We will be enjoying some of the unspoiled beaches of the Albanian Riviera and admiring the use of stone in the characteristic architecture. Historical sites and the cities of Berat, Durres, Tirana, Gjirokastra and Himara will be visited during the seven days. The tour is named after an indigenous Illyrian tribe.
Moving northwards from Saranda, one can only be amazed at how the landscape changes every few kilometers.
The optimal number of participants is 10-15. Upon request, we offer tours for one person, a couple or a family.
These tours and excursions offer unique and economic opportunities to support and sustain the small local businesses that are working to preserve and protect the Albanian natural treasures by sharing them with caring, respectful visitors.
Daily Tour
1 person
Albanian, English
11:00: Arrival in the seaport of Saranda. Visit to the archeological site of Butrinti Park.13:00: Sea-food lunch in Ksamil and a dip in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.19:00: Dinner at Limani, Saranda’s most famous and liveliest restaurant. Accommodations in the enchanting sea-side city.
8:00: After breakfast, on the road towards the unspoiled beaches of Jal and Gjipe to experience a range of delights: motorboat spins, canoeing, hiking, rock-climbing.In Jal, guided diving will be offered as well as a canoe adventure (5 hours) to the cave of Haxhi Ali – all designed to spark the appetite for a delicious lunch.A beach Bar-B-Q completes the day at Gjipe, where the sleeping tents will be arranged for maximum comfort. The name Gjipe is believed to mean "The bay of God" - in any language, the setting is celestial!
7:30: Hearty breakfast before a hike into the canyon of Gjipe - a moderate level of difficulty with few places where ropes will be needed. Duration: 3-3.5 hours.11:00: Arrival at Drimadhes beach. Paragliding in tandem from the Llogora pass to this beach is a memorable choice; others will delight in the crystalline emerald waters and the sacred sun’s kisses. Lunch in a Drimadhes restaurant.19:00: Transfer from the Drimadhes beach to the Llogora pass, 910 meters above sea level. Dinner and rest in Llogora, sampling the local delicacies.
8:00: Breakfast on yummy local yogurt and on to the charming city of Berat.12:00: Arrival in the Osumi Canyon where both rafting and trekking are exciting options.14:00: Lunch in a traditional restaurant inside the castle or near the canyon.16:00: Visits to the castle, the various splendid churches and the Onufri museum. Dinner and rest in Berat
8:00: Following a wholesome breakfast and on the road towards Durres, a requisite visit to the Cantina Cobo for a wine-tasting of Albania’s pride.10:00: Once in Durres, a visit to both the Amphitheater and the Archeological Museum, deemed the country’s best.. Lunch in Durres.15:00: Arriving in Tirana, an appreciation of the Ethem Bey Mosqeue(1628), the National Museum, and a tour of the vibrant city center.19:00: Dinner in a traditional restaurant and some tasty beers in one of the Blloku bars, where night-life continually sparkles. A satisfied snooze in Tirana.
8:00: Filling breakfast and a drive towards Gjirokastra. The Vjosa River remains Europe’s single undammed; its Valley is enticing. Quick-stop in Virua for a coffee break and a visit to the entrance of the Viroi cave whose underwater treasures have been explored only by professional speleologists.13:00: Arrival in Gjirokaster and lunch. Afterwards, a visit around the old town, the castle, and the bazaar pass (the ancient route between the city’s market and the neighboring hills).19:00: Arrival at the Blue Eye Source, a protected national monument and a testimony to Nature’s enduring beauty. Dinner there or in Saranda, enhanced by a mini-concert offered by Argjiro, an admired local folk-music group.
8:00: Breakfast and relax on Mango Beach until departure time.
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