Explore the mysteries of Albania on this scenic trekking holiday. The highlight of the trip will be the little visited north of the country where we trek in the stunning ‘Albanian Alps’ region. We also walk along dramatic coastlines in Llogora National Park. As well as scenic walks, we will visit several traditional coastal villages and historical and cultural monuments.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Tour starts in Vlora
Join tour in Vlora and check-in at the hotel. Vlora is the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian, depending on your arrival time you may have some time to explore on your own today.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Drive to Llogora National Park; afternoon walk on the Karaburuni Peninsula
This morning we will have a short time in the centre of Vlora to see the Monument of Indepence and Muradi Mosque before driving towards the waters of the Adriatic, and the landscapes of Llogora National Park. We then take a walk through the forest, along a trail that starts just beside our hotel. Following a well trodden path we climb to the Qafa e Thelle (Deep Pass), negotiating our way through dense pine forests towards the wild beauty of the Karaburuni Peninsula. In the afternoon there is the opportunity of an additional short walk to Caesar's Pass before returning to the hotel for the evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Hike to Dhjopuri Pass, afternoon visit to Dhermi Village
Following a short drive to the Llogora Pass we begin our morning’s walk up to the Dhjopuri Pass, a 600m ascent that provides us with some great views of the mountains and the coast. At the end of the hike we meet up with our bus to drive on to the village of Dhermi, nestling among the rocky slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains. Taking in its lovely old houses and orthodox churches, we then head to the beach for the afternoon, before making our way back to the hotel later this evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
4
Drive to Tirana, afternoon hike to Pellumbas Cave
Today we head for Tirana, the capital city of Albania. En route we will stop for a short visit at the Monastery of Ardenica. Often referred to as 'The Castle of Myzeqe', it is an orthodox site, and the only inhabited monastery in Albania. It is believed that its beginnings date back to about the 10th Century and that Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero was married at the St. Triadha Church, in May of 1451. This afternoon we then hike up to the Black Cave of Pellumbas, a four hour walk that takes us to a large cave (used also as a prehistoric settlement) lying in the rural hills above Tirana.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Drive to the Albanian Alps
After breakfast we leave the city and head north, driving towards the mountain village of Thethi deep in the heart of the Albanian Alps. Our journey takes us by way of Shkodra, and continues on to the picturesque village of Boga, spectacularly situated amongst a ring of 2000 metre peaks. We then drive over the Qafa e Thores (Diagonal Pass) to our traditional village guesthouse in the centre of Thethi National Park. This afternoon we start walking the Mutton Pass (1830m) and pass by the Shepherd's Kraal before reaching the Thore Pass (1676m). During this walk we can enjoy the views which take in the expanse of the Thethi Valley and peaks of the ‘Bjeshket e Naumna’ (Accursed Mountains). Here we will be transferred back to our guest house by minibus Please note that the guest house has shared facilities.
Overnight Simple Guest House
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6
Exploring the Thethi Valley
Heading out of the village this morning we pay a visit to the church and the Kulla e Ngujimit, an old ‘lock-in tower’ that dates back to a time when blood feuds blighted these Albanian highlands. This region is still isolated enough to provide a haven for wild boar, bear and eagles and, as we head past a waterfall and into the Grunasi Canyon, we pass by the remains of ancient bronze aged terraces. After stopping for lunch in a local house, we then walk through the beautiful alpine landscapes of the Kaprea Valley before heading back to Thethi.
Overnight Simple Guest House
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Drive to Kruja via Shkodra
Today we drive through the Boga Valley back to Shkodra where we visit the Rozafa Castle and enjoy views out across Shkodra Lake. We have lunch by the lake where there is a possibility of taking a dip. We then continue our journey onto to Kruja. This afternoon we visit Kruja’s impressive castle, dramatically perched on the cliffs above the town with views out across the surrounding countryside towards the Adriatic. We also visit the Ethnographic Museum, the Skanderbeg Museum and the Dollma tekke (Sufi church) before enjoying dinner at one of the castle’s panoramic restaurants.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
Tour ends Kruja
The tour ends in Kruja after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
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