Albania – Hiking and Culture

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

The participants who arrive by ferry in Durres or at the airport Podgorica will be picked up and brought to the guesthouse in Shkodra. For participants arriving by other means, the meeting point is the guest house in Shkodra. Driving: Tirana – Shkodra: 100 km

DAY 2: SHKODRA – KOMAN – VALBONE

Early morning start to the Koman lake. The spectacular boat trip through beautiful landscapes and the gorges of the Skipetaren are for all travelers a very special experience. From Fierze we will take a local bus to Valbona. From Valbona you will walk to the village of Kukaj. driving: 100 km / walking: 3 – 4 h / ±300 m

DAY 3: VALBONE – THETH

Today we undertake one of the most beautiful and spectacular hikes in the Albanian Alps. At the Valbona Pass, we will get to know the country and its people in cooperation with “TRAILS REISEN” … a lunch break with spectacular views to the Albanian Alps. Continue on to Theth where you will stay overnight and enjoy a well-deserved meal with traditional dishes. Walking: 14 km / 7 h / +800 m / -1.068 m

DAY 4: THETH – WATERFALL – SHKODRA

Today a leisurely hike is on the agenda. During the excursion, we visit the old  Church of Theth as well as the Tower of Blood Vengeance. We learn more about the two cultural monuments and walk to the waterfall of Nderlysa. Afterward, a local bus awaits us and takes us to Shkodra. Once there you can end the day with a stroll through the city. driving: 80 km / walking: 3,5 km / 2 – 3 hours / ±200 m / -200 m

DAY 5: SHKODRA – KRUJA – ADVICE

Today we visit Kruja. There we take our time to stroll through the bazaar, the Skanderbeg Museum and have a small lunch snack. Continue to Berat with a visit to the fortress, Mangalemi old town and Gorica (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Driving: about 210 km

DAY 6: CONSULTATION – ARDENICA MONASTERY – APOLONIA – VLORE

Today we will drive towards southern Albania. On the way, we will visit one of the largest Roman settlements on the Balkan Peninsula, the Apollonia Archaeological Park. Then we drive via Vlore to Radhime. driving: 110 km / walking: 3 km / 1 – 2 h / ±50 m

DAY 7: HIKING MOUNT CIKA (2.030 m)

Today you are in for a great hike. Mount Cika is one of the highest mountains in Europe, during the ascent we enjoy the view of the opposite island Corfu. On the summit a spectacular panorama awaits us. Overnight stay in Radhime/Vlore. Driving: 80 km / walking: 12 km / 7-8 h / ±1.200 m

DAY 8: VLORE – LLOGARA – PORTO PALERMO – BORSH – KSAMIL

From Vlore, we drive to Llogara, where we undertake a small hike. We visit the castle in Porto Palermo and stop in one of the small coastal villages for a walk on the beach. Then we drive to our hotel in Ksamil and enjoy a dinner with fresh seafood and the famous shells of Ksamil. driving: 140 km / walking: 6 km / 3 – 4h

DAY 9: KSAMIL – BUTRINT – BLUE EYE – GJIROKASTRA

Today we visit Butrint – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with the national park of the same name. After lunch, we continue to the water springs Blue Eye and then to Gjirokastra – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. walking: 2-3 h / driving: approx. 70 km

DAY 10: LANGARICA CANYON – PERMET

Today you will go to Permet. There a spectacular hike through the gorge near the village of Benje. We spend some time there and a bath in thermal water and drive to the small town Permet where we stay overnight. walking: about 3 km / 2-3 h / ±100 m / distance: about 80 km

DAY 11: PERMET – KORCE

Today’s day trip takes us through unique landscapes and nature areas. We drive along the Vjosa River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe. In the afternoon we reach the city of Korca, also called the city of the Serenades. With traditional food and local beer, we will conclude today’s program. Driving: about 150 km

DAY 12: KORCE – PRESPA – OHRID – POGRADEC

After a good breakfast, we leave Korca and drive along the Prespa lake to Ohrid. There a local guide will lead us through the streets and alleys. Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are world cultural and natural heritage. On the way back to Albania we visit the monastery Sveti Naum, there at the lake, you have the possibility for a small boat trip. Driving: about 50 km

DAY 13: POGRADEC – TIRANA

We drive along the Ohrid Lake towards Tirana. In the early afternoon, we reach Tirana. We will have a guided tour of the city and visit the mysterious underground museum, BunkArt II. With a culinary highlight, our eventful journey through Albania comes to an end. Overnight in Tirana. Driving: 130 km

DAY 14: END OF PROGRAM – RETURN HOME

Transfer to Tirana airport. Transfers to bus stations, to the ferry port in Durres

or other departure airports can be organized.

NOTE CAR RENTAL – OR INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL ALBANIA:

This trip can also be booked as a rental car tour. The program and prices can be found on the website www.trailsreisen.de

Entry: Valid EU passport or identity card (valid for at least another 3 months)

Note on the program:

We reserve the right to make changes to the program sequence