurant that offers visitors the opportunity to experience Albanian hospitality and cuisine in a rural setting. This farm offers an authentic Albanian experience, with passionate owners eager to share their culture and traditions. In Mrizi i Zanave, you will have the opportunity to make a gastronomic discovery of traditional Albanian cuisine brought with great charm and taste to the table.
Mrizi Zanave-Kruja:
Kruja-Tirana:
Accommodation in Tirana. 3* hotel
Meals included: morning
Start your day in the historic town of Kruje, nestled in the hills with stunning views of the coast. In the morning, explore the ancient bazaar, a maze of cobblestone alleys where local artisans sell handmade rugs, antiques and unique souvenirs. The atmosphere is lively, tinged with the aromas of local spices and the sound of merchants trading.
After the bazaar, head to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to the Albanian national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti. The museum, located in a fortress overlooking the city, not only offers a fascinating insight into Albania's history but also spectacular views of the surrounding area. It is a deep immersion into Albania's tumultuous past and the importance of Skanderbeg in the resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
Early in the afternoon, take the road to Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania. Here, old meets new: austere communist-era government buildings contrast with colorful street art and manicured green spaces. Stroll through Skanderbeg Square, the beating heart of the city, before relaxing in one of the many cafes or restaurants to sample the local cuisine.
Evening out in Tirana offers a variety of experiences, from contemporary art galleries to live music clubs. The city comes alive at night, offering a fascinating mix of culture, history and modern entertainment. It is a beautiful conclusion to a day rich in cultural and historical discoveries, connecting the heroic past of Kruje with the vibrant contemporary life of Tirana.
Tirana – Airport: 30min
Today is departure day, depending on your flight schedule. One of our agents will accompany you to the airport.
It is now time to say “Mirupafshim” and wish you safe travels.
We hope you enjoyed this trip.
Looking forward to seeing you again in Albania.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Hotel and homestay accommodation
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 11
- All meals on day 2, day 3 at homestay
- Transport by local minibus and private transfer Tirana-Koman, Gropa Erenikut-Gjakova
- Day rental car from day 5 to day 10
- Transfers from/to the airport
- Baggage transfer Tropoja-Sybice
- The ferry ticket for the crossing on Lake Koman
- Personalized welcome
- 24/7 support
The Cost Excludes
- The return flight
- Drinks + meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Visits to museums and other sites
- Anything not mentioned in the “included” section