8 days tour

Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania’S C

$ 1,024 .14 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,024.14

Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania’S C

This tour includes:

Others

luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only (limited by luggage transport on horse, take a duffel or rucksack, hardcases are not suitable) entrance fees, trekking and border crossing permits

Transport

group transfers as foreseen by the itinerary optional additional private transfers or help with public transport transfers for arrivals from Saranda (Corfu) are not included

Guide

English-speaking hiking guide

Accommodation

Comfort: 2/4 Welcoming That means: hotels with private ensuite rooms & homestays with shared rooms - participants share a room with 1-3 other travelers from the group Breakdown: 3 night(s) in private ensuite, 4 night(s) in shared room(s) Note that some homestays have only a single shower and second toilet

Meals

all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

additional overnights in Tirana, Gjirokastra or the Albanian Riviera

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

meals not listed above as well as drinks other than table water personal expenses such as gratuities and souvenirs

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania’S C

  • Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Albania!
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Welcome To Albania!

      Travel into Southern Albania from Tirana or Saranda (Corfu)  

      The transfer into Southern Albania takes around three and half hours, it leads past the coastal plain’s colorful produce stands and along the mountain backed Vjosa River into a small village overlooking the valley. The family-run guesthouse is surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for a few quiet days before or after the trip you may consider additional nights here. The group transfer collects participants from Tirana city center (14:00), the bus station or airport (15.00). The departure is 15:00 at the latest, earlier if party members’ arrival times allow for that. For those arriving via Saranda (Corfu) we can organize a private transfer.

      ? 3:50 hr

      ?️ - / - / D

      ? Guesthouse

  • Day 2 Day 2: Start Trekking Into Hidden Zagoria Valley
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Start Trekking Into Hidden Zagoria Valley

      Enter a Forgotten Mountain Realm where Time Stands Still  

      A short transfer on a windy road with views of Europe’s last wild river leads to a small village clinging to the mountainside. Zagoria is not yet visible - Dhembeli, Nemercka, Lunxheria and Bureto, four mountain ranges, encompass and shield it from the outside world. Only an almost forgotten caravan route leads inside this hidden place. Through open woodland, the route ascends to a pass that reveals the full extend of the valley out of which mountains rise on both sides. Over terraced fields, the path leads to the the almost deserted village Kala, where only three inhabitants remain, and down to the river. It’s crossed via one of Ali Pasha’s impressive Ottoman stone bridges and climbing up to Limar, remains of the cobbled caravan path are visible. The views to Mt Strakavec, remote feeling and vernacular stone architecture of Limar leave a lasting impression. A stroll through the village reveals its whole extent and you can learn more about life here from your hosts. Overnight in the teacher’s house who takes care of the 3 pupils who remain in school regardless the seclusion.

      ? ⟺ 11 km          ▲ 750 m          ▼ 575 m          ⧗ 5:30 h

      ?️ B / L / D

      ? Homestay

  • Day 3 Day 3: A Life-Seeing Day In The Zagoria Villages
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: A Life-Seeing Day In The Zagoria Villages

      Stone Villages, Glory of Past Days and Shepherds Trails  

      Only footpaths connect the villages en route to the next overnight location, where your luggage is transported by horse. Passing several hamlets gives you the opportunity to experience rural lifestyle, meet locals and admire the mountain splendor above as well as Zagoria River below, where the cooling Doshnica Waterfall awaits. Depending on the river level, you continue along the stream or backtrack into the village and over grassy meadows before the reascent to Hoshteve marks the final stage. Animal husbandry, beekeeping and the collection of medical herbs have been the only sources of meager income, triggering mass emigration to Greece. Your hosts lived there for 17 years, skype almost daily with their children in the US and opened a B&B on their return. They’re a good example of the returning diaspora, equipped with new skill sets and savings to invest. Don’t miss out on the Church of the Holy Apostles, a fine example of Orthodox heritage.

      ? ⟺ 14.5 km          ▲ 725 m          ▼ 575 m          ⧗ 6:30 h

      ?  -

      ?️ B / L / D

      ? B&B/Homestay

  • Day 4 Day 4: Follow In The Footsteps Of Bill Tilman
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Follow In The Footsteps Of Bill Tilman

      Buried Layers of History, Friendly Encounters and Time to Relax

      A shorter and easier route with views of Mt. Cajupi allows for a relaxed but rewarding walking day. The villages Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan and Sheper are connected by roads, their influence manifests in newer buildings that serve as weekend and retirement houses. Nivan served as the center of the commune - remains of military installations and storage depots are visible, while its central square is dedicated to William Tilman. Described as “the 20th Century’s last true explorer", Tilman was a famed British mountaineer and sailor who, during WW2, fought based out of Zagoria with the resistance against German occupation. Only once more the trail takes us down to the river, monastery and (on an optional detour) to the last of Ali Pasha’s stone bridges. After a shortcut across meadows you reach Sheper, where many nomadic Aroman shepherds were forced to settle here during communism. Time can be spent with the family or exploring the village, in particular the neglected museum and buildings adorned with weathered Marx and Lenin quotes. This is the last village overnight.  

      ? ⟺ 12.5 km          ▲ 600 m          ▼ 550 m          ⧗ 5:00 h

      ?  -

      ?️ B / L / D

      ? B&B/Homestay

  • Day 5 Day 5: Crossing Over The Dhembel Pass (1.450M)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Crossing Over The Dhembel Pass (1.450M)

      Walk the ancient Caravan Route and See Shepherd’s Life  

      The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range is the last stage of our trek and leads back into the outside world. As the drive around takes almost as long as the walk across, the challenging route remains in use by locals. Enver Hoxha’s bunkers still protect the entrance to a crack that climbs with fabulous views of Mt. Cajupi to the top of the mountain. Shepherds come from as far as Konispol, the southernmost point of Albania, to these summer pastures. It isn’t uncommon for flocks to travel two weeks to reach the fertile meadows. The alpine valley is bare of trees and flanked by steep slopes, the Dhembel Pass (1450m) sits at its end and offers views of the Eastern Mountains, across into Greece and to the city of Permet far below. The long rocky descent requires attention and leads into Leuse, another stone village with a fresco-covered church - perhaps the most beautiful in Southern Albania. From here it’s only a short walk to the centrally located hotel. Put up the tired leg and look forward to the city’s cuisine, wines and raki.

      ? ⟺ 10 km          ▲ 625 m          ▼ 1,250 m          ⧗ 7:00 h

      ?  -

      ?️ B / L / D

      ? Hotel

  • Day 6 Day 6: Discover The Little Known Wonders Of Permet
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Discover The Little Known Wonders Of Permet

      Hike up the Sopot Waterfall and swim in warm Springs of Benja  

      The scenery alone is worth the 45-min drive to today’s trailhead. Below the turquoise waters of the Vjosa have dug deep into the rock, above the river towers the rugged Nemercka Range. From afar the sheer, 650m high wall of Southern Albania’s second highest summit looks impressive, but only the walk along water channels towards the Sopot Waterfall at the wall’s base reveals its full extent. Returning from the hike, another unique nature gem at the nearby entrance of the Langarica Canyon waits to surprise. The warm thermal pools of Benje are said to have a healing effect on many ailments. They are welcome treatment after the last days of hiking. Soak and relax in their sulfuric waters or explore the river canyon on foot. From here it takes a good 90 min to transfer to Gjirokaster, where you stay at one of the vernacular Ottoman buildings in the old town. Start exploring the streets of the "City of Stone" and absorb the atmosphere in one of the many small cafés, tomorrow there’s time for more. 

      ?⟺ 6 km          ▲ 350 m          ▼ 350 m          ⧗ 3:00 h

      ? 3:00 hr 

      ?️ B / - / -

      ? Hotel 

  • Day 7 Gjirokaster And Onward To Tirana (Or The Riviera)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Gjirokaster And Onward To Tirana (Or The Riviera)

      See the "City of Stone", Ottoman Mansions and modern capital TIrana

      The town is not only known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions, but also as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania’s most influential, Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare: His book Chronicles in Stone is a must-read. Protected by the status of "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns and is inscribed in UNESCO’s world heritage list. After visiting the castle that towers over the oldtown, you can join your guide for a short hike through the upper quarters or explore the maze of narrow, cobbled streets on your own. There’s no lunch today and we encourage you to take a picnic for the walk or pick a little taveran in the old town. Later the group gathers for the 3.5 hour drive to Tirana, the modern capital that wants to be everything but Albanian. Here you visit the Skanderbeg Square and trendy "Blloku" district, where the city comes to life at night. 

      Not ready to head back to Tirana? We’re happy to arrange your transfer for an extended stay at the Albanian Riviera, too.

      ?⟺ 6 km          ▲ 250 m          ▼ 250 m          ⧗ 3:00 h

      ? 3:50 hr 

      ?️ B / - / D

      ? Hotel 

  • Day 8 Farewell From Albania
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Farewell From Albania

      Travel home or extend your adventure

      Time permitting, you may stroll and explore the capital’s heart. At the “New Bazar” you can find special treats to bring as edible/drinkable souvenirs, or simply sip an espresso in one of the charming bars and observe the flow of a busy morning. “Bunkart 2” and “House of Leaves”, two of the most interesting museums dedicated to the communist era are only a 10 min walk away from the lively Skanderbeg Square. Your multi-faceted journey through Albania ends with an individual 30 min transfer to the airport - please let us know at least one day in advance about it. Thank you joining for this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches. 


      Don’t like to go home yet, ask us for extensions and combinations. :)


      ?️ B / - / -

      ? 0:30 hr

+5
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. You’ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

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