Tirana – Birdwatching in Lagoon of Karavasta – Berat *UNESCO
After breakfast, we transfer toward Karavasta National Park and lagoon.
With a mosaic of different habitats including saltwater and freshwater lagoons, sand dunes and pine forest the area can hold a great range of different bird species, orchids, butterflies and reptiles. The 4000 hectare Karavasta lagoon is a focal point and the largest lagoon in the country holding around 5% of the worlds breeding Dalmatian Pelicans! These impressive birds can be seen here with relative ease and we shall explore the area enjoying whatever we may find. Many migrant birds pass through this site and a whole host of species may be found and the wetlands are often teeming with waders and wildfowl. Garganey, Pygmy Cormorants and Greater Flamingos are a common sight and we shall enjoy a range of different waders often including Marsh Sandpipers and Black-winged Stilts while Caspian Terns pass through here and herons may include Squacco Heron and Great Egret. Although the wetlands are a feature here the woodlands which are dominated by pine and low shrubs provide excellent cover and food for passing birds and we shall enjoy this habitat as well. Birds such as Collared Flycatcher and Subalpine Warbler may be found and Hoopoe and Bee-eater are regularly seen. We shall visit a site to view the Dalmatian Pelican breeding colony and in the late afternoon we shall reach Berat and settle into our guesthouse.
Continue further to the UNESCO town of berat
Berat is one of Albania’s oldest cities and despite a lot of settlements being knocked down and replaced by a monoculture of communist settlements, Berat remains one of the best preserved Ottoman settlements in all of the Balkans. After being listed as a ‘museum city’ in 1976, Berat is a historical gem and certainly one of the most iconic sights in Albania. Attractive white house’s wind their way up to the fortress castle which sits above and whose walls encircle a collection of medieval orthodox churches and ruined mosques.
Dinner and overnight in Berat.

Berat – Birdwatching in The Lagoon of Narta – Berat
Today we will visit the Narte Lagoon, where we would explore also Narte Salinas, a site which shelters a wide range of bird species and wildlife. We will enjoy looking at a variety of bird species, such as a colony of Kentish Plover, Flamingos and Dalmatian Pelicans.
The area is also very important for breeding species as well. After the exploration of this site, we will head back to Berat to continue with a visit in the castle located at the hilltop at the old town quarter. Guided tour of the old town and entrance to Onufri iconographic museum.
Dinner and overnight in Berat.

Berat – Birdwatching in Rinia Lagoon in Lalzit Bay – Historical town of Kruja
After breakfast we transfer to the historical town of Kruja.
Along the way we stop in Rinia lagoon at the southern part of the Lalzi Bay system, an excellent site for a range of wetland species and passerines. This very shallow lagoon is divided from the sea by a small sandy beach and from the agricultural fields in the eastern side by a line of pine trees. Here we may encounter Greater Flamingo, a range of waders possibly including Spotted Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper with Black and White-winged Black Tern possible and Little Bittern in the reedy areas. This site is perhaps most famous for its very large Bee-eater colony. They will be arriving in April and will be well underway with breeding by May. These beautiful birds are always a treat.
Continue further to the historical town of Kruja. Visit of the castle and old bazaar. Visit of Skanderbeg museum.
Dinner and Overnight in Kruja.

Kruja – Birdwatching in Skadar Lake – Shkodra
Today we will travel towards Shkodra, located in north-western part of Albania. En route to Kruja, we will stop at the Kune – Vain lagoon, the first site proclaimed protected area in Albania, hosting wide range of habitats. The lagoon offers an opportunity to enjoy a diverse number of bird species from waterfowl, passerines and raptors.
We will continue our journey towards Shkodra, where we visit the Skadar Lake, the largest in Balkan Peninsula and Southern Europe, which is also the natural border between Albania and Montenegro. We will reach the wetland situated by lake shore, already protected under the RAMSAR convention, to explore rich and peculiar aquatic habitats.
The area includes a variety of habitats: freshwater, brackish water, woodland, freshwater marshes, wet pastures, sandy shore and rocky habitats supporting about 900-1000 plant species, and it is home for 270 bird species, including pelicans, seagulls and herons. After a deep exploration of the wetland compound, we continue towards the city of Shkodra, where we will continue with the cultural part of the program, followed by a visit to the Rozafa Castle, situated at the top of the hill overlooking the city and its surroundings.

Shkoder – Boat tour through Koman Lake – Birdwatching and wildlife in Valbona National Park
After breakfast we head towards Koman to catch the ferry across Komani Lake. The ferry trip winds through a river passing on the foothills of high mountains and deep gorges, which resembles to Norwegian fjords. Shortly after drop off will continue towards Valbona Valley National Park.
During the day in valbona, we will explore different areas of the Valbone Valley National Park and we may encounter numerous bird species, as the famous Golden Eagle, butterflies which thrive in this area as Yellow-banded Skipper, Chequered Blue, Camberwell Beauty and Twin Spot Fritillary. Among the wildflowers, we can admire Albanian Lilly, and orchids. We may also expect to encounter other forms of wildlife from reptile family as Green Lizard and vipers. If we are very fortunate we may view from long distance Brown Bear and Wolf, common mammals living in the alps area.
Dinner and overnight in Valbona village.

Valbone – Cultural visit in Prizren *Unesco – Birdwatching in Patoku lagoon – Tirana
After breakfast we will continue our journey toward Albania-Kosovo border, reaching the town of Prizren (Kosovo), famous for its diversity and a long tradition of tolerance among diverse ethnic communities/ Prizren embodies a rich history, represented by 24 identified archeological locations, 39 Christian buildings and 46 Islamic sacral buildings.
We stop in Prizren for refreshment and a short sightseeing of the old town.
After passing the border Kosovo – Albania, we will stop at Patoku Lagoon, famous for sheltering a range of wetland species. Apart from Dalmatian Pelican, we can also view a range of wildfowl and waders.
Afternoon in Tirana, Guided tour of Tirana, including sightseeing in the city center, the main boulevard, mother Teresa square, the government buildings, the ruins of Tirana castle, the bazaar and the ex blloku quarter. Dinner and overnight.

Tirana – Tirana International Airport
After breakfast, free time to explore the city on your own and get ready to leave for the airport in time to catch our flight back home.