Description
Description
This tour includes various activities to explore the Ionian coast, such as a hike to Thanasi Peak, a paddle tour to the Pirate's Cave or a visit to Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo Bay as well as some UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During the tour, you can also look forward to various culinary experiences and of course you get to know the vibrant capital city Tirana.
Group size: min. 4 guests / max. 7 guests
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departure: 24.05.2025, 20.09.2025, 27.09.2025
Day 1: Arriving to Tirana
Welcome to Tirana. Your hotel is located in the downtown. There are plenty of attractions, cafes and bars to keep you busy. Founded in 1614, Tirana became the capital of Albania in 1920 and is the main cultural and industrial center of Albania. The city boulevards are marked with fascinating relics of the Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
If you arrive early, you can even take the cable car to the Dajti Mountain for panoramic views over the city.
In the evening, you can have a drink at one of the numerous cafes or trendy bars of the "Blloku" district. The most animated quarter of the city lies at the place where before the democratic changes it was not allowed for the public to enter as it was inhabited only by the higher leadership.
Accommodation: Hotel Green House Tirana 4*
Board: no meals included
Day 2: Hiking in Llogara, the evergreen National Park
3h, ↑400m, ↓400m, 9km
The day starts with the drive towards Llogara National Park. It is one of the most beautiful places in Albania with woods, beautiful valleys, countless natural resources, as well as numerous species of plants, animals and birds.
Today’s is one of the most beautiful hikes of the Llogara National Park. The ascent follows initially through the dense forest of the National Park Llogara. As the pine forest clears, the path continues along rockier terrain and passes through a small shepherd’s settlement, shortly before it arrives at the place called “Qafa e Thellë”. From there, the view of the entire coast is magnificent. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Italian coast on the other side of the Otranto Strait, less than 90km away.
We will descend to the Llogara Pass, and board the vehicle for the transfer to the hotel in Llogara, where the accommodation is planned.
Accomodation: Hotel Sofo Llogara 4*
Board: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner included
Day 3: Kayaking along the Ionian coast to the Pirates Cave
2h, 4km
After breakfast, we will start the activity of the day. We will kayak on the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Our destination is the Pirate’s cave. It is more than 30m long, 8m wide and 10-12m high. A stone block pillar divides the entry into two parts. You will have the possibility to enter, and admire the cave from the inside.
Then, we will kayak back to Dhërmi, where lunch is planned. In the afternoon you will have free time to enjoy the sea and the sun on your own.
Accomodation: Hotel Sofo Dhërmi 3*
Board: Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 4: Hiking to Ngjipe Beach
3h, ↑350m, ↓350m, 6km
After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the hike to Ngjipe. We will follow a well-prepared trail to descend to the beach. Some small stops are planned at panoramic spots along the way.
The canyon of Ngjipe is situated along the lower parts of Ngjipe stream, between Vuno and Ilias. It is formed by water erosion, is more than 2km long and 100m deep. Walking along its length is a unique experience. The landscape is attractive, the beach is clean and the water clear.
After some time to enjoy the sea and the sun on the beach, we will return to the vehicle and start the scenic drive along the Ionian Coast.
On the way to Saranda lies the Bay of Porto Palermo. Apart from its natural beauty, it is known as one of the most important military bases during the cold war. From the road you can see the tunnels where Albanian military submarines were moored. During the communist years, it was forbidden to be in this area without permission. On a peninsula, just in the middle of Porto Palermo Bay lie the ruins of the Fortress of Ali Pasha. After its visit the drive continues to Saranda, where accommodation is provided.
Accomodation: Hotel Iliria Sarandë 4*
Board: Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 5: The coastal city of Saranda and the ancient site of Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage
After breakfast, transfer to Butrint, the most important archaeological site of Albania, an UNESCO World Heritage. Butrint is known since the 7th century B.C. as the most important city of Epirus. Its building is linked to the presence of the Trojan prince Aeneas.
In the afternoon, transfer to Saranda. Accommodation in Saranda.
Accomodation: Hotel Iliria Sarandë 4*
Board: Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 6: Walking and cultural discovery in Gjirokastra
2h, ↑200m, ↓250m, 7km
The day starts with the transfer to the village called Labovë and the visit of its church, which is known as one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the entire Balkans. After the visit we will start the hike of the day to the village of Libohovë.
The region is known throughout Albania for its very well-preserved culinary traditions. We will have lunch at a farm in the vicinity of Libohova, where you will taste fresh homemade food, cooked in a strictly traditional way.
In the afternoon a guided visit of Gjirokastra is planned. It is an outstanding example of an Ottoman merchant town and one of the few still surviving in the Balkans. We will visit the castle and a characteristic old museum house.
Accomodation: Hotel Fantasy Gjirokastër 4*
Board: Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 7: The ancient city of Apollonia and Tirana
Right after breakfast, we will start the return trip to Tirana. On the way lies the archaeological site of Apollonia. The city was originally founded in 588 BC as a Corinthian colony and was named after the God Apollo. Today, it is situated near the modern town of Fier and offers the visitor a unique insight into the immense importance this region once held. It is estimated that the city had about 60,000 inhabitants, a record for ancient times. As a trade center, the city started to decline in the 4th Century following a large earthquake which altered the course of the Vjosa river causing Apollonia’s famous harbor to silt up.
After the visit, we will continue the journey to Tirana, where you will have time for lunch. In the early afternoon, a guided visit of Tirana and its main attractions is planned
We will meet again for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. After dinner you can have a drink in one of the nice bars in the "Blloku" quarter, the most animated quarter of the capital.
Accomodation: Hotel Green House Tirana 4*
Board: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner included
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Albania.
Board: Breakfast only included
Included services
- All trips according to the program schedule
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- 5 nights’ accommodation in 4 Star hotels
- 2 nights’ accommodation in 3 Star hotels
- Meals according to the program schedule
- Water during the meals and for the activities
- Entries and visits listed in the program
- Luggage transport between the accommodations
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide during the entire journey
Excluded services
- Transfer from and to the airport
- Any type of insurance
- Any beverages
- Other services not mentioned in the included section above or in the itinerary
Notes
It is possible that a similar hotel of the same category will be offered.
The daily trip descriptions give detailed information about: terrain, technical difficulty, estimated walking times, ascent/descent in meters. We kindly ask you to read these very carefully and consider them while choosing your trip. The given technical difficulty for each daily trip specifies in any case the maximum difficulty in the course of the corresponding trip. That does not necessarily mean that the whole day trip is technically that difficult.
Abbreviations: ↑ = Ascent in meters ↓ = Descent in meters
Walking time: Estimated walking times are given for each day. These times do vary, however, according to the day’s weather conditions, and the fitness levels of the tour participants. These times do not include times taken for meals and breaks.
Good physical condition is required, but previous alpine experience or proficiency in kayaking are not needed.
Essential equipment:
- Daypack
- Rain cover for daypack
- Hiking boots (category B/C)
- Hiking trousers
- Sweater/Jacket
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- T-shirts/shirts
- Spare socks
- Reusable water bottles (at least 1 liter in total)
- Comfortable shoes for traveling and sightseeing
- Bathing Suit
- Beach Towel
- Beach Slippers
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Blister bandages
- Any prescription medication you might need
- Personal Luggage
Recommended equipment:
- Water filter or alternative water purification system
- Reusable straw
- Hydration system
- Slippers
- Personal first aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Trekking Poles
