1st till 4th Day

Arrival and transfer
Outdoor Albania representative will meet the group at the exit gate.

After meeting at the Rinas Airport, we will drive to Tirana: 23km. The journey from the airport to the Hotel is anything from 30-40 minutes depending on the traffic.
Than check-in at Hotel. This small and clean hotel is located very near to the centre.
After a short brake, we will drive again to visit the Petrela medieval castle - a panoramic location in rural eastern Tirana) and the ancient fortress walls. 12km drive (1/4-1/2 hrs depending on traffic).
The Petrela Castle together with others in Lezha, Butrint and Shkodra, belong to a group of fortifications built in the 15'th century, according to the advanced methods of war attacks, at sight of the Turkish - Albanian wars. At this time the opened city process was interrupted and the Albanians led an incredible resistance for almost half a century; at the end of which many fortifications and architectonic values were destroyed.
During the visit in Petrela, it will be our pleasure to offer to the group refreshment at the bar of the castle.
On our way back to the capital we will have dinner in a traditional restaurant, specialized in Tirana and Middle Albania dishes.
After dinner we will return in the hotel for overnight.
Optional: before sleep, people can go for a drink in "Blloku" - once the district of the communist polit-bureau, it turned in the "hip" bar-district of Tirana (5min walk from our hotel).

Dinner: traditional restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel Seven, Tirana

Day 2: Driving South

Today we will drive south to the coastal city of Vlora (185 km/4hrs). Our first stop will be after the first 2 hours of drive to visit the 13'th century orthodox monastery of Ardenica. It is thought that it was in this romantic place that was celebrated the marriage of the Albanian national hero Scanderbeg in the 15'th century.
Later in less than 1 hour drive we will visit the ancient ruins of Apollonia, its Byzantine Monastery and at will, the Museum of Archaeology.
Founded in 588BC by Greeks from Corinth, the city quickly grew to 50.000 residents by the second century BC. Apollonia later became a free Roman city after it sided with Julius Caesar during the war against Pompey. It developed into a cultural center of the arts until the 3rd century AD when an earthquake rerouted a river and lead to the city's decline.
The last leg of driving (l ,40 hr) will end at our hotel in Llogora national park.
We will have lunch under the shadow of the trees in the restaurant of the Apollonia resort. We will check-in at family run mountain hotel "Alpin" - a beautiful and simple place, specialized in home made wine, raki, lamb at the spite and other tasty mountain dishes that we will have the possibility to taste for dinner.

Lunch: restaurant in Apollonia
Dinner&accommodation: Hotel Alpin, Llogora

The surroundings of Pass Llogora have been described by travelers as one of the most "dramatic" mountain & sea panoramas. It will be here that our first trekking will take place. The trekking will offer splendid views of the Vlora bay and of the western steep slopes of the Karabruni penisula, dropping in the waters of the Ionian sea.
Every one of us will carry a small lunch package that will make our pick-nick lunch.
Trekking (approx. 4h - easy tempo): Lllogora - Maja e Shën Thanasit - Llogora(1000m - 1500m)
The path starts very near to our hotel, at the other side of the national road.
The first part of the road in direction of the Qafa e Thelle Pass, goes uphill through the dense forest of pines. The path is well defined, and the terrain is a mixture of ground, gravel and stone.
After 350m of uphill (up to 2hrs) walking, we will reach the ridge known as Shën Thanas. From there we will start walking downward first on rocky terrain - till we reach the antenna hill (50m lower for 1linear km from Sh. Thanas) - and than for the last section of the trek, we will go down an old gravel and stone military road no longer in use.
The trek will end only 3 km away from the hotel, from where the charter car will bring the group back to the hotel.
Optional: at will we can return walking down in the asphalt road of the forest to the hotel (3km downhill).
In the afternoon, on return, we will have an optional walk or the possibility to relax in the hotel until it is time for dinner.

Lunch: picknick
Dinner&accommodation: Hotel Alpin, Llogora

Car transfer: Llogora - Dhërmi- Qeparo 32km, 50 min.
The Cika mountain is the highest massive of southwestern Albania. From the summit it can be admired the mighty view of the highlands of "Labëria" - land of southern shepherds; and the splendor of the Ionian sea with Corfu and other minor Greek islands on the horizon.
Our charter bus will bring the group at the starting point of the trekking behind the parking of a nice panoramic restaurant (located 3 km away from the hotel - same place as the pick-up of the day before).
Trekking (approx. 4h - medium walk): Llogora1030m - Cika (Dhjopurit) 1600m - Llogora1030m.
The path starts at the back of the restaurant going up hill constantly through the pine forest on nice ground until the quota of 1270m. From here the gradient becomes less steep, and the path (rock and gravel) often opens in amazing panoramic points. At 1550m we reach the top of the Hill of Dhjopurit. We will stop to relax and admire the surrounding view.
(we have eliminated the optional part, as it brings confusion in the group, and the path has become dangerous)During the entire walk, the beach of Dhermi is at sight, and that will be our target after reaching the peak.
At the end of the trekking, a short drive will bring the group to Dhermi Beach, to relax and have lunch ( Llogora - Dhermi; 18km/30min). The beach of Dhermiu is famous in Albania for its crystal waters, backgrounded with the Cika and Llogora mountains.
After lunch we will continue to the village Qeparo.
We will stay overnight at a family run hotel on the beach. It is located in front of the sea, and it has a cosy restaurantat the beack where we will have dinner.

Lunch: restaurant at the sea
Dinner: restaurant
Accommodation: family run Hotel Foro Leka, Qeparo

5th till 9th Day

Day 5: The orthodox churches of Dhermi

During this day we will visit the village its orthodox churches, including the beautiful murals of the church of St Mary. And we will walk in the middle of citrus and olive trees, to reach the remote beach of Gjipe.
Trekking (up to 4h - easy walk ): Dhermi 260m- Manastir 150m - Gjipe 0m - Manastir 150m - Dhermi Beach.
The charter bus will bring us at the starting place of our hike (15 min drive. We will walk on an narrow mountainous dirt road which is not used by cars (only good 4X4's). The gradient till Manastir is smooth downhill and than downhill for 2 km to the beach.
After the beach we will walk uphill to Manastir (150m) and than take a small path in between the trees (smooth ground downhill) to reach Dhermi Beach.
Our lunch will be another pick-nick along the trekking, while the evening will be spent again at the same hotel.

Lunch: restaurant at the sea
Dinner: restaurant
Accommodation: family run Hotel Foro Leka, Qeparo

Day 6: The villages of the Riviera

Today we will make a stop to visit the bay of Porto Palermo and the Ali Pasha Tepelena fortress.
The splendid bay of Palermo, served as an important submarine secret base during the regime days. The semi abandoned base, its tunnel and structures are still at sight and the main attraction of the bay is the 19th century fortress in the central promontory, built by the powerful Ali Pasha Tepelena.
We will stay for lunch in a cozy terrace, right in front of the castle. After our visit we will walk up to the old village of Qeparo. Qeparo mal (mountain) is Mediterranean Albania at its very best! The stone build village "towers" on top of the hill with Qeparo bay marvelous scenery unfolding underneath.
Hike (approx.2h - easy walk): Qeparo det - Qeparo mal (0m - 300m - 0m).
At return we will relax by the sea and than have dinner prepared in a "family" way, We will overnight in the same family run hotel.

Lunch: Porto Palermo
Dinner: Home made meal
Accommodation: Family run hotel Foro Leka, Qeparo

Day 7: Further South and the ancient town of Butrint

Transfer: Qeparo Fshat -Butrint-Sarandë; 85 km/2:30 hrs.
The drive will bring us further along the stretch of coast north of Saranda, known as the Albanian Riviera. It is considered as one of the most beautiful in the whole Ionian Sea.
Saranda it is set in a lovely horseshoe bay, beeing a holiday resort since communist times. Mentioned by Cicero, it acquired its current name in honor to forty (Saranda in Greek) Christian legionnaires who were put to death in 320. Nearby, following a panoramic road along the homonymous lagoon are the remains of the ancient Butrint that we are going to visit.
"Butrint is undeniably a beautiful place. Close to modern civilization yet with its monuments in thick woodland. With remains dating from so many different periods covering two and a half thousand years. Set in a marshy landscape besides the busy straits separating Corfu from Albania, it is also an environmental haven rich in bird life.

Situated on a low promontory on the extreme south coastal point of Albania, the site has been occupied since at least the 8'th century BC, although myths associated with its origins speak of the city's foundation by Trojan exiles. By the 4th century BC a walled settlement was established and the city became a successful cult site, dedicated to Aesclepius. Augustus founded a colony at Butrint and the town seems to have remained a relatively small Roman port until the 6th century. Its medieval history was turbulent as the town was involved in the power struggles between Byzantium and Normans, Angevins, Ventetians and Ottomans. By the early 19th century it had dwindled to a small fishing village clustered around a Venetian castle."
(From Butrint Foundation Website)

Lunch: restaurant at the beach
Dinner: Hotel Nertilli
Accommodation: Hotel Nertilli, Saranda

Day 8: Saranda - Walk up mount Sotira

A circular walk up the hill behind the ruins of Butrinti. The route includes wetlands along Lake Butriint, spectacular panorama from the top of Mt Sotira, the olive groves at Ksamil as well as views of the Alinura Bay and the Vrina Plain.
In the afternoon, we will have some free time in Saranda town and stroll in the waterfront before heading to our restaurant for dinner.

Lunch: restaurant at the beach
Dinner: hotel Nertilli
Accommodation: Hotel Nertilli, Saranda

Day 9: The city of stone

Car transfer: Saranda -Syri i Kaltër-Gjirokastër; 60km/1hrs.
Visit of the karst spring ( Syri i Kaltër-The Blue Eye), the castle, town and museums of history and ethnography in Gjirokastër.
Gjirokastër is one of the most beautiful Albanian historic towns. The "city of stone" spread downhill from the castle in the 13'th century. From the walls of the castle one can admire the view of its districts and the surrounding valley of river Drinos. Walks along the stone paved streets will bring the traveler at the discovery of the charming Albanian traditional architecture. It was in these grey colored streets that grew up two of its well known sons: Enver Hoxha and Ismail Kadare.

Lunch: restaurant in Gjirokaster.
Dinner: restaurant Fantazia
Accommodation: family run hotel in the historic district, Hotel Kalemi

Day 10 till Day 14

Day 10: In the land of ‘Raki'

Car transfer: Gjirokastër - Bënja - Përmet; 70km /2hrs.
The drive will follow the beautiful gorge of Këlcyra, in parallel with the Vjosa river. A bath at the hot springs of Benja will be a perfect opportunity to relax from the drive before the tasty traditional lunch prepared in the nearby restaurant. After lunch it will follow the visit of the church of Leusa. It dates the 6th century but it was reconstructed several times, the latest important one was in the 17'Th and 19'Th century. The church is located in a spectacular place, and its murals and woodcarvings are breathtaking.
The evening will be spent in the quite little town of Permet in company of friendly people, experts in good food, wine and raki.

Lunch: Coli, traditional restaurant
Dinner: Ramizi
Accommodation: Family run Hotel Ramizi

Day 11: The city of thousand windows

Car transfer: Gjirokaster - Berat; 160km/4hrs
After four hours of drive we will reach Berat, "the city of 1000 windows". Berat is the best preserved historic town of Albania. Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Socialist buildings accumulated over 2400 years, and show the importance and the rich history of Berat.
Lunch: In traditional restaurant in Berat.
We will walk in the characteristics neighborhood "Mangalemi" to visit the Ethnographic museum
Than we will hike up to visit the citadel district of Berat, its splendid orthodox churches and the Onufri Icons museum - named after the famous 16th century master painter of icons and murals. The building where the museum is housed shows the important architectonic values of Berat's buildings.
Dinner and accommodation: Traditional hotel. The place is located in the historic district of Mangalemi, inside a traditional Berati house. The wife of the owner is known for her tasty traditional dishes, while the owner for his inborn sympathy and a large variety of raki brews.

Lunch: Mangalemi, Berat
Dinner: Shtepi e bardhe
Accommodation: Family run hotel in Berat (Hotel Mangalemi or hotel Descaret)

Day 12: The Amfi Theatre of Durres and Shkodra

Transfer: Berat- Durres -Shkodra; 220km/3hrs
In the morning we will have some more free time to explore the other parts of Berat. (Old Mosque, Orthodox churches) We will go to Durres where we will make a visit to the Amfi theatre and have lunch at the beach.
Afterwards we leave to Shkodra - the largest town of Northern Albania where we will visit the Rozafa castle and admire the sunset views over Lake Shkodra with the Albanian Alps towering in the horizon.
Dinner and accommodation will take place in Hotel-Restaurant 'Tradita'.

Lunch: fish restaurant
Dinner&accommodation: Hotel Restaurant 'Tradita'.

Day 13: The Kruja Fortress

Transfer: Shkodra-Kruja-Tirana;160km/2hrs
After breakfast we will drive to Kruja to visit of the Kruja castle, its traditional Bazaar and the museum of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg.
The Kruja castle, was the epicenter of the legendary Albanian resistance of Scanderbeg to the Ottomans.
After our visit in Kruja, we will drive back to Tirana where we will spend our last evening.

Lunch: Restaurant in Kruja
Dinner: Restaurant Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel Seven, Tirana

Day 14: Leaving Albania

Free time in Tirana, visits of museums (closed on Mondays!) etc.
Drive to Rinas airport and departure. 23km (1/2-1hrs depending on traffic).

Services

• Full board accommodation during the entire itinerary above described.
• Transport: minibus or 4WD.
• Guide: German speaking all days
• Food: traditional restaurants and home-made dishes.
• Accommodation: hotels and family run hotels.
• museum, park/resort fees,

Not included in price:

• Extras of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages etc.
• Air fare to/from Tirana

Dates & Things to know

• Reservations for travel to Albania must be received by us at least 35 days before traveling.
• For detailed explanations to the degrees of difficulty please follow this link: Explanation to the degrees of difficulty
• Information about visa and entry regulations, health information and tips for equipment, see this link: Things to know-1
• Please note our information about possible exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuation