Active Tour of Albania in 9 Days North to South Hiking & Beach

We will leave Tirana at 5:30 am to drive toward Koman Lake when the ferry departs at 9:00 am to the other side of the lake, Fierza. Since 1985 this manmade lake is the only way how locals who live in the surroundings to get in touch with the modern world.
Driving from Fierza to Valbona will needs around 45 minutes, passing through Bajram Curri, the municipality of the area. Lunch break in Valbona and hiking in Kukaj, a very remote area in Valbona Valley surroundings where we will see how the people do their living.

Based also on the weather and temperatures we may also explore some fantastic natural pools for swimming, an exquisite treat in between the mountains. Dinner and Overnight in Valbona. 

Also called “the Big Day” of the tour, we now set off on the thrilling hike from Valbona to Theth following the ancient path that the locals have been using for years. Back in the day, it was only possible to travel from Valbona to Shkoder on foot taking two full days of walking!
Walking on this path we will pass through the oldest part of the village where people are still living in their more than 100-year-old stone houses that are remarkable remnants of the past. The 18-km trek offers spectacular views of long rocky valleys and lush green forests. We stop for lunch at one of the traditional cafés along the way but do stock up on snacks just in case. After trekking for about 7-8 hours we arrive in Theth which will for sure amaze us with its unique nature, history, and traditions including the village’s symbol, the Lock-In Tower. Overnight and dinner at the guesthouse.

After breakfast at the Guesthouse, the” Gurnas” Waterfall is the next attraction. Around 45 minutes walk from the center of the village they round to their pass through most of the village into soft hilly terrain.
Living Theth behind and driving for around 3 hours we will reach Shkoder, the biggest city in the Albanian North. Free time in Shkoder and return to Tirana in the evening. Free evening in Tirana to explore the bustling capital and vibrant nightlife.  

Be ready for leaving Tirana at 09:00 and driving toward Durres. Named also as an “Open Book of History”, it is living proof of the last 25 centuries and many civilizations. Founded as the Greek Colony, the city had passed glorious points in History, Luckily we have some of them still today.
City tour of Durres with a visit at the “Roman Amphitheater”, Medieval Market, and more.

We will leave Durres behind to head toward another city with great importance for Albanian History, Culture and Heritage. Being part of UNESCO World Heritage, Berat is known as a typical Ottoman Style City with a local blend of styles in architecture, With more than 20 centuries of history, it is a mosaic city of different cultures and influences.
City Tour of Berat into its 3 typical neighborhoods “Kala”, “Mangalem” and “Gorica”.
Visit the Orthodox Monastery, “Dormitory of Saint Mary” and “Onufri” museum of Iconography.
Overnight in Berat.

OPTIONAL: Wine Tasting in a Local Winery in Berat for 20 euros / per person.

We will leave Berat and head toward Gjirokaster. It is often described as “a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of the large estate”. Driving through deep South Albania, the road is mainly surrounded by planted fields in one of the most fertile regions of Albanian agriculture. In addition, we will drive by the Vjosa River, one of the very few wild rivers in Albania and the Balkans. 

City tour of Gjirokaster and free evening to enjoy the interesting atmosphere of the city. 

We will leave the “City of the Stones” and head toward the Riviera to one of its most beautiful cities, Himara. On our way from Gjirokastra to Himara we will have a stop at the refreshing “Blue Eye”. 

This Natural Fountain is one of the most visited sites in Albania.  We continue further toward the city of Sarande to enjoy the magnificent view of the city facing the Greek Island of Corfu.
Driving through the typical villages along the seaside we will arrive in Himara in the afternoon where after being accommodated in the hotel you can enjoy the rest of the day on one of the magnificent beaches sunbathing or just be amused by the stunning sunset.

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, 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 its 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.

We start the day with some activity hiking from the city of Himara to the village of Pilur, the balcony of the coast with a splendid panoramic view of the city facing the Ionian Sea and its shades of blue. The hike lasts for nearly 2 hours with an elevation of 700 meters. Half the way we will stop and visit the church St. Mary of Athal a historic church very holy to the locals and a pilgrimage destination built in the 18th century.  After having a picnic lunch we can head back down to the beach. 

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 to your hotel.