Albania Expedition
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
WBSL
Start City:
Tirana
End City:
Tirana
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
9 days
Age Requirement:
15+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
12
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, May 18, 2024 | Sunday, May 26, 2024 | $1,930 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 24, 2024 | Sunday, Sep 01, 2024 | $1,755 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 28, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 06, 2024 | $1,825 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 05, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 13, 2024 | $1,755 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Sunday, May 25, 2025 | $1,860 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jun 07, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 15, 2025 | $1,860 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jun 21, 2025 | Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 | $1,860 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 06, 2025 | Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 | $1,860 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 | Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 | $1,860 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Oct 04, 2025 | Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 | $1,860 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
It may be an under-the-radar-travel destination, but when it comes to dazzling landscapes and fascinating culture, Albania is every bit as magnificent as its more popular neighbours. Spend nine days getting to know this Balkan gem with a local leader, travelling from bustling cities to remote reaches. Drink coffee with locals in Tirana, hike along off-grid rivers in the country's north, stay in welcoming guesthouses and beachside hotels, and spend the night on a sustainable farm. You'll learn about local crafts with artists, birdwatch as you eat breakfast in a spectacular national park, and learn about Albania's culture and history from those who know it best.
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Day 1
TiranaMire se vini – welcome to Tirana, Albania! Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to head out for a walk and take in the mosque, citadels, Ottoman architecture and museums of Albania’s capital. This city is a lively, colourful place with plenty of public squares and inviting cafes to discover. After your welcome meeting, you may like to get to know your group over an optional dinner and sample some Albanian food.
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Day 2
Lake Koman - River ShalaLeave the city behind after breakfast this morning and drive north to the stunning mountain and lakes region, where you'll have the chance to experience the true beauty and wildness of Albania. This region is a rare part of the Balkans that managed to maintain its independence and ancient traditions despite being surrounded by Ottoman armies. After a scenic drive along a winding road, you'll board a small boat for a one-hour journey across the brilliantly blue Lake Koman to Nanplep and the Shala River. Check in at a cosy family-owned guesthouse, where you'll have the opportunity to relax, refresh in the water and learn about local culture and history over a delicious meal filled with stories.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 3
Shala RiverToday you’ll get to get your toes wet in the aquamarine waters of the Shala River on an easy hike. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to trek through the brisk waters to cross from one side of the river to the other, so comfortable water shoes or sandals are a must. You’ll quickly discover its vibrant green mountainsides that drop steeply into the river’s bright and clear waters below. You’ll also have the option of hiring a local guide to hike to the abandoned village of Molle. This approximately 5-kilometre round-trip hike involves about 600 metres of elevation gain into the mountains. Hiring a local guide for this hike will come at an additional cost, but can be shared among group members.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 4
Shala River - Farm StayBegin your day with a leisurely breakfast, then venture higher up the Shala River to experience the true wilderness of the valley. Hiking upstream against the river, you'll escape any signs of human activity and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. After taking in the breathtaking views, you'll return to the Komani hydropower dam by boat. You’ll then travel to the western part of the region to visit the sustainable and unique agri-tourism destination at Mrizi I Zanave farm, also known as the "Shade of the Fairies." Sit down to a farm-to-table dinner made with fresh ingredients grown on site. Spend the evening at Mrizi I Zanave, where you can relax among the peaceful surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Divjaka-Karavasta National ParkHit the road this morning and drive south, stopping first in Durres to admire the sandy beaches of the Albanian Adriatic. Your next destination is the beautiful Karavasta Lagoon, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local conservation efforts for species like the Dalmatian pelican and sea turtles. Then, check into a beach guesthouse. In the evening, you’re free to enjoy the dazzling sunset and sample some delicious locally-produced cuisine. To make the most of tomorrow's activities, it is recommended to get a good night's rest, so be sure to turn in early tonight.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Babunje - Bay of VloraStart your day early with a sunrise breakfast in one of the birdwatching towers on the western side of the Karavasta Lagoon, travelling either by bicycle or electric vehicle. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, you'll enjoy breakfast served on a large locally made carpet and prepared with a focus on reducing waste. You’ll have the opportunity to see various birds and possibly other wildlife while sipping on coffee and tea to start the day. After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Babunje, where you’ll have a chance to participate in a hands-on bamboo craft experience and enjoy a meal with a group of farmers and artists. Your hosts will introduce you to local polyphonic singing, homemade raki and Turkish coffee reading. After your visit, drive to the nearby Bay of Vlora, where you’ll check into your apartment for the night. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy the beach or explore your surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Tragjas - Bay of VloraStart your day with a chilled morning at the beach. In the afternoon, take a hike to the old village of Tragjas, where time has stood still since the area was bombed during World War II. From the ruins of the old village, a family has created a farm that utilizes traditional and sustainable farming practices. Learn how they coexist alongside animals such as grey wolves, jackals, birds of prey and bee-eaters. After the hike, return to the coast for a slow and peaceful evening, where you can take a stroll along the beach, enjoy a sunset or try some local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Berat - TiranaBegin your day with a morning drive to the small city of Berat, known as the 'town of a thousand windows'. Take a walk through the Old City and visit the castle, where you will be given a guided tour around the ancient walls of the 2400-year-old fortress. After the castle visit, drive to Tirana, back where your adventure began. Get to know the city's tumultuous past, including its Ottoman occupation, monarchy under King Zog I, fascist and Nazi occupation during World War II, and Communist rule. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the symbol of Albania's modernisation efforts, and the New Bazaar for a taste of local delicacies. End the day with a coffee and chat with our local friends, in a beautiful old garden and browse through their collection of historical family objects.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
TiranaWith no activities planned for today, your Albania Expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Tirana, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast
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- Shala River - Hiking
- Shala River - Hiking
- Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table dinner
- Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Conservation tour
- Durres - Beach stop
- Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Sunrise birdwatching breakfast
- Babunje - Local handicrafts experience
- Babunje - Turkish coffee reading
- Babunje - Family visit & home-cooked lunch
- Bay of Vlora - Hike to Tragjas Village & farm visit
- Berat - Old Town & Berat Castle guided tour
- Tirana - Villa with a Star Memorabilia Collection visit
Meals
8 Breakfast(s) Included
1 Lunch(es) Included
3 Dinner(s) Included
Style: Original
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
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Operator: G AdventuresStarts
DubrovnikEnds
CorfuDays
8From
$999.2
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
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