   I went on a private day trip to Montenegro with this company and everything went great. Previously I had never used a tour company before so I didn't know what... read more to expect, but they arrived on time and picked me up from where I was staying in Tirana. From that point on there was a  lot of conversation about various topics and it made the several hours drive to Montenegro a lot more enjoyable. Being with a local tour company who could speak the local language helped the border crossing go more smoothly. And as I was on a private tour, all the focus was on me and making sure I had the best trip possible. Andi and Kevi were very knowledgeable and each had their own good points. Andi was great about describing the history of the places we visited and he's a very talkative person in general and the sort of person who could get on well with everyone. Kevi was a great driver and was skilled at taking photos. The day was all positives with no negatives and I enjoyed the trip so much I will be booking another tour with them soon. …
Josh
June 17, 2021 
   With limited time in our hands we decided to go for a Day trip from Tirana to Pristina and Prizren Kosovo via Go as Local Tours.  Andi was our... read more tour guide and he made us comfortable throughout the whole day. We first made a stop at Pristina and head to Prizren for lunch and the  tour. We liked both the cities however we preferred Prizren more. Andi was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. He took care of us the whole time and made us feel so comfortable.  I recommend this tour to those who want to explore other cities / countries with limited time. Hopefully when we come back to Albania we get to explore the other regions of the country with the same tour company Go as Local. Thank you Andi for making this trip amazing.
Fatima A
January 1, 1970 
   If your planning to pay a visit to Kosovo I will recommend this company for you and especially Skerdi once you go with him you will never think of going... read more with any other companies or guides he is the best guide ever that I met in the whole Balkan he was very professional Polite, kind  & friendly for me he was like a friend or a brother in this trip even he took us to mother Teresa church which was not in the plan and took us back to Tirana to the Teg mall upon our request and spend extra hours with no extra charge  ; I can assure you that you will never meet someone like Skerdi especially if you would like to cover Kosovo in one day ( so useful informations we had & the most important places to visit (the must see) where all covered & the most delicious food & enjoyment you will ever had In Kosovo and last not least being with Skerdi is like being with one of your best friends that you would love to sit and to listen to 
 
 My advise for you very simple is if you want to visit Kosovo 
 Take Skerdi or Go Home
DrGYM
May 29, 2022 

Following the tracks of Julius Cesar and Lord Byron, this Hiking in South Albania tour will expand a wonderful Albania in front of us. Join us in this 6 Days Adventure to explore the best of Albanian Riviera, 3 UNESCO Sites of Butrint, Gjirokastra and Berat and furthermore explore the real roots of life in the south of the Country.

Tour Details

This 5 Days Tour of South Albania is a combined and well balanced tour in between Hiking, Albanian Riviera, visits in UNESCO sites and knowning more about the culture and local livestyle by different visits in the local families and beeing their guests.

This moderate difficutly tour requires a good level of fitness and is a combination of walking and riding along the Riviera, deeper in South or inbetween cities.

We invite you to become a modern Lord Bayron visiting the places and write your personal “Child Harold” Poem!

“

“The Albanians in their dresses (the most magnificent in the world, consisting of a long white kilt, gold worked cloak, crimson velvet gold laced jacket and waistcoat, silver mounted pistols and daggers), the Tartars with their high caps, the Turks in their vast pelisses and turbans, the soldiers and black slaves with the horses, the former stretched in groups in an immense open gallery in front of the palace, the latter placed in a kind of cloister below it, two hundred steeds ready caparisoned to move in a moment, couriers entering or passing out with dispatches, the kettle drums beating, boys calling the hour from the minaret of the mosque, altogether, with the singular appearance of the building itself, formed a new and delightful spectacle to a stranger.”

Lord Byron Letter to his Mother - November 12th 1809, Prevesa, Greece

Departure & Return Location

Tirana

Departure Time

06:00

Price Includes

5 Nights Hotel Accommodation
All the Meals
English Speaking Tour Guide
Entrance Fees to all the Attractions
All transportation in destination location

Price Excludes

Any Private Expenses
Breakfast on the First Day
Dinner on the Last Day
Drinks & Snacks

Complementaries

Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Sunscreen
Water containers (1.5 - 2 L)
Comfortable, light clothes
Swim Suits

What to Expect

During this tour in South Albania we will experience more of the Albanian Nature, Riviera, History, Culture and livestyle, expecially at the southern part of the country.

Trek through the forests of Llogara National Park
Follow the coastal trail of Julius Caesar along the Albanian Riviera
Explore Greek and Roman ruins of Butrint
Walk to Antigonea & Lunxheria mountains, part of Gjirokastra Highlands.
Visit Gjirokastra and Berat. 2 Ottomans style cities with plenty of stories and legends.
Visit in Durres and Tirana

Itinerary

First DayWalks in Llogara National Park

Leaving Tirana behind we will head toward the south of Albania, where Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. On the way to Vlora, the next stop will be the Zverneci Monastery, This Byzantine Style Monastery is located on an island and surrounded by salty water by Narta Lagoon. To reach the monastery, you follow the charming bridge that, stretching over the water, connect the island with the land. In addition, driving through Vlora we will reach the Natural Park of LLogara.

Hiking experience in the park of LLogara.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Llogara National Park
Dinner: Mountain restaurant

Hike information:
Gradient: 600m ; – 600m
Distance: 13 km

Second Day In the footsteps of Julius Caesar. Hiking from Llogara to Palasa

Leaving the Llogara we will hike down toward the sea, following an ancient trail named after the glorious Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar. The same trail was used by Cesar when he organized an unexpected attack on his opponent in taking Okikum from him. On the way down, we will still see some ruins of the trail that was used during the Roman Era.
Chilling time at the Ali Pasha castle on the Porto Palermo. 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 driving along the Albanian coastline. Night spend in authentic Albanian Village. Typical architecture, delicious food, and an amazing atmosphere will make our second day great!

Overnight: Family-run hotel in the Albanian Riviera
Dinner: Traditional Restaurant

Hike information:
Gradient: – 1329 m
Distance: 13 km

Third DayExploring the Albanian Riviera and Archaeological Park of Butrint

The tour of south Albania continues by driving deeper to the Albanian Riviera. Passing by the “City of forty saints” or Saranda as it is called today we will reach the UNESCO World Heritage site, Archeologic Park of Butrint. The site itself has remarkable historical values how the city has developed in time starting as a Greek Colony, turned out to be a very developed Roman City. It is the time when we also have most of the archeologic evidence.
Lunch at a local restaurant and relaxing time before the classic stroll in the Saranda’s boulevard.
Fish cuisine dinner. Overnight in Saranda.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Saranda
Dinner: Restaurant

Transfer information:
Distance: 75 km
Duration: 2.30 hrs

Hike information:
Gradient: 70m ; – 70m
Distance: 1.5 km
Duration: 2 hrs

Fourth Day In the footsteps of Lord Byron - Hiking on the Highlands of Gjirokastra

Leaving Saranda we change the scenery and head toward the highlands of Gjirokastra. This moderate hiking starts from the Libohova toward the “Labova e Kryqit”. The same trail was also part of a Comercial Roman Road that connected the South of Albania with Grece. The same was also used by Lord Byron in his famous journey from Tepelena to Greece.

Reaching Labova and visit of its church, which is known as one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the entire Balkans. In addition, Visits in local families to get introduced better to the local lifestyle and tradition. Lunch and ride to Gjirokastra.

Afternoon city tour of Gjirokastra and Dinner at a traditional restaurant in the city.

Overnight: 3 Star Hotel in Gjirokaster
Dinner: Traditional Restaurant Dinner

Hike information:
Gradient: 862 m ; – 992 m
Distance: 10 km

Fifth Day Hiking in South Albania - Antigonea

Following the Byron itinerary, this time our hike will pass by the ruins of Antigonea, founded by the legendary Pyro of Epirus in the 3rd Century BC. We then continue hiking, following the elevated line of villages at the slopes of Lunxheria Mountains, before returning to Gjirokastra in the afternoon. In addition exploration of the city of GJirokastra and overnight in the city.

Overnight: 3 Star Hotel in Gjirokaster
Dinner: Traditional Restaurant Dinner

Sixth Day Gjirokastra - Berat - Durres - Tirana

We are leaving the city of Gjirokastra behind and drive towards another UNESCO site, the City of Berat. With more than 20 centuries of history, Berat is a mosaic city of different cultures and influences. It is a city of multi-cultures. Local ancient civilizations of 6th Century BC are fused with Roman culture, the medieval period, Eastern Ottoman influence and communist changes. Berat is also characterized by a wealthy traditional culture, heritage, and religious harmony. It is a city with amazing culinary and wine.
City tour of Berat walking in its cobblestone paths visiting the Castle of Berat, Onufri Museum and the church of Saint Mary.
In addition, strolling into Mangelem and Gorica, 2 of the most typical neighborhoods of the city.
Lunch in Berat and return towards Tirana.

The tour will be concluded with a brief visit to the coastal city of Durres that in centuries has been a very important point of Albanian history, culture, and art. Short visit in Durres or free time for refreshment in the sea.
Return in Tirana.