   last we were in a team building program with my coullegues and was a good fun. 
 every each of us had the chance to learn some albanian dishes and... read more taste some good wine. Recommended !
Joni S
February 23, 2019 
   The best ending with some local wine - As our last day in Tirana , Andi suggested a day tour of Berat. We could not end our trip in a better way. Berat was great and Alpeta winery... read more was a great choice for lunch and local wine.
Lidexploreng
November 10, 2022 
   My trip was around 9 days, seeing all of the major points in central and southern Albania, in North Macedonia, and in Kosovo. There's really no substitute for having a... read more local guide, knowledgeable and proud, to show you the region, navigate the sometime fraught driving, and in general make your life easier as you enjoy visiting these most beautiful places. My Albanian friend was Skerdi, and he showed me a great time. We had a lot of laughs, listened to great music, enjoyed conversation, and sampled many different kinds of cuisine. 
 
 Albania's mountainous terrain makes for unending majestic views around every peak. It's Adriatic coastline is also quite beautiful. Every Albanian I met, to a person, was kind, hospitable, and friendly. And the food? Out of this world. A great place for adventure travel, cultural history, ancient history--whatever your pleasure. Or, just to spend a few days in a funky European capital city, Tirana, enjoying high quality food and accommodation for reasonable costs.
 
 North Macedonia was also beautiful, but there's less going on there for tourists. Visiting Ohrid is a must, as is Matka Canyon closer to Skopje. Outside of the newly built monuments, statues, and buildings in central Skopje, there's not much to see and do there, and the city closes up fairly early. The restaurants, bars and coffee shops aren't nearly as plentiful or, quite frankly, as good as they are in Albania or Kosovo. Still, you should visit if you're in the region.
 
 Kosovo is a beautiful country. There's a lot to see and do, especially around Prizren, which should be high on your list for a one or two-day visit. It's the most charming and interesting city-village, full of outdoor cafes, bazaars, and history. Prishtina is also worth a visit. Similarly, lots of good restaurants and bars, interesting architecture here and there, but traffic can be congested. Random (but marked) crossings means drivers are forever braking for pedestrians darting across the busy avenues without much care or notice. I would definitely consider a return trip to Kosovo if I return to Albania. 
 
 And, I would try to book such a trip with Go as Local. Traveling is an investment you make in yourself. These folks, Andi and Skerdi and crew, make everything easy--which is just the way you want it when you go on vacation. The cost of your trip includes airport pick-up and drop-off, all transportation throughout Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, all guiding and advice (which is priceless!), and entrance fees to any museums or forts you visit. It's not inclusive of food or accommodation, which you'll book yourself once you've agreed upon an itinerary. Accommodation and food costs are extremely reasonable throughout the region; I would encourage you to "lean in" and "go as local."
BedouinDreams
May 9, 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.