Compare Walking in Albania by Exodus Travels vs EcoCamp Patagonia Wildlife Safari by Adventure Unbound
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,920 | $ 2,150 |
| Price Per Day | $ 240 | $ 358 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included. Three of these lunches are packed lunches. In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on each day. Under the leadership of Enver Hoxha (the communist leader of Albania from 1944 to 1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to the world. With fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, Albania still has a subsistence culture and shows very little signs of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to have been grown not too far from your plate. Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly Mediterranean, which combines Turkish and European tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Meals are reasonably priced at around 550-750 leks (€5-€7) per dish for traditional dishes such as baked rice, casseroles, stuffed aubergine and jani meat (beef or lamb sautéed with onions, garlic and spices). Fresh fish is also plentiful, from the sea or lakes, and is an important ingredient in many dishes. Dishes that must be sampled are Tirana stew, Elbasan yoghurt and baked phyllo pie. For dessert, there are the classic cookies and puddings but most importantly the baklava is very popular. Drinks are reasonably priced with a bottle of local beer costing around 250 leks (€2.40) yet traditional drinks need to be tried as well, raki and Skenderbeu cognac for example (noted for its unique flavour and aroma). Your leader will recommend restaurants for each evening. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Albania as long as the hotels are advised in advance – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. If you follow a vegan diet, the variety of food may be limited on this trip. This diet is relatively uncommon in this region and we cannot guarantee the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety. | N/A |
| Description |
This fascinating, lesser-known Mediterranean country has a pristine, rugged and wild landscape. Our trek is focussed in the Albanian Alps in the north, where the past is marked by blood feuds and folklore. We explore the pristine wilderness of the remote regions of Theth and Valbonë on foot, where agricultural life has remained unchanged for centuries, offering an authentic and less crowded experience. We then have time to discover the historic towns of Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Krujë and delve into the captivating history of this hospitable country.Trek in the Albanian Alps and soak up culture as you visit historic landmarks |
Customizable Patagonian Wildlife Adventure Customize your Patagonian adventure with the Wildlife Safari at EcoCamp Patagonia in beautiful Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia! |
Day 1 Start Tirana
The tour starts at our centrally located hotel in Tirana, the trendy capital of Albania. Settle into the hotel and relax, we rise early tomorrow. Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Drive via Shkodër and Rozafa Castle to Theth; short walk around the village
We have an early start this morning and drive to Shkodër (approximately three hours), where we visit the Rozafa Castle and the city centre of one of the oldest places in Albania. Our journey continues into the breath-taking Albanian Alps and Theth National Park (approximately three hours), an area admired for its flora and fauna. After checking into our quaint guesthouse in Theth, we set off on a gentle walk through the valley nestled between wonderful peaks, gaining an insight into agricultural life as we pass local people going about their day. We continue to the Roman Catholic Church of Theth, built in 1892, which was used as a health centre during the Communist regime. The highlight, however, is a visit to the shutting tower (or lock-in tower) of Theth, known locally as Kulla. These historic stone lock-in towers protected families involved in blood feuds and this is one of the few that remain. Accommodation: Shpella Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 3 Walk to Theth waterfall, Nderlyse and the Blue Eye of Kapre
Theth Valley is predominantly an agricultural region, where age-old farming practices and horse-drawn carts are still used today. We observe rural life as we begin walking to Theth Waterfall. From here, we continue to Nderlyse, where we find a string of natural pools and a feature known as the Blue Eye of Kapre. There is an opportunity to swim here, so don't forget your swimming costume and towel. Accommodation: Shpella Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 4 Trek over Valbonë Pass to Rragam village; transfer to Valbonë, home of Albanian folk culture
We walk through some of the wildest scenery around into the Tropojë District, known as the home of Albanian folk culture. First, we ascend through forests and alpine pastures to reach the Valbonë Pass (5,905ft/1,800m), where we take a few moments to enjoy spectacular views down Valbonë and Theth valleys. This is the highest point of the trek and a major highlight. It is also a popular spot for taking photos and soaking in the magnificent scenery. We then follow a trail that brings us alongside the Valbonë River, known for its crystal-clear, blue-green waters. We finish at the quaint village of Rragam, where the minibus is waiting to transport us to our hotel. Expect some rocky mountainous terrain today, particularly as we descend. Accommodation: Hotel Breezy/Hotel Margjeka (or similar)
Day 5 Follow a route below Rosi Peak, passing through forest to the White Circle
Our route takes us through beech and pine forests down Rosi Peak and leads us onto the White Circle, where we enjoy panoramic views of the peaks and valleys of the Albanian Alps. We may walk the full length of the White Circle and then back down the valley but note that how far the group walks up into the valley is dependent upon weather conditions, timings, and the condition of the group – the decision is taken by the local guide who walks with us in the national park. For those who wish to opt out of the White Circle walk, you can instead walk independently in the area. Please note, the total ascent/descent is 3,280ft (1,000m) if doing the full length. Accommodation: Hotel Breezy/Hotel Margjeka (or similar)
Day 6 We take a boat on Koman Lake; continue to Kruje
Day 7 Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the King Mosque in Berat
This morning we travel to Berat. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour around the old district, where pretty white buildings are perched on the hill amid pine forests. Our tour includes a visit to the Ethnographic Museum (an 18th-century Ottoman house) and the King Mosque. We walk through the narrow, cobbled streets to reach Berat Castle, where we are rewarded with breath-taking views of Mount Tomorr. Within the castle walls are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum (Museum of Iconography). There is free time to enjoy the other sites of Berat or to perhaps absorb the relaxed cafe culture on the promenade. Our hotel is in Mangalem, the historic quarter of Berat, where the castle peers down upon the area from its hilltop. Accommodation: Hotel Mangalemi/Hotel Belgrad Mangalem (or similar)
Day 8 End Berat
The tour ends today. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay in this fascinating city or to join the group transfer to Tirana Airport (approximately two hours).
