Your driver and guide will meet you at the “Mother Teresa” airport, for the transfer to Shkodra.
It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Albania with a 2400-year-old history of urban civilization. Numerous people, countries and cultures have left their traces on the city. Many sights, monuments, memorials and ruins bear witness of its eventful history.
In the afternoon some free time is planned to enjoy the city on your own. Scrolling through the pedestrian zone, enjoying a coffee in one of the numerous bars, meeting hospitable people, are special experiences in a joyful city like Shkodra. Accommodation in Shkodra.

 

Transport : Minibus (2.5-3 hours)

Accommodation : Hotel Mozart Shkodër (or similar)

Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After breakfast, we will start the journey towards the Theth National Park. We will start the day with the hike to Ndërlysaj. The glacier mills of Ndërlysa offer a unique spectacle of nature: The water of the Black River squeezes through a narrow approach that has arisen over the millennia. Rounded and sharp rocks, half dipped into the shimmering colours of water and all-around green vegetation will surround our path. We will hike to the "Blue Eye of Kaprre", a spellbinding natural pool with amazingly blue water in a jungle-like environment. After a short break, we will hike back to Ndërlysa, where lunch is planned. Then, the hike continues towards the waterfall and gorge of Grunas. The canyon is 30m high and one meter wide, and the waterfall is a Nature Monument.
The return in Thethi is planned in the afternoon. After a short break we will visit the Isolation tower. During the visit you will become acquainted with the “Kanun” and its regulations. The Kanun is a set of traditional Albanian laws. It was primarily oral and was published in writing only in the 20th century. It has been used mostly in northern and central Albania and in the surrounding areas where there is a large ethnic Albanian population. It was first codified in the 15th century but the use of it has been outspread much earlier in time. It was used under that form until the 20th century. It is not just a set of laws, but a way of life, a totally new reality worth exploring. Dinner and accommodation in the guesthouse in Theth.

Transport : Minibus (2.5-3 hours)

Accommodation : Polia Guesthouse Theth (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Feature Dinner)

Trekking Distance : 12 kilometers

Trekking Time : 5-6 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +800/-500 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Day 3: Sweeping Vistas and Serene Trails – The Path to Valbonë

Hiking: T2, 4h, ↑850m, ↓700m, 8km

The hike of the day begins after a short transfer to the neighbourhood of Gjelaj. The well-marked trail starts gently, winding through serene woodlands before climbing more steeply to reach the Pass of Valbonë. At 1812 meters above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Valbonë and Theth valleys.

The descent into Valbonë starts rocky but gradually softens as you approach the valley floor. There, in Rragam, we will take a local transfer that will follow the picturesque Valbonë Valley, and bring us to our hotel, where a hearty dinner and a comfortable bed awaits.

(Local Transfer Theth – Gjelaj: 3km, 30min; Rragam – Valbonë: 6km, 30min)

The price includes:

• Breakfast

• Packed Lunch

• Luggage transportation with pack animals

• Private Local Transfer from Rragam to Valbonë

• Dinner

• Accommodation at Neokulla Hotel by Kol Gjoni in Valbonë

Transport : Minibus (1-1.5 hours)

Accommodation : Neokulla Hotel by Kol Gjoni (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Food Package); Supper (Hotel Restaurant)

Trekking Distance : 8 kilometers

Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +850/-700 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After breakfast we will start hiking towards the hanging glacial valley of Kukaj. The trail runs through boulders and meadows, entering the beech forest. Passing by the houses of Kukaj, the path follows the right side of the valley up to a small grassy plateau with a mountain hut, where
we will have a lunch break.
After some time to enjoy the company of the local shepherds, we will hike down to the guest house in the valley.

In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax in the village. Dinner is planned at the guest house.

Transport : Minibus (0.5-1 hour)

Accommodation : Neokulla Hotel by Kol Gjoni (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Food Package); Supper (Feature Dinner)

Trekking Distance : 12 kilometers

Trekking Time : 5-6 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +750/-750 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After a well-deserved lazy morning, we will start the day with the transfer to Fierza where we will board the ferry for a tour along the Koman lake. The Koman Lake winds its way between high cliffs and towering peaks like a Norwegian fjord. After arriving at the at the terminal in Koman, we will be transferred to the village of Fishtë. There, we will have a special farewell dinner at a slow food, farm-restaurant. It is known throughout Albania for the traditional home-made dishes and its organic products. Accommodation in a hotel in Durrës.

Transport : Minibus (4-5 hours)

Accommodation : Hotel Berati Castle (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Food Package); Supper (Home-cooked Cuisine)

After breakfast, we will have a guided walk and visit of the city of Berat. It is of the main attractions of the country, has an over 2400-year-old history and is a wonderful combination of eastern and western cultures, costumes, traditions. The city's life began as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Churches with precious frescos and icons were built inside the castle during feudalism. Today, the castle is made unique by the fact that people continue to live inside of it.

Then we will continue our journey to the Llogara National Park, where a quick lunch is planned before our hike.

The hike of this afternoon follows Caesar’s path. In 48BC, during the war with Pompeus, Caesar’s army anchored in Palasa, and from there followed this path to travel to Orikum and defeat Pompeus.

In the afternoon, we will continue to the coastal village of Dhërmi, where dinner and accommodation are planned.

(Transfer Berat – Llogara: 148km, 1h15min; Transfer Llogara – Dhërmi: 19km, 45min)

Transport : Minibus (2-2.5 hours)

Accommodation : Hotel Splendor (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Hotel Restaurant)

Trekking Distance : 8 kilometers

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +400/-450 meters

Day 7: Hiking to Ngjipe Beach

Hiking: T2, 3h, ↑250m, ↓250m, 5km

The day starts with a short transfer to the starting point of the hike to Ngjipe. We will follow a well-prepared trail to descend to the beach. Some short stops are possible at panoramic spots along the way.

The canyon of Ngjipe is situated along the lower parts of Ngjipe stream, between Vuno and Ilias. It is formed by water erosion, is more than 2km long and 100m deep. Walking along its length is a unique experience. The landscape is attractive, the beach is clean and the water clear.

After some time to enjoy the sea and the sun on the beach, the hike continues back to the vehicle, from where we will drive to Tirana, where dinner and accommodation are planned.

(Transfer Dhërmi – Starting point of the hike: 7km, 15min; Transfer Ending point of the hike – Tirana: 218km, 3h30min)

 

Transport : Minibus (3.5-4 hours)

Accommodation : Hotel Colosseo (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Food Package); Supper (Farewell Dinner)

Trekking Distance : 5 kilometers

Trekking Time : 2-3 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +250/-250 meters

Day 8: Final Day in Tirana

If your flight schedule permits it, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning to start the guided visit of Tirana.

It is a city where fun is guaranteed: diverse, lively, loud, crazy, colourful, simply fascinating. The tour of the city starts from the Skanderbeg Square, which is the main square of Tirana. The square has been reconstructed lately and is paved with colourful stones brought from different regions of Albanian speaking countries.

The visit of Tirana ends with a stroll along the pedestrian street to the ruins of the Castle of Tirana. It was originally a fortress built during the Byzantine era by emperor Justinian. It was the place where the main east-west and north-south roads crossed. An Ottoman era castle, the walls of which can be seen today, is built on the ruins of the fortress.

After the visit, it’s time to part ways with Albania, leaving behind its enchanting scenery and heartfelt stories but taking the memories with you.

Accommodation : Hotel Colosseo (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast

Day 9: Departure

Today it’s time to part ways with Albania, leaving behind its enchanting scenery and heartfelt stories but taking the memories with you. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

(Transfer Tirana – TIA Airport: 24km, 1h)

The price includes:

• Breakfast

• Private transfer from Tirana to the TIA Airport

Transport : Minibus (1-1.5 hours)

Accommodation : Own arrangement

Meal : Breakfast