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 (1.5-2 hours)

Accommodation : Hotel Mozart Shkodër (or similar)

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

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After an early morning, we will start the day with the transfer to Koman 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 Fierza, we
will be transferred to the Valbona Valley, where lunch at the guesthouse is planned.
If you don’t feel tired, in the afternoon you can take part in the optional hike in on the trail
called “Jubani circle”. We will hike on a well-maintained trail to the hills above the valley. We
will wind our way uphill, covered by the forest, which will give us all the protection from the
sun that we need. Today you will not gain a lot of altitude, but the views will be amazing none
the less. After reaching the highest point of the trail, we will enjoy lunch and take in the views.
Then continues the hike down to the hotel in the valley, where dinner and accommodation are
planned.

Transport : Minibus (3-3.5 hours)

Accommodation : Neokulla Hotel by Kol Gjoni (or similar)

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

Trekking Distance : 8 kilometers

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +400/-400 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

The hike of the day begins after a short transfer to the neighbourhood of Rragam. The wellmarked 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 Theth starts rocky but
gradually softens as you approach the valley floor. Once we arrive in the Gjelaj neighbourhood
in Theth, the trail becomes wide and easy to walk on, until we reach our hotel in Theth, where
a hearty dinner and a comfortable bed await.

Transport : Minibus (0.5-1 hour)

Accommodation : Thethi Hotel (or similar)

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

Trekking Distance : 11 kilometers

Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +700/-1150 meters

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 (5-6 hours)

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

Trekking Distance : 8 kilometers

Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : 550/500 meters

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 (3-3.5 hours)

Accommodation : Hotel Black Diamond in Dhërmi (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal)

Trekking Distance : 6 kilometers

Trekking Time : 1-2 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +300/-300 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

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 : Own arrangement

Meal : Breakfast