Out of This World, 13 Days in Alien Places

13 Days Exploring Earth’s Most Unbelievable Landscapes

Nature Adventure Eco Relaxation

Out of This World, 13 Days in Alien Places - Main photo of the trip

Out of This World, 13 Days in Alien Places - Photo 2 of the trip

Out of This World, 13 Days in Alien Places - Photo 3 of the trip

Out of This World, 13 Days in Alien Places - Photo 4 of the trip

Out of This World, 13 Days in Alien Places - Photo 5 of the trip

A once-in-a-lifetime journey through Albania’s wildest and most surreal landscapes!

Trip Description

Step off the beaten path and into a world that feels light-years away from ordinary travel. Over 13 days, you’ll hike across the Albanian Alps, cruise jade-green lakes, swim in hidden springs, and wander through cities frozen in time. From Mars-red canyons to millennia-old glacial lakes, every stop is a new chapter in Albania’s untold story. This is more than sightseeing; it’s full immersion in raw nature, living traditions, and the thrill of discovery.

Accomodation

Accommodation in a mix of boutique hotels in cities and authentic mountain guesthouses in remote villages.

Stay program

day 1
Welcome to Tirana
Arrive in Albania’s vibrant capital, where we greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Rest from your journey or, if you arrive early, enjoy a gentle introduction to the city—perhaps a coffee in the trendy Blloku district or a short walk among colorful street murals. This day is about settling in and preparing for the adventure ahead.
day 2
Tirana’s Streets & Lake Bovilla Views
We start with Tirana’s mix of Ottoman relics, communist architecture, and lively modern neighborhoods. Later, we trade the city for nature with a hike to Lake Bovilla’s panoramic ridge, where turquoise waters meet limestone cliffs. We picnic in the fresh mountain air before returning to Tirana for a special dinner inside a repurposed military base—a unique blend of history and gastronomy.
day 3
Castles, Bazaars & Shkodra’s Beauty
Our day begins in Kruja, home of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, where we explore the fortress and browse the centuries-old bazaar. Continuing north, we reach Shkodra for a visit to Rozafa Castle, perched above a stunning lake and river landscape. As the sun sets, we head to an agritourism farm to enjoy a traditional meal with a view over the city and surrounding mountains.
day 4
Into the Untamed North
We journey deep into the Albanian Alps, stopping in the riverside village of Tamara before reaching Lepushe. Here, a guided hike takes us through flower-filled meadows, pine forests, and dramatic peaks. Evening brings a cozy dinner in a family-run guesthouse, where warm hospitality and hearty mountain dishes await.
day 5
Lepushe to Theth
After a refreshing hike in Lepushe, we make our way to Theth, one of Albania’s most picturesque villages. We explore its iconic stone church and learn about highland traditions before relaxing with a home-cooked dinner in the fresh alpine air.
day 6
The Blue Eye of Theth
A scenic hike leads to the Blue Eye of Theth, a dazzling turquoise pool surrounded by forest and rock. The rest of the day is for easy exploration of Theth’s rustic charm, ending with a warm meal and mountain serenity.
day 7
Theth to Valbona Trek
This is Albania’s most famous hiking route, an unforgettable trek across high passes between Theth and Valbona. With breathtaking views and stories shared by your guide, the journey is as enriching as it is beautiful. The day ends with a well-earned dinner in Valbona’s peaceful valley.
day 8
Valbona & Koman Lake
A relaxed start in Valbona is followed by a speedboat ride across Koman Lake, nicknamed the “Thailand of Europe” for its jade-green waters and sheer cliffs. Back in Tirana, we toast the day with a guided raki tasting, sampling this beloved Albanian spirit.
day 9
Holta Canyon & Berat
We explore Holta Canyon, a hidden gem with Mars-like rock walls and emerald pools perfect for swimming. Later, we head to Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows,” to wander its historic districts before enjoying a traditional dinner.
day 10
Osumi Canyons & Vlora
The Osumi Canyons offer a day of adventure, wading, hiking, and marveling at their sheer rock faces and hidden waterfalls. In the afternoon, we head to Vlora, a coastal city where the Adriatic meets the Ionian.
day 11
Gjirokastra & Vjosa River
We visit icy springs and waterfalls before exploring Gjirokastra’s UNESCO-listed stone streets. The day ends in Vjosa Wild River National Park, where we explore Langarica Canyon and bathe in the natural thermal pools of Benja.
day 12
Alien Landscapes of the Vjosa & Glacial Lakes
In one of the Vjosa’s most remote stretches, we discover caves you can swim into, strange rock formations, and untouched nature. We then head to a glacial lake high in the Gramoz Mountains and a hidden cave that straddles the border between Albania and Greece. By evening, we reach Korça, known for its culture and brewery.
day 13
Farewell
On our final day, we relax by Lake Ohrid before returning to Tirana for departure.