Walking in Southern Albania (Guided)
Walking in Southern Albania (Guided)
$1252
Walking in Southern Albania (Guided)
8 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Peshtan, Limar, Hoshteve, Sheper, Permet, Gjirokastra, Tirana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
939
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Southern Albania with this guided walking tour, starting and ending in Tirana. Experience the authentic charm of Albania as you traverse ancient caravan routes and footpaths, exploring picturesque villages like Peshtan, Limar, and Hoshteve. Stay in local homestays and guesthouses, including a night with a nomadic shepherd family, and enjoy the hospitality of a local teacher in Limar. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, from the towering Mount Strakavec to the serene Zagoria River, and discover cultural treasures like the fresco-covered church in Leuse. The tour includes complimentary transfers from Tirana Airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the historic city of Gjirokastra and the vibrant capital, Tirana, where you can explore its rich cultural heritage and chic neighborhoods. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and local experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival At Peshtan
Location: Peshtan
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Peshtan
Meals Included: Dinner
Your driver welcomes you at Tirana Airport for a complimentary transfer to the village of Peshtan. Complimentary transfer from Tirana Accommodation in Peshtan Meals included: dinner
Day 2 : Peshtan – Limar 11Km
Location: Limar
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in a homestay in Limar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walks today follow an ancient caravan route up to high passes and the almost deserted village of Kala. You get great views of Mount Strakavec today, and spend overnight in a local homestay, hosted by a local teacher and expert in local history. Walking for the day: 11km, 5h, ↑750m ↓425m Accommodation in a homestay in Limar Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 3 : Limar – Hoshteve 15Km
Location: Hoshteve
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Hoshteve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk on ancient footpaths to reach Hoshteve. Passing several traditional villages, you have the chance to experience the region’s rural lifestyle, meet local people and take in the mountain landscapes towering over the Zagoria River below. Below the village Doshnica, there’s a possibility to visit a waterfall, depending on water levels. An Ottoman bridge connects Hoshteve with the neighbouring villages of Nderan and Zhej as well as the Church of the Holy Apostle in Hoshteve, a fine example of Orthodox heritage. Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ↑725m ↓575m Accommodation in Hoshteve Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Day 4 : Hoshteve – Sheper 13Km
Location: Sheper
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Sheper
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After yesterday’s more demanding walk, this is a shorter and easier route in the shadow of Mount Cajupi, taking in Nivan where the central square is dedicated to William Tilman, a famous British mountaineer who lived here while fighting together with the local resistance in German-occupied Albania during WW2. Then the trail then takes you to the river, a monastery and the last of Ali Pasha’s stone bridges. Continuing over mountain meadows, you reach Sheper and stay overnight in a local guesthouse, hosted by an Aroman/Vllach family, nomadic shepherds who were settled here during the communist era.
Walking for the day: 13km, 5h, ↑600m ↓550m
Day 5 : Sheper – Permet 10Km
Location: Permet
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Permet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue to follow another ancient trail over the Dhembel-Nemercke range, with views of Mount Cajupi as you climb up to summer pastures used by local shepherds. The alpine valley is flanked by steep slopes and the Dhembel Pass (1,450m), with views across the eastern highlands towards Greece, and to the town of Permet far below. Follow a long, rocky descent to Leuse, another beautiful stone village with an amazing fresco-covered church, considered one of the finest in Southern Albania. It is then only a 15mins walk to reach Permet and your hotel for the night.
Walking for the day: 10km, 7-8h, ↑625m ↓1,250m
Day 6 : Permet – Gjirokastra 6Km
Location: Gjirokastra
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Gjirokastra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy more panoramic views of Mount Nemercka at the entrance to Lengarica Canyon as well as the natural thermal pools at Benje. Transfer to Gjirokastra.
Walking for the day: 6km, 3h, ↑350m ↓350m
Day 7 : Gjirokastra To Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tirina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy the cultural heritage of Albania’s capital, museums, architecture and the famous Blloku District. Once the living quarters of politburo elite, it’s now a chic upmarket neighbourhood packed with boutiques and cafes.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast, group transfer to Tirana airport.
Complimentary transfer to Tirana airport at 14.00 (40mins)
What's Included
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Airport Transfers
The tour includes complimentary transfers from Tirana Airport to Peshtan and from Gjirokastra to Tirana.
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Scenic Walks
Enjoy scenic walks between villages, with a transfer to Gjirokastra on Day 6.
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Group Transfer on Departure
Departure includes a group transfer to Tirana airport.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes complimentary transfers from Tirana Airport to Peshtan and from Gjirokastra to Tirana. Enjoy scenic walks between villages, with a transfer to Gjirokastra on Day 6. Departure includes a group transfer to Tirana airport.
Accommodation
Experience authentic Albanian hospitality with stays in local homestays and guesthouses, including a night in a traditional village hosted by a local teacher, and a guesthouse run by a nomadic shepherd family. Enjoy the comfort of a hotel in Permet and explore the cultural heritage of Gjirokastra and Tirana.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will experience authentic Albanian hospitality with stays in local homestays and guesthouses. This includes a night in a traditional village hosted by a local teacher, and a guesthouse run by a nomadic shepherd family. You will also enjoy the comfort of a hotel in Permet and explore the cultural heritage of Gjirokastra and Tirana.
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Are there any transfers included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes complimentary transfers from Tirana Airport to Peshtan and from Gjirokastra to Tirana. There is also a transfer to Gjirokastra on Day 6 and a group transfer to Tirana airport on the day of departure.
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What kind of walking experience can I expect on this tour?
The tour involves scenic walks between villages, following ancient caravan routes and footpaths. You will walk through high passes, traditional villages, and mountain landscapes, with opportunities to visit historical sites such as Ottoman bridges and churches. The walks vary in distance and difficulty, with some days being more demanding than others.
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Will there be opportunities to interact with local people during the tour?
Yes, the tour provides opportunities to experience the region's rural lifestyle and meet local people. You will stay in local homestays and guesthouses, hosted by local families, including a local teacher and a nomadic shepherd family.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several traditional villages, the Church of the Holy Apostle in Hoshteve, and the cultural heritage of Gjirokastra and Tirana. In Tirana, you can explore museums, architecture, and the famous Blloku District, which is now a chic upmarket neighborhood.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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