Albania in a Nutshell - The Last Secret of Europe

Albania in a Nutshell The Last Seceret of Europe

This tour suits travelers who want to explore both extremes of Albania, the far North and South. It is a combination of vibrant cities and idyllic counryside, interesting archeaological digs and splendid UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera and unspoilt nature of the Accursed Mountains. An educational journey with relaxing brakes, tailored for the culturally curious and active traveler. Get to know Albania, its people, their history and cusine during an 9-day trip.

A more extensive journey that includes longer hikes and additional areas is the 15-day „Sea to Summits“ itinerary.

Overview After starting with the capital Tirana, the group travels to Kosovo’s cultural capital Prizren and for two walks into the Albanian Alps’ most stunning valley Valbona. A ferry ride across the Koman Lake and visits of historic city Shkodra and Skenderbeg’s capital Kruja round up the northern stage.

The journey then continues to the Adriatic Sea and scenic Ionian Coast. The program includes visits of the archaeological sites at Apollonia and Butrint as well as hikes in the Llogara National Park and at the Albanian Riviera. You explore to remarkable UNESCO protected cities, Berat and Gjirokastra, their cuisine and wines.

“Albania in a Nutshell” Highlights:     

see what unknown Albania has to offer staggering views of the Alps highest peaks and the turquoise waters of the Riviera a tranquil ferry ride on fjord-like Koman Lake & the Blue Eye’s fascinating play of colors eat your way through Albania: fine Ottoman cuisine, organic spit-roasted lamb, fresh sea food, precious olive oil, wine and raki tastings meet the highlanders and experience traditional mountain lifestyle and famed hospitality

Duration: 9 days Group Size: 8-14 (possibility for private departure starting from one person) Accommodation: middle-class and boutique hotels, private rooms with en-suite bathroom Difficulty: 1/4 – no challenging walks (more details in the FAQ) Average daily walking time: optional short walks | 3 ½ hours – walks can be skipped Luggage Transfers: yes, by car

Tour Facts Services included:     

8x accommodation in comfortable hotels, private rooms with en-suite bathroom full board (meals in restaurants and picnics) English, German, Italian or French speaking guide (inquire for others) all transports within Albania incl. transfers from/to airport, ferry trip entrance fees

At your own:   

airfare insurance (compulsory for every participant) tips and personal expenses for drinks or souvenirs

Hikers should bring the following equipment: Hiking boots, gaiters (if hike is in May), light rainwear (90% of rain falls in winter), sun protection (cream, hat, glasses), small backpack (25l), 1.5 liters water gear, towel and swimsuit (optional).

Visitors are expected to respect the wildlife, leave what they find, dispose of their waste properly and to be considerate with locals.

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An introduction to Albania Arrival and visit of the turbulent and colorful capital Tirana

Rendezvous at the airport, during the transfer (25km/30min) to our hotel close to Tirana’s center we gather first impressions and the country is introduced. After check-in and time permitting we can visit the extensive National History Museum, interesting section of Communist era works in the Art Gallery or concentrate solely on a walking tour that immerses us in the turbulent past of the country. Illyrian ruins, oriental monuments, socialist “plattenbauten” and modern pomp create a colorful patchwork of a city searching its identity. The “blloku” is a perfect example, now popular upmarket part of the city, home to boutique shops, cafes and night clubs, it used to be the no-go living quarter of the politburo elite. Tirana sees rapid change and stark contrasts, they depict the split personality of a country caught between West and East. Our city tour concludes at a highly debated monument, the “Pyramid”. Constructed as Dictator Enver Hoxha’s mausoleum it was used for very different purpose. The first eventful day closes with a tasting of Albania’s rich cuisine which we get to know better in the following days.

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7km

Into the Albanian Alps via Europe’s newest Country Visit of Kosovo’s cultural capital and walking in Valbona Valley NP

250m

0m

2:30h

The journey takes us past the coastal plain onto the “Road of Nations”, a newly constructed highway that cuts through the remote mountains and connects to Kosovo. We pass the catholic Mirdita region and the Nobel Prize nominated city Kukes before arriving in Prizren (170km/3h). The medieval city was capital of the region during Ottoman reign, monuments as the mighty castle, Sinan Pasha Mosque and memorial of the League of Prizren are vivid reminders. Walking through the historic center we immerse in the oriental atmosphere, try typical dishes and listen to Turkish that is still spoken in the streets. We return to Albania and reach the Valbona Valley national park (100km/2:30h). Dramatic mountain scenery accompanies our walk that starts in a small traditional village, follows the river to a lake with swimming opportunity and ends at our comfortable mountain hotel. There’s time to explore the surroundings and to relax in the garden or on your balcony before dinner is served by our host family.

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Valbona Valley – Queen of the Mountains Walk over colorful meadows to hospitable shepherds

10.5km

700m

700m

5:00h (+2h)

Refreshed we start our hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside. Below the trail we see bunkers that once protected the border now scattered in the riverbed. The windy path takes us over lush meadows ablaze with the colors of a wide variety of spring flowers to a shepherd hut on 1.650m. In the communist period, when this was a military zone, the building was used as a barrack. We admire the wild and romantic jagged mountain scenery, can sample fresh milk products, opt to climb higher to an ancient crossing at the Montenegrin border or to stay put and enjoy the views. At 2.040m a weathered border pyramid is the sole reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, we are rewarded with panoramic of the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching a last glimpse at the Alps highest peak Jezerca (2.694m) we descent to the valley. When daylight fades we watch during dinner in the idyllic garden the alpine glow on peaks, no surprise many Albanian women are named after the beautiful valley.

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Tranquil Ferry Ride and Historic Cities An Albanian fjord, Illyrian city and Skenderbeg’s capital

We rise early for the transfer to the ferry dock in Fierze (43km/90min). The picturesque Koman reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered another highlight of the Albanian Alps. The ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at the Koman dam (46km/3h). We travel through the river canyons to the bustling hub of northern Albania. In Shkodra we immerse in the vibrant bazaar, visit the mythenshrouded Rozafa Castle, have the opportunity to swim in the Balkans biggest lake and enjoy lunch. Onward our journey continues to the hilltop castle Kruja (87km/1:45h), its white fortress was national hero Skenderbeg’s capital during his campaign against the Ottoman invaders. Enver Hoxha’s daughter designed a museum in honor of his legacy. We visit the interesting ethnographic museum before individually exploring the handcrafts bazaar and city, an optional walk to a Bektashi shrine is offered in the late afternoon (2h). With the bazar below, illuminated castle and distance lights of Tirana in the background, we dine while watching the sun set on the terrace of the hotel.

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2500 years of Illyrian, Greek and Roman History Albania’s Adriatic Coast and the Llogara National Park

Our journey takes us South, through the agricultural coastal plain and to the bridgeheads of the Via Egnatia that connected Rome with Constantinople, into Tosk lands. Near the port of Durres (45km/1h), nestled between multistory apartment blocks, lies hidden the largest amphitheater of the Balkans. The little-known archeological gems astound the seasoned traveler at the latest when we reach the Temple of Agonothetes, one of many remains of the Greek-founded city of Apollonia (90km/90min). After lunch we have the opportunity to swim in the Bay of Vlore (50km/1h), where in 1912 almost five centuries of Ottoman occupation ended with the declaration of independence, motifs depicted on the current 500 lek note. Today it is a popular destination for seaside holidaymakers that flock the palm-lined waterfront. In the afternoon we reach our hotel in the Llogara National Park (32km/45min), later an optional walk (1h) leads us to a scenic viewpoint where Caesar allegedly crossed with his armies almost two millennia ago. At the hotel a hearty meal accompanied by raki ends another multifaceted day.

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Albanian Riviera: Stone Villages, Mountains and the Sea

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Walking on the Karaburun Peninsula and to a forgotten village

7km

400m

400m

4h

One of Albania’s best hikes starts near our hotel. The cooler climate eases our ascent through the dense forest of the national park to a saddle of the Karaburun Peninsula. We walk on the ridge, its western slopes plunge steeply into the Ionian Sea, and pause to memorize the views of jagged peaks and turquoise waters before descending for lunch to an iconic viewpoint. The following driving stage isn’t less scenic, we find the shimmering crystal sea and long sandy beaches on one side, the craggy range on the other. Pretty villages, citrus groves and olive plantations line the road. In the beautiful Bay of Porto Palermo (40km/1:15h) we find the Ali Pasha Castle and submarine pens, there is also time for swimming. The inexhaustible can instead visit Qeparo, an eerie atmosphere surrounds the semi-deserted stone village. We explore the maze of cobbled streets, encounter the odd donkey rider and time permitting descent to the endless olive forest of Borsh where we meet the group again. Overnight in a hotel at the sea in Saranda (40km/1:15h).

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Gjirokastra: The City of One Thousand Steps Two UNESCO sites, stone fortresses and the “Blue Eye”

The short drive (17km/20min) along the peninsula that separates the Butrint Lagoon from the Ionian Sea offers scenic views of Corfu, just 2km across the strait. At the tip we find, picturesquely set, the UNESCO classified archaeological site of a former Greek colony that we explore on a walking tour (2h). We continue inland, break journey at the “Blue Eye” (20km/30min), a mighty karst spring in a jungle-like environment, and continue over a mountain pass and down serpentines into the wide Drinos Valley and in direction of museum und UNESCO city Gjirokastra (35km/1h).

After lunch at a local taverna, where “qifqi” (rice balls) are among the specialties sampled, we start a city tour through the narrow cobbled streets which dubbed the name “City of Thousand Steps”.

They connect the fortress-like, slate covered Ottoman mansions, and at two, Enver Hoxha’s birth house and another splendid mansion, we have the chance to peek in the richly decorated rooms.

The afternoon is at your disposal, optionally you can join the guide for a tour of the castle and upper neighborhoods. In the evening we stroll from our cozy hotel through the lively alleys of the old town seeking traditional music of the region and enjoy the flair of the city.

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Berat - City of Thousand Windows” and Mt. Tomorri Wild rivers, Byzantine churches and Ottoman architecture

Accompanied by splendid mountain views we follow the flow of the Drinos River to Ali Pasha’s birth town Tepelene and stop at the Byzantine monastery Ardenice (125km/2:15h). From the hill it is erected on we can already see Albania’s equivalent of the Olymp. Mt Tomorr (2.416m) is at the center of many legends and towers over the city that is sliced in half by the Osum River. For lunch and wine tasting we visit one of the country’s best vineyards and later explore on foot the oldtown (47km/1:15h) composed of Ottoman mansions - their vernacular architecture dubbed it “The City of Thousand Windows”. Use your free time to get lost in the maze of cobbled roads of the Gorica and Mangalemi quarters or enjoy the views from our historic rooms in our small boutique hotel.

Together we ascend in the afternoon the castle that sits enthroned on a hill, within its mighty walls many families remain, as do mansions and churches from the 18th cent. In the Onufri church we find a collection of the most beautiful icons of Orthodox Albania. Sweeping views from a viewpoint top off another beautiful day of nature and culture. During a last sumptuous dinner we recall the past two weeks and celebrate a successful, multi-faceted and memorable journey through Albania.

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A great Journey in Albania ends Farewell and departure from Tirana Airport

Depending on the departure time we leave after breakfast, further explore the city or stop at the beach. Our journey ends with a single timed transfer to the airport (120km/2:30h) where we wish each other farewell and you a safe journey home.

Looking for more? Extend your stay by adding days at the beaches of the Riviera or explore the other Balkans nations on a trip to the neighboring Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo or Macedonia.