Our walking tour starts in the picturesque Llogara National Park, trekking through forest towards the Karaburini Peninsula. The following day we embark on a trek to Mount Cika with the option to walk the steep ascent to Qore Summit (2,005 metres) for a memorable mountain and sea panorama. Walk through unspoiled valleys, exploring villages encountered en route. Paths lead us down towards the stunning Albanian Riviera where you will see the vegetation becomes noticeably more Mediterranean, with olive groves and vines. We visit the XVIII Century fortress of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, before the trail leads us to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Butrint and Gjirokastra, ending with a walk above the trendy city of Tirana where we stay for our final evening.
Discovery Highlights
Itinerary and prices for Walking in Southern Albania:
Meet at Tirana Airport for your transfer to Vlore. Overnight in Vlora.
After breakfast, transfer to Llogara National Park and, once checked into our accommodation, we embark on a trek through the forests of Llogara and ascend the Qafa e Thelle (Deep Pass), negotiating our way through dense mixed forests towards the wild beauty of the Karaburuni Peninsula and on to the Llogara Pass. Overnight in Llogara National Park.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 430 m | Descent: 600 m
After breakfast we head for Qore’s summit in the Cika Mountain. The trail winds through pine forest until it reaches the panoramic Saddle of Dhjopuri. From here continue up to the summit of Qore, presenting a stunning mountain and sea panorama. We descend through the Llogara Pass and take a scenic drive to Dhermi Beach. Overnight in Dhermi.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 1,000 m | Descent: 1,000 m
After breakfast we take a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera, visiting the XVIII Century fortress of Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the splendid bay of Porto Palermo. Enjoy a walk-through olive grove to reach the cobbled streets of the old village of Qeparo on top of the hill. From here we descend for lunch at the beach with the option to go for a swim before travelling inland to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint. Overnight in Saranda.
Walking distance: 5 km | Ascent: 260 m | Descent: 260 m
After breakfast we will drive to the valley of Drinos, crossing the picturesque Muzina Pass, to visit the Blue Eye spring. Continuing our journey to the foothills of Bureto Mountain, we start hiking. We trek to the village of Labova and visit the 13th century Labova e Kryqit Church, one of the oldest in Albania. Then we will drive to the 13th Century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gjirokastra. Overnight in Gjirokastra
Walking distance: 9 km | Ascent: 273 m | Descent: 273 m.
After breakfast our hike takes us to the ruins of Antigonea, founded by the legendary Pyro of Epirus in the 3rd Century. We then continue hiking, following the elevated line of villages at the slopes of Lunxheria Mountains, before returning to Gjirokastra in the afternoon to continue our exploration of the ‘City in Stone’, and visiting the Castle that dominates the town. Overnight in Gjirokastra.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 95 m | Descent: 270 m
After breakfast we drive back to Tirana, the Albanian capital, where on arrival we take a cable car ride to Mt. Dajti to lunch in one of the panoramic restaurants at 1,000 m elevation. In the afternoon we hike in the park above Tirana (3-4 hours), before returning to town late afternoon. Free afternoon. Overnight in Tirana.
Walking distance: 6 km | Ascent: 586 m | Descent: 586 m
After breakfast, there is free time in which to explore the city, before transfers to the airport for the flight home. End of our service.
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