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Trek in the Albanian Alps and soak up the culture as you visit historic landmarks
The tour starts at our centrally located hotel in Tirana, Albania's trendy capital. Those on the group flight arrive at lunch time and will be transferred to the hotel (approx. 30 mins drive). *Standard Hotel*
We have an early start this morning and drive to Shkodër (approx. 2 hrs), where we visit the Castle of Rozafa and the city centre of one of the oldest and most historic places in Albania. We recommend that you also take this opportunity to shop for anything you might want for the next three days (snacks, chocolate etc.) before we head into the more remote regions. Our journey continues into the breathtaking Albanian Alps and Theth National Park (approx. 3 hrs), an area admired for its rich flora and fauna. After checking into our quaint guesthouse in Theth, we set off on a gentle walk through the valley nestled between the wonderful surrounding peaks, gaining an insight into agricultural life as we pass locals going about their day. We continue to the Roman Catholic Church of Theth, built in 1892, which was once 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’ were used for protection of families that were involved in blood feuds and this is one of the few that remains today. *Guesthouse*
Distance in Km: 2
Distance in Miles: 1
Activity Hours: 1
Altitude Gain: 50
Altitude Loss: 50
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 Grunas Waterfall. From here we continue on to Nderlyse where we find a string of natural water pools and a feature known as the ‘Blue Eye of Kapre’. There is an opportunity to swim here, so don't forget your swimming things. *Guesthouse*
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 400
Altitude Loss: 680
We walk through some of the wildest scenery into the Tropojë District, known as the home of Albanian folk culture. We firstly ascend through forests and alpine pastures to reach the Valbonë Pass (1800m), from where we take a few moments to enjoy the spectacular views down Valbonë and Theth Valleys. We then follow a trail which brings us alongside the Valbonë River, passing some beautiful waterfalls along the way. We finish at the quaint village of Rragam, where the minibus will wait for us to transport us to our hotel. Expect some rocky mountainous terrain today, particularly as we descend. *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 7
Altitude Gain: 1056
Altitude Loss: 720
Our route today 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. There is the option to either do the full length of the 'White Circle' or walk as far as the ridge of the 'White Circle', then back down the valley. For those who wish to opt out of the 'White Circle' walk, you can instead walk independently in the local area, or head to the slopes to collect some mountain tea. Please note that the total ascent/descent is 1000m if doing the full length. *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 5-7
Altitude Gain: 1067
Altitude Loss: 833
After breakfast, we drive to Fierza (approx. 1.5 hrs). We then take a boat through the beautiful Komani Lake (which takes approx. 2 hrs). The boat journey allows us to take in the spectacular scenery whilst we wind our way between high cliffs and towering peaks. Three hydroelectric power plants have been built here at the lake, which produces approx. 70% of Albania's electricity. We then drive for another 2.5 hrs to Kruje, the centre of Skanderbeg's resistance to the Ottoman invasion in the 15th century. *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 3
Distance in Miles: 2
Activity Hours: 2
This morning we travel to Berat. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour around the old district of Berat, with its pretty white buildings perched on the hill amid pine forests. Our tour includes a visit to the Ethnographic Museum (a 18th-century Ottoman house) and the King Mosque. We walk through the narrow cobbled streets to finally reach Berat Castle on the slopes of Mount Tomorr, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views. 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 café culture on the promenade. Our hotel is situated in Mangalem, the historic quarter of Berat, where the castle peers down upon the area from its hilltop. *Standard Hotel*
Distance in Km: 2
Distance in Miles: 1
Activity Hours: 3
Those on the group flight will be transferred back to Mother Theresa Airport for their lunchtime flight to London (approx. 2-hour drive to the airport).
* 2 nights guesthouses, 5 nights hotels
* 3 full day walks; 2 shorter walks
* Altitude maximum 2090m, average 1250m
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader(s). Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 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
1944-1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to
the world. However, due to the lush fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs
and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much a subsistence culture and
show very little signs of changing. In the countryside expect your food to
have been reared/grown not too far from your plate.
Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country
and particularly Mediterranean combining both 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 GBP£3-5 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 £1 yet traditional drinks
need to be tried as well, Raki and ‘Scanderbeg’ 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 you should expect that the variety of food may be limited
whilst on this trip. This diet is relatively uncommon in this region and we
cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have
the necessary variety.
* 2 nights guesthouses, 5 nights hotels
* 3 full day walks; 2 shorter walks
* Altitude maximum 2090m, average 1250m
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader(s). Min age 16 yrs
*Activity Level: 3 Moderate*
This trip focuses on the north and central regions of Albania and is a
balance of walking, culture and sightseeing. During the first half of the
week, we trek in the remote Albanian Alps in the north. For the second half,
we visit the historic towns of Berat and Krujë.
This trek is suitable for the average walker who is prepared to put in some
physical preparation. For the most part, our walks follow good trails yet the
terrain can be very rocky and slippery in parts, particularly in the Theth
and Valbonë regions. We will encounter sustained steep ascents/descents
(sometimes with gravel slopes) and you should be confident in your ability to
deal with heights.
Over the course of the week, we enjoy five walks of varying length. There are
three spectacular full day walks of up to about 7 hours walking per day, and
two shorter walks each of roughly 1-3 hours walking (including stops).
Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. The remainder of our
time is spent sightseeing in Berat and Krujë.
There will be some long drives (approx. 4 hrs in total on Day 6 plus a 2hr
boat journey), which are unavoidable in order to see as much as possible. Due
to certain areas still being relatively undeveloped, some of the drives will
be on windy and quite bumpy roads. Some roads are full of potholes and of a
much lower standard to what is mostly expected in Europe. Still, we are
always rewarded with spectacular wild scenery throughout. One transfer
includes a short off road section, for this journey we use local transport
which will likely not have seatbelts.
Luggage is transferred by horses during the trek. Hard suitcases are
therefore not suitable.
Download our Fitness Training Guide [1] for more information on our Activity
Levels.
[1] https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/exodus_wt_fitness_training_guide_1.pdf
Hotels & Guesthouses
We will spend 2 nights in a mountain guesthouse and 5 nights in 3-star en
suite hotels. Ratings should not be compared to Western Europe as there is
currently not a regulated system for this in Albania. The guesthouse and
hotels are chosen for their character, location and welcoming atmosphere. The
hotel and guesthouse in the mountains (Theth and Valbonë) are charming yet
rustic. Our two nights in the guesthouse at Theth are in double and triple
rooms, with shared bathrooms (triple rooms are not mixed sex, single
supplements are not available here).
*Additional Accommodation*
It is possible to book additional accommodation in Tiranna before and after
the tour. For anyone looking to extend their stay additional nights can also
be arranged in Berat. Please contact your sales consultant if you wish to
extend your trip.
There will be a local leader, a driver, plus a second support guide and
horsemen during the trek (to help with luggage transportation from one
village to the next, although their English may not be as good as the
leader’s). Our local partner, Dorien, was born and raised in the Albanian
Alps and has been walking in the region since he was a child.
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 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
1944-1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to
the world. However, due to the lush fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs
and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much a subsistence culture and
show very little signs of changing. In the countryside expect your food to
have been reared/grown not too far from your plate.
Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country
and particularly Mediterranean combining both 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 GBP£3-5 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 £1 yet traditional drinks
need to be tried as well, Raki and ‘Scanderbeg’ 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 you should expect that the variety of food may be limited
whilst on this trip. This diet is relatively uncommon in this region and we
cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have
the necessary variety.
For this trip, we use private buses. One transfer includes a short off road
section, for this journey we use local transport which will likely not have
seatbelts.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Austrian
Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Tirana and ending in Berat*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Tirana in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Albania generally experiences a Mediterranean climate with summer
temperatures at 25ºC on average in the day, and the warmest months are July
and August where temperatures can rise to 30ºC and above. It becomes cooler
further inland towards Korca during these months, especially in the evenings
with high temperatures around 25ºC. There is always the small chance of rain
in the mountains yet we aim not to travel in the coldest and wettest months,
which is November to January. Berat also experiences a Mediterranean climate
but thanks to its location in the shadow of Mt Tomorr, summers are much
warmer than expected for the Mediterranean.
Small rucksack (20 litres for water bottle, camera etc)
Lightweight walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
Water bottle
Sandals or comfortable shoes for the sightseeing days
Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper
Warm jumper or fleece for evenings
Sunscreen, sun-hat, sunglasses
*Please note:* Luggage is transferred by horses during the trek. Hard
suitcases are therefore not suitable.
Walking poles
Swimwear
Towel
There are no restrictions on the import of Albanian currency, though local
exchange rates are invariably better than those in the UK. The exchange does
fluctuate considerably, so it is best to check just before departure. We
recommend that you change a small amount of money on arrival at Tirana
Airport for water, snacks and drinks as otherwise, you may not get the chance
to change money until you reach Shkoder the following day. If you allow
£80-100 for lunches and evening meals, excluding drinks this should be
plenty. Approx. drink prices in restaurants: beer, water, soft drinks
£1-1.50, bottle of wine £6-11.
Allow £15 for entrance fees to other historical sites mentioned as optional
against the itinerary and extra for souvenirs etc.
Entrance to National Historic Museum, Tirana, €2 per person.
Tipping of leaders is entirely at your own discretion. Our local leaders are
paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however, if you wish to show
your appreciation a tip of around £2-£3 (US$3-4.50) per person per day
would be appreciated. By definition, gratuities are not something that can be
included in the tour price.
* Travel insurance
* Visas and vaccinations
* Single supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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