Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania's Cultural Highlights (8 days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Southern Albania. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. From the bustling city of Tirana to the tranquil mountain village of Zagoria, you'll traverse stunning landscapes, explore forgotten realms, and immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle. Along the way, you'll discover Ottoman stone bridges, ancient caravan routes, and the enchanting 'City of Stone' - Gjirokaster. Enjoy the warm hospitality of family-run guesthouses, homestays, and hotels, and savor the delicious local cuisine. Whether you're soaking in the healing thermal pools of Benje, hiking up the Sopot Waterfall, or exploring the trendy 'Blloku' district of Tirana, this tour promises an adventure you'll cherish forever.
Included
luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only (limited by luggage transport on horse, take a duffel or rucksack, hardcases are not suitable)
entrance fees, trekking and border crossing permits
all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
vegetarian, meat
English-speaking hiking guide
Comfort: 2/4 Welcoming
That means: hotels with private ensuite rooms & homestays with shared rooms
- participants share a room with 1-3 other travelers from the group
Breakdown: 3 night(s) in private ensuite, 4 night(s) in shared room(s)
Note that some homestays have only a single shower and second toilet
group transfers as foreseen by the itinerary
optional additional private transfers or help with public transport
transfers for arrivals from Saranda (Corfu) are not included
Destinations
Tirana
GjirokastraMap
Attractions
Tanners' Bridge
Himara Castle
Fir of Hotova National ParkDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Tirana to Southern Albania
- Tirana - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey from Tirana, heading towards the picturesque Southern Albania. The three and a half hour transfer takes you past vibrant produce stands and along the Vjosa River, leading to a quaint village nestled in the valley. Your accommodation for the night is a charming family-run guesthouse, surrounded by nature - a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility.
Day 2 – Day 2: Southern Albania to Limar
Day 2: Southern Albania to Limar
Embark on a short transfer to a small village clinging to the mountainside. Traverse through open woodland, ascend to a pass revealing the expansive valley, and descend to the almost deserted village of Kala. Cross the river via an impressive Ottoman stone bridge and climb up to Limar, where you'll spend the night in a local teacher's house.
Day 3 – Day 3: Limar to Hoshteve
Day 3: Limar to Hoshteve
- Fir of Hotova National Park
- More
Today, you'll journey through several hamlets, experiencing the rural lifestyle and admiring the mountain splendor. Cool off at the Doshnica Waterfall before reascending to Hoshteve. Here, you'll learn about local livelihoods like animal husbandry and beekeeping, and stay with hosts who have returned from the diaspora with new skills and investments.
Day 4 – Day 4: Hoshteve to Sheper
Day 4: Hoshteve to Sheper
Embark on a relaxed walking day, connecting villages via roads and footpaths. Explore the remains of military installations and storage depots in Nivan, and take a shortcut across meadows to reach Sheper. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, including its neglected museum and buildings adorned with weathered Marx and Lenin quotes.
Day 5 – Day 5: Sheper to Permet
- Përmet
- More
Today, you'll cross the Dhembel-Nemercke Range, a challenging route still used by locals. Enjoy fabulous views of Mt. Cajupi and meet shepherds on these summer pastures. Descend into Leuse, another stone village with a beautiful fresco-covered church, before reaching the city of Permet. Here, you can relax and enjoy the local cuisine, wines, and raki.
Day 6 – Day 6: Permet to Gjirokaster
- Përmet
- Gjirokastra
- More
- Fir of Hotova National Park
- More
Start your day with a scenic drive to the trailhead, then hike towards the Sopot Waterfall. After the hike, soak in the healing thermal pools of Benje or explore the Langarica Canyon on foot. Later, transfer to Gjirokaster, where you'll stay in a traditional Ottoman building in the old town. Spend the evening exploring the 'City of Stone' and its charming cafes.
Day 7 – Day 7: Gjirokaster to Tirana
- Gjirokastra
- Tirana
- More
- Himara Castle
- More
Explore Gjirokaster, known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions and as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and writer Ismail Kadare. Visit the castle that towers over the old town, then gather for the drive to Tirana. In the capital, visit the Skanderbeg Square and trendy 'Blloku' district, where the city comes to life at night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Tirana
- Tirana - Departure day
- More
- Tanners' Bridge
- More
Spend your last day exploring the heart of Tirana. Visit the 'New Bazar' for special treats or sip an espresso in a charming bar. If time permits, visit 'Bunkart 2' and 'House of Leaves', two interesting museums dedicated to the communist era. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure through Albania.
Verified reviews
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.