Family Program 16 days

Airport – Tirana: 30 min
Accommodation in Tirana. Hotel Arber,https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4tsBc53EpnRJGnR8
Meals included: Breakfast

After collecting your luggage, you are welcomed by one of our agents at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Start your day in this emblematic square, in the heart of the city. You can admire the equestrian statue of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, as well as other historical monuments.
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.
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.

In the evening, we advise you to go to the Bloc, which was at the time a place reserved for the political elite and which is, today, the trendiest district of Tirana. There, you will find a wide variety of restaurants offering authentic Albanian cuisine.

Suggested Restaurants:

Oda Restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FtcjCEudbjXyhV9b8
Era Restaurant:https://maps.app.goo.gl/VjASZjefW7dRFK8E6
Lulishte 1-Maji:https://maps.app.goo.gl/C7whfJtfaQiRzFB77

Tirana-Lin: 2h 106km
Lin-Tushemisht: 35 mins 27km

Accommodation: Tushemisht. Millennium Hotel, https://maps.app.goo.gl/xcqCyfjAPrdvHgt49
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will collect the rental car.

This morning you collect your rental car and head towards the south and Lake Ohrid. Along the way, pass through the town of Elbasan with its pretty citadel and the Clock Tower. Before reaching the village of Tushemisht, you will cross the Via Egnatia, one of the oldest trade routes of antiquity. Built by the Romans, it was the only road to connect Rome to Constantinople.

Also, make a stop at the village of Lin, nestled on the shores of the majestic Lake Ohrid. A typical village on the western shore of Lake Ohrid with magnificent views. Lake Ohrid is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional cultural and natural value. Lake Ohrid 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).
Stroll through the village, visit the ruins of the early Christian church with its impressive mosaics, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.

Then you take the road towards Pogradec which is one of the most interesting tourist towns in Albania thanks to its location on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO heritage site.
Only 4-5 km south of the city we see Drilon Park and the village of Tushemisht. The waters of the Drilon River form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful vegetation that makes the area and the neighboring village of Tushemisht a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. This village is known for its charm and beautiful views of Lake Ohrid.

Accommodation: in Tushemisht, Hotel Millenium,https://maps.app.goo.gl/xcqCyfjAPrdvHgt49
Meals included: morning

You will have the morning free to explore Tushemisht at your own pace, whether doing artisan shopping or relaxing by the lake. After lunch at a local café, tyou will enjoy water sports such as kayaking.
The nautical activity takes place near your hotel in Tushemisht, where the guide starts in the lake in a kayak, heading towards the Tushemisht wetlands towards customs.
Then, you will enjoy the afternoon strolling around the beautiful Lake Ohrid, admiring the panoramic views and serenity of the place.
In the evening, you will dine at a lakeside restaurant, offering stunning sunset views.

Suggested Restaurants:
Bujtina Ollga:https://maps.app.goo.gl/3hvojwPb4xmHnw3E7
Dante Restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPpGPvDCK9i6mmkU7

Tushemisht – Prespa: 55 mins 46 km
Accommodation in Prespa, homestay
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HjfvdnZ1EhiQ73ji8

Meals included: morning and evening.

At a homestay, you will enjoy an authentic and warm experience in a picturesque rural setting. You will be welcomed by a hospitable local, Llazo, where you will have the opportunity to experience local daily life, enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Today, depart for Prespa National Park, which stretches across southeastern Albania, southwestern North Macedonia, and northern Greece.
Prespa National Park, located at an altitude of 800 meters on the border between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also a rich variety of flora and fauna around its lake basins and natural reserves You will discover these small villages through walks along the lake.
You will have the opportunity to take a boat trip on the lake, a popular activity for the beauty of the landscapes it offers. You will do a short walk during which you will discover the Island of Maligrad and the church located there. Take advantage of this walk to observe the pelicans and admire the rich biodiversity of the lake.

This evening, you will be staying with locals on the banks of Lake Prespa in an extraordinary natural context. You will have the opportunity to discover the hospitality of Albanian families recognized in Albanian culture and traditional cuisine.

Prespa-Korca: 30 mins 30 km
Accommodation in Korca: Vila Borgjeze, https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LuoYQs4TFnQBJXC9
Meals included: Morning
This morning, you will take the road again towards the town of Korça. Located in the south-east of the country and close to the Greek and Macedonian borders, Korça is one of the most important cities in Albania, nicknamed "Little Paris",
Set off on foot to explore the city and its Old Bazaar district (Pazari i Vjetër) with its traditional houses, its shaded terraces, its shops, its small streets... Discover the goods of the Korca bazaar. The bazaar has great historical, cultural and artistic value for the city. It is certainly the ideal place to buy souvenirs from Albania, also enjoy having a coffee in one of the many small cafes that surround the bazaar and observing the rhythm of daily life.

The National Medieval Museum, the Cemetery of French Soldiers of the First World War and the Orthodox Cathedral represent the key monuments to discover and visit.

Suggested restaurants in Korça:
-Taverna Vasili: https://goo.gl/maps/Nt1xa8Bz4B2nCHcj9
- Vila Cofiel:https://goo.gl/maps/epp8JwnaAdwpoqx98

Korça – Voskopoja: 30min
Accommodation in Korca:Vila Borgjeze, https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LuoYQs4TFnQBJXC9
Meals included: morning

Today, you will take the road towards the village of Voskopoja, renowned throughout the country for its historical attachment to Balkan Orthodoxy.
After a quick passage through Korça, the road rises to reach Moscopole (Voskopoja in Aromanian) located about twenty kilometers west of the town, at an altitude of 1200 meters. On site, several hikes are available to you, including one of the three Wolf Trail routes, over 5, 10 or 20 km, which allow you to discover the six main churches and monasteries in the surrounding area: The church of St Mehilli, the Church of the Prophet Ilia, the Church of the Dormition of the Holy Virgin, the Orthodox Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, the Church of Saint Athanasius as well as the Church of Saint George, erected on the heights of Voskopoja nearby the small shepherd village of Shipskë.

At the end of the day, return to Korça for your last evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner in one of the town's restaurants.

Voskopoja – Farma Sotira: 2h 70 km

Accommodation: Farma Sotira. Wooden chalet, https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvUnFQaUt7oQo5Z39
Meals included: Breakfast

New day dedicated to discovering the picturesque farm of Farma Sotira. Located in the heart of unspoiled nature, Ferme Sortira offers the ideal starting point for a memorable hike through the hidden wonders of the region. Embark on a journey where each step brings you closer to nature and the ancestral traditions of the surrounding villages.
You will discover scattered sheepfolds, witnesses to the pastoral activity of the region. The opportunity is perfect to stop and chat with local shepherds and learn about their daily lives, punctuated by the care of animals and the manufacturing of products.
Restaurant offered: Possibility of catering only on site

Accommodation: Farma Sotira. Wooden chalet, https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvUnFQaUt7oQo5Z39
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, many activities await you at Farma Sotira, a symbol of Albanian ecotourism. You will find on site a trout farm, cows, a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant offering local products from the farm.
Many hiking and horse riding trails are possible from the farm. The different trails will help you discover the wonders of the Germenj-Shelegur National Park. With its pine forests, its wildlife (bears, wolves), its wild rivers, its meadows and of course its mountains, the park is a true paradise for hikers.

At the farm you will enjoy a horseback ride through the magnificent landscapes of the region. Whether you are a beginner or experienced rider, local guides will accompany you to explore the trails
In the evening, after a day of nature exploration, dine at the Farma Sotira restaurant and savor traditional trout cooked on the barbecue. Conclude your night by gathering around a campfire at the base of your chalet

Farma Sotira-Allows: 1h 30 mins 65 km
Accommodation: Allow. Hotel Ervehe, https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbrKviv8SZwHUFyS9
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, departure for the town of Permet, nicknamed the “city of roses” and the main gateway to the national parks of the Hotova-Dangëll fir and especially the Vjosa, considered one of the last wild rivers in Europe, the Vjosa has just obtained (in 2023) the status of National Park.

The valley is characterized by wild and mountainous landscapes, dense forests, spectacular gorges, and crystal clear waters. It is also known for its exceptional biodiversity. The valley's picturesque villages also offer a glimpse of Albanian rural life, with traditional stone houses, historic churches and mosques.

You will have the opportunity to take an Albanian cooking class in a guest house of an Albanian family. The guest house provides an ideal setting for an immersive experience. You will be surrounded by local culture, flavors and hospitality. The establishment will offer you an exceptional culinary experience, where you will have the opportunity to master the secrets of authentic traditional dishes of the region with the help of the chefs.

Restaurant options:
Antigone Restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restorant+Antigonea/
Restaurant Tréfilai:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bar+Restaurant+Trifilia/

Accommodation: Allow. Hotel Ervehe, https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbrKviv8SZwHUFyS9
Meals included: Breakfast

Departure this morning for the Langarica canyon and the famous Benja baths, located about ten kilometers from Permet, in the heart of the Hotova-Dangell pine national park.

To fully enjoy the site, we advise you to arrive there before 9 a.m., in order to avoid the many tourists who come to visit these 2 essential spots in the country.
Upon your arrival, don't miss the photogenic stone bridge of Kadi, a magnificent Ottoman building which dominates the Langarica River and marks the entrance to the canyon.

Start your visit with a natural bath in the first hot water pool, the largest of the ten springs, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Then set off on an aquatic hike to discover the Langarica canyon. You then navigate between cliffs rising over 150m high, in a sumptuous setting that rivals the Wadi Mujib canyon in Jordan. You also have the option to explore the river for more than 4 kilometers.

Përmet – Gjirokastër: 1h10min
Gjirokastër – Butrint: 1h30min
Butrint – Saranda: 30min.

Accommodation: Saranda Hotel Julia, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqeceHBW22v6Gjb66
Meals included: morning
New day dedicated to Gjirokastraor “the stone city” listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokastra is the birthplace of the great Albanian writer “Ismail Kadare” 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.
Then, departure towards the Butrint National Park, an ancient city listed by UNESCO since 1992. Discover the ancient city of Butrint, an archaeological site of exceptional importance in Albania. This visit will immerse you in the fascinating history of this city which was once an important political and cultural center of the region. Explore the well-preserved ruins of theaters, temples, baths and fortifications that bear witness to Butrint's glorious past. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the ancient city and soak up the unique atmosphere that reigns in these places steeped in history.

At the end of the end, you will head towards the city of Saranda. The will be a free tour of this seaside town which is the largest in the far south of Albania. Saranda is the most exotic city on the entire Albanian Riviera. The city is named after 40 martyrs who sacrificed themselves not to change their religion. You can go to the promenade which is located by the sea, and also discover the Lëkursi Castle which is located on a hill and has a breathtaking view of the city and the island of Corfu .

Accommodation: in Saranda. Hotel Julia, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqeceHBW22v6Gjb66
Meals included: morning

You will have the opportunity to sail by boat in Saranda and embark on a maritime adventure in Saranda. Discover the hidden gems of the Albanian coast, from golden sandy beaches to secluded coves. Aboard a comfortable private boat, you will enjoy breathtaking views, underwater excursions and marine life, cultural discoveries and moments of relaxation in the sun. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Ionian Sea, where each boat trip becomes a memorable experience.

You will also visit Ksamil beach, located near Sarandë. Ksamil Beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and small islands accessible by boat. These islands, like Ksamil Island and Three Sisters Island, offer secluded beaches and an idyllic setting for swimming and relaxation.

Accommodation: in Saranda. Hotel Julia, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqeceHBW22v6Gjb66
Meals included: morning

Free day…

Saranda-Vlora: 2h 20min 120 km

Accommodation: in Vlora. 3* hotel

After breakfast you head to Vlore, a picturesque port town located on the southwest coast of Albania, on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Vlora is an enchanting coastal destination that combines history, culture and natural beauty. Surrounded by towering mountains on one side and lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea on the other, it provides a magnificent setting for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure. Start your tour by exploring the historic center, where you'll find buildings of Ottoman architecture, cobblestone alleys, and bustling squares.

Accommodation: in Vlora. 3* hotel

Start your day with a visit to Vlora beach. Enjoy the sun, the crystal clear sea and the water activities available.

You can visit Llogara National Park: About an hour from Vlore, this national park offers spectacular views of the mountains and the Ionian Sea. Take a hike and enjoy nature.

Enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants located along the coast. Try local specialties like grilled fish or fresh seafood.

Optional: Boat trip to Sazan Island

Vlora-Airport: 2h 120 km

Depending on your flight schedule, you will enjoy your last hours in Albania by strolling through the city center of Tirana. Then, transfer to the airport.

It is time for us to say “Mirupafshim” and wish you a safe return!