Overview
Holiday style:
Try a drink that maybe you have never tried before. The best home-made wines and not only, can be found in the traditional and historical cities from north to south. The longest Drive will be on third day almost 4 hours. Accomodation will be provided in hotels and meals in restaurants.
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Short description:
| DURATION: | 8 Days |
| TRIP CODE: | D8-WWB |
| GROUP SIZE: | 4-12(max) |
| MIN AGE: | 10 Years old |
| MAX ALTITUDE: | - |
| ACCOMMODATION: | Hotel x 7 nts |
| MEALS: | 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners |
| DEPARTS: | June until September |
| JOINING POINT: | Tirana Airport |
| IMPORTANT: | Make sure your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run before you purchase your air tickets and make any other travel arrangements |
Brief Itinerary:
DAY 1
Airport-Tirane
Time: 21 min
Distance: 17,1 km
DAY 2
Tirane-Llogara
Time: 3h 6min
Distance: 198km
DAY 3
Llogara-Sarande
Time:3h 55min
Distance:199km
DAY 4
Sarande-Gjirokaster
Time:1h 31min
Distance:61,8km
DAY 5
Gjirokaster-Kelcyre-Permet
Time:1h 11min
Distance:61,9km
DAY 6
Permet-Dardhe-Korce
Time:2h 54min
Distance:130km
DAY 7
Korce-Pogradec
Time:43 min
Distance:39,4 km
DAY 8
Pogradec-Airport
Time:2h 41min
Distance:145 km
Product Description
Details
DAY 1 - Tirane
Welcome to Albania Arrival at the Tirana 'Mother Theresa Airport.
Overnight in a hotel in Tirana.
DAY 2 - Llogara
The Lagoon of Narta and Llogora Park After an early breakfast, we will start a transfer on comfort minibus towards the historic town of Berat (UNESCO World Heritage List). On our way we will make a stop in the 'Çobo' winery in the fields west of Berat. This 'cantina' produces some of the best albanian wines, the most remarkable are the 'Kashmer' red - a fine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes with the indigenous S hesh i Zi, and 'E bardha e Beratit - The Berati White' made by 'Puls' grapes - a small vineyard in the foothills of Tomori mountain; not to forget the Raki me Arra (green walnut flavoured raki) is quite special! A short transfer will take us to the middle of Berat's historic center - currently the best preserved in Albania where we will visit the citadel 'Kala' and the Onufri Icons Museum (Berat's civic life has a history span of almost 2500 years) followed by transfer to the lagoon of Narta. We will than pay a visit to the Monastery of Narta located on a promontory in the middle of the lagoon. Later we will have lunch in the small village of Narta with homemade food. In the afternoon we complete our drive to Llogora Park, leaving the beautiful bay of Vlora behind. Here we will have a walk through mixed forrest till the Deep Pass - from where the Ionian Sea can be seen under sunset light. On return a tasty dinner with traditional mountain specialities (slow roasted lamb, 'harapash', corn-flower and butter dish, etc), awaits for us - and of course plenty of grape 'raki'. Tour Berat Castle: Distance: 3,6Km Elevation: 60m – 219m – 60m PM: walk in Llogora (3hrs) Distance: ±5Km Elevation: 788m – 1367m – 788m.
DAY 3 - Sarande
The Albanian Riviera After breakfast we will start driving to Llogora Pass (1000m above the sea) and descent towards the coast, admiring some of the finest mountain and sea landscape of the Mediterranean, and pass by the fortress of Ali Pasha Tepelena in the splendid bay of Palermo that we will stop to visit. At the village of Qeparo we will hike up the hill to the old village, and have a brake in a terrace under the shadow of fig trees. On our way down we will stop in a family run pension for lunch by the sea - it will be possible to taste homemade olive oil from Qeparo and fresh salads from the garden - why not have a swim at the sea 10m away. In the afternoon, we will stop for a quick coffee at the Borshi Springs and continue the scenic drive of the Albanian Riviera till we reach the Archaeological Park of Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage list). Evening in Saranda, dining in a restaurant at the waterfront - the Butrinti lagoon mussels are delicious. AM: 2hrs walk to Old Qeparo village Distance: 4,5Km Elevation: 40m – 294m – 40m Walking time: 2h PM: 1hr walk Butrint Distance: 2Km Elevation: 2m – 27m – 2m Walking time: 1h.
DAY 4 - Gjirokaster
The Byron trail and Gjirokaster Transfer to Gjirokaster. On the way we will stop in the valley of Drino and near river Suha we start a hike along the Lunxheria mountains, on the same trail that Lord Byron (a leading figure in the Romantic movement) did on horse-back in the beginning of 19'th century - a part of the historic journey that inspired the lyric poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' - 1812. At the end of the walk we will reach the village of Dhoksat and enjoy a traditional 'home made' meal - and tasting of 'Djathe i bardhe Gjirokastre' (feta cheese) in a rural setting. Afternoon visits of Gjirokaster's fortress and historic districts - this UNESCO World Heritage listed site is also the hometown of Dictator Enver Hoxha and writer Ismail Kadare. AM: 1 h walk (around the Dhoksat village) Distance: 1,4Km Elevation: 418m – 468m – 392m – 418m Walking time: 1h PM: 1:30min walk in Gjirokaster Distance: 3Km Elevation: 302m – 362m – 302m Walking time: 1:30min.
DAY 5 - Permet
The sweet Valley of Vjosa We leave Gjirokaster and follow the Drinos valley till when the river merges with river Vjosa. Here we continue through the picturesque gorge of Kelcyra, another place renown for wine making - in particular from merlot grapes. On the way we will stop to visit a few vineyards. At the end of the drive we will stop in the valley of Benja to have lunch in a traditional restaurant under the fresh shadow of plate trees. Afternoon walk to the village of Benja - entirely built in stone, the small villages faces the mighty slopes of Nemerçka in a spectacular setting. On our way down, we can bathe at the open air thermal spring pools near the ottoman stone Bridge of Katiu. Evening in Permeti - 'the town of roses', a quiet little town known for its wine, raki, fruit jams and local dishes. PM: 3 hrs walk to Old Benja village and Leusa Church Distance: 3Km Elevation: 372m – 500m – 372m Walking time: 3h.
DAY 6 - Korce
The Park of Germenj and Dardha Today we take a scenic drive through Germenj Park following the mountain range that defines the border with Greece. The road is remote and beautiful as we cross the small towns of Leskovik and Erseka. At the end of the transfer we reach the mountain village of Dardha, here we will have lunch with 'lakror ne saç' (pie baked in a pot covered in hot ashes) and other local specialties. After lunch we will hike and enjoy the surroundings of the village, for than ending the day in Korça. Live folk music 'Serenata Korçare'. Dardhe surroundings Distance: 1,6Km Elevation: 1315m – 1275m – 1322m – 1315m Walking time: 1h.
DAY 7 - Pogradec
The great lakes of the east A short drive will bring us to the shores of Lake Prespa where we will hike on the foothills of Mali i Thate and enjoy the picturesque views on the lake surrounded by mountains. At the end of the trail in the village of Gorrice e Vogel we will lunch with 'tave peshku' - lake fish baked in the oven with vegetables. In the afternoon we will complete the transfer to Pogradec and accommodate in a hotel at the water-font, where we will spend the evening. Pogradec is known for some fine local wines and koran - the local salmon trout that we will have a chance to taste in a fine restaurant near the park of Drilon. AM: 3hrs walk in Prespa Distance: 7,5Km Elevation: 850m – 900m – 850m Walking time: 3h.
DAY 8 - Departure
Tirana the Albanian capital Drive to Tirana following the valley of Shkumbin that in antiquity was known as an important part of 'Via Egnatia' - connecting Rome to Constantinople. In the rural outskirts of Tirana we will stop for lunch with traditional food in a restaurant in the nearby village of Iba. Transfer to the airport, followed by departure.
Dates and Prices
WHAT'S INCLUDED AND NOT INCLUDED
What's included
* English-speaking local guide
* Group airport transfers
* All meals throughout the holiday
* All land transport required by the itinerary
* National park entrance fees
* All excursions mentioned in the itinerary.
What's not included
* Travel insurance
* Visas
* Airport taxes
* Airport transfers other than group transfers
* Extra activities and excursions
* Tips for local staff
* Miscellaneous personal expenditure
SUPPLEMENTS
Rooming on tour & Single Room Option (Not applicable to self-guided holidays).
Most group tours are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book as an individual, you will be roomed with someone of the same gender. However, on many tours we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room. On some of these tours a single room will be provided at some of the night-stops but for logistical reasons not all. Individual Trip Notes clarify this. If, for whatever reason, we are unable to provide a single room as outlined in the Trip Notes, we will refund a proportion of the supplement paid to us for the Single Room Option.
Where you are able to purchase a single room, the price does not necessarily guarantee you a single room for every night of the tour.
All of our group tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travelers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation.
Please refer to the tour notes where the single room option availability is detailed on a night by night basis for this tour, and the price for the available nights is detailed on the dates & prices tab by departure date.
For Self-Guided trips the Single Room supplement offers the option of a single room each and is charged per person. The Single Room supplement also applies to the third person in a party of three that will be accommodated in a single room.
PRE POST TOUR SERVICE
Transfers
If you need a pre tour transfer from the airport to the hotel, or the other way around Post tour transfer, from the hotel to the airport, please let us know sending by email your request. After we will make all the arrangement for you.
Accommodations
If your flight comes days in advance, or you want to stay longer than other participants of your tour, we can arrange the accommodation for you. If you are interested please send us a request to the follow email address: info@ivisitalbania.com
DATA
Please send us an email at info@ivisitalbania.com, asking for availability.
Participants & Transit
I Visit Albania consciously chooses to travel in small groups. For this trip, the maximum 16 participants. We guarantee a trip based on the minimum number of permanent participants. This destination is that a minimum of 6 participants. A journey can already with fewer participants are guaranteed. The minimum age for these trips is 18 years.
100% No Surcharge Guarantee
Once booked and confirmed we will guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. You will not be approached to pay fuel surcharges unlike the vast majority of other adventure tour operators.
Tour Prices
Tour prices shown on this website are a guide only. For flight-inclusive group tours the selling price at the time you book your holiday could be different to that shown here, due to current flight availability. Please refer to the trip notes for details of what is included in the cost.
Tour Durations
The tour duration shown above is based on the Land Only length of the tour. Please be aware that the flight inclusive duration of the tour may be longer.
Tour Itineraries
Please be aware that the specific itinerary on some of our tours may differ depending on departure date. Please check the relevant trip notes for the most up-to-date information regarding the trip itinerary.
Child Prices
Child prices applicable for ages 11 and under at time of travel. (Not applicable to self-guided holidays as these are currently sold to adults only).
Price Changes
Any changes to prices will be kept updated on this web page, in accordance with above.
Tour Information
ACCOMMODATION
During this trip we stay in different types of accommodation which are always attractive and nicely situated. We stay mostly in small hotels.
Standard - Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities.
Accommodation and service levels in Albania are generally very good. We try to use smaller, family-run hotels and pensions that might not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, but they do provide a warm welcome, a comfortable place to stay and the chance to gain a better understanding of local life.
ROOM LAYOUT AND SINGLE
* If you go, you do not pay extra fee for traveling alone. We or assume that you are sharing a room (or tent if applicable) with a fellow traveler of the same gender. If you prefer to have your own room, you can for € xxxxx, - additional books a single room.
* If you travel as a couple, share together a room (or tent). You can choose between a 'twin' or a 'double'. A twin room has two twin beds; one has a double bed. Some hotels only have twin rooms and sometimes all doubles have been forgiven so you still have two twin beds.
* If you travel with three of them, two people sharing a double or 'twin' room (or tent) and one participant is assigned to a twin room (or tent) with another fellow traveler of the same gender. If you prefer to have your own room, you can for € xxxxxx, - additional books a single room.
When making the reservation you can specify what kind of room layout you desire.
BUDGET INFO
You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.
The reference amount of pocket money for this trip is € 250, - per person. This amount is an average of what travelers in recent years have spent during this trip to meals and refreshments, additional excursions, entrance fees, any local airport taxes and gratuities. Of course, your own spending habits this also decisive. Souvenirs are therefore not included. During the trip several (optional) excursions, you spot (using the tour leader) can book. If a better excursion can be booked in advance, then it will be listed in the itinerary and on the booking form. So you can still give your group an individual accent.Food
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
Light lunch £: 4.00
Dinner £: 10.00
Drink
The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.
Bottle of Beer £: 1.50
Water £: 0.50
OPTIONAL - EXURSIONS
Some free time has been allowed for you to explore on your own or with your travelling companions.
TIPPING - TOUR LEADER
At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
The amount 20 euro, of tipping is a directive except the tips of the Dutch or local tour guide. Travelling is common to eg. Drivers, cooks and guides to tip. Gratuities are often an indispensable supplement to the income, which is usually a whole family depends. In many cases you can give a tip itself. Common expenses (group tips, entrance fees, etc.) are usually paid from the joint pot for which a contribution is requested to all participants. When you are satisfied with the tour leader yourself, you like him / her, of course, give a tip.
TIPPING - LOCAL CREW
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approx. €20 for tipping.
In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
