UNDISCOVERED ALBANIA Journey Highlights
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UNDISCOVERED ALBANIA Journey Highlights 10 day tour Visit Shkodra, the centre of North Albania Hike through the pristine ancient forests in Theth National Park Take a boat journey on Koman Lake and along the Shala River and explore the Albanian Alps Walk through rural villages and witness the ancient traditions and daily rituals of Northern Albania Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site at Gjirokastra Experience the astonishing sound of Albanian polyphony folk music Explore the UNESCO listed archaeological site of Butrinti Hike through epic landscapes on the Ionian Coast Discover the hidden treasures of the Ionian Coast by private boat and relax on the white-pebbled beaches Enjoy the colourful Tirana and experience the vibrant nightlife of Europe’s forgotten city Explore the abandoned relics of Albania’s communist past and what was once Europe’s most secretive and closed state Stay at carefully selected 3 and 4-star hotels. Shkodra, the centre of north Albania Day 1 After arriving at Tirana airport, the journey begins by car with a short city tour of Shkodra, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Albania. We will have dinner in a traditional Albanian restaurant. Overnight in a hotel in Shkodra. Off-road experience and hiking in Theth and Ndërlysa Day 2 After breakfast we head off on a scenic drive before starting out on a comfortable hike to the guest house in Theth. After a short break there, the trip will continue to Nderlysa. The glacier mills of Ndërlysë offer a unique nature spectacle as water squeezes itself through a natural canyon. The hike continues up to the Blue Eye of Kaprre, a spellbinding natural pool with amazingly blue water. After a short break, we will continue our off-road drive to the guest house in Theth, where a traditional Albanian feast awaits. Overnight at the Theth guest house Experience the Kanun in Theth and hike in ancient forests Day 3 After breakfast guests will join a comfortable hike through the ancient forest to the Grunas Waterfall and Canyon. After a short break, we will visit the Isolation Tower. After returning to the guest house for lunch we drive to Shkodra. There you will have time to explore the “Albanian capital of the north” at your own leisure. Dinner and accommodation in Shkodra. Boat tour along Koman Lake and Shala River Day 4 After breakfast, we drive to Koman, where we embark by boat along the Shala River. This tour will take guests through one of the most remote areas of the Albanian Alps. As epic scenery combines with the region’s abundant flora and wildlife, this forgotten corner of Europe offers the intrepid explorer a rare taste of adventure, mystery, beauty and solitude. For lunch we will join a local family and taste some of the traditional dishes of the mountains. Returning to Koman we will continue by car to Durrës. The city, founded in 627 BC, has much to tell of its colourful story, beautiful beaches and attractions. We will have time for a short tour of the city, and stop for drinks and dinner at one of the seaside venues on the promenade. Overnight at Durrës hotel. Hike to Antigonea & Visit to Gjirokastra Day 5 After breakfast we drive towards Gjirokastra. Our first stop is in a village where you will be guests of a local family. After lunch we set off on a short and comfortable hike to Antigonea which was founded in the 3rd century BC. Guests can take a short hike to the castle and the nearby museum. Dinner and accommodation in Gjirokastra. Saranda and the ancient site of Butrint Day 6 After breakfast we start the journey towards Butrint. Along the way we will enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Blue Eye spring. The ancient city of Butrint is the most important archaeological site of Albania and is also recognised by UNESCO. After visiting Butrint, guests will travel to Ksamil to enjoy lunch and take some leisure time at the beach. In the evening, dinner is planned in the Lëkurësi castle, where guests will experience the remarkable sounds of traditional Albanian polyphony folk music found nowhere else in the world. Overnight stay in Saranda. The Ionian coast & walk from Qeparo to Kudhës Day 7 After breakfast we journey by car to the village Upper Qeparo which plays an important role in Albanian culture and folklore. Afterwards we will drive to Porto Palermo Bay, Albania’s most important cold war military base - it once harboured Soviet submarines in a secret pen. Nearby, the magnificent castle of Ali Pasha lies on a small peninsula in the middle of the bay, and guests will have ample time to explore them both. By late afternoon we continue our journey towards Dhërmi, where guests will enjoy dinner. Overnight in Dhërmi hotel. Saint Andre Bay, Grama Bay & Llogara National Park Day 8 After breakfast we drive to Palasa to begin our hike. Our journey takes us past the delta on the beach of Palasë. We arrive at Saint Andre, an untouched bay and then we will continue our journey by boat to Grama Bay, for a tasty Albanian lunch. Afterwards, guests will take a short boat journey to Dhërmi, and then a short drive to the Llogara National Park - one of the natural wonders of Albania. One of its most amazing lookouts is the ‘Balcony’ in Llogara pass, at the height of 1050m, from where the Albanian Riviera and the Greek island of Corfu can be seen. Guests will enjoy Albanian coffee and refreshments before we drive to Vlora, where we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay at the Vlora hotel. Visit of Tirana and of the Bunk’Art video-museum exhibition Day 10 After breakfast we drive to Tirana, Albania’s capital. Guests will enjoy strolling through Skanderbeg square and visiting the main attractions, monuments and markets around the city centre. After a delicious lunch, guests will be taken on a special subterranean tour of the nuclear bunker of Albania’s former communist dictator Enver Hoxha which now houses the Bunk’Art video museum exhibition. The exhibition recreates a historical and emotional journey through Albania’s communist past. In the evening, guests will be treated to an Albanian feast at a special ‘slow roast’ restaurant in the city centre. Afterwards guests may stroll through the Transfer to the airport city’s Blloku quarter to enjoy the local nightlife. Day 10 Overnight at Tirana Hotel. After breakfast guests will be transferred to Tirana Overnight at Tirana Hotel. international airport according to your scheduled flight. Inclusions All transport by car or boat according to the itinerary. All entrance fees and sightseeing costs as per itinerary. Nine nights in 3 star or 4 star rated hotels in a double/twin room, with private bathroom. All Meals as described in the itinerary. All Activities as described in the itinerary. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide during the entire tour . Ndërlysa AUD$3535 PP** . Shkodra Minimum number of . Theth participants: 3 Tir.ana ** Based on current exchange rates on 10 June, 2018 and based on price in Gjirokastra Euros as supplied by our . local partner. 2281 Euros PP . (Twin Share). Single room Palasa . Saranda supplement 225 Euros. The price does not include Any type of insurance. Alcoholic beverages in hotels, restaurants and bars Any other types of expenses that are not specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Additional costs Single Supplement Contact & Booking [email protected] Suite 3, Macarthur House, 8 Melville Street, Parramatta, 2150 NSW Sydney - Australia (+61) 1300 161 333 ABN 39 623 732 730.