12 days 11 nights
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Francais, German
The isolation of Albania by the communist dictatorship is a process of becoming an asset to discover a country that still remains authentic. On this trip, you will go to spend nights with the locals, exchange, share, and learn. Albanian local life will be combined with discovery of the nature of the national parks, the Albanian Riviera, and the Vjosa river (the only wild river in Europe).
Tirana Airport è Tirana, 25 min (15 km)
Arrival at Mother Teresa airport in Tirana.
Airport reception. City tour of Tirana depending on flight arrivals.
Overnight in Tirana.
Morning departure by minibus to the village of Lin. Arriving in Lin we will start a hike to discover the small peninsula of Lin. The views of cultivated fields and villages will give way to a magnificent view of Lake Ohrid. Located on the peninsula of the same name, Lin is a typical village on the western shore of Lake Ohrid. This lake, is one of the oldest in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, departure for the village of Tushemisht. This village is located on the shore of Lake Ohrid. This small village very well maintained by its residents offers a framework for a peaceful life.
We will have available moments to swim in the lake.
Overnight in hotel in Tushemisht.
2 hour walk
Departure for the village of Voskopojë. This village was in the 18th century one of the most developed cities of Albania and an important cultural and commercial center. We will discover its beautiful Orthodox churches, famous for their frescoes painted by great Albanian paintersArriving in Voskopojë, we will begin our trek towards Shën Prodhrom Monastery.
Then departure to the village of Rehova. We will take advantage of this afternoon to discuss and learn about the daily life of the inhabitants of this village.
Homestay cooking class: You will learn how to make Albanian dishes.
Overnight at guesthouse in Rehove.
2 hour walk
This morning we will set off on foot towards another village, that of Hodallare. This walk will give us the opportunity to better know and understand the region and the daily life of its inhabitants.
Then we will visit the small town of Erseke. We are going to visit the school in town. A French language teacher will tell us a little more about the teaching of the French language in his school and the region.
In the afternoon we will talk with teachers from schools in the region to learn about the Albanian education system.
Night at the inhabitant family
Langarica Canyon (Exploration and Swimming in the Canyon)
Departure to the Langarica Canyon.
The road that leads to Langarica offers us very beautiful natural landscapes. A beautiful valley, high mountains and the Vjosa, the last wild river in Europe, will be on the menu for the first part of this day.
The Bënjë site is also pleasant for the magnificent walks it offers along its Langarica canyon, “be careful you will get your feet wet”. An old Ottoman bridge, the breathtaking view of high mountains and the Langarica canyon are the treasures of this site.
Then drive to the city of Permet.
After the installation at the hotel we will dine at the inhabitant. You will discuss daily life and taste products made from honey, candied fruits and probably Raki.
Overnight in Permet.
Then drive to the city of Gjirokastër. Gjirokastër, also known as "the city of stone".
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokastër is the birthplace of Albania's greatest writer, Ismaïl Kadare and, on a less literary note, the hometown of former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. After visiting Gjirokaster we will head to the village of Saraqinisht. Arriving in the village to meet the village shepherd. In his sheepfold he takes care of a herd of almost 400 animals (sheep and goats). You can talk about his daily life and taste the dairy products from his sheepfold. At the end of the day you will attend a cooking workshop with traditional dishes from the village and the region of Gjiroakster.
Night at the inhabitant family
In the morning we will hike towards the monastery of Saint Nicolas. This monastery is dug into the cliff of a beautiful rock. Then we will take the minibus back to the village of Asim Zenel. We are going to visit the village school.
Then we will visit a workshop for making carpets, embroidery, etc. You will discuss the techniques and know-how of manufacturing these products.
Return during the afternoon to Saraqinisht.
Sleeping at residents guesthouse in Saraqinisht
2 hour walk
Departure for the archaeological site of Butrint. The archaeological site of Butrint, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is an ancient open-air city testifying to several centuries of human occupation, as the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans successively occupied the site ! Also, did you know that Racine referred to Butrint in his work Andromaque? The Lion's Gate is well hidden, but still standing!
Then drive to the Albanian Riviera. Panoramas and vegetation characterize this typical Mediterranean region.
Then we will explore the village of Qeparo, a typical village of the Albanian Riviera. Its old part, particularly well preserved, is nearly 300 meters high! The panorama of the Ionian Sea is breathtaking and time seems to have stopped there.
Overnight at guesthouse in Qeparo
2hours hike in the Albanian Riviera.
You will visit the old village of Vuno and you will descend to the beautiful beach of Gjipe.
In the afternoon departure to Llogara National Park with its unforgettable landscapes, along the Riviera, between sea and mountains.
Overnight at hotel in Llogara
Today visit Berat. This city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, is also known as “the city of a thousand windows”. Berat is one of the characteristic cities of Ottoman architecture that has been best preserved in the country. The typical neighborhoods with its cobbled streets, traditional houses and views of the mountains give a particular charm to this city.
Overnight in Berat.
After breakfast drive to Tirana. City of bright colors, Tirana is the nerve center of the country. Visiting the city and its typical and modern neighborhoods will give you a good insight into the history of this city, while a walk around Skanderbeg Square will allow you to take the pulse of the capital. Discovery of the Bllok district, a former district reserved for the nomenklatura during the communist period, nowadays the one where there is nightlife and buzzing.
Overnight in Tirana.
Departure to Mother Teresa airport.
This is the last day of your trip to Albania!
One of our agents will accompany you to the airport according to your flight schedule.
We hope you had a great time during your visit and that you will come back !
End of the trip.
The itinerary includes a hike in Lin with spectacular views of Lake Ohrid, followed by a hike to Shën Prodhrom Monastery in Voskopojë. Cultural highlights involve exploring Orthodox churches and interacting with locals in Tushemisht and Rehova, including a cooking class to learn Albanian dishes.
In Permet, there is exploration and swimming in Langarica Canyon, followed by a visit to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Saraqinisht, participants engage with a village shepherd, attend a cooking workshop, and visit a carpet-making workshop, providing insights into local life and craftsmanship.
The itinerary includes exploring the archaeological site of Butrint, driving along the Albanian Riviera, and hiking in Llogara National Park. These experiences offer a mix of historical exploration, stunning landscapes, and visits to typical Albanian villages, contributing to the overall richness of the tour.
Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is explored on a day trip. The city, known as "the city of a thousand windows," showcases Ottoman architecture, cobbled streets, and traditional houses. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the charm of the city and explore its historic neighborhoods.
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