Walking In Southern Albania - Coastal Trails & Ancient Empires
Walking In Southern Albania - Coastal Trails & Ancient Empires
8 Days Starting in TIRANA and ending in TIRANA
Visiting: Tirana, Vlorë, Llogara Pass, Himarë, Buthrotum, Sarandë, Gjirokaster
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SALB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
High, Moderate / High
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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From:
$2094
$1989 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$105
Tour Overview
With a rich heritage that can trace its influences back to the Macedonians, the Greeks and the Ottoman Turks, Albania is one of the most fascinating and least known countries in Europe. It is also blessed with some of the Adriatic’s wildest landscapes as well as possibly the continent’s least developed tourism infrastructure, not to mention some captivating history.If that thought fills you with excitement then join us for this wonderful adventure into the wilds of the mountainous hinterlands of the south through which Byron once walked.During our journey we will soak up the coastal charms of the ‘Albanian Riviera’, explore the famed Ottoman town of Gjirokastër, and of course visit the fascinating ancient ruins of Butrint, located in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint National Park, and standing as one of the most unique archaeological sites anywhere in Europe.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Tirana - Vlore
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Partner or similar
Meals Included: No Meals
Those arriving on the group flight will meet at Tirana airport. We will then set off south through the plains of western Albania as we make our way down to the beautiful bay of Vlore.
Day 2 : Vlore - Llogara
Location: Vlorë, Llogara Pass
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sofo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Continuing south we head towards the magnificent mountains of the Llogara National Park where we will begin our hike today. Following a beautiful forest trail we will slowly make our way up and along the famous ridge running to the Karaburun Peninsula, taking in breath-taking panoramic views of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas on one side, and the dramatic 2000-metre-high mountains on the other. We’ll have time to enjoy these stunning vistas with a well-earned picnic lunch, before continuing on along the ridge and down onto the Llogara Pass via an old army dirt road. A short transfer will then take us back to the hotel in Llogara where we can relax for the rest of the afternoon, or take some time for another walk to the colourful ‘Caesar Meadows’ before dinner.
Approx. 5hrs walking (695m ascent, 450m descent. Total distance 10kms, highest point 1380m)
Day 3 : Llogara - Himare
Location: Llogara Pass, Himarë
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Rrapos Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we will take a short drive to the pass at Mount Çika, the tallest peak of the Ceraunian Range and situated dramatically on the edge of the Ionian Sea at a height of 2044m. From the pass we will set off on foot and wind our way through pine forests and up the mountain slopes reaching just below Kore’s Summit, where we can take in the magnificent sea views. After enjoying lunch we will continue to soak up the scenic views by road as we make our way further along the coast to our base for the night - Himar?. Approx. 4hrs walking (510m ascent, 510m descent. Total distance 4kms, highest point 1550m)
Day 4 : Himare - Butrint - Sarande
Location: Himarë, Buthrotum, Sarandë
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Porto Eda or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After breakfast we leave the lovely town of Himar, and drive along the celebrated bay of Porto Palermo to visit the castle of Ali Pasha, the ‘Lion of Yannina’, who ruled Albania during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Continuing our journey along the Albanian Riviera we will stop at the quaint little hillside town of Qeparo, where we’ll hike to the hill that overlooks the old village to enjoy the views over the bay and the large island of Corfu in the horizon. We’ll then descend to the village for lunch at the beach and possibly a swim in the sea. In the afternoon we’ll drive on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Butrint National Park, an ancient archaeological site that lies on the shores of the Mediterranean. Located on the Straits of Corfu and surrounded by a picturesque lagoon, the site has, at various stages of its development, been a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Today it is a site of major historical significance and remains one of the most important archaeological finds in the country, with artefacts and monuments being unearthed that date back as far as the Bronze Age. Its setting, against the natural backdrop of native woodland and the fresh waters of Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel, makes it a particularly attractive site to explore. After our visit we will drive to the coastal town of Sarand? where we will settle for the night. Approx. 3hrs walking (330m ascent, 330m descent. Total distance 5kms, highest point 316m)
Day 5 : Sarande - Gjirokastër
Location: Sarandë, Gjirokaster
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kastro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we head further inland to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër. We’ll enjoy the scenic drive as we pass through the valley of Drinos, crossing the picturesque Muzinë Pass, and stopping along the way to pay a short visit to the magical Blue Eye Spring. After about an hour we will reach the foothills of the mountains and set off from the village of Libohova and its fortress, along the trail which Lord Byron himself took centuries ago. Our walk will end in the village of Labovë where we will visit the Labovë e Kryqit Church, one of the oldest churches in Albania, from here we will take a short transfer to eventually reach the historic town of Gjirokastër. A beautifully preserved example of an Ottoman town, dramatically situated between the Gjerë Mountains and the Drino River, Gjirokastër is still dominated by its Ottoman citadel, believed to be the second largest in the Balkans. Originally built in the 12th century, the citadel has undergone a number of makeovers since its original construction, and now operates as a historical site with a selection of interesting post-War era weapons and memorabilia, including a US Air Force plane which was captured in Tirana during the 1950s. Filled with a lovely collection of charming 17th and 18th century buildings and palatial residences, the old part of the city still reflects something of Gjirokastër’s once favoured status amongst the Ottoman elite of the 19th century, and stands as the perfect base for us this evening.
Approx. 3hrs walking (200m ascent, 270m descent. Total distance 7kms, highest point 680m)
Day 6 : Gjirokastër
Location: Gjirokaster
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kastro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
After breakfast and a short drive to Asim Zeneli we will head east on the trail towards the ancient site of Antigonea, a city founded by King Pyrrhus of Epirus in 295 BC and one that, before its destruction during the Macedon Wars 150 years later, was once one of the most important trading centres in southern Albania. Following the trail along the slopes of the Lunxheria Mountains we will come in proximity of the village of Dhoksat, where we will be treated to a traditional lunch in the heart of the village and learn more about life in this more remote area. This afternoon we slowly start making our way back towards Gjirokastër, where we will spend another night. Approx. 5hrs walking (470m ascent, 160m descent. Total distance 12kms, highest point 730m)
Day 7 : Gjirokastër - Tirana
Location: Gjirokaster, Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vila Tafaj or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Our final journey will take us back to the country’s capital today, Tirana, travelling via the Shkumbin Valley, which once formed an important section of the Via Egnatia, the Roman road that connected the western and eastern parts of the Roman Empire. We will stop for some lunch just south of the capital before taking a short hike along the River Erzen to the Cave of Pellumbas, also known as the Black Cave, one of the earliest known pre-historic settlements in the region and home to a wonderful array of majestic stalagmites and stalactites. Mid-afternoon we will drive on to Tirana, stopping along the way to visit Hope Made, a locally run organisation which provides training for women from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn arts and craft skills which then lead to more employment opportunities. This evening we will enjoy our final dinner in a local restaurant in the centre of the city.
Approx. 3hrs walking (167m ascent, 167m descent. Total distance 3kms, highest point 470m)
Day 8 : Sightseeing Around Tirana. Tour Ends.
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
Today we have some time to explore the colourful town of Tirana with a walking tour, taking in the recently renovated Skanderbeg square and the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque. We will also visit the Bunk'Art underground galleries to learn about the country’s unique communist past as well as seeing some of the buildings which date back to the 1930s Italian-influenced era. The tour will finish after lunch.
What's Included
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MEALS
7 x Breakfasts, 7 x Lunches, 6 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a minibus and our own two feet!
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate / High
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Albania. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
You will need to be in a reasonable state of health and have a good level of fitness to be suitable to join this tour. The trek is graded as moderate with average daily walking time of around 4hrs. In many places the paths are rocky and uneven.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Albania. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
May 04, 2024 - May 11, 2024Saturday - Saturday
May 25, 2024 - Jun 01, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.
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