Albania
Tours & Tickets in Albania
Tours & Tickets in Tirana

Individual Hidden Valley Trek: Self-guided Homestay Trekking in Southern Albania (8 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Tirana
Duration
8 days
Difficulty
Hard
Minimum age
16 years

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.

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Included

7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners

vegetarian, meat

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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.

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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.

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Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only.

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Destinations

Tirana County - region in AlbaniaTirana
Përmet
Photo of aerial view of historical protected town of Gjirocaster , Southern Albania.Gjirokastra

Map

Attractions

Photo of the Tanners' bridge, or Tabak bridge, a ottoman stone arch bridge Tirana's modern center, Albania.Tanners' Bridge
Himara Castle, Himarë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaHimara Castle
Photo of Skanderbeg square with flag, Skanderbeg monument and The Et'hem Bey Mosque in the center of Tirana city, Albania.Skanderbeg Square
Fir of Hotova National Park, Frashër, Bashkia Përmet, Gjirokastër County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaFir of Hotova National Park

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Tirana or Saranda to Tepelena

  • Tirana - Arrival day
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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.

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Day 2

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.

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Day 3

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.

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Day 4

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.

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Day 5

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.

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Day 6

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.

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Day 7

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.

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Day 8

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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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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