Albania Expedition

9 Days | Experience rugged beauty and warm hospitality in this Balkan treasure

5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews submitted.
Expeditions
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EUR €1,354
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It may be an under-the-radar-travel destination, but when it comes to dazzling landscapes and fascinating culture, Albania is every bit as magnificent as its more popular neighbours. Spend nine days getting to know this Balkan gem with a local leader, travelling from bustling cities to remote reaches. Drink coffee with locals in Tirana, hike along off-grid rivers in the country’s north, stay in welcoming guesthouses and beachside hotels, and spend the night on a sustainable farm. You’ll learn about local crafts with artists, birdwatch as you eat breakfast in a spectacular national park, and learn about Albania’s culture and history from those who know it best.

Trip overview

Map of Albania Expedition including Albania
Start
Tirana, Albania
Finish
Tirana, Albania
Theme
Expeditions
Destinations
Albania
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
WBSL
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Venture into the wild and beautiful landscapes of northern Albania, explore spectacular lakes and rivers and experience a slice of rural life.
  • Spend the night on a sustainable farm, where you’ll enjoy dinner made from fresh ingredients grown on site and learn about local farming practices.
  • With the support of non-profit ecotourism organisation MEET, learn about conservation efforts at the Karavasta Lagoon in Divjake- Karavasta National Park, spend the night at a locally owned beach accommodation and rise for a sunrise breakfast atop a birdwatching tower.
  • Visit the village of Babunje, where you’ll take part in a hands-on craft experience with local artists and be introduced to polyphonic singing, homemade raki and Turkish coffee reading plus enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a family.
  • Get to know Albania’s capital as you explore Tirana with your local leader, and share a coffee in the garden of our local friends to learn about their culture and family history.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in Albania, which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water.
  • Space is at a premium in Europe and your accommodation is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
  • Albania is a developing country and accommodations are basic but comfortable – a combination of simple hotels, guesthouses, apartments and a farmstay. The farmstay is a wonderful opportunity to witness every day rural Albanian life and includes a home-cooked dinner.

Itinerary

Map of Albania Expedition including Albania

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Motorboat

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Village Guesthouse (2 nights), Farmstay (1 night), Apartment (2 nights)

Activities
  • Shala River - Hiking
  • Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table dinner
  • Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Conservation tour
  • Durres - Beach stop
  • Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Sunrise birdwatching breakfast
  • Babunje - Local handicrafts experience
  • Babunje - Turkish coffee reading
  • Babunje - Family visit & home-cooked lunch
  • Bay of Vlora - Hike to Tragjas Village & farm visit
  • Berat - Old Town & Berat Castle guided tour
  • Tirana - Villa with a Star Memorabilia Collection visit
Add on activities
  • Shala River - Hiking to Molle Village ruins - Free
  • Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Bike ride - Free
  • Bay of Vlora - Boat ride - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is available for this trip with the exception of Days 2 & 3 where we will be in multi-share village guesthouse accommodation.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Bindu · Traveled September 2023
Intrepid does it again! My visit to Albania was magical. The sourcing and selection of experiences have left me with indelible memories. The stay in Marjana's farm, visits to Mrizi i Zanave, Karavasta NP, Tragjas and Berat left me speechless. Kudos Interpid - my go to for adventure travel.
Review submitted 17 Oct 2023

Louise · Traveled September 2023
This is a great trip and a fabulously interesting country with, I hope, an increasingly bright future. I liked that we got to enjoy out of the way places as well as the more touristy parts. I stayed extra days in Tirana and highly recommend that. I’d love to go back and see more of the wilderness.
Review submitted 02 Nov 2023
Albania Expedition
From
EUR €1,354