South Albania is the most appealing part of the country with the astonishing Ionian Sea and many mountains inside the country, you will never get bored of the landscape. This tour offers an excellent combination of outdoor and cultural activities, you will hike peaks of 2,000 m above sea level, will explore the pirate cave through the sea, visit old towns and fortress UNESCO World Heritage-List, etc. Food and nightlife are part of the Mediterranean culture and lifestyle.
Pick up and drop off all travelers at their hotel
8 Days / 7 Nights
English, Italian and Greek
South Albania Hiking and Natural Beauties offer a pleasant way to mix outdoor and cultural activities in the best region of our small country. During these 8 days, you will hike, go canyon exploring, visit pirate cave through Sea and old towns and fortresses.
The tour is of moderate difficulty only suitable for 18+ travelers, with hikes and many visits to natural and historical sites. Transportation will be done with an air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle. Accommodation will be in 3 stars hotels or local guesthouses, twin shared rooms, breakfast is included. A single-room supplement is not included in the price. A certified local tour guide will be with you all the time. The weather most of the time is very nice and pleasant, only during July and August you should bring your hat, sunscreen, and water.
Today you will arrive in Tirana, Albania and our staff will meet you at the airport.
Depending on your arrival time we might do the presentation meeting with your guide and a short walking tour of Tirana.
Overnight in Tirana
Our journey will start with a drive south to Vlora, our second biggest port and tourist town in Albania. We will visit Zvernec Monastery and its beautiful island, located in the Narta lagoon and connected with the mainland with a picturesque, wooden bridge. On the way to Vlora, we will drive under the shade of pine trees in Soda forest.
In Vlora we will visit the town’s center, reconstructed recently and turned into its old roots. Vlora is the town of our independence and you will listen to our history along with the monuments. The Adriatic and Ionian Sea meet in Vlora, shifting the panorama from yellow sandy beaches to rocky clear waters.
Late afternoon will drive to Llogora and you will have free time to enjoy the silence of the forest.
Overnight in Llogora
After a relaxing evening in the national park of Llogora, we will climb today Qorra Peak, 2018 m above sea level. The hike is good at any time under the shades of pine trees almost to the top, accompanied by the stunning view of the Ionian Sea and Acroceraunian Mountains on the peninsula of Karaburun. On a clear day, your eyes can catch a view up to the island of Corfu. Picnic lunch will light our humor. The climb is about 3 hours and the same time to come down.
In the afternoon we will accommodate at our hotel in Dhermi and you can enjoy an evening on the Ionian Sea beach.
Overnight in Dhermi
We will get up with the wonderful view of the Ionian Sea. Today we will hike shortly to go down to Gjipe beach, one of the best small bays on the Ionian Riviera. During the hike down you will be surrounded by the wild nature of the south, olive trees, oranges, and gravel. Once there you will have plenty of time to swim before we go to explore the small canyon of Gjipe.
Early in the afternoon, a small boat will take us to Pirate’s cave, you will hear the legend and can swim inside the cave and along with the boat. Our ride will end up at Dhermi beach close to our hotel.
Evening at leisure to enjoy beers on the beach or join the lively nightlife.
Overnight in Dhermi
Today our journey will continue driving along the coast and will stop at some villages on the coast like Vuno, Himarre, Qeparo, and Borsh. Our way will lead to the Panormi bay and Porto Palermo peninsula; here we will visit the charming castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena, built in the XVIII century. The castle is well maintained and it’s an example of the wealth and development of Ali Pasha’s power.
Second part of the day we will drive to Butrint and visit this amazing archeological park. You will have a chance to see historical layers from Hellenistic and Roman civilizations, as well as modern times with Venetian influence. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the best in Albania. The whole walk under the tree shades is pleasant even on hot summer days.
Our long day will end at our hotel in Saranda.
Overnight in Sarande
Our day will start with a visit to the Blue Eye, a natural water spring. The eye is springing from beneath and is deeper than 50 m. Its water is very cold and only the bravest dare to take a swim.
After a short drive, we will arrive in Gjirokaster, part of UNESCO World Heritage. We will visit:
A delicious breakfast with local delicacies will complete our visit to this fascinating town.
In the late afternoon, we will accommodate in our guesthouse in Nivica.
Overnight in Nivica
Our day will be spent exploring the stunning canyon of Nivica, one of the most beautiful natural spots in Albania. This canyon is about 40 km long and 15 km wide in some parts. It has many waterfalls, one of which is about 220 m high. The canyon is not populated by tourists and we will have it almost on our own. We will hike along, use ropes to climb up and down, and swim.
A tasty traditional lunch will complete our day.
In the early afternoon, we will drive to Durres, the second biggest city in Albania and the main port.
Overnight in Durres
Today we will drive to Tirana and our staff will send you to Tirana International Airport, at your departure time, wishing you a safe flight back home.
