New country, new mountains, new challenges! We’re gathering a group of eight for an unforgettable adventure in Albania.

September 23rd: We’ll meet at Tirana airport and head to our hotel. After a short rest, we’ll explore the city: visit Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and have dinner at a traditional restaurant while discussing our plans for the coming days.

September 24th: In the morning, we’ll travel to Shkoder, one of Albania’s oldest cities. We’ll visit the Rozafa Castle, explore the old town, and check out the local market. In the evening, we’ll enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine at a local restaurant.

September 25th: Early in the morning, we’ll head to Lake Komani. We’ll take a ferry to the spot where our kayaks await. Then, we’ll embark on an adventure, paddling a few kilometers through the beautiful lake waters, enjoying stunning views and the tranquility of nature. Surrounded by mountains, the emerald green water of Lake Komani leaves a lasting impression.

September 26th: In the morning, we’ll take a ferry to the other side of the lake where a minibus will be waiting for us. We’ll travel to Valbona Valley, where our mountain trek begins. The Valbona Pass is a 20 km route to the village of Theth, renowned for its wild nature and breathtaking landscapes. This is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Europe. The hike is quite challenging (1100m ascent) and takes 6-7 hours, but the views are worth every effort. We’ll stay in a hotel surrounded by mountains with amazing views.

September 27th: After breakfast in Theth village, we’ll head back to Shkoder. On the way, we’ll enjoy views of mountains and rivers. After a short rest in Shkoder, we’ll travel to Himare, where the blue sea awaits us. Himare is a perfect spot for relaxation – not too big, not too touristy. The sea water is crystal clear and blue, and the beach is made of small, smooth pebbles, very pleasant to touch. We should have time to enjoy the evening sun on the beach, and in the evening, we’ll have dinner at a local family restaurant, where the mother cooks and the son serves. The food is super traditional, made from fresh local products, and very tasty, with an exotic ambiance (I’ll leave more details as a surprise).

September 28th: This day is dedicated to relaxation in Himare. We’ll enjoy sunbathing and the sea. In the evening, free time to explore the nightlife of Himare if desired.

September 29th: In the morning, we’ll drive to the mountain village of Dhermi, where we’ll hike up to visit a 13th-century Greek Orthodox monastery and church. From the mountain, we’ll have stunning views of the sea, and the church itself has an incredible aura, having changed little since it was built. We’ll have breakfast with another Albanian grandmother, enjoying her traditional pancakes with feta cheese and marmalade.

September 30th: In the afternoon, we’ll travel back to Tirana. We’ll spend the evening in the city, saying goodbye to friends and enjoying our last dinner in Albania.

October 1st: In the morning, we’ll say our goodbyes at the airport, carrying with us unforgettable experiences and wonderful memories.

Price for a week of adventures in Albania: €980.

Included in the price:

• Accommodation
• Breakfast
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• All transport and excursions in Albania

Not included in the price:

• Flights
• Insurance
• Lunch, dinner, snacks
• Activities not described in the itinerary

We’ll stay in 3-4 star hotels (guesthouses in Theth) in double rooms. Albania is a cheap country, so you won’t spend much extra. Dinner at a restaurant costs €5-10 (depending on the city). Insurance is mandatory, as European social insurance is not valid in Albania. For the mountain hike, I recommend bringing trekking poles. They’re not essential but will make the hike much easier, as both the ascent and descent are quite steep. Footwear – either hiking boots or trail shoes with sturdy soles.

The best way to fly to Tirana is with a layover in Milan. Both Wizzair and Ryanair fly from both Milan airports to Tirana, with five flights per day. Prices are very good. If you plan to bring trekking poles, you will need to purchase additional luggage, as poles are not allowed in carry-on baggage.