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Bus,
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3-4 Stars Hotels
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English, Spanish, French,
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2-40
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Year-Round
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Cultural
Overview
Albania, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. As a burgeoning tourist destination, Albania offers a unique blend of ancient sites, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Highlights
- Visit Gjirokastër, Butrint, and Berat, UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
- Cultural Insight: Albania is known for its religious tolerance, with a mix of Muslim, Christian, and other religious communities.
- Enjoy Traditional Dishes: including qofte (meatballs), tave kosi (yogurt and lamb casserole).
- Spectacular Landscapes: Discover Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with North Macedonia.
Itinerary
Arrive in Tirana and check into your accommodation.
Enjoy an evening stroll in Skanderbeg Square and learn about Tirana's rich history.
Experience the capital's vibrant atmosphere and enjoy dinner in the Blloku district, Tirana's trendiest neighborhood.
Today, you will travel to Shkodra.
One of the town's main highlight is Rozafa Castle, which stands on a rocky hill. It is considered one of the largest castles in the Balkans. In addition to the fortification system, other attractions include the Church of St. Stephen, later converted into a mosque, the captain's office, the prison, the Saranjas and the secret exits.
The view from the top of the castle is so unique and rare to find anywhere else. From there, we'll see where a lake flows into a river and how everything looks different from above.
After visiting the fortress, we'll take a stroll through downtown Shkodër. We'll have a chance to admire the architecture, lively squares and picturesque streets.
Afterwards, you can visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which houses a collection of historic photographs, including 19th-century portraits.
After a day of exploration, enjoy a relaxing evening by Lake Shkodra with its beautiful landscapes, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans and southern Europe.
This day is dedicated to a trip to Theth
Theth is a picturesque village located in the northern part of Albania, surrounded by the Albanian Alps. The village is home to a charming old church with interesting architecture, offering a glimpse into the local history and culture.
In Theth, you will have the opportunity to visit the center of the village (the isolation tower), testifying to certain old traditions dating back several centuries, such as the customary law of the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini.
Today, you will be explore Theth National Park.
Explore the Lock-in Tower, a traditional stone tower that was historically used as a place of refuge and protection during blood feuds.
Visit the Grunas waterfall, which is a short hike from the village. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, and the waterfall itself is a refreshing sight.
Visit the Blue Eye Spring, the splendid natural monument hidden in the heart of the Albanian Alps. All along the hike, we will follow the valley of the Theth river to conclude the day's visits with the "tower of reconciliation", which awaits us to tell us its stories of the famous "Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, an ancestral law transmitted orally from generation to generation.
Experience local hospitality in a guesthouse.
Today, get ready for a hike to Valbona.
Valbona is situated within the Valbona Valley National Park, known for its stunning alpine landscapes. The park is a great destination for hiking and exploring nature, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Hike the Valbona Pass.
This trek is renowned for its stunning scenery, including high mountain passes and traditional villages. The pass is situated at an altitude of around 1,800 meters and is a challenging but rewarding trek for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Albanian Alps.
You will have the chance to explore Valbona Valley. Located in northern Albania, it is one of the country's most stunning natural landscapes and a key destination within the Albanian Alps.
Valbona Valley offers numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, and bird watching.
Valbona is a popular starting point for the Peaks of the Balkans hiking trail, which connects Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. There are various hiking trails of different difficulty levels, allowing you to explore the pristine wilderness of the Albanian Alps
From Valbona, you will take a scenic drive to Fierza, a small town located at the northern end of Koman Lake.
At Fierza, board the Koman Lake ferry for a remarkable boat ride.
The journey itself is an experience, with winding mountain roads offering stunning views.
From Koman, continue your journey by road to Kruja, a historic town known for its castle, bazaar, and cultural significance. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and offers glimpses of rural life in Albania.
From Kruja, take the road towards Tushemisht. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, including hills, valleys, and small villages.
Tushemisht is a village located near Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. Take some time to explore the village and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Lake Ohrid. You may want to visit the Drilon National Park, known for its natural springs and lush greenery.
Korça is a vibrant city in southeastern Albania known for its rich cultural heritage. Explore the city's historic sites, including the Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, the Old Bazaar, and the Museum of Medieval Arts before heading towards Voskopoja.
Voskopoja is renowned for its well-preserved churches, dating back to the 18th century. Visit the Church of Saint Nicholas, the Church of Saint Athanasius, and other religious sites that showcase the village's historical and cultural importance.
The farm is located inside national park Germenj-Shelegur, it is in the middle of pure and almost untouched forests of the southeast of Albania.
The best way to enjoy the beautiful views at Farma Sotira is by horseback riding, a unique experience you will never forget. For professionals or amateurs, horseback riding is always fun. Our friendly horses will make your holidays even more entertaining for kids and adults.
An adventure in Farma Sotira is where nature, tradition and organic food harmoniously blend together.
Begin your journey in Leskovik, a small town nestled in the mountains of southern Albania. Explore the local surroundings and take in the mountainous scenery before starting the trip.
Continue the trip through the Vjosa Valley, which is known for its stunning beauty and the Vjosa River, one of Europe's last wild rivers. The drive takes you through lush greenery, small villages, and alongside the flowing river. The Vjosa Valley is renowned for its biodiversity, and you may encounter various bird species and other wildlife along the way.
Resume your journey to Përmet, a town known for its thermal springs and vibrant local culture.
Head south from Përmet to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture featuring beautiful stone houses with distinctive slate roofs. This town is full of typical neighborhoods and shady terraces, but above all, it’s home to the Ethnographic Museum and its fortress, which bear witness to a large part of Albania's history. It is also the birthplace of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha.
Visit the Gjirokaster Castle and explore the Old Bazaar and the Zekate House.
In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the historic Old Town and have dinner in a traditional Albanian restaurant.
Butrint is an ancient city and archaeological site located in the south of Albania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the country's most important archaeological sites.
Butrint boasts extensive ancient ruins that span various historical periods, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian.
The Great Basilica and the Baptistery in Butrint are important early Christian structures.
The archaeological site is part of the larger Butrint National Park, which encompasses diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests.
Afterwars, you will be heading to Saranda. In Saranda you will be able to relax on the beautiful crystalline beaches.
As you leave Saranda, the road takes you along the stunning Albanian Riviera, renowned for its pristine beaches, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs. The turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea will be a constant companion on your right, while the lush greenery of the mountains graces the landscape will be on your left.
One of the highlights of the journey is the ascent to the Llogara Pass, a mountain pass with breathtaking panoramic views. As you wind your way up the mountains, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian coastline below.
Arriving in Vlora, you'll be welcomed by the city's rich history and a vibrant maritime atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to visit the Independence Monument, which commemorates Albania's declaration of independence.
Your journey begins in Vlora, a coastal city with a rich history and a lively atmosphere.
En route to Berat, you can make a detour to the Apollonia Archaeological Park. This ancient city, dedicated to the god Apollo, features well-preserved ruins such as the Bouleuterion, the Odeon, and the Monastery of Saint Mary.
Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" due to its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Explore the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters, visit the Berat Castle, and wander through the narrow cobbled streets. The Onufri Museum, located within the castle, houses a remarkable collection of icons.
Berat is also an excellent place to savor traditional Albanian cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the local restaurants, perhaps trying specialties like Byrek (savory pastry) or Tavë Kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).
As you approach Tirana, the capital of Albania, you'll be greeted by a mix of modernity and historical charm. Explore Skanderbeg Square, visit the National History Museum, and take a stroll in the Grand Park. Tirana's vibrant atmosphere, colorful buildings, and lively cafes make it a fascinating destination.
Today is departure day. Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore more of Tirana or revisit your favorite spots.
We hope you enjoyed this trip!
We look forward to seeing you again in Albania.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport
- Accommodation in 3* 4* hotels, Charming Hotels
- Breakfast Lunch Diner
- Guide
- Reception and assistance
The Cost Excludes
- The return flight
- Drinks + meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Cancellation and/or repatriation insurance
- Everything not mentioned in the “included” section