Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania's Cultural Highlights (8 days)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.