Journey to the Heart of the Balkans: Albania in 10 Days

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival at Tirana-Mother-Teresa airport

  Airport – Tirana: 30 min Welcome to Albania! Upon your arrival in Tirana, you will be greeted by our agents and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the dynamic capital and its must-sees: Bunk’Art 2, located in an underground bunker, and the House of Leaves, dedicated to the history of espionage under communism. Admire the colorful facades of the buildings, symbols of the post-communist era and freedom, then stroll through the Shetitorja Murat Toptani district to see the castle walls, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Pazar i Ri bazaar. At the end of the day, we recommend heading to the Bloc, a place once reserved for the political elite and now the trendiest district in Tirana. You can enjoy a free evening and dine in one of the many restaurants in the city, where you can savor traditional Albanian dishes such as Tave Kosi (lamb with yogurt) or Byrek (cheese or vegetable pastry). Suggested visits: • Bunk’Art 1 • Bunk’Art 2 • The new Tirana bazaar (Pazari i Ri) • The checkpoint • The Blloku • Skanderbeg Square • The Orthodox church • The Catholic church • The House of Leaves • Tanners' Bridge • The Pyramid • The artificial lake • Dajti Express Suggested restaurants: Restaurant Oda: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oda+-+Traditional+Albanian+Restaurant/ Era restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restaurant+Piceri+Era+%22Blloku%22/ Lulishte 1-maj: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lulishte+1+Maji/

• day 2

  Exploration of Lake Ohrid and the village of Lin

  

  Tirana – Lin: 3h05min – 163 km Lin – Tushemisht: 51 min – 42 km After breakfast, departure for Lin. This charming village, located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the oldest and deepest lake in Europe. The village is known for its peaceful landscapes and the ruins of an ancient basilica with well-preserved 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. This peaceful place offers an exceptional natural setting with a panoramic view of the lake's crystal-clear waters. Known for its soothing mountain scenery and traditional alleys, it is ideal for a first immersion in Albanian nature. In the afternoon, you will head to Tushemisht, an authentic village on the shore of Lake Ohrid, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and natural springs. Just a few steps away, you will discover Drilon Park, the natural water source of the river of the same name. It is a true natural treasure, offering a perfect combination of greenery and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a walk along the water. You can then stroll through the alleys lined with stone houses and enjoy a traditional Albanian meal in one of its welcoming restaurants. Suggested visits in Lin: • Early Christian basilica • Walk in the village • Boat tour • Hike along the lake Suggested visits in Tushemisht: • Walk around the village • The village center • The Church of Saint Panteleimon • Tushemisht-Saint Naum (Macedonia) hike • Bike ride Suggested restaurants: Millennium Hotel Restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Millennium/ Bar Restaurant Mjelma: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bar+Restorant+Mjelma/

• day 3

  Tushemisht – Prespa (homestay)

  Tushemisht - Prespa: 30 – 20 km Today, head towards Lake Prespa, a natural jewel shared between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. You can enjoy a boat ride and reach the island of Maligrad, a peaceful place where you will have the opportunity to explore the Church of Saint Mary, a 14th-century church famous for its Byzantine frescoes and picturesque setting. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in the heart of unspoiled nature, in the village of Pustec, a charming Macedonian-Albanian village, where you can discover the authenticity of the region and enjoy a traditional lunch. You will spend the night with a local family. An immersive experience that allows you to spend the night in a local house, in a traditional and authentic setting. It is an excellent opportunity to discover up close the culture and hospitality of the inhabitants of the region. Optional activities in Prespa: • Boat ride • Observation of wild birds, such as the Dalmatian pelican • Walk in the village of Pustec

• day 4

  Korca – The traditional farm: Farma Sotira

  

  

  Prespa – Korça: 50 min – 40 km Korca – Farma Sotira: 1h30 – 65 km After breakfast, you leave Prespa for Korça, a city located in the southeast of Albania, nicknamed "the little Albanian Paris" because of its European atmosphere and architecture influenced by the French style. We recommend its National Museum of Medieval Art, which houses an impressive collection of frescoes, icons, and religious sculptures dating from the medieval period. Don't miss a visit to the old bazaar of Korça, where you can soak up the local atmosphere, with its traditional shops and lively ambiance. Next, take the road to Farma Sotira, a traditional farm nestled in the mountains of the Korça region, at 1,000 meters altitude. This authentic place allows you to discover the Albanian rural way of life, its know-how, and its local specialties. You can enjoy the natural environment of the farm and, if you wish, take part in some activities related to the farm or traditional cooking. An ideal break to enjoy the peace and flavors of the region. Optional activities at Farma Sotira: • Visit of the farm • Walk on foot Optional activities in Korça: • The National Museum of Medieval Art • The old bazaar of Korça • The Iliaz Bej Mirahori Mosque • The Orthodox Cathedral "The Resurrection of Jesus Christ" • The Museum of the First Albanian School • The Bratko Museum • The Archaeological Museum • The French cemeteries • The Gjon Mili Photography Museum

• day 5

  Exploration of Përmet and its surroundings

  

  Farma Sotira - Permet: 2h – 70 km Departure for Përmet, a small town in southern Albania, renowned for its hospitality, gastronomy, and thermal baths. Start by visiting the Benja thermal baths, located about 5 km from Përmet, famous for their hot springs with therapeutic properties. You can continue with an exploration of the Lengarica canyon, a spectacular site with unique rock formations, ideal for a hike in the heart of nature. On the way, enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valley. In the afternoon, explore the city center of Përmet, where you can stroll through picturesque alleys and discover the typical architecture of the region. The Vjosa River is one of the last wild rivers in Europe and offers exceptional biodiversity. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, offering activities such as hiking, kayaking, or rafting (you will have the chance to try these the following day). In the evening, end your day by tasting local specialties in a traditional restaurant, including byrek (savory pie) and other fresh products from the region. Optional activities in Përmet: • Walking tour • Traditional cooking class Recommended restaurants: Restaurant Antigone: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restorant+Antigonea/ Restaurant Trifilia: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bar+Restaurant+Trifilia/ Restaurant Familjari: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restorant+FAMILJARI+P%C3%ABrmet/ Restaurant Hotel Alvero: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Alvero/

• day 6

  The Vjosa river

  For this second day in Përmet, you will have the opportunity to go rafting. This region, renowned for its spectacular mountain landscapes and rivers, is ideal for this activity. Rafting consists of going down rivers aboard an inflatable boat. You will be accompanied by experienced guides who will lead you through the rapids of the Vjosa river. This excursion combines adrenaline and total immersion in the surrounding nature. It will satisfy both beginners and experienced rafters. In the afternoon, after this exciting activity, you will head to a local Glico factory. You will have the chance to discover the artisanal production of this traditional Albanian jam, made from local fruits such as figs, walnuts, watermelon, or eggplant, depending on the season. You will be able to taste this homemade treat. A wonderful way to end this day of adventure with a sweet and authentic touch. In the evening, enjoy the local atmosphere by savoring a dinner in a typical restaurant, where you can taste traditional dishes made with meat and fresh vegetables from the region.

• day 7

  Gjirokastër, the city of stone and its fascinating heritage

  

  Permet – Gjirokastër: 1h15 – 60 km Gjirokastër - Qeparo: 1h30 – 75 km This morning, after breakfast, departure for Gjirokastër. Gjirokastër is a unique steep stone town, known for its stone houses and slate roofs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture as well as its imposing fortress. You will start by visiting the Gjirokastër Castle, which overlooks the city at a height of 336 m and offers a spectacular view. Inside, you will discover exhibitions on the history of the region and can explore the prison tower. A few meters away, you can visit the clock tower, a symbol of Ottoman architecture. Next, you will visit the Gjirokastër bazaar, located at the foot of the castle and in the heart of the old town. The old bazaar of Gjirokastër charms with its cobbled streets and colorful facades, although the visit is not very long. This place had a different role in the 17th century; today it houses a few shops, restaurants, and cafés. To conclude the discovery of Gjirokastër, don't forget to visit the house of Enver Hoxha, transformed into an ethnographic museum. In the afternoon, depart for Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological site offers an immersion into ancient history with its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins. You can discover monuments such as the ancient theater, the baptistery, and many others. Butrint is surrounded by an exceptional natural setting, on the edge of the lake and marshes. Finally, to end the day, you will head to Qeparo, a coastal village between sea and mountains. Two options are available to you: either you choose a panoramic hike to discover the old village of Qeparo, a perched village offering a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea, or you enjoy a moment of relaxation by the sea. In the evening, dinner by the water with a breathtaking view of the sea and tasting of seafood specialties. Optional activities in Gjirokastër: • The fortress • Meeting with a stonecutter • Skenduli House • Zekate House • Ethnographic Museum (former house of dictator Enver Hoxha) Optional activities in Qeparo: • Boat ride • Exploration of old Qeparo • Exploration of wild coves by boat Recommended restaurants: Restaurant Riviera

• day 8

  Qeparo - Berat

  

  Qeparo - Berat: 2h36 – 179 km After breakfast, departure for Berat, located on the banks of the Osum River. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as the "city of a thousand windows" thanks to its traditional houses that have numerous windows arranged in a unique way. It is home to the Berat Fortress, an impressive site overlooking the city. You can explore its cobbled streets and old houses, while enjoying the spectacular view of the valley and mountains. Upon arrival, you can start by visiting the citadel of Berat, a historic site offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Inside the citadel, you will discover several ancient churches and museums, including the Onufri Museum, which houses unique religious icons from the Byzantine era. Next, stroll through the historic districts of the city, notably Mangalem and Gorica, famous for their traditional houses with arched windows. You can also cross the Gorica stone bridge, a historic bridge that connects the two banks of the Osum River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the local restaurants, savoring specialties such as tavë kosi or dishes based on lamb meat. Optional activities in Berat: • Fortress • Medieval Center, the King's Mosque and Teke Bektashi • The Onufri Museum • The Ethnographic Museum • Evening stroll in the old quarters • Tasting of local wine and traditional dishes. Recommended restaurants: Onufri Restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Onufri+restaurant/ Klea Restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Klea/

• day 9

  Berat - Tirana

  

  Berat - Tirana: 1h50 – 99 km Today, enjoy a last moment in Berat to explore the picturesque alleys or visit one last site, such as one of the Byzantine churches hidden in the citadel. Then, depart for Tirana, the Albanian capital. Upon arrival, you can visit the Grand Park of Tirana, a green space ideal for a relaxing walk around the lake. If time allows, a final visit to Bunk’Art 1, a museum set up in a former bunker, will immerse you in the country’s recent history. Enjoy a last dinner in town to savor Albanian cuisine one last time. Recommended restaurants: Restaurant Oda: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oda+-+Traditional+Albanian+Restaurant/ Era restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restaurant+Piceri+Era+%22Blloku%22/

• day 10

  Last look at Tirana before departure.

  Distance between Tirana and the airport: 30 min After breakfast, enjoy your last moments in Tirana by strolling through the city center, buying some souvenirs, or having a coffee on Skanderbeg Square. Depending on your departure time, transfer to Tirana International Airport for your return flight.