9 Days | Experience rugged beauty and warm hospitality in this Balkan treasure
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
- Start
- Tirana, Albania
- Finish
- Tirana, Albania
- Theme
- Explorer
- 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
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Private vehicle, Ferry, Motorboat
Hotel (3 nights), Village Guesthouse (2 nights), Farmstay (1 night), Apartment (2 nights)
- 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
- Shala River - Hiking to Molle Village ruins - EUR20
- Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Bike ride - EUR10
- Bay of Vlora - Boat ride from - EUR25
Dates and availability
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.
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