South Albania Mountains Hiking Tour

The group transfer departs the city center at 14:00 and meets guests at the airport at 15:00. The transfer from Tirana into Southern Albania makes for a picturesque 3.5 hours drive. After the coastal plain's colorful stands of fresh produce, we drive alongside the mountain-backed Vjosa River towards Tepelena. In a quaint village nearby the trailhead, we're accommodated at a family-run guesthouse surrounded by nature. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, get to know your fellow hikers and a briefing on what's ahead from your guide. Arriving by ferry from Italy, we can meet you in Durres. Arrival is also possible via Corfu/Saranda, please ask us for details.

Our 5-day trek begins at the edge of the Zagoria River Valley, a pristine tributary within Europe's first Wild River National Park. This secluded landscape is shielded by four imposing mountains ranges, creating a hidden world preserved from modern influence. Entering the valley along an ancient, nearly forgotten caravan route, we follow over the coming days a path lined with Ottoman bridges and Orthodox churches, remnants of the valley's rich past. Our first walk begins with an ascent through open woodlands to a pass, where the valley's full extent unfolds before us Descending through terraced fields, we pause in the tiny hamlet of Kala, home to to just three remaining residents, and cool off with a wild splash beneath an impresive Ottoman stone bridge. Following a cobbled caravan, we climb toward Limar, a village with expansive views of majestic Mt Strakavec (1.958 m) and distinctive stone houses. Tonight, we're welcomed into the home of the village teacher, Noli and Margerita, who, over an evening meal of locally sourced ingredients, will share stories of life under communism - a rare firsthand glimpse into the resilience and history of those who called this secluded valley home.

Our route today follows foothpaths with views of towering mountains above and the Zagoria River winding below. The trail links the remote villages of Leskaj and Doshnica and Hoshteve. Passing through these hamlets gives us the opportunity to meet locals learn about the traditional ways of life sustained by animal husbandry, beekeeping, and medicinal herb gathering. After a coffee break in the village, the basin on top of the Doshnica Waterfall invites us to a cooling dip of our feet. Depending on the water level, we may continue along the stream or backtrack into the village before the final ascent to Hoshteve awaits. Upon reaching the village, we visit the Church of the Holy Apostles, a beautifully preserved treasure of Orthodox heritage, Byzantine frescoe painting and intricate wood carving - one of the finest in rural Albania. The modest livelihoods here once spured mass emigration to Greece. Katrina and Ladi, our hosts and members of the returning diaspora, spent 17 years abroad and have now come home to open a guesthouse. We'll be warmly welcomed by Katrina and Ladi, who generously share their story and serve a delicious, home cooked meal with us.

Today’s shorter and easier route invites a more relaxed walking experience, dominated by views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m). We'll traverse the hamets Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, to reach Sheper. Connected by better, yet unmade roads that hint at modern influences from the outside world. Nivan, once the heart of the commune, reveals remnants of military installations and storage depots, with its central square honoring William Tilman. Celebrated as “the 20th Century's last true explorer", Tilman was a renowned British mountaineer and sailor who fought with the valley's resistance against German occupation during World War II. As we continue, the trail descends through oak forest to the river, where we'll visit an old monastery and have the option to take a small detour to yet another of Ali Pasha’s remaining stone bridges before reaching our final overnight with Antoneta and Mondi, a gifted stone mason, In Sheper, we find a village where many formerly nomadic Aromanian shepherds were forcefully settled after the borders with neighoring Greece closed in the late 1940s. The ruined museum and nearby buildings are adorned with faded quotes from Marx and Lenin, serving as poignant reminders of Albania's complex communist past.

The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range marks the longest and most demanding stage and leads us out of the valley and back into the modern world. As the drive around the range takes almost as long as the walk across it, our luggage is transported by horse and route remains vital forr locals to this day. Enver Hoxha's bunkers still guard the entrance to a crack that climbs up the Dhembel Range. Shepherds have travesed the pass for centuries, journeying from as far as Albania's southernmost tip to the fertile meadows of the Pindus Mountains around Mt. Gramoz - a trek that can take up to two weeks with their flocks. The alpine valley, covered by flower in spring, but bare of trees and flanked by steep slopes, culminates at the Dhembel Pass (1,450 m). From this vantage point, you can gaze across the Eastern Mountains into Greece and down to the city of Përmet and the charming Vjosa Valley far below. The long, rocky descent requires attention as we make our way down to Permet, entering through the backdoor and oldtown part of our centrally located hotel in the heart of the small, laidback city. After a long day of walking, you can rest your legs and look forward to savoring the city’s cuisine, wines and raki.

A short lift alongside the turquoise waters of the Vjosa takes us into the countryside. Ascending through the wild macchia we reach nearly abandoned villages and are rewarded with sweeping views of dramatic Mt. Nemercka. The Northface of Southern Albania's second highest peak (2.485 m) drops 650 m straight down into the Vjosa Valley. Having crossed over the highest point, we'll visit a local family in the village Ogdunan, before descending to the Langarica Canyon. Here, our hike end at an ancient Ottoman bridge, where we soak in the warm thermal springs - believed to have a healing properties for many ailments. It's the perfect way to unwind after the five days of trekking. Relax in the sulfur-rich waters or explore scenic river canyon on foot. After our bath, we journed for a scenic 90 min drive along the Vjosa to Gjirokaster. You'll stay in a traditional Ottoman mansion in the old town and start to discover the charm of the "City of Stone''. Wander through it historic streets or rest up - tomorrow holds more time to explore this remarkeable city.

Gjirokaster is renowned not only known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions but also as the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania's most influential, Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare. His book Chronicles in Stone is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand this unique town build so steeply on the hillside that the roof of one house marks the entrance to another. Designated as a "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns, earning its place on UNESCO's world heritage list. After exploring the extensive castle that towers over the oldtown, you can join your guide for a short semi-urban walk through the upper quarters and visit a final Ottoman bridge, or you may choose to wander the maze of narrow, cobbled streets on your own. Lunch is on your today and and you can select from one of many charming tavernas that line the streets. In the afternoon, we'll regroup for a four hour drive to Tirana, the vibrant modern capital that strives to embrace a contemporary European identity. After a brief rest at the hotel, we'll have time for an evening walking tour, passing by the Skanderbeg Square and into the trendy "Blloku" district, where the city truly comes alive at night. If you're not ready to return to Tirana just yet, consider extending your trip to Southern Albania along the Coastal Trail or enjoying relaxed days at the beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5 min walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square". Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 30 min transfer to the airport. Thank you for joining our adventure, we hope to see you again in the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches. Not ready to leave yet? Ask us what more to do in the mountains, exploring the cultural highlights of Albania’s historic cities or a laid-back beach extension - there’s always more to explore in the **Balkans!**

Airport transfer 2.5 h prior to your submitted flight connection