Explore nature reserves with experts from PPNEA
From the Albanian Alps to the protected areas, Vjosa River, Ochrid and Prespa Lake
Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) is an independent environmental organization that operates nationwide. PPNEA is considered the first environmental organization in Albania, which was officially founded on 5 June 1991 by a special decree of the then Albanian Academy of Sciences. Since then, PPNEA has been preparing expert reports, environmental impact assessments and is actively involved in nature and environmental protection. Currently, this includes activities against the construction of natural rivers by hydroelectric power plants.ce
Projects of PPNEA are for example
Balkan Lynx Recovery Program, Egyptian Culture, New Life Project, Eastern Adriatic Monk Seal Project, Land of Eagles and Castles II
PPNEA, for example, cooperates with EuroNatur (Germany), KORA (Switzerland)
has acquired the German language in two years and leads groups through Tirana and all of Albania with great success. She is especially concerned with adventure trips for families. She especially takes care of activities for children and teenagers and relieves the parents, who can enjoy a few hours together or a candlelight dinner in peace.
INDEPENDENT ARRIVAL
Arrival on Sunday – departure on Saturday from airports to Tirana
Climate-friendly arrival by train and ferry via Singen / Basel – Zurich – Ancona – Durres possible.
We are happy to help you with the booking.
TRAVEL INFO
Included in the price are:
- English speaking tour guide
- English speaking experts from PPNEA
- 13 x overnight stays and breakfast mainly in family-run guesthouses, partly in a historical or rural ambiance
- 14 x dinner and lunch/snacks
- Air-conditioned coach or local transport
Not included in the price are:
- Arrival by train, ferry, bus or flight (we are happy to help with the booking)
- Drinks and tips
- other personal expenses
Group size:
Min. 8 – Max. 25
Smallest groups on request
Price
from 1.790,00 € in double room +200,00 €/person in single room (10 nights)
Dates
- 05. – 13. 06. 2020
- 08. – 12. 09. 2020
Extra dates with groups by agreement
Please fill in Amount, Reason for Payment/Invoice No. and your Contact Details
DAY 1: FERRY PORT DURRES – TIRANA AIRPORT – SHKODRA
Arrival at Tirana airport or at the ferry port in Durres. Continuation to Shkodra,
a city full of history. Overnight in Shkodra.
Driving: about 100 km
DAY 2: SHKODRA – KOMAN – VALBONE
Early in the morning, we start from Shkodra to reach the ferry port at the dam in Koman in time. From Fierze we are taken by a local bus to Valbona. From Valbona we hike to the village of Kukaj and get a first impression of the Valbona National Park. Overnight in Valbona. driving: about 100 km, walking: 5 km / 3 – 4 h / ±300 m
DAY 3: VALBONA – THETH
After an early breakfast, we set off on the most strenuous and at the same time most beautiful mountain hike to Theth. In addition to the impressive panorama, our naturalist guide will inform us about Flora and Fauna. The luggage will be carried by horses. On the pass between Valbona and Theth, we will have a lunch break. On the way, we will cross-sections with the highest beech forests and species-rich mountain meadows. Overnight in Theth. Walking: 14 km / 6 h / +800 m /-1.068 m
DAY 4: THETH – VELIPOJA PROTECTION AREA
Today we start with a leisurely hike to the church of Theth and the Lock-in towers. Afterward, we hike to the waterfall of Nderlysa, where a local bus awaits us, which will take us to Velipoja. Night in Velipoja. driving: about 95 km / walking: 3,5 km / 3-4 h, ±200m
DAY 5: VELIPOJE – BEACH WALK OVER THE SANDHILL TO SHENGJIN – VELIPOJA
To get to the unique sandhill of Shengjin we walk along the lagoon in the protected area of Velipoja. We will have lunch in a slow food restaurant, drive to Velipoja (Overnight). driving: about 100 km / walking 6 – 7 km / about 2 – 3 h / ±0 m
DAY 6: VELIPOJA – DIVIAKA PROTECTED AREA – ADVICE
After breakfast, we drive to the national park “Pisha e Divjakës” (The pine tree of Divjaka). The park has a very interesting combined vegetation. This lagoon is known for a very characteristic bird, the “curly pelican”. Here we enjoy lunch with fresh seafood, then we drive to the UNESCO city of Berat (Overnight). Driving: about 130 km
DAY 7: CONSULTATION – APOLLONIA – VLORA RADHIME
After breakfast, we visit Berat, the city of a thousand windows. We visit the fortress and the well-preserved old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We continue south with a stop at the Apolonia Archaeological Park. Then we drive to Vlora in our beach hotel where we can relax. Night in Radhime. Driving: about 105 km
DAY 8: RADHIME – NTP LLOGARA – PORTO PALERMO – BORSH
In the morning you start your hike in the National Park Llogara up to the pass with a panoramic view of the Ionian coast. Here we take the time for a picnic. Afterward, we will hike up again to 1.300 m and then descend again to 900 m. We return to our beach hotel along the Albanian Riviera. Night in Borsh. Driving: about 80 km.
DAY 9: BORSH
Today is the time for relaxation. You spend the day at the sea and visit small boats 2 to 3 sea caves on some small beaches. Night in Borsh. walking time: about 7 km / about 5-6 h / +550 m / -370 m
DAY 10: BORSCH TO BUTRINT NATIONAL PARK (3 H WALK) – BLUE EYE – GJIROKASTER
Visit Butrint, an archaeological site protected by UNESCO and at the same time a natural heritage site with the national park of the same name. After lunch, the tour continues to one of the most important water springs in the country – the “Blue Eye” after the sightseeing, continuation of the journey and overnight stay in Gjirokastra. Driving: about 140 km
DAY 11: GJIROKASTER – PERMET – KORCA
Before our trip, we visit the old town of Gjirokastra and the ethnographic museum. Afterward, you will drive via Permet to Korca (Overnight). walking: 3 km / 2-3 hours / +100 m/-100 m, driving: about 280 km
DAY 12: PERMET – ERSEKE – KORCE
Today we drive along the Prespa lake to Ohrid. Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are world cultural and natural heritage. On the way to Ohrid, we visit the monastery Sveti Naum to have a look at the lake and enjoy a small boat trip in the spring. Overnight in Ohrid. Driving: 90 km
DAY 13: OHRID – TIRANA
Visit the old town of Ohrid, with an English speaking guide for 2 – 3 hours. After the visit we drive along the Ohrid Lake towards Tirana. In the early afternoon, we reach Tirana. With a sightseeing tour of the city, we conclude the program. In the evening we celebrate the farewell with an extensive meal. Overnight in Tirana. Driving: 140 km
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
Transfer of the guests to the airport in Tirana or ferry port in Durres.
