South Albania Between Land and Sea

Airport – Tirana, transfer: 20 km, 30min

Accommodation: Tirana. 3* hotel
Meals included: Evening - Restaurant

Upon your arrival, transfer to Tirana, the Albanian capital founded at the beginning of the 17th century by Sulejman Pasha. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Tirana starting with Skanderbeg Square where the city's most important monuments are grouped there.

Tirana – Elbasan: 45min
Xibrake – Korca: 2 hours. 100 km

Accommodation: Korca. 3* hotel
Meals included: Morning, Noon - Picnic, Evening – Restaurant

Hiking: 13km
Type: One way,
Duration: 5 hours
Elevation difference: 500m + and -600

The Via Egnatia was a road built by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. It passed through Illyria, Macedonia and Thrace, a territory which is now part of modern Albania, North Macedonia, Greece and European Turkey as a continuation of the Via Appia. Starting from Durrës on the Adriatic Sea, the route traversed a challenging path along the Shkumbini River, passed through the Candavian Mountains (Jablanica), and continued to the highlands surrounding Lake Ohrid. We are therefore going to hike in the footsteps of one of the greatest routes that have ever existed and which characters like Strabo or Cicero crossed there.
We will enjoy a simple traditional meal with lots of flavors at the village's restaurant where produce from the garden will be served.

Then, we will leave for the town of Korca located in southeastern Albania, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and varied tourist attractions.
The old town of Korça (Pazari i Vjetër) with its picturesque streets, the impressive Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection, the Cemetery of French soldiers from the First World War, and the Orthodox Cathedral represent the key monuments to discover and visit.

Korca – Farma Sotira 1h30 65 km
Farma Sotira - Allows 1h30 65 km

Hike: 12 km
Type: Buckle
Duration: 5 hours
Elevation difference: 560m + and -560
Accommodation: Allow. Hotel,
Meals included: Morning, Noon- Picnic, Evening - Restaurant

Today, we are heading to the preserved natural area of Germenj – Shelegur.
A natural destination that offers you endless beauty, every season of the year. It is a very beautiful cross-border region with Greece, southwest of Erseka, where the mountains harmonize with deep valleys, wetlands, rushing streams and particularly dense forests mixed with fir and oak but dominated by black pine. It ia an ideal places to discover nature.
At the end of the hike, we can enjoy a well-deserved break at the “Farma Sotira” farm.
Then, we will continue the road towards Permet along the valley of the Vjosa river. It is a region characterized by natural beauty and ecological diversity, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, with imposing mountains, dense forests and winding rivers. The panoramic views provide an impressive visual experience.

Allows – Labove e Kryqit: 1h30 80km
Labove – Gjirokaster 30 min

Accommodation: Gjirokastër, 3* Hotel,
Meals included: Morning, Noon- Lunch, Evening - Restaurant

Hiking: 8km
Type: Go – Return
Duration: 3 hours
Height difference: 350m + and 350m –

Today, we embark on a day full of discoveries. We will leave for the village of Labova e Kryqit where one of the most important monuments of Albanian Orthodoxy is located. The church of Labova is dedicated to the dormition of the Mother of God, this precious Orthodox church (Kisha e Fjetjes së Virgjëreshës ) is the oldest open to worship in Albania. It was founded in the 6th century by Justinian (527-565) at the same time as the reconstruction of Hadrianopolis. It was built in a style similar to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It was believed that there was a relic in the church a part of the cross where Christ was crucified.

Its simple but majestic architecture bears witness to centuries of history and devotion. The frescoes inside, although faded by time, passionately tell the biblical stories, offering visitors a deep insight into spirituality and Orthodox art. The church is more than a monument; it is the spiritual heart of the village, silent witness to the generations that have succeeded one another within it.

After visiting the church, it is time to venture onto the trails that surround the village. For a discovery hike. This route offers a panoramic view of the village below, the surrounding mountains and the green valley stretching as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you may encounter local people going about their daily lives, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

Then we take the road towards the town of Gjirokastra, one of the most important towns in southern Albania and a jewel of national architecture, as evidenced by its UNESCO World Heritage listing, since 2005. It gave Albania its most famous writer, Ismail Kadare, the unforgettable author of General of the Dead Armies, but also the most terrible dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country with an iron fist for a much of the latter half of the 20th century.
The town of Gjirokastër is also known for its culinary art. Typical dishes such as “pacha qofte”, “shapkat”, “oshaf” with dried figs (a dessert made from sheep's milk, sugar and dried figs), being notable examples.

Gjirokaster - Butrint: 1h20 70 km
Butrint - Himara: 1h20 70 km

Qeparo – Old Qeparo
Hike: 6 km
Duration: 3 hours
Height difference: 350 m + and m 350–

Accommodation: Himara. Hotel
Meals included: Morning, Noon -Lunch, Evening – Restaurant

In the morning, we will reach Butrint by taking a small road which offers beautiful panoramas of the island of Corfu.
Butrint is a historical treasure classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a fascinating insight into Mediterranean history, with remains dating from Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian antiquity. The ruins include temples, theaters, fortifications, baths and necropolises, all nestled in a natural setting of great beauty, near Lake Butrint. It is an exceptional site for lovers of archeology and history, offering an immersion in the different civilizations that have shaped the region over the centuries.
In the afternoon our journey runs along the surprising Albanian Riviera.
Before reaching the coastal town of Himara we will go for a hike to discover the old village of Qeparo.
The village is famous for its traditional stone architecture and narrow streets which give the village a picturesque and authentic atmosphere. Due to its elevated position, Qeparo offers exceptional panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.

Himare – Llogara: 1 hour 35 km
Llogara – Berat 2 hours 150 km

Hike: 8km
Duration: 4 hrs 00 mins
Elevation difference: 400m + and – 400 m
Accommodation: Berat, 3* Hotel
Meals included: Morning, Noon - Picnic, Evening - Restaurant

After breakfast, we will leave for the Llogara National Park.
Llogara National Park lies mainly in the Ceraunian mountain range, encompassing the Llogara Pass which is famous for its panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. The region is covered with dense forests, green pastures.
Due to its location between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, the park is home to rich biodiversity. A variety of bird species, endemic plants and wildlife can be found here.

We will do a round trip hike to “Qafa e Thelle” where a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea awaits us.

Then we continue towards Berat. Berat, an Ottoman-style city listed by UNESCO since 2008. “The city of a thousand windows”, known and 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 famous 16th century painter “ONUFRI” will leave you with some unforgettable memories.

Berat – Divjake: 1h 10min 70 km
Divjake – Tirana: 1 hour30min 90km

Hike: 7 km
Type: One way,
Duration: 3 hours
Height difference: 00 m + and 00
Accommodation: Tirana, 3* Hotel
Meals included: Morning, Lunch - Restaurant, Evening - Restaurant

After breakfast and a final visit to magnificent Berat, we continue towards Divjake National Park, a birdwatchers' paradise on the Adriatic coast.

The fauna of the Divjakë-Karavasta is quite rich and diverse, due to different environments and habitats, which are used for wintering, nesting or migration by many types of birds. Around 25 species of mammals, around 29 species of reptiles and amphibians (including sea turtles) and over 210 species of winter birds have been recorded.
A leisurely stroll between the dunes and the pine forest will allow you to see different species of birds, some of which belong to endangered species such as the pygmy cormorant, the screaming eagle, the Dalmatian pelican (Pelicanus crispus) of which 10% of the population is located at Karavasta Lagoon.

Then, we will head towards the Albanian capital. Beyond the cathedrals and mosques encountered along the way, discover a city in constant renewal, resolutely turned towards the future! Under the leadership of Edi Rama, a former mayor with an artistic soul, the facades of Soviet buildings have continued to be colored over the years. Full of Street Art hidden on every street corner, discover these murals through a thematic walk that is as surprising as it is unusual.

Tirana – Airport: 30min

Departure according to your flight schedule. One of our agents will accompany you to the airport.
We hope this trip has left a lasting impression on your hearts.