From the Albanian Alps to the Albanian Riviera… (15 days)

From the Albanian Alps to the Albanian Riviera… (15 days)

Program:

Day 1. Tirana – Shkoder (arrival) After arrival at Mother Teresa airport we drive to Shkodra in the north of Albania. Distance: 80 km

Day 2: Shkoder–Koman-Valbone

Early in the morning we start for a round trip from Shkodra to reach the walls of the dam of Koman. The spectacular boat trip through the beautiful landscape. Distance: 110 km

Day 3: Valbona Tal -Kukaj Dorf

Today we hike to the village of Kukaj. The hike is easy to do and takes about 5 hours. Lunch and a café can be enjoyed here. Up: 400m Down: 400m

Day 4: Valbone – Kruje

Today we drive from Kosovo again in Albania on the way to Kruja. Kruja is famous for the castle where our national hero Skanderbeg fought against the Ottoman Empire for 25 years. Distance: 250 km

Day 5: Kruja – Berat

The next destination is the city of 1000 windows, this village is known for its history from the Stone Age, the city where life never stopped. Distance: 140 km

Day 6: Berat – Lin – Podragec

On the way to Pogradec we stop in the industrial city of Elbasan and have a short look at the centre of the city. Next stop is Lin village, where we can enjoy fresh trout for lunch at the oldest lake in Europe. Distance: 140 km

Day 7: Pogradec – Ohrid – Podradec

Today we spend the day outside Albania, the first stop is at the church of Shen Naum (12 km) of Pogradec. We visit the promenade and the holy place and after a short coffee break, we drive to the old town of Oher. After arrival we will visit the old town to learn more about the history of this city and its important role in ancient times. Distance: 80 km

Day 8: Pogradec – Voskopoja – Korca

After the breakfast with sea view we leave Pogradec and drive to Voskopoja. We learn more about Voskopoja and enjoy the homemade food from this village. Today’s destination is the town of Korca, or the town of love. Distance: 81 km

Day 9: Korca – Langarica Canyons – Permet

Today we leave the plateau of Korce behind us and climb steadily up to the border mountains through a landscape of barren rocks crossed by wildflowers. Then we descend through a spectacular gorge, which we will follow until we reach the village of Benje, situated on a rock above the river. Distance: 140 km

Day 10: Permet – Leuse – Gjirokaster

After breakfast we go for a short walk in the village of Leuse. We continue through the valley towards Kelcyra (the tooth tips of the distant shark), which guards another gorge. The gorge opens into a wide plain near the town of Gjirokastra, also known as the town of the thousand steps. Distance: 70 km

Day 11: Gjirokaster – Blue eye – Butrint – Sarande

Today we will first drive south, passing the source pot “Blaues Auge”, where we will stop for a break. Then we continue into the coastal plains until we reach Ksamil, a tourist village on the sea opposite Corfu. Distance: 110 km

Day 12: Sarande – Qeparo – NP Llogara

From Saranda we drive along the panoramic road or the Albanian Riviera. You will reach the village of Qeparo from where you start a two hour walk to the old village on the mountain road. Then we visit the castle in Porto Palermo and drive along the Riviera Road until the end of the Llogara National Park. Distance: 90 km

Day 13: Hiking Llogara NP

5 hours hike in the rainforest of Llogara NP, we reach a viewpoint over 1100 m sea level, then we go back downhill. You can take a few more hours on the beach to rest there. Up: 550m Down: 550m

Day 14: Llogara Np – Apolonia – Tirana

On the way from Vlora to Tirana we visit Apollonia. The ruins of the once powerful Roman city on the Balkan Peninsula. Afterwards the journey leads to Tirana, the capital of the country. During a city tour we will see the most important sights of the city and learn more about the young history of the poorest country in Europe. Distance: 220 km

Day 15: Departure from Tirana to airport

TRAVEL INFO

Included

• English speaking tour guide
• Round trip according to program in a modern vehicle
• Overnight stays in middle class hotels, partly in historical ambience or in simple family pensions
• 6 dinners in family guesthouses or restaurants typical of the region
• Transfer to the airport

Not included in the price:

• Flight
• 4x dinner à la carte
• Lunch snacks
• Beverages
• Tips
• Other personal expenses