Albania individual: Hiking, culture, Albanian Riviera - INTI Tours

Arrival at Tirana airport, reception and transfer to the hotel. Today you can visit the National History Museum, the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals and the Et'hem Beu Mosque. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Tirana Airport > Tirana, approx. 25 min (15 km)

Today you will have an early start, as you will leave at 5:30 am for the Valbona Valley in the direction of the Albanian Alps. First you will cross Lake Koman by ferry. The journey takes about two and a half to three hours and you will have the opportunity to admire the vast, impressive landscapes similar to the fjords in Scandinavia. Upon arrival in Valbona, you will be able to explore the region and will meet with residents of a village where you will have dinner and eventually stay overnight. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbone.        

Altitude difference: 150+ 150-
Tirane > Rrajce, approx. 1h 40 min (97 km)

Heute unternehmen Sie eine abwechslungsreiche Wanderung mit Besteigung des Rama Falte auf einer Höhe von 1.800 Metern. Während dieser Tour von ungefähr drei bis vier Stunden mitten im Herzen der Albanischen Alpen erwartet Sie ein atemberaubender Ausblick auf das Land. Sobald Sie Ihr Ziel erreicht haben, erwarten Sie als Belohnung für Ihre Anstrengung frische Gaumenfreuden, die im Dorf von Valbona hergestellt wurden. Anschließend genießen Sie die wohl verdiente Erholung in Valbona oder erkunden die Umgebung. Übernachtung in einem Gästehaus in Valbone.

Höhenunterschied: 850+ 850-

Today you will hike through the Valbona Valley from Valbona to Theth. The hike itself takes about 6 -7 hours and offers a view like a postcard. A local guide accompanies you and the luggage is transported by mules. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.

Altitude difference: 800+ 1000-

The beautiful mountain landscapes continue to accompany you on your walk around Theth today. Stone houses in small villages and the high towers characteristic of the area, where those who were outlawed because of the blood feud found shelter, lie along the route. You will also pass gorges or the waterfall of Theth. The waterfall and its surroundings are also known as the "Blue Eye". Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.

Altitude difference: 250+ 250-

Today you leave Theth and drive to Shkoder. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the town today represents a symbol of deep harmony between religious weddings. The city hosts places of different cults, namely those of the Muslims, the Catholics and the Orthodox. Shkoder is considered the capital of northern Albania and has been a city of great importance to the region since ancient times. Legends, different architectural styles, museums and art workshops enliven the city in many ways. Later, we continue to Kruje, which is very close to the Albanian capital. In the 15th century, Kruje was the scene of many battles between the Ottomans and the Albanians. The Albanians resisted the Ottomans for 25 years under the command of Skanderbeg, who was the national hero of the Albanians at that time. If you visit the city, you will learn more about this figure, one of the most famous in Europe. The old bazaar is also worth a visit. Overnight in Kruje at the Panorama Hotel. 

Theth > Shkoder, approx. 2h 76 km.
Shkoder > Kruje, approx. 1h 20 min 83 km

Besides Gjirokaster, Berat is the second city in Albania to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary architecture. The name "City of a Thousand Windows" refers to Berat's fascinating architecture with its countless white houses with their many windows and stone roofs, as well as the steep, long alleys. In Berat you can visit the famous castle as well as the Onufri Museum. Overnight in Berat at the Belagrita Hotel.

Kruje > Berat, approx. 2 h 10 min (134 km)

Today you will first travel to the city of Elbasan. This city is known for its arts and crafts. Elbasan passed by the Via Egnatia, which connected Rome with Constantinople in ancient times. In Elbasan you have the opportunity to visit the city's castle, the very beautiful traditional houses and some of the oldest mosques in the country. Elbasan was once known as "Libasan", which means "powerful city". After the sightseeing, continue towards Tushemisht (Pogradec) - a small village on Lake Ohrid. Some of the most famous Albanian films were shot here. Because of its rich flora and fauna, as well as its beautiful landscape and historical significance, Lake Ohrid has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition, Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world. Overnight stay in Tushemisht at the Millennium Hotel.

Berat > Elbasan, approx. 1h 20min (69 km)
Elbasan > Tushemisht, approx. 1h 40min (90 km)

Today, a visit to the "French" Korce is on the programme. Why French? - Because the town was declared an autonomous republic under French protectorate during the First World War - but the protectorate lasted only a few years. The first French school in the country was also opened in Korce (1917-1939). Korce's population - proud and very open-minded - calls their town "Little Paris" because it is romantic and artistic as well as known for its serenades. The National Museum of Medieval Albanian Art with its collection of Orthodox icons (by the famous Onufri brothers) and the huge Orthodox cathedral are of course worth a visit. After these explorations, continue towards Rehova. It is a special village with stone houses built in the traditional way and known for its special cuisine. Here you have the exceptional opportunity to meet the inhabitants and spend the night in their houses. Overnight stay with the inhabitants in Rehove.

Tushemisht > Korce, approx. 50 min (42 km)
Korce > Rehove, approx. 55 min (43km)

Your journey continues in a southerly direction. You will pass through Benje, which is known for its thermal water as well as for curing numerous diseases. The spring is located in a natural park surrounded by beautiful nature. The park invites you to explore and hike through its canyons. If you wish, you can take a bath in Benje. In Permet you will have the opportunity to experience the regional handicraft and sewing art as well as the production of jam and wine. Overnight in Permet at Hotel Alvero.

Rehove > Benje, approx. 3h 5 min (126 km)
Benje > Permet, approx. 50 min (32 km)

A next real highlight is on your programme. Gjirokaster is one of the most amazing cities in Albania and also known as "the stone city". Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokaster is the hometown of Albania's greatest writer Ismaïl Kadare. Less literary, it is also the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The city is full of typical neighbourhoods and shady terraces. Gjirokaster has preserved the picturesque and typical architecture of the old Albanian villas. A visit to the castle as well as the Ethnographic Museum are definitely worthwhile! Overnight in Gjirokaster at the Kalemi Hotel.

Permet > Gjirokaster, approx. 1 h 5 min (63 km)

You will get closer and closer to the Ionian coast and finally reach the sea today. But first you will visit the archaeological site of Butrint, which is located directly on the border with Greece. Butrint has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and its archaeological park is a unique and fascinating highlight. In the afternoon, drive to Saranda on the coast, where you can eat typical local food from the sea on the beach. Overnight in Saranda at the Brilant Hotel.

Gjirokaster > Butrint, approx. 1 h 25 min (71 km)
Butrint > Sarande, approx. 25 min (16 km)

Today, a short route shows you the beauties of Albania's coast. During the drive, you will pass through several coastal villages that truly justify the name "Albanian Riviera". Finally, you will arrive in Porto Palermo. There you will visit the fortress of Ali Pasha, located on a peninsula with diverse vegetation. Discover the Albanian Riviera with its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Overnight in Himare at the Dhima Hotel.

Sarande > Himare, approx. 1h 15 min (54 km)

Enjoy a day of relaxation on the coast today and unwind. Day at leisure. Overnight in Himare at the Dhima Hotel.

The Llogara National Park covers an area of about 1,000 hectares and consists of coniferous forests that contrast with the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. Today you can hike in the park and explore the exciting transitions from the mountains of the Karaburun Peninsula to the sea along the Albanian Riviera. On the pass, in good weather, there is an impressive view of the Ionian coast with the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Cesar is said to have travelled along this pass with his troops.
After arriving in Albania's capital Tirana, you will have another opportunity to discover the city. It was founded in 1614 and has been the country's capital since 1920. As a cultural centre, it is known for its colourful buildings and the successful coexistence of the most diverse religions. If there was not enough time on the day of your arrival, you can visit the National History Museum today, which is located at Skanderbeg Square, and get acquainted with Albania's rich history. Also on the square is the Et'hem Beu Mosque, which thanks to its historical value was preserved even during the communist era. Right next door are other sights such as the Opera House, the so-called Clock Tower and the Palace of Culture, as well as the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals. Afterwards, the so-called Pyramid, which houses a museum about the life of the former dictator Enver Hoxha, is inviting. And if the weather is good, you can take a walk through the park with its man-made lake. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Himare > Llogara, approx. 55 min (37 km)
Llogara > Tirane, approx. 45 min (36 km)

According to your flight schedule transfer to the airport and full of beautiful memories journey home to Germany.

Tirana > Airport, approx. 25 min (15 km)