In the heart of the land of eagles – a journey between history and nature

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Day 1 – Discovering Tirana – The vibrant capital of Albania

  

  Arrival in Tirana, the capital of Albania and the starting point of your journey. In the evening, possibility to dine in one of the best traditional restaurants in the city. Your first night will be spent at "Luxury Appartement", a modern and comfortable establishment, ideally located to explore the Albanian capital and its tourist attractions.

• day 2

  Day 2 – Discovering Tirana – The vibrant capital of Albania

  

  Tirana, the dynamic and bustling capital of Albania, invites you to dive into its fascinating history and modern atmosphere. Start your exploration at Skënderbeg Square, the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower. Continue with a visit to the Pyramid of Tirana, an imposing remnant of the communist era, built in 1988 in honor of Enver Hoxha. Don't miss the Bunk'Art 2 bunker, a relic of the communist era, and stroll through the lively streets of the city center. To finish, enjoy Tirana's trendy cafés and restaurants to taste local cuisine in a welcoming setting. Second night at "Luxury appartement", ideally located, close to the city center of the capital.

• day 3

  Day 3 – On the shores of Lake Ohrid: immersion in a fishing village steeped in history.

  

  Your getaway begins in the peaceful village of Lin, nestled on a peninsula that juts out into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid. After a local breakfast, hop on your bikes for a leisurely ride along the shore, passing blooming gardens, cultivated fields, and breathtaking views of the lake. You will then stop to explore the village: its cobbled streets, stone houses with red roofs, and above all its inhabitants, warm and always curious to exchange a few words or share a coffee. The afternoon continues with a traditional boat ride on the lake. As you glide over the calm waters, you will discover Lin from another perspective, between silence, light, and reflections. The day ends beautifully with a typical dinner by the lake, featuring fresh fish and homemade specialties. Overnight at Guest House Helga's You will spend the first night in the charming Guest House Helga's, a welcoming place where you can enjoy local hospitality in a peaceful and relaxing setting.

• day 4

  Day 4 – Korçë, the discreet beauty of the southeast

  

  Nestled at the foot of the southeastern Albanian mountains, Korçë charms with its peaceful atmosphere, refined architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its Byzantine past, the city is also home to several museums dedicated to art, education, and its history. Its imposing Orthodox cathedral, with its pink and white façade, proudly dominates the city center. Its wide boulevards lined with old villas, its cozy cafés, and its covered market give Korçë an almost French charm. The city is also the birthplace of the first Albanian school and the famous local beer. An authentic stopover between spirituality, culture, and the sweetness of life. For this stage, you will stay at Bujtina e Bardhë, a typical guesthouse with local charm, ideal for extending the authentic Korçë experience in a warm and traditional setting.

• day 5

  Day 5 – Voskopoje, an altitude jewel just a stone's throw from Korçë

  

  Only 20 km from Korçë, nestled at over 1,100 meters above sea level, Voskopoje (Voskopoja) offers a timeless escape. Once a major cultural and spiritual center of the Balkans, this mountain village preserves a precious heritage: churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes, stone buildings, and a peaceful atmosphere conducive to contemplation. Surrounded by forests and hills, Voskopoje is also a haven for lovers of nature and tranquility. Whether for a walk on the trails or a lunch on a terrace facing the mountains, this getaway immerses you in deep and authentic Albania, between history and the great outdoors. Second night at "Bujtina e Bardhë" in Korçë, a typical guesthouse with local charm.

• day 6

  Day 6 – Permet: relaxation at the thermal baths and exploration of the Langarica canyons.

  

  

  Nestled in the mountains of southeastern Albania, Permet is a true gem for lovers of nature, wellness, and gentle adventure. Renowned for its natural thermal springs, the region offers a soothing break in a spectacular setting. Start your day with a relaxing bath in the warm waters of Bënjë, located right next to a beautiful Ottoman bridge. These sulfurous springs are known for their therapeutic properties, especially for the skin, muscles, and joints. The wild and peaceful setting invites you to fully recharge, in harmony with nature. A few steps from the baths, set off for a walk through the Langarica canyons: a trail runs along the river and winds between the impressive walls of these gorges. You can walk, swim in the natural pools, or simply enjoy the calm and beauty of the landscape. It is an ideal place for an easy hike, accessible to all, with some perfect spots for a picnic by the water. Complete your day with a stop in Permet, nicknamed the city of flowers, renowned for its green setting and gentle way of life. Overnight at "The Stone House" A first overnight stay will allow you to have a unique experience in the heart of nature, surrounded by fields and mountains.

• day 7

  Day 7 – Gjirokastër - First steps in the stone city

  

  Installation in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the historic center with its cobbled streets, lined with traditional tower houses. First glimpse of this museum-city, between Ottoman charm and breathtaking views over the Drino valley. You will stay at the Guest House Lengo, a traditional house perched on the heights, ideal for enjoying a stunning view of Gjirokastër while experiencing the warm hospitality of a local family.

• day 8

  Day 8 – Gjirokastër – Fortress and memory

  

  Visit of the impressive fortress of Gjirokastër, perched on the heights of the city. A former military bastion turned museum, it offers a spectacular panorama and delves into the political history of the country. Possibility to also discover the former underground bunker. Visit of the birthplace of Ismail Kadaré, famous Albanian writer, transformed into a museum. An immersion into the literary and intimate world of a major figure of national culture. Visit of the ethnographic museum of Gjirokastër, installed in a traditional Ottoman house, to discover daily life and the local ethnographic heritage. Free time to stroll or enjoy the calm of the city. Second night at "Lengo".

• day 9

  Day 9 – Gjirokaster - Local flavors and crafts

  

  Exploration of the old bazaar, the nerve center of local life. Craft shops, tapestries, carved wooden objects, and traditional souvenirs. You will then discover the secrets of Albanian gastronomy during a cooking workshop at a local's home. Guided by a local family, you will learn how to prepare a typical meal, made from recipes passed down from generation to generation. Lunch, taken in a friendly atmosphere, will be an opportunity to share about flavors, culture, and Albanian daily life. A day rich in encounters, heritage, and emotions, to discover the true soul of Albania. Third night at "Lengo"

• day 10

  Day 10 – The Barrels – An unusual refuge in the heart of the vineyards

  

  A few kilometers from Gjirokastër, The Barrels invites you to enjoy an original experience among the Albanian vineyards. Nestled in a peaceful natural setting, this place offers charmingly furnished barrel accommodations, combining modern comfort with a rustic atmosphere. An authentic getaway for lovers of nature, wine, and tranquility, ideal for recharging after a day of cultural discovery. Last night in Lengo.

• day 11

  Day 11 - Borsh - Arrival in Borsh, relaxation by the sea.

  

  Installation in Borsh, a charming coastal village in southern Albania, renowned for its long beach of fine pebbles bordered by turquoise water. Enjoy your first day relaxing in the sun, swimming in the Ionian Sea, and savoring the peaceful atmosphere of this authentic seaside resort. Overnight at Luiza Guest House, located just a stone's throw from the beach, for a peaceful stay in a friendly setting.

• day 12

  Day 12 - Himara - Boat excursion in Himara and visit to Ali Pasha Tepelena's castle

  

  Start the day with a boat ride along the Albanian Riviera, between Borsh and Himara. This rugged coastline is home to wild coves, hidden sea caves, and beaches accessible only by sea, ideal for a private swim in crystal-clear waters. The captain will guide you through the secret spots of the coast, between limestone cliffs and turquoise reflections. Continue your day with a stop in Himara, a charming town with Greek and Albanian influences, then head up to Ali Pasha Tepelena's castle, perched on an islet between Borsh and Porto Palermo. This romantic fortress at the edge of the world offers a spectacular panorama of the Ionian Sea and tells a fascinating chapter of the region's Ottoman history. Overnight at Luiza Guest House, to enjoy the tranquility of Borsh after this day full of maritime and cultural discoveries.

• day 13

  Day 13 - Relaxation day on the beaches of Borsh

  

  Treat yourself to a day of pure relaxation on the wild and unspoiled beaches of Borsh. Swimming, lounging, reading, or simply gazing at the horizon will set the pace for this day, ideal for recharging your batteries. Overnight stay at Luiza Guest House, in a family-friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

• day 14

  Day 14 - Berat, the city of a thousand windows and a millennial past

  

  Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Albania. Nestled between the mountains and crossed by the Osum River, it offers a unique landscape: traditional houses with red roofs, stacked on the hillside, and a multitude of windows that have earned it the poetic nickname "the city of a thousand windows". The old town is divided into three emblematic districts: Mangalem, the Muslim quarter, famous for its cascading Ottoman houses, Gorica, on the other bank, with its cobbled streets and peaceful atmosphere, The castle, perched at the top, still home today to inhabitants at the heart of a living fortress, occupied for more than 2,400 years. Berat also embodies spiritual coexistence, between elegant mosques and Orthodox churches. The Onufri Museum, housed in the former Cathedral of the Dormition, displays the brilliant icons of the great 16th-century painter. Beyond its heritage, Berat charms with its art of living: shaded terraces, generous cuisine, hills ideal for hiking, and the warm welcome of its inhabitants. Overnight at the Bohem Hotel, a charming address ideal for savoring the authentic sweetness of Berat.

• day 15

  Day 15 - Last moments in Albania: stop at Apollonia before the return

  

  

  On the way back to the airport, a final cultural stop is a must: Apollonia, an ancient city founded in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists in Illyrian land. A cradle of civilization, it bears witness to the deep roots of Albania, whose ancestors are the Illyrians. Perched on a hill among olive trees, Apollonia is home to the remains of a theater, a library, temples, and a magnificent Hellenistic portico. The adjacent Byzantine monastery, which overlooks the site, houses a small archaeological museum not to be missed. A peaceful and majestic stop, ideal for concluding this journey between history, nature, and culture, before heading to the airport and taking your return flight.