Tirana International Airport
Tirana International Airport – Shkodra, Koman Lake, Valbona Valley, Valbona – Prizren *Kosovo – Historical town of Kruja, Berat *UNESCO, Archeological Park of Apollonia – National Park of Llogara, Cika Mountain, Porto Palermo Castle, Himara, Saint Thanas – Tirana
9 Days
All year
Arrival Tirana International Airport – Shkodra
Arrival in Tirana International Airport and transfer towards Shkodra, the country’s fourth largest city, which is only 1.5 hours away by bus.
Guided tour of Shkodra through the restored old town, the imposing cathedral and the mosque. Then we will experience the Rozafa Castle. From the castle we enjoy a magnificent view over Shkodra and the lake of the same name. The best way to pass the evening is to take a relaxed stroll through the sprawling pedestrian zone.
Panoramic Boat Tour through Koman Lake – Authentic villages in Valbona Valley
Today it is a spectacular day for us as we sail with the ferry through one of the most beautiful waterways in the Balkans.
We will reach the mountain village of Valbona, where we can experience the authentic lifestyle of the local people.
We can take a walk through the village, meet with the locals and enjoy dinner with traditional foods.
Hiking in Valbona Valley
After breakfast, we put on hiking shoes and walk along the Valbona River. After walking a while on the asphalt we will make an easy climb to Kukaj. Here it’s time for a coffee or beer in the bar improvised by locals. We continue climbing up the mountain for reaching the alpine flower camp above Kukaj. There we stop for enjoying the packed lunch in this beautiful landscape. Located on the border between Albania and Montenegro it’s a perfect hiking peak. During the hike, with a magical 360-degree view, you can see and enjoy the view of the Valbona valley and the surrounding peaks. Then we return to our hotel.
Valbona – Prizren *Kosovo – Historical town of Kruja
Today is one of our longest driving days, but the impressions that we get through the bus windows are manifold.
We pass through Kosovo, where we stop for lunch break and a short walking tour in the old town of Prizren, UNESCO hertitage.
Returning to Albania, we reach the historical city of Kruja, where we arrive in the afternoon. One of the landmarks of this idyllic town is the castle, which we are going to visit. With the Ethnographic Museum and the Skanderbeg Museum, we will experience two more cultural highlights before enjoying the rest of the day simply staying and strolling through the historic squares and streets.
Kruja – Antiquity and wines in Berat *UNESCO
Today we head towards an UNESCO town – Berat, the pride of Albanian antiquity and architecture. Berat forms a wonderful combination of eastern and western cultures, costumes and traditions. The architecture of the old houses, with large windows that overlook the town, is the first think that impresses the visitors. First stop: the Citadel. It overlooks the river and the modern city as well as the old Christian quarter across the river. The citadel can be reached by a steep road and is still inhabited. Inside the walls, you can visit ruined mosques and several medieval Orthodox churches, all intact and with restored frescoes and icons. Onufri National Museum is located in the inner part of “Saint Mary Church” in Castle of Berat. This Museum offers a collection of 173 belonging to the found of Albanian Churches and Monasteries.
In the afternoon we visit a local wine producer, where we can try some of the tasty wines and walk through the vineyards.
Overnight in Berat.
Berat – Archeological Park of Apollonia – National Park of Llogara
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue to Apollonia, a very important ancient city Here we visit the ancient ruins of the city as well as the St. Mary Monastery, which now serves as an archaeological museum.
Further we reach the National Park of Llogara, located more than 1000 meters above the sea level, and overlooking from above the white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera and the Ionian sea.
Afternoon we spend time in the nature and take an easy walk in the park, before dinner and overnight.
Hiking in Cika Mountain, visit of Porto Palermo Castle and the coastal town of Himara
In the morning, we will hike up to Mount Çika, (1600m). The Cika mountain (2045m) is the highest massive of south western Albania. From the summit, we will enjoy the panoramic views of the highlands of “Labëria” – land of the shepherds, and the Ionian Sea.
After the hike, we transfer to the Ionian coast, where we will stop to visit the bay of Porto Palermo and the Ali Pasha Tepelena fortress. The splendid bay of Palermo served as an important submarine base during the regime days. The semi abandoned base, its tunnel and structures are still visible and the main attraction of the bay is the 19th century fortress in the central promontory, built by the powerful Ali Pasha Tepelena.
Before returning to Llogara we stop in Himara, a small coastal town for a short break by the seaside, or in the city.
Another overnight in Llogara National Park.
Hiking in Saint Thanas – Tirana
Today we start an early morning hike, which will last about 4 hours, through the path of Saint Thanas.
We will enjoy panoramic views of the Vlora Bay and of the western steep slopes of the Karabruni peninsula, dropping off into the waters of the Ionian Sea.
After the hike we return to our hotel where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, return transfer to Tirana, for a free evening and overnight in the capital city.
Morning tour of Tirana – Return flight
Morning tour of the capital city Tirana.
Tirana has a never-ending movement and energy. This metropolis city is worth to discover by day and night. Founded in the 1614, Tirana is now a developed city which combines culture, history, contemporary architecture and lots of hospitality shown towards tourists. As you take a walk in Tirana you will enjoy the look of the colorful buildings, fancy coffees and green parks.
Guided tour of Tirana, including walking by the main boulevard and by the main buildings of the city such as: the Pyramid building, The opera House, The National Library, Governmental buildings, the new bazaar and the pedestrian area near the ruins of Tirana castle.