Others

Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only.

Accommodation

Comfort 2/4 - Welcoming That means: hotels with private ensuite double rooms & authentic homestays, private rooms with shared facilities. Breakdown: 4 night(s) in private ensuite, 3 night(s) in homestays/guesthouses. 2 guests will share a private double room. Single room possible on request.

Meals

7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Airport pick up on Day 1 (Airport - Main Bus Station) and drop off on Day 8 (Tirana - Airport), the rest of the tour runs on public transfers. See optional extras for private transfers.

Not included:

Others

Meals not listed above as well as drinks other than table water are not included. Personal expenses such as gratuities and souvenirs are not included. Entrance fees in museums and sites are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Guide

Guests are provided with all the materials needed for a self-guided trip (GPS, Roadbook, Maps, Local SIM Card).

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

- Private transfers throughout the tour ( 135 EUR additional fee based on 2 pers.) - Local amateur guide (limited english) from Day 2 to Day 6 on request

Start planning your experience

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)

Welcome to the Balkans! Zbulo staff meets you in town or at Tirana Airport (TIA) to hand over materials (roadbook, maps, GPS & SIM card), walk you through the trip and answer all your questions. Depending on your booking, you’re either taken to the bus station for public transport towards the overnight location, where you can catch a taxi to the hotel, or depart on a private transfer directly to the doorstep. Driving yourself, this can also be accommodated. The transfer into Southern Albania takes up to four hours, it leads past the coastal plain’s colorful produce stands and along the mountain backed Vjosa River to the outskirts of Tepelena. The small family-run hotel sits on a terrace overlooking the river and is surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for a few quiet days after the trip, consider an extension night here.

? 3:00 hr

?️ - / - / -

? Agrotourism/Hotel
Day 2 Day 2: Start Trekking Into The Hidden Zagoria Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Start Trekking Into The 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 ▼ 425 m ⧗ 5:00 h

? 0:30 hr

?️ 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 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 ⧗ 7:30 h

? -

?️ B / L / -

? Homestay
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 Day 7: Explore Historic Gjirokastra & Modern Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Explore Historic Gjirokastra & Modern Tirana

See the "City of Stone", Ottoman Mansions and Vibrant Capital

Famed for its intricate Ottoman mansions, it’s also known as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania’s most influential, Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare. Protected by the status of "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns and is today inscribed in the World Heritage List. Get lost in maze of narrow, cobbled streets, visit the ethnographic museum in Hoxha’s birth house and climb to the towering castle above. Inside the walls, oddities like an American “spy plane” sit on display, the city museum enlights with insights and views from the iconic clock tower remind of the trekking days. One can easily spend more days walking through the neighborhoods or visiting nearby sites. Butrint, the Blue Eye (a karst spring) and beaches of the Albanian Riviera are also less than two hours driving from here. A private transfer or public transport takes you to the centrally located hotel in Tirana (up to 4h), the modern capital that wants to be everything but Albanian. Visit the Skanderbeg Square and trendy "Blloku" district to watch the city come to life at night.

? 4:00 hr

?️ B / - / -

? Hotel
Day 8 Day 8: Farewell!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Farewell!

Travel Back Home or Extend Your Adventure

Time permitting, you can go on a stroll to 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 area are only a 10 min walk away from the lively Skanderbeg Square. Your multi-faceted journey through Albania ends with an organized 30 min transfer to the airport. 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.

Like to stay longer? Ask us about discounts on combined trips (up to 10%), transfers and extension nights in Tirana, the Riviera, Gjirokastra and elsewhere - plenty to explore that merits a full day in each town.

? 4:00 hr

?️ B / - / -

8 days tour

Individual Hidden Valley Trek: Self-Guided Homestay Trekking

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Individual Hidden Valley Trek: Self-Guided Homestay Trekking

Day 1: Welcome To Albania!

Day 2: Start Trekking Into The Hidden Zagoria Valley

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

Day 4: Follow In The Footsteps Of Bill Tilman

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

Day 6: Discover The Little Known Wonders Of Permet

Day 7: Explore Historic Gjirokastra & Modern Tirana

Day 8: Farewell!

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