Albania Expedition

It may be an under-the-radar-travel destination, but when it comes to dazzling landscapes and fascinating culture, Albania is every bit as magnificent as its more popular neighbours. Spend nine days getting to know this Balkan gem with a local leader, travelling from bustling cities to remote reaches. Drink coffee with locals in Tirana, hike along off-grid rivers in the country’s north, stay in welcoming guesthouses and beachside hotels, and spend the night on a sustainable farm. You’ll learn about local crafts with artists, birdwatch as you eat breakfast in a spectacular national park, and learn about Albania’s culture and history from those who know it best.

Activities

• Shala River - Hiking
• Shala River - Hiking
• Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table dinner
• Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Conservation tour
• Durres - Beach stop
• Divjaka-Karavasta National Park - Sunrise birdwatching breakfast
• Babunje - Local handicrafts experience
• Babunje - Turkish coffee reading
• Babunje - Family visit & home-cooked lunch
• Bay of Vlora - Hike to Tragjas Village & farm visit
• Berat - Old Town & Berat Castle guided tour
• Tirana - Villa with a Star Memorabilia Collection visit

Highlights

• Venture into the wild and beautiful landscapes of northern Albania, explore spectacular lakes and rivers and experience a slice of rural life.
• Spend the night on a sustainable farm, where you’ll enjoy dinner made from fresh ingredients grown on site and learn about local farming practices.
• With the support of non-profit ecotourism organisation MEET, learn about conservation efforts at the Karavasta Lagoon in Divjake- Karavasta National Park, spend the night at a locally owned beach accommodation and rise for a sunrise breakfast atop a birdwatching tower.
• Visit the village of Babunje, where you’ll take part in a hands-on craft experience with local artists and be introduced to polyphonic singing, homemade raki and Turkish coffee reading plus enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a family.
• Get to know Albania’s capital as you explore Tirana with your local leader, and share a coffee in the garden of our local friends to learn about their culture and family history.