Breath taking forests, Ionian & Adriatic coastlines, Alpine Mountains, A rich history and architecture from different empires and eras, Bunkers around every corner, Winding Canyons and more all come together in the beautiful Balkan country of Albania.
This lush country won't just offer you some of the most pristine and calming scenery in the region, it will also give you a peek into a melting pot culture &history.
Note: Albania has announced that there will be no visa requirements for Egyptian citizens from the 1st of May
- Cities: Tirana, Kruje, Shkoder, Theth, Berat, Gjirokaster
- Walking tour through Tirana
- Dajti mountain top via cable car
- Kruja mountain
- Berat city
- Porto Palermo Bay
- Gjirokaster city
DAY 1
Welcome to Tirana!
Welcome to Tirana, one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe where you can feel the architectural influences of both the Soviet & Ottoman empire.
First you'll get picked up from the airport and dropped off at our hotel in Tirana to unwind from your trip . Then we will get transferred to Dajti Mountain take a cable car where we can enjoy one of the most picturesque views in all of Tirana.
Please make sure to arrive in Tirana by 11am or earlier to ensure you can enjoy the itinerary of this day from start to finish.
In the afternoon we'll start our walking tour through Tirana. We'll start off by making our way to the core of the city at Skanderbeg Square and the Clock tower where we'll be able to explore the pastel coloured buildings that surround the heart of this city and try to spot as many of the bunkers around every corner of both this city and country.
- Dajti Mountain take a cable car
- Walking tour through Tirana
DAY 2
Making our way through the beautiful north of Albania
Today we'll start off the day with an early breakfast so we can make our way up north and it's surreal landscapes but not before taking an essential lunch break at one of the best Albanian restaurants in the country, Mrizi i Zanave, where we'll get to enjoy a delicious local meal (excluded from package).
It's time to make our way to Shkoder and it's beautiful lake, where we'll be kayaking. Shkoder lake is one of the largest bird reserves in Europe, so if we're lucky we might even see some of the last pelicans in Europe.
After we're done kayaking and have showered we'll have free time to explore and get a more genuine experience of this beautiful lakeside city and its vibrantly coloured streets.
- Mrizi i Zanave
- Theth
- Shkoder
- Kayaking Shkoder lake
DAY 3
Theth and the Accursed mountains
We will have an early breakfast, then we'll start our day early by heading to Theth Blue Eye, a breathtaking waterfall nestled in a valley amongst the mountains where we'll enjoy the view and its pristine water.
We will make our way to Theth through the gorgeous Accursed mountains, which have been nicknamed the Albanian Alps due to how beautiful the mountain range is.
- Theth Blue Eye
- Theth
DAY 4
Chasing Waterfalls
We'll wake up early today and get some breakfast so we can fill up on some good food to energize us for a nature filled day in this slice of paradise.
We'll go on a hike to Grunas waterfall & canyon and have the rest of the day free to explore some of the incredible trails that come out of Theth or just sit back and enjoy being in the heart of the mountains completely surrounded by greenery. Finally, we will make our way to Kruje
- Theth
- Grunas waterfall & canyon
- Kruje
Day 5
Bye Bye Lakes, Hello Beach
Breakfast at the hotel and then we'll have a long drive towards one of the most beautiful sea side cities in Albania, Sarande.
We'll be stopping off by Porto Palermo bay on our way where we'll have a chance to soak in the beauty of this bay and also see the Ali Pasha Castle, a beautifully located castle at the mouth of the Vivari Channel.
After we finish at Porto Palermo we'll continue the drive to Sarande where we'll have free time to enjoy the city after checking in to the hotel we'll be spending the night at.
- Porto Palermo bay
- Ali Pasha Castle
- Vivari Channel
DAY 6
Blue Eye, Porto Palermo & Gjirokaster
Breakfast at the hotel and then we will start our day by heading towards the famous Blue Eye of Sarande where we will take in it's pristine turquoise water.
Once we've finished at the Blue Eye we will make our way to one of the highlights of all of Albania and we will explore the famous city of Gjirokastra a world renowned UNESCO world heritage site.
Here at the fairy tale hillside town of Gjirokaster undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and enchanting towns on the Balkan Peninsula. The city has plenty of gorgeous places to visit such as the Castle of Gjirokastra and the old bazar.
- Blue Eye of Sarande
- Gjirokastra
DAY 7
Gjirokaster, the pearl of Albania
We'll be waking up for breakfast at the hotel then begin exploring the beautiful Berat, which is a UNESCO heritage site due to its beauty, being a rare example of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period and for bearing witness to the coexistence of various religious and cultural communities over the centuries.
During our tour of this mountainside treasure we will go visit the Old Castle of Berat, Onufri Museum, the Mangalem and Gorica neighbourhoods.
Once we've finished with the city of Berat we will starting making our way back to the place we started from and head back towards Tirana.
- Berat
- Old Castle of Berat
- Onufri Museum
- The Mangalem
- Gorica neighbourhoods
DAY 8
Depart Albania & Head Home
Sadly the trip has come to an end, so get your souvenirs and say your goodbyes before checking out.
What is included in the tour
- All accommodation on B&B basis
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Walking tour through Tirana
- Transfer to Kruja mountain
- Kayaking in Shkoder
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Professional, English speaking guide
What is NOT included in the tour
-
International Airfare
-
Meals not mentioned in the program
-
Personal Spending
-
Optional Activities
- Dajti mountain top via cable car ticket
- Visa Invitation letter
- Visa
Visa Requirements
Please follow the link below for more details about the Visa requirements
https://e-visa.al/
Pocket Money
400$-600$
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than others.
Adventure Leader Description
The Adventure Leader's mission is to make sure you have a smooth experience and to help you have the best experience possible. They will offer recommendations for things to do and see, great local eating venues and help the group interact and get to know each others (most of the time this actually happens on its own). While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge is needed.
Group Size
Average: 15 pax
Meals
Food is an essential part of traveling. Traveling with Gazef we try as much as we can to help you experience the different kinds of food available in each destination. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this at all times though. We usually leave out some of the meals excluded from the itinerary to give you the flexibility to choose what to eat based on your personal preference. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Your Adventure Leader will be able to suggest good restaurants during your trip. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods.
Solo Travelers
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a mandatory single supplement unless requested. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin/triple accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
What to Pack
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. A Packing List will be sent to you as soon as you book the trip. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. Suitcases are not recommended–most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other belongings.
Tipping
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.
Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.
Passport
Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from departure
ELECTRICITY
The power supply in Albania is nominally Type C and F on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
