Albanian Wonders: A 7 Day Adventure Through Nature, Culture, and History

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We’ll start our drive toward the Albanian Alps, navigating the winding mountain roads that lead us into the heart of nature. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the valleys and peaks, offering a glimpse of the beauty that awaits. We are still continuing to the Alps; the scenery becomes all the more lush green and mountain on both sides of the valleys. In a village named Bogë, we will ascend up to the magnificent Qafë Thore Pass.

Coming from Qafë Thore, we arrive at the town of Theth. After that, we continue to Nderlysaj, where our guide parks near the main square. Here, you’ll find a peaceful river with beautiful blue-green waters, perfect for relaxing in the summer or taking a swim.

Once you got to the Blue Eye, you will have all the time in the world to admire those hypnotic turquoise waters and unspoilt nature. It’s a place that inspires much photography and contemplation.

After about an hour at the Blue Eye, the group will return together to Nderlysaj, following the same route. For safety during descent, it is necessary to stay close to the group and follow the guide’s instructions regarding behaviors.

Post-lunch, we head off to Theth Village. Here, you will visit the ancient church and the nowadays notorious The Isolated House (Kulla e Ngujimit)- a cultural-historical site that portrays the unique traditions of the area. We’ll spend the night in Theth, enjoying the quiet charm of this mountain village, where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner, prepared with local ingredients.

Once we arrive in Shkodra, we stop at Rozafa Castle, located on a hill at the entrance of the city. This ancient fortress, with a history dating back to the Illyrian period, offers a stunning view of the city and the confluence of the Drin, Buna, and Kir rivers.

Leaving Rozafa Castle, we travel towards Mes Bridge, located about 8 km northeast of Shkodra, over the Kir River. This 18th-century historic bridge, with its large arch, is a unique example of Ottoman heritage and an ideal spot for photography.

We return to the heart of Shkodra and stop at the Marubi National Museum of Photography. This museum houses rare collections of Albanian photography from the 19th century to the present day, documenting the history and daily life of the Albanian people.

After the museum visit, we head to Shirokë, a picturesque village by Lake Shkodra, about 5 km from the city. Here, we can enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty, as well as take stunning photographs of the largest lake in the Balkans. During the evening, you can have a free time walking to the city. After a day filled with history and nature, we will spend the night and where you can relax and enjoy a traditional food of Shkodra.

After the breakfast, we head toward Komani Lake. Since the road is rural and the vehicle moves slowly, we must leave early to catch the boat. Once we arrive at the dam, we get our tickets and wait for the boat’s departure. During the journey to reach the Shala River, we are captivated by the natural beauty, including the surrounding mountains, cliffs, and trees, which make this place a stunning oasis.

We arrive at the Shala River and find a great spot to relax and sunbathe. We spend the day enjoying this special place, with lunch included to keep us energized. After eating, we can continue relaxing or exploring the area.
After a relatively long stay, we board the boat we arrived on and return to Koman, where our vehicle is parked. After the boat trip along the Shala River, we continue our journey toward the city of Berat. We will arrive in the evening and head directly to our accommodation. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner, allowing you to unwind and experience local flavors before resting for the night.

Next, we head to Berat, where we ascend to the castle, a site that speaks volumes about the resilience of its civilization. It offers a panoramic view of the city. Here, we will also enjoy lunch.

After lunch, we descend to the Mangalem quarter, surrounded by shops featuring artisanal crafts and a variety of souvenirs.

We take a walk towards Gorica Bridge, an ancient structure that connected villages of its time and still serves to pedestrians today.

Facing Gorica Bridge and Berat Castle, we find the “One Above One Windows” neighborhood, a UNESCO-protected site welcoming tourists in every season.

The Osumi River is known for its beautiful, clear waters and stunning canyon views. It’s a great place for a peaceful relaxing walk along the riverbanks, surrounded by impressive cliffs and nature.

Following Berat city visit, it’s time for lunch, and it has become our tradition to take you to one of the local wineries. Here, you’ll enjoy a winery tour and wine tasting, a special experience offered by our company.
After the winery tour, we return to follow our journey with Gjirokastra city and take you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a free walk around the city.

Once breakfast is done at your hotel, we ascend the city’s hill to visit Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest castles in the region, rich with diverse and fascinating history.

We descend from the castle along a narrow cobbled path and spend some time wandering through the streets of the bazaar with its characteristic buildings. Shops and restaurants make this place lively and appealing.

After the bazaar visit, we take a short walk to one of the streets where the renowned writer Ismail Kadare lived. We’ll visit the museum house dedicated to his life and works.

The next stop is the Skënduli House, an ethnographic museum dating back to the 18th century. This tower has withstood the test of time, offering insights into the region’s traditions and culture. Before leaving Gjirokastra, we will have lunch.

As soon as we arrive we start exploring the Blue Eye, a natural oasis. This national park offers stunning nature that delights every visitor.

Following the Blue Eye adventure, we travel to Butrint, located 15 km from Saranda city. Butrint is a UNESCO-preserved cultural and historical heritage site and one of the most fortified castles of different ancient periods.

We return to Ksamil, a breathtaking oasis where you’ll marvel at the unique beaches and stunning views offered by this island. Spend your time sunbathing and relaxing.

After relaxing at Ksamil Beach, we visit Lëkurësi Castle, which provides a panoramic view of Saranda city. We descend to Saranda and head to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a free evening strolling along Saranda’s promenade and savoring dinner.

On the final day of our tour, we continue with Himara. We drive along the stunning Riviera, flanked by olive-covered hills and the mesmerizing sea to our left. We arrive at Potam Beach in Himara, where we spend part of the day sunbathing.

We continue along the Riviera, stopping at Dhërmi village, known for its dozens of Orthodox churches, each with unique significance. We then head to Palasë, a zone now transformed into a construction site for luxurious villas, hotels, and facilities catering to beachgoers.

Moving on from Dhërmi, we ascend to Llogara National Park. During the climb, we pause at a panoramic balcony along the road for photos and videos. If you’re lucky, you might see paragliders launching from this strategic point for an adventurous experience. The park, with altitudes ranging from 400 m to over 2000 m above sea level, is vital to the ecosystem of this area, offering diverse trees, wildlife like deer, wildcats, wolves, and red foxes, and a great attraction for nature-loving tourists.

After a relatively short stay in Llogara Park, we descend and arrive in Vlora, a city that connects Albania to Italy via nightly ferries from Vlora Port to Brindisi, Italy. Once leaving Vlora, we drive through the Soda Forest and head to Zvërnec Island, located near the Narta Lagoon, offering a spectacular view. Every August 15th, the locals celebrate an important religious event here. Return to Tirana in the evening where our 7-day adventure concludes.