Summer Package Active Family Holiday in Albania in 8 Days

You will be welcomed at Tirana Internationational Airport and from there we drive to the Northern City Of Shkodra. In less than 2 hours drive you will reach one of the most charming lakeside resorts in the country. You will be spending the next 3 nights at this picturesque resort in a charming treehouse or fashionable bell tent. 

We will start the day with a hearty breakfast and be ready for some adventure at Skadar Lake and Buna River. As one of the trendiest sports at the moment Stand Up Paddle is a perfect activity for the quiet and shallow waters of the lake. Led by a local knowledgeable biologist who will reveal to us the importance of the Ramsar Site and the rich flora and fauna of Skadar Lake. Paddling behind the reeds as hidden by the nature itself we will enter the Ramsar Site surrounded by water lilies that cover the surface of the lake. A pleasant and very educative experience for the lake biodiversity indeed! 

The tour ends after around 2 hours of exploring the Skadar lake and eventually getting to the Buna River where we leave the paddles on shore and enjoy some lunch at the restaurant nearby.

After a lunch break on the way to the resort, we visit the Rozafa Castle which sits proudly over the city in between the Buna River and Drini River where we will learn about the historical legends and enjoy an astonishing panoramic view. Overnight at Shkodra Park Resort. 

The next morning we leave the resort and drive toward Theth, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps and accursed mountains. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, this village has been pretty isolated and lived in the past for a very long time, until the adventure tourists discovered and promote it internationally. It is still characterized by its pristine nature, typical architecture, and welcoming locals. 

In about 2 hrs drive from the camp, we will reach the village of Theth, and when we start our hiking to Blue Eye of Theth. The Hike to the Blue Eye is 6 kilometers with an elevation of 353 meters.  The difficulty level of this hike can be categorized as Easy and it takes a total of 3-4 hours. The trail takes you to the spring that got its name from the deep blue color and which is fed by the melting snow of the mountains. If you don’t mind some cold water (10-12 Celsius)  you can also have a swim before we start the trail back to the car. Do not forget to bring your swimming costumes, there are plenty of natural pools to swim!

Lunch in Theth and return back to the resort. Based on preference you can also visit the city of Shkoder. It has an excellent vibe in the evening.

Leaving Shkodra after having Breakfast we will head toward the deep, unexplored south of Albania. The next destination would be the city of Permet, the ride takes 5 hours and we will have several stops on the way. Permet itself is rather small, charming often called the “city of roses” blessed by the magic of the Vjosa River that hugs the city all its length. The center of Slow food in Albania and genuine welcome. 

In addition, the river offers excellent opportunities for rafting and other water sports. The Vjosa river valley is characterized by numerous natural features such as swirling streams, canyons, freshwater springs, islands, and curves that create magnificent meanders. In addition, we will spend 2 nights in Permet, where the accommodation is carefully selected to send you back in time. Typical Old houses in the countryside a few kilometers from the city are transformed into exquisite guesthouses. It is like going back to grandparent’s homes in the village. 

We will leave Permet and the rural lifestyle to head toward the stunning Riviera and the city of Himara. In addition, Himara is often considered the best location on the riviera. Located in the center, it is a perfect place to move north and south and visit different beaches and attractions every day. 

To reach Himara we will drive through the highlands of the south and on the same parts of the Osumi canyon. It is where we can also have a short stop at the “Peshtura Waterfall”. We will reach Himara in the afternoon. 

The mornings start beautifully by the coast with a delicious breakfast, a view, and sun. After leaving the hotel we would be ready for an unforgettable sailing experience.
During this 2 hours sail, we will stop at some of the best Albanian beaches Aquarium Bay, Gjipe Beach, and Pigeon Cave, and get inside the Pirates Cave. Optional lunch at Himara where you can choose between the Seafood specialties at local restaurants or the Greek culinary twist

After lunch and some rest, you can take your time just to relax or we can visit some historical sites such as the Castle of Ali Pasha in Porto Palermo built by the ruler of the time as a dedication to his wife.  After a short tour inside the castle located in the amusing bay of Palermo, we can visit the charming half-abandoned village of Old Qeparo,  positioned on top of a mountain 300m above sea level. The architecture in this old town is incredible. You will be blessed with windy cobbled paths, ruins of once stood stone buildings, and a step back in time.

Driving from Himara we will go through Llogara National Park where we will also have a short stop to enjoy the most panoramic view of the Albanian Rivera and the paragliders flying in the air giving a show for the spectators on the ground. 

The ride continues through the coastal city of Vlora where the two Seas hug each other, the Adriatic and The Ionian Sea.  Zvernec (Vlore) is our next destination where we will visit its island which connects with the land by a wooden bridge above the salty lagoon of Narta. On the island, we will also visit the St. Mary’s Monastery a medieval Byzantine church and also a monk’s shelter. If we are lucky enough we will spot among the many migrating birds the rose Flamingos staying in groups on the lagoon.

The Tour ends back in Tirana where we can drop you off at your hotel.