Individual Hidden Valley Trek: Self-guided Homestay Trekking in Southern Albania (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 landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture. From the bustling city of Tirana to the tranquil mountainous regions of Zagoria and Dhembeli, you'll experience the diverse beauty of Albania. Traverse forgotten mountain realms, explore stone villages, soak in thermal pools, and discover the 'City of Stone', Gjirokaster. Along the way, you'll stay in a range of accommodations, from family-run hotels to homestays, immersing yourself in the local way of life. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, this tour promises a wealth of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories.
Included
7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners
vegetarian, meat
Airport pick up on Day 1 (Airport - Main Bus Station) and drop off on Day 8 (Tirana - Airport), the rest of the tour runs on public transfers.
See optional extras for private transfers.
Comfort 2/4 - Welcoming
That means: hotels with private ensuite double rooms & authentic homestays, private rooms with shared facilities.
Breakdown: 4 night(s) in private ensuite, 3 night(s) in homestays/guesthouses.
2 guests will share a private double room. Single room possible on request.
Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only.
Destinations
Tirana
GjirokastraMap
Attractions
Tanners' Bridge
Himara Castle
Skanderbeg Square
Fir of Hotova National ParkDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Tirana or Saranda to Tepelena
- Tirana - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the Balkans! Begin your journey in either Tirana or Saranda, where our staff will provide you with all the necessary trip materials. Travel to the charming town of Tepelena, nestled on the outskirts of the Vjosa River. Enjoy the scenic four-hour drive through the coastal plain and mountainous terrain. Your accommodation for the night is a quaint family-run hotel, offering stunning views of the river.
Day 2 – Day 2: Tepelena to Limar
Day 2: Tepelena to Limar
Embark on a short transfer to a small village nestled in the mountainside. Traverse through open woodland and terraced fields to reach the almost deserted village of Kala. Cross the impressive Ottoman stone bridge to reach Limar, a village with stunning views and vernacular stone architecture. Spend the night in a homestay, learning about the local lifestyle from your hosts.
Day 3 – Day 3: Limar to Hoshteve
Day 3: Limar to Hoshteve
- Fir of Hotova National Park
- More
Travel on footpaths connecting the villages, giving you a chance to experience rural lifestyle and admire the mountain splendor. Visit several hamlets and the cooling Doshnica Waterfall. Your final destination for the day is Hoshteve, a village known for its animal husbandry, beekeeping, and herb collection. Stay in a local B&B and learn about the local lifestyle from your hosts.
Day 4 – Day 4: Hoshteve to Sheper
Day 4: Hoshteve to Sheper
Embark on a relaxed walking day with views of Mt. Cajupi. Visit the villages of Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, and Sheper, each connected by roads and showcasing newer buildings that serve as weekend and retirement houses. Explore the village of Sheper, known for its nomadic Aroman shepherds. Spend the night in a local B&B.
Day 5 – Day 5: Sheper to Permet
- Përmet
- More
Cross the Dhembel-Nemercke Range, the last stage of our trek, and re-enter the outside world. Witness shepherds traveling to summer pastures and enjoy the views from the Dhembel Pass. Descend into Leuse, another stone village with a fresco-covered church. Finally, reach the city of Permet, known for its cuisine, wines, and raki. Spend the night in a local homestay.
Day 6 – Day 6: Permet to Gjirokaster
- Përmet
- Gjirokastra
- More
- Fir of Hotova National Park
- More
Drive to the trailhead and walk along water channels towards the Sopot Waterfall. After the hike, visit the warm thermal pools of Benje, known for their healing properties. Finally, transfer to Gjirokaster, the 'City of Stone'. Stay in a local hotel and start exploring the city's charming streets and cafes.
Day 7 – Day 7: Gjirokaster to Tirana
- Gjirokastra
- Tirana
- More
- Himara Castle
- More
Spend the morning exploring Gjirokaster, known for its intricate Ottoman mansions and the towering castle. Visit the ethnographic museum and enjoy the views from the iconic clock tower. Later, transfer to Tirana, the modern capital of Albania. Visit the Skanderbeg Square and the trendy 'Blloku' district. Stay in a centrally located hotel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Tirana
- Tirana - Departure day
- More
- Tanners' Bridge
- Skanderbeg Square
- More
Spend your last day exploring the heart of Tirana. Visit the 'New Bazar' for some souvenir shopping or enjoy an espresso in one of the charming bars. Visit 'Bunkart 2' and 'House of Leaves', two interesting museums dedicated to the communist era. Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport. If you wish to extend your stay, we can arrange additional nights in Tirana or other towns.
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