Welcome by our local guide at the airport and transfer to the medieval town of Kruja, one of the principal historic cities in Albania. Going through the Ottoman Bazaar to reach the fortress from where Albania’s hero, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg defended the country from the Ottoman invasion—today, the National Ethnographic Museum and Skanderbeg Museum are located.

Overnight in Kruja.

DAY 2: KRUJA – MOUNT SARISALLTIK TREK – SHKODER

Today, we will hike to the Holy Cave of Sarisalltik located at the top of Mount Kruja, called the “Adriatic Balcony” by locals because of the stunning views that can be seen both by day and night. After the descent, we will transfer north to Shkoder, the largest city of Northern Albania where we will visit Rozafa Castle and admire the superb view of the Shkoder Lake surrounded by mountains.

Overnight in Shkodra.

Gradient: 600m – 600m;  Distance: 2.5 km;  Duration: 3 hrs approx.

DAY 3: SHKODER – KOMAN LAKE – VALBONA

Transfer to Koman Lake from where we will take the ferry to reach Valbona National Park. This ride will leave you in awe as you tug on through the narrow, rocky cliffs, and mountains surrounded by nothing but untouched, wild beauty— and as it widens, the occasional farmhouse or small village. Overnight in Valbona (in guesthouses) or in Bajram Curri City. Transfers: Shkodër – Koman (42 km/2 hrs drive, bad road conditions); Koman – Fierzë (2. 5 hrs ferry); Fierzë – Guest House (40km).

DAY 4: EXPLORE VALBONA NATIONAL PARK

Today, explore the nature of this amazing place, visit Valbona Waterfall and water source. Today’s hike (6 hrs, challenging, 650 m – 650 m) leads us further into the valleys and forests of the national park up to a summer pasture. The terrain is along a range of pine tree forest and alpine pasture valleys. Discover the source of the clear water, flowing from the carstic formation of limestone rocks of the mountains, the extension of the Dinaric Alps.

DAY 5: VALBONA – THETH (ALBANIAN ALPS HIKING)

Today, we will hike the classic pass of the Albanian Alps. Walking uphill to reach the Valbona Springs via a steep and winding forest trail. Later, the walk continues into wide alpine pastures with large glacier erratic rocks, scattered here and there. The path then continues to steepen into a narrow trail that leads to the Valbona Pass. From here, we follow a trail that winds through fir and beech forest and descends into the Thethi Valley, also surrounded by a number of 2,500 m high sheer rocky domes, such as the Radohima and the Harapit. Today’s 9 km walk is expected to take around 7 hours with 1,050 metres of ascent and 1,300 metres of descent.

Overnight in Theth (Guesthouse).

DAY 6: EXPLORE THETH NATIONAL PARK

Explore walking around in the nearing of Thethi, the best-preserved alpine village in Albania. We will start walking downhill from the house (850m), and visit the attractions in and around the village, such as: the Church (750m), the Kulla e Ngujimit (a tower house used in the past by men as a shelter against ongoing vendettas), the Thethi Waterfall, ect. Back to the guest house for overnight in Theth (Guesthouse).

DAY 7: THETH – BOGA – TIRANA

Another day of spectacular hiking toward the village of Boga along Shtegu i Dhenve, the “Path of the Sheep”, which is another classic path in the Albanian Alps that connects the villages of Thethi and Boga. We will have lunch in a lovely setting, and then leave through the Boga Valley towards Shkoder. Finish the day in Tirana for overnight (120km/3hrs).

Gradient: 900m – 1100m;  Distance: 17 km;  Duration: 6 – 7 hrs

DAY 8: TIRANA – AIRPORT TRANSFER

Before the flight back home, short sightseeing in Tirana; the heart and the capital of Albania, which will leave wonderful memories. Transfer to the airport. End of our service.

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Welcome by our local guide at the airport and transfer to Tirana, the never-ending movement and energy city. The key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, Mosque of Et’hem Bey (built between 1798 and 1812), the Clock Tower, Castle of the Roman Emperor Justinian (A.D. 520), the monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, the Ura e Tabakëve and the National History Museum will leave you wonderful memories.

Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 2: TIRANA — BERAT — OHRID

In the morning, transfer to visit Berat, the 2,413-year-old city, known as “Antipatrea” (UNESCO Site). It is a treasure trove of Albanian history, culture and a testament to the country’s tradition of religious harmony. Then on the way to Ohrid, stop and visit Elbasan, the ancient Scampini which was a typical Roman fortification. Today, tourists can visit the Church of Saint Mary, and the king’s mosque—the Mosque of Naziresha (very rare because of its feminine name).

Overnight in Ohrid.

DAY 3: OHRID — ST. NAUM MONASTERY — OHRID

In the morning, visit Ohrid, a proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage region for its cultural and natural legacy. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the town is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. After those of the Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow, this is considered to be the most important collection of icons in the world. In the afternoon, boat tour to St. Naum Monastery. Back in Ohrid for overnight.

DAY 4: OHRID — BITOLA — SKOPJE

In the morning, transfer to Bitola or historically known as “Manastır”. It has been recognized since the Ottoman period as “the City of the Consuls” for the reason, many European countries have consulates in Bitola. It is one of the oldest cities in Macedonia founded as “Heraclea Lyncestis” in the middle of the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon. Visit the ancient town Heraclea Lyncestis, famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater, and Roman baths. Afternoon arrival and overnight in Skopje.

DAY 5: SKOPJE — MATKA — PRIZREN

In the morning, visit Skopje—the city which lays in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. The town with the beautiful quay of the Macedonian River “Vardar”, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar, which is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans. Today, the town is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Then, drive to Matka Canyons, where except for the beauty of nature and a short boat tour, we will also visit the Monastery of Matka located on the left bank of the River Treska. It was built around 1337. Proceed to Prizren (Kosovo) for overnight.

DAY 6: PRIZREN — DECANE MONASTERY — PEJA

Among the most visited places in Prizren are: Shatirvan Square, the Fortress and the surrounding compounds, Church of Saint Premta, Church of Saint Saviour, Bajrakli Mosque, Safi Sinan Pasha Mosque, city’s Hamams (Turkish public baths), city’s water sources, and the Stone Bridge. Next stop will be Decane Monastery, one of Kosovo’s absolute highlights. This ancient monastery is in an incredibly beautiful spot beneath the mountains and surrounded by a forest of pine and chestnut trees. Final destination for today will be Peja where we will visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peć Patriarchate.

DAY 7: PEJA — BAJRAM CURRI — KOMAN LAKE — SHKODER

Early in the morning, transfer back to Albania passing through Bajram Curri City to the Port of Fierza, where we will get the ferry for an unforgettable journey to Koman Lake. This ride will leave you in awe as you tug on through the narrow, rocky cliffs and mountains surrounded by nothing but untouched and wild beauty; as it widens, the occasional farmhouse or small village. Late in the afternoon, arrive in Shkoder for overnight.

DAY 8: SHKODER — THETH NATIONAL PARK — SHKODER

Today, we will explore the heart of Albanian Alps, and Theth National Park. Due to the road conditions, we will take local minivans and transfer to Theth, the best-preserved alpine village in Albania. We will start walking downhill from the house (850m), and visit the attractions in and around the village, such as: the church (750m), the Kulla e Ngujimit (a tower house used in the past by men as a shelter against ongoing vendettas), the Theth Waterfall, ect. Back to Shkoder for overnight.

DAY 9: SHKODER — KRUJA

In the morning, visit Shkodra—known as the “Capital of North Albania” and one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded in the 4th century B.C., Shkodra’s main tourist attraction is Rozafa Castle, rising majestically on a rocky hill, on the west of the city surrounded by the waters of the three rivers; the Drini, Buna, and Kiri. Then, we continue to the medieval town of Kruja, one of the principal historic cities in Albania.

Overnight in Kruja.

DAY 10: KRUJE — AIRPORT

Check out and transfer to the airport. End of our services.

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Arrival in Tirana International Airport. Transfer to the hotel in the center. Free time at your disposal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2: TIRANA — DURAZZO — BERAT

After breakfast, depart for Durres—one of the oldest cities in Albania (founded in 627 BC). We will visit the Amphitheater located in the center of the modern city. Then, visit Berat, another declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”. It is classified as a city museum. In the past, there were 40 churches inside the castle. Today, only 7 remain, one of which has been transformed into the Onufri Museum. Onufri was a 16th- century Albanian painter, master of icone sacre, who painted many Orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. Tasting in a traditional house within the walls of the castle of Berat, the family has lived in this house for generations. We will taste the famous Raki, Gliko, and Turko coffee like our grandmothers made it. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3: BERAT — ARDENCIA — GJIROKASTER (UNESCO)

After breakfast, we will head towards Gjirokastër. The first stop on the route is the Monastery of Ardenica, whose construction dates back to the Middle Age as evidenced by the stone placed at the entrance, dating back to 1417. It is said that Scanderbeg got married in the small chapel of Ardenica. Afternoon transfer to Gjirokaster, declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2005. A museum city with a very particular historical architecture. Visit to the medieval Castle. The city’s origins begin with the castle of Gjirokaster, built in the 4th century AD. The castle, known as Argjiro castle is the most important structure of the city and the largest in Albania. The city was called Argyrokastro in 1336. It reached the peak of flowering during the 800s–1830s, when characte-ristically monumental houses were built. Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, set up in the house where the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha was born.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4: GJIROKASTËR — BLUE EYE — BUTRINTI (UNESCO) — SARANDA

After breakfast, depart for the Occhio Azzuro (4 km walk: round trip). The Occhio Azzuro (Syri i Kaltër in Albanian) is a water source and the initial source of water of the Bistricë, a 25-km long river that flows into the Ionian Sea just south of Saranda. The spring is a natural phenomenon with a depth of at least 50 meters, the deepest a diver has ever managed to reach, so the actual depth is even unknown. The view is within walking distance (2 km/OW-1 hour) or by train (ticket cost 6 euros per person) back and forth. Depart for the ancient city visit of Butrinti, a UNESCO Heritage Site and the most important archaeological discovery in Albania. In addition to the splendid ancient ruins, it has the added advantage of being located on a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna. After the visit in Butrinti, a short stop in Ksamil. It is a small seaside town, 12 kilometers south of Saranda, Albania. Situated between the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the mussel-rich waters of Butrinti Lagoon, with three idyllic islands with swimming distance, Ksamil is extremely popular with Albanian and foreign beachgoers in the summer. The fact that it’s directly across from Corfu, Greece, and reachable by a 30-minute ferry ride, it adds to the appeal.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5: SARANDA — RIVIERA — PORTO PALERMO — VLORA

After breakfast, we leave for Vlora. You travel on a spectacular Albanian Riviera. The Albanian Riviera is characterized by a constellation of rocky and isolated beaches, surrounded by panoramic hills, vertiginous mountains covered with lush and wild vegetation—typical in the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, charming and hospitable villages have been built between the mountains and the sea— places where visitors can find a temporary home to enjoy the beautiful waters and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. We will make a photo stop at the Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo (entrance fee), a fortress used to control the trade routes on the sea. In the afternoon, we will visit Vlora: the Museum of Independence located in the original house where the first independent Albanian Government had its offices and from where independence was proclaimed.  In the afternoon, free time on the beach of Vlora. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 6: VLORA — APOLLONIA — TIRANA

After breakfast, we continue to the ancient city of Apollonia. It is located on the famous Via Egnatia, one of the most important cities of Ancient Rome. It was here that Julius Caesar sent his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory, a testament to the importance of this city. We continue transfer to the capital of Albania which has an endless movement and energy. The trip begins by visiting key places such as Sheshi Skënderbej, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Castle of the Roman Emperor Justinian, the monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, the Tanners’ Bridge, the National History Museum, and the archaeological museum. All of this will leave you with wonderful memories. In Tirana, we can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Mosque of Haxhi Et’Hem Bey, and Bunk’Art 2.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 7: TIRANA — SHKODER — KRUJE — TIRANA

After breakfast, depart for Shkoder, northern Albania’s most important city and the Italian Empire’s ancient capital in the 3rd century BC. Visit the Castle of Rozafa, where you can admire a spectacular 360 degrees panorama. We will then visit the Marubi Photographic Museum, which preserves a selection of photos taken from the second half of the 19th century until 1900.
Take a stroll through the newly renovated pedestrian zone, where Italian and Austrian architecture are intertwined; a testament to the city’s historical ties with these two countries. We will leave for Kruja. Upon arrival, a city visit that sees its major attractions in the fortress and in the museum housed inside, dedicated to the founding father of Albanian national sentiment, Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg. This stop, in addition to a knowledge of the history of resistance in Europe to Ottoman expansionism and the origins of Albanian national sentiment will allow you to get in touch with still alive and active testimonies of the “Alberese” community in the world.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

NOTE:

• Departure Days: Saturday
• Minimum: 2 participants to guarantee the date
• The tour can be combined with a leisure extension package (request a quote)
• The itinerary of the tour and the order of visits and days may be subject to change in the event of National and Religious
• Holidays to allow entry to all the museums and sites provided without changing the final result of the tour 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS (can be combined with hotels in CORFU for leisure, Saranda city, or Vlora, or along the Albanian Riviera)
• Transfer on arrival, maximum waiting time 50 minutes at the airport

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