Between Mountains and Shores: Unusual Albania

After your arrival at Tirana airport, take your private transfer and head to the capital of Albania - Tirana.

Upon arrival at the hotel, start exploring the city.

Set out to visit Tirana, a city in constant evolution. Once dull and gray, the city has experienced international post-communism growth, becoming a lively, colorful, and very vibrant metropolis thanks to its unique atmosphere. Fascinating, Tirana represents both the past and future of Albania.

After breakfast, head to the famous Albanian restaurant 'Mrizi i Zanave'. Lost in the Albanian countryside, you'll enjoy lunch in an ecological restaurant where all products consumed come from the restaurant and local families in the surrounding area.

Continue your journey to Shkodra.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Shkodra, stop at Rozafa Castle, built by the Illyrians and witness to numerous sieges and occupations throughout the centuries.

After breakfast, head to the Albanian Alps and discover the small village of Lepushë.

Lepushë is a hidden treasure located in the heart of the Albanian Alps, offering an authentic and serene mountain escape. Nestled in the Kelmend region, this charming village is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, steeped in traditions, and ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and nature.

You can enjoy your time on site to relax in a peaceful environment.

OPTION: Wine tasting in Shkodra.

After breakfast, start a hike to reach Maja e Vajushes.

Maja e Vajushes, peaking at about 2,050 meters in the Albanian Alps, offers both challenging and rewarding hiking experience. Known for its panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and serene alpine beauty, this hike takes adventurers through meadows, forests, and rocky trails. At the summit, you can admire breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Distance: 9 km Starting altitude: 1,279 m Maximum altitude: 2,056 m Elevation gain: 878 m

After breakfast, head to an eco-camp in Rubik located on the heights of a magnificent valley for a unique experience.

Leave your luggage in your bungalows and set out for a walk in untouched and relaxing nature.

Dinner composed of local products from the region.

OPTION: Possibility to organize a hike with your host to a small wild waterfall.

OPTION: Kayak excursion on Lake Shkopet.

After breakfast, head to the Dibër region.

The Dibër region, located in northeastern Albania, is still a relatively unknown tourist destination but rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Bordered by the Korab massif mountains, the region offers a spectacular setting for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Mount Korab, Albania's highest peak, attracts many hikers with its picturesque trails and panoramic views of the Drin Valley.

You will have the opportunity to sleep in a Kulla. The word 'Kulla' in Albanian means 'tower' or 'fortified house', and the building maintains this historical essence while being modernized for guest comfort. The thick stone walls, wooden beams, and architectural details reflect a bygone era, while the warm interior offers everything needed for a pleasant stay.

OPTION: Rafting in Dibër

OPTION: Hike to Korab

OPTION: Cooking class

OPTION: Horseback riding

After breakfast, head to North Macedonia for a day in Ohrid.

Discover its well-preserved historical heritage, such as the Church of Saint Jovan and the ancient theater dating from the Roman Empire.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Ohrid Fortress, overlooking the city, which offers a magnificent view of the city and the lake.

Then head to the Saint Naum Monastery, nestled in lush greenery. Built in the 10th century, it's a haven of tranquility at the border between Albania and Macedonia.

OPTION: Guided tour of Ohrid.

After breakfast, free day in Ohrid to enjoy the city's beaches and stroll through the old town. You will have the opportunity to visit Ohrid.

Visit the Saint Naum Monastery. Nestled in lush greenery and built in the 10th century, this monastery is a haven of tranquility at the border between Albania and Macedonia.

Photo stop at the 'Bay of Bones', an authentic reconstruction of part of a settlement dating from 1200 to 700 BC.

OPTION: Diving

OPTION: Kayak on the lake

OPTION: Boat ride on the lake

OPTION: ATV in Galicica

OPTION: Paragliding

After breakfast, head to Berat. A rare example of a city with architectural style typical of the Ottoman period.

Arrival in Berat and lunch in the fortress.

Start a panoramic tour of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its 'Kala' fortress located on the heights of the city, built in the 13th century. Enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city. Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum.

OPTION: Wine tasting in an Albanian cellar to discover Albania's wine heritage.

OPTION: Guided tour of Berat

After breakfast, start an activity in Osum Canyon.

River hiking in Osum Canyon in Albania is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Osum Canyon is located in southern Albania and stretches for more than 25 km. River hiking in this canyon offers breathtaking views of steep cliffs, crystal-clear waters of the Osum River, waterfalls, and narrow gorges.

The hike usually starts in the town of Çorovoda, where you can find local guides to accompany you. The excursion lasts about 5 to 6 hours, depending on each group's pace. You will walk in water and on rocks, and you can swim in natural pools.

Osum Canyon offers spectacular landscapes, with limestone cliffs more than 200 meters high that create a narrow gorge for the Osum River. During the hike, you will cross narrow gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools of crystal-clear water.

The difficulty level of the hike depends on weather conditions and water levels. It is advisable to wear comfortable and non-slip hiking shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes.

After breakfast, head to Gjirokastër for a city walk.

Arrival in Gjirokastër. Admire the architecture of a series of two-story houses classified as 'remarkable,' dating from the 17th century, a site giving the impression of contemplating a painting from the past.

Visit the Gjirokastër Citadel, overlooking the city.

OPTION: Guided tour of Gjirokastër.

OPTION: Join the mountains of Gjirokastër and start a horseback ride in the region.

After breakfast, head to Langarica Canyon and reach the thermal baths or 'Benja' of Permët. You can enjoy the baths and canyon or start a hike on the heights of the hot springs and head to the village of Bënjë Novoselë to admire its old buildings.

Possibility to cross the Bënjës Bridge and reach the 18th-century Orthodox Church of Saint Mary. (3h30 hike, 4.5 km, 370 meters positive elevation, 470 meters negative elevation)

Return to Gjirokastër in the late afternoon.

OPTION: Rafting on the Vjosa River.

OPTION: Cheese tasting in an old bunker.

OPTION: Electric bike ride near the Vjosa River.

OPTION: Hike to Sopoti Waterfall.

After breakfast, head to Butrint and begin the visit of an archaeological site of an ancient city built by the Trojans after the fall of Troy. UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit this ancient city occupied by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. This archaeological site presents the ruins of ancient civilizations of this historical city.

Drive north along the Albanian coast and make a stop at Ali Pasha's Castle. Famous governor of the region on behalf of the Ottoman Empire, often compared to Napoleon for his military strategies and alliances.

Then reach Himare, a picturesque small Albanian seaside resort, and leave your luggage at your guesthouse.

OPTION: Guided tour of Butrint.

OPTION: Visit to a farm near Ksamil.

After breakfast, free day to enjoy the beaches in Himare or its surroundings.

Possibility to reach Dhermi to spend time on its incredible beaches.

OPTION: Boat excursion in Himare.

OPTION: Kayak in Drymades.

OPTION: Rappelling and paddle descent.

OPTION: Canyoning in Gjipe.

After breakfast, take the road to Apollonia of Illyria, ruins of the ancient largest Greek city in Albania founded in 625 BC.

Head to Ardenica Monastery. Built in the 13th century, it represents one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in Albania.

Head towards Kruje.

Leave your luggage at your hotel.

Visit one of the oldest European cities.

Visit the city with its old bazaar and the medieval fortress of Skanderbeg. Compared to Alexander the Great, Skanderbeg is a true hero in the Balkans for resisting the Ottoman Empire's invasion.

Enjoy the evening to relax in the pool located on the roof of your hotel, offering a magnificent view of the region.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time until your departure to Tirana airport for your return flight.