Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Transport

PRIVATE VEHICLES: The main mode of transport on this trip are locally sourced private vehicles. Not all have air-conditioning. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it. PUBLIC BUSES: This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in the Balkans can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to Yugoslav era vehicles for shorter distances. ROAD CONDITIONS: Please note that some of the roads in the region are of poor quality, which makes for a bumpy ride in places. The mountainous topography of the region also means that roads are windy. If you suffer from motion sickness you may want to bring along some medication. Private vehicle , Ferry , Motorboat

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Accommodation

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

Others

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

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Tirana

Mire se vini – welcome to Tirana, Albania! Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to head out for a walk and take in the mosque, citadels, Ottoman architecture and museums of Albania’s capital. This city is a lively, colourful place with plenty of public squares and inviting cafes to discover. After your welcome meeting, you may like to get to know your group over an optional dinner and sample some Albanian food.
Day 2 Day 2: Lake Koman - River Shala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Lake Koman - River Shala

Leave the city behind after breakfast this morning and drive north to the stunning mountain and lakes region, where you’ll have the chance to experience the true beauty and wildness of Albania. This region is a rare part of the Balkans that managed to maintain its independence and ancient traditions despite being surrounded by Ottoman armies. After a scenic drive along a winding road, you’ll board a small boat for a one-hour journey across the brilliantly blue Lake Koman to Nanplep and the Shala River. Check in at a cosy family-owned guesthouse, where you’ll have the opportunity to relax, refresh in the water and learn about local culture and history over a delicious meal filled with stories.
Day 3 Day 3: Shala River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Shala River

Today you’ll get to get your toes wet in the aquamarine waters of the Shala River on an challenging hike. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to trek through the brisk waters to cross from one side of the river to the other, so comfortable water shoes or sandals are a must. You’ll quickly discover its vibrant green mountainsides that drop steeply into the river’s bright and clear waters below. You’ll also have the option of hiring a local guide to hike to the abandoned village of Molle. This approximately 5-kilometre round-trip hike involves about 600 metres of elevation gain into the mountains. Hiring a local guide for this hike will come at an additional cost, but can be shared among group members participating.
Day 4 Day 4: Shala River - Farm Stay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Shala River - Farm Stay

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast, then venture higher up the Shala River to experience the true wilderness of the valley. Hiking upstream against the river, you’ll escape any signs of human activity and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. After taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll return to the Komani hydropower dam by boat. You’ll then travel to the western part of the region to visit the sustainable and unique agri-tourism destination at Mrizi I Zanave farm, also known as the "Shade of the Fairies." Sit down to a farm-to-table dinner made with fresh ingredients grown on site. Spend the evening at Mrizi I Zanave, where you can relax among the peaceful surroundings.
Day 5 Day 5: Divjaka-Karavasta National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Divjaka-Karavasta National Park

Hit the road this morning and drive south, stopping first in Durres to admire the sandy beaches of the Albanian Adriatic. Your next destination is the beautiful Karavasta Lagoon, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local conservation efforts for species like the Dalmatian pelican and sea turtles. Then, check into a beach guesthouse. In the evening, you’re free to enjoy the dazzling sunset and sample some delicious locally-produced cuisine. To make the most of tomorrow’s activities, it is recommended to get a good night’s rest, so be sure to turn in early tonight.
Day 6 Day 6: Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Babunje - Bay Of Vlora
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Babunje - Bay Of Vlora

Start your day early with a sunrise breakfast in one of the birdwatching towers on the western side of the Karavasta Lagoon, travelling either by bicycle or electric vehicle. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, you’ll enjoy breakfast served on a large locally made carpet and prepared with a focus on reducing waste. You’ll have the opportunity to see various birds and possibly other wildlife while sipping on coffee and tea to start the day. After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Babunje, where you’ll have a chance to participate in a hands-on bamboo craft experience and enjoy a meal with a group of farmers and artists. Your hosts will introduce you to local polyphonic singing, homemade raki and Turkish coffee reading. After your visit, drive to the nearby Bay of Vlora, where you’ll check into your apartment for the night. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy the beach or explore your surroundings.
Day 7 Day 7: Tragjas - Bay Of Vlora
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Tragjas - Bay Of Vlora

Start your day with a chilled morning at the beach. In the afternoon, take a hike to the old village of Tragjas, where time has stood still since the area was bombed during World War II. From the ruins of the old village, a family has created a farm that utilizes traditional and sustainable farming practices. Learn how they coexist alongside animals such as grey wolves, jackals, birds of prey and bee-eaters. After the hike, return to the coast for a slow and peaceful evening, where you can take a stroll along the beach, enjoy a sunset or try some local cuisine.
Day 8 Day 8: Berat - Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Berat - Tirana

Begin your day with a morning drive to the small city of Berat, known as the ’town of a thousand windows’. Take a walk through the Old City and visit the castle, where you will be given a guided tour around the ancient walls of the 2400-year-old fortress. After the castle visit, drive to Tirana, back where your adventure began. Get to know the city’s tumultuous past, including its Ottoman occupation, monarchy under King Zog I, fascist and Nazi occupation during World War II, and Communist rule. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the symbol of Albania’s modernisation efforts, and the New Bazaar for a taste of local delicacies. End the day with a coffee and chat with our local friends, in a beautiful old garden and browse through their collection of historical family objects.
Day 9 Day 9: Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tirana

With no activities planned for today, your Albania Expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Tirana, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

9 days tour

Albania Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Albania Adventure

Day 1: Tirana

Day 2: Lake Koman - River Shala

Day 3: Shala River

Day 4: Shala River - Farm Stay

Day 5: Divjaka-Karavasta National Park

Day 6: Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Babunje - Bay Of Vlora

Day 7: Tragjas - Bay Of Vlora

Day 8: Berat - Tirana

Day 9: Tirana

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