Family Program 17 Days

Airport – Tirana: 30 min
Accommodation in Tirana. Oxford Hotel

After collecting your luggage, you will be welcomed by one of our agents at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
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. 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.
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. You will have the opportunity to have a drink there and discover the typical atmosphere of Albanian bars.

Tirana-Tushemisht: 2h30 min 130 km
Accommodation in Tushemisht, Hotel Millenium:https://maps.app.goo.gl/FhpP4YQfYZ63zE9h8
Meals included:Morning.

Today, we set off for the village of Tushemisht, a quaint village situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid near North Macedonia. The locals take great care of the village, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world, is recognized by UNESCO for its rich biodiversity. The lake, along with the surrounding mountains, provides a stunning panorama.

Tirana-Tushemisht: 2h30 min 130 km
Accommodation in Tushemisht, Hotel Millenium:https://maps.app.goo.gl/FhpP4YQfYZ63zE9h8
Meals included:Morning.

Today we will head towards the village of Tushemisht, a small village located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, near North Macedonia. Well maintained by its inhabitants, it offers a peaceful living environment. UNESCO has included this lake (one of the oldest in the world) on the world heritage list for its fauna and flora.
The lake and the mountains on the horizon offer you a breathtaking view. This traditional Orthodox village is a favorite of Albanian filmmakers because of its magnificent springs flowing over the houses.

Tushemisht – Prespa: 1h 30 min 95 km
Accommodation in Prespa, with locals:https://goo.gl/maps/6oG9ZkF5Z5j8sHUy5
Meals included: morning evening.

After breakfast, you will be leaving for the Prespa National Park.
Hiking trails will allow you to observe magnificent views of Lake Prespa and the surrounding mountains.
Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat tour 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. Also, 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 outdoor environment. You will have the opportunity to discover the hospitality of Albanian families and traditional cuisine of Albanian culture.

Prespa-Korca: 1h 00 min 60 km
Accommodation in Korca, Vila Borgjeze:https://maps.app.goo.gl/44EpT7wprCzsGXX78
Meals included: morning,

Today, you will discover the town of Korca, a town located in southeastern Albania, near the borders with Greece and North Macedonia. Korca is also an important cultural center, with many museums, theaters and music and dance festivals.
We will have the opportunity to discover the goods of 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.
You will be spending the night in Korca.

Korce - Farmasotira: 2h 70km
Accommodation in Farma Sotira. Mountain Lodge :https://maps.app.goo.gl/MC3tPaDSMyZwDSbx6
Meals included: morning

Hiking: -12km
Type: Looped
Duration: 3-h
Height difference +300m / -300m

This new day is dedicated to discovering the picturesque farm of Farma Sotira. Located in the heart of unspoiled nature, Farme 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.
Here, it feels as though time has stood still. The stone houses, cobblestone streets, and the warm smiles of the locals recount tales of the past, traditions, and a simple yet fulfilling way of life. With its cultivated fields and peaceful animals, the farm paints an idyllic picture of local agriculture.

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.

Accommodation in Farma Sotira. Mountain Lodge : https://maps.app.goo.gl/MC3tPaDSMyZwDSbx6
Meals included: morning

Today, many activities await you at Farma Sotira. You can participate in agricultural activities, from harvesting to animal care. For hands-on experience,
you can help farmers in the fields to fully immerse yourself in farm life. You will have the chance to try a unique experience, horse riding. Horse riding allows you to enjoy the best views within the estate and on different hiking trails. Here, you will taste some of the most famous traditional dishes.

Farma Sotira allows you to reconnect with nature, traditions and friendly locals, for an authentic and memorable experience of country life.

Farmasotira- Allows 1h 30 mins 65 km
Accommodation: Allow. Joan Guest House:https://maps.app.goo.gl/yoJvmJfUwcguVBVw7
Meals included:Breakfast

Continue to 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, which will be the main theme of the day. Considered one of the last wild rivers in Europe, the Vjosa has just obtained (in 2023) the status of National Park. When you arrive in Permet, enjoy this pleasant town located on the banks of the Vjosa.

The Vjosa River is known for its magnificent landscapes, crystal clear waters and rich biodiversity.
It is also popular for water sports activities such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing.

For this day, you have the opportunity to go rafting on the Vjosa River or take part in a local cooking class.

Distance: 20km
Type: Round trip
Duration: 4 hours
Height difference: 200 m + and 200 m -

Accommodation: Allow. Joan Guesthouse:https://maps.app.goo.gl/yoJvmJfUwcguVBVw7
Meals included:Breakfast

Experience an unforgettable adventure with our exclusive bike tour along the majestic Vjosa River, the beating heart of Albanian nature. This unique experience begins as soon as you get on your bike, ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Vjosa Park. Pedal through winding trails lined with lush greenery, where each turn reveals a more spectacular view than the last.

The route takes you close to the Vjosa River, known for its crystal clear waters and its rich and diverse ecosystem. You will have the opportunity to observe the local fauna and flora, testifying to the unique biodiversity of the region. Frequent stops along the riverbank will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the serenity of this place, take memorable photos and maybe even dip your feet in the refreshing waters of the river.

Your bike ride will introduce you not only to the natural beauty of the park but also to the importance of conserving this national treasure. Let yourself be enveloped by the tranquility of Vjosa Park and experience a day full of adventure, relaxation and connection with nature. This bike ride is the perfect opportunity to escape from everyday life and recharge your batteries in the heart of one of Albania's natural jewels."
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You will be spending the night in Përmet in a small family hotel.

Permet-Gjirokastër 2h 89.1 km
Accommodation in Gjirokastër. Hotel Old Bazar / Hotel Cajupi
Meals included: morning

Today, we will be leaving for Gjirokastër, nicknamed “the stone city” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. This city is full of typical neighborhoods and shaded terraces, but above all, houses the ethnographic museum and its fortress, which are witnesses of a large part of of the History of Albania. Birthplace of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadaré and the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha, you will discover its city center and its hundreds of buildings of Ottoman architecture. We also advise you to take the time to visit its bazaar, a major trading hub in the region.
You can explore the characteristic cobblestone, traditional stone houses, characterized by their slate roofs and carved wooden windows.
Immerse yourself in the daily life of Gjirokastër by exploring the local market, tasting local culinary specialties and meeting friendly locals.

You will be spending the night in Përmet in a guesthouse.

Gjirokastra-Butrint: 1h 23 min 70.3 km
Butrint-Qeparo: 1h 40 mins 63km

Accommodation in Qeparo. Napoleon Complex
Meals included: morning

Your journey will continue towards the Butrint National Park, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in an exceptional natural environment, which Julius Caesar transformed into a residential city and an aristocratic cultural center for his war generals. The tour will take you through different periods of civilizations, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, in which the ruins and monuments are testimonies. You will be amazed by the theater of Butrint the agora, the Roman baths, the pretty baptistery with paleo-Christian mosaics, the large basilica, the view of the lake and the view of Corfu.
After the visit to Butrint, the day will be dedicated to relaxation. Your trip will continue towards Qeparo.
In Qeparo, you will explore the historic village which stands proudly to offer us breathtaking views of the coastline. Strolling through the cobbled streets of old Qeparo, you will take a real journey back in time. This ancient village, rich in history, will captivate you with its traditional architecture, its stone houses firmly anchored to the cliff, and winding streets that reveal the authenticity of a well-preserved past.

Accommodation in Qeparo. Napoleon Complex
Meals included: morning

On this days, you will 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 and Gjipe Bay.

After exploring, you can relax on the sandy beaches, where you can swim in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea or simply soak up the Mediterranean sun. Then, you can enjoy a meal of seafood, freshly caught and prepared in the local culinary tradition, a delicious way to connect even more intimately with the spirit of the place.

Qeparo-Narte: 1 hour 20 minutes 80 km

Accommodation in Narte:in bivouac.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Hike: 8 km
Type: One way
Duration: 2h30 min
Height difference: +/- 135 m
https://fr.wikiloc.com/itineraires-randonnee/zvernec-141881500

Today, you'll explore the island's winding paths on foot or by bike, passing centuries-old olive groves and biodiverse wetlands. Migratory birds add a unique sound touch to this experience.

The highlight of your visit to Zvernec Island is the ancient Church of St. Nicholas, a historic and spiritual site that offers stunning views of the lagoon and surrounding mountains.

After exploring the island, you can relax on the golden sandy beach, swim in the calm waters of the lagoon or enjoy fresh seafood dishes at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, you will set up your bivouac to spend the night. A night bivouac by the sea near the Narta lagoon in southern Albania is a magical experience. You will be located on a fine sand beach, under a starry sky which blends harmoniously with the sea horizon. The lapping of gentle waves punctuates the night, creating a soothing melody. The sea air, fresh and invigorating, is imbued with a slight smell of salt. Around you, the darkness is pierced by the silver light of the moon reflecting on the water, giving the scene an almost surreal quality. The silhouettes of the mountains in the distance add a dramatic touch to the landscape. It is a place of tranquility and natural beauty, where thoughts fall silent and one feels intimately connected to the immensity of nature.

Narta - Berat: 1 hour 30 minutes 75 km
Accommodation: Berat. Hotel Onufri or similar
Meals included: morning

Let's go to the city of Berat, an Ottoman-style city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. "The city of a thousand windows", recognized for its facades and its adjoining houses, is the best preserved city in the country. The small streets of the “Kala” district and the museum of the painter Onufri will leave you with some unforgettable memories.

There are narrow streets with slippery cobblestones, Byzantine churches that are very sober in appearance but which house frescoes of inestimable value, a breathtaking view of the Osum valley, a minaret, grandmothers selling knitwear and lace and the precious Onufri Museum.

You can then dine in one of the authentic restaurants of this charming city. Also not to be missed, 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.

Divjake-Tirana:
Accommodation in Tirana. Oxford Hotel
Meals included:Morning.

Today, you will be exploring the Divjaka national park.
Divjaka-Karavasta National Park is a protected natural area located in southwest Albania, along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most important wetland ecosystems in the country, offering diverse flora and fauna. The park's ecosystem also includes around 230 birds, 12 species of mammals and 16 reptiles. The lagoon constitutes the main nesting and reproduction site of the Dalmatian Pelican throughout the country.
You can explore the Karavasta Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Albania and a key part of the national park. You can take a boat tour on the lagoon to observe the rich avifauna and the unique ecosystem of the region.

Then, you will leave for the Albanian capital. Upon your arrival, you can begin your visit to Tirana, city of bright colors, nightlife and nerve center of the country. You will Visit Skanderbeg Square and the famous Blok district where you will have the opportunity to see the House of the former Albanian dictator, Enver Hoxha.

After, you will return your rental car to the hotel.

Accommodation in Tirana. Oxford Hotel
Meals included:Morning.

Free day

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!