An amazing combination of outdoor activities, culinary delights, and cultural visits that will take you through a region with stunning landscapes, welcoming people, delicious food, and rich history.
Highlights:
Explore 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Gjirokaster, Ohrid Lake region)
Visit 2 RAMSAR Sites (Divjake-Karavasta Lagoon, Ohrid Lake)
Experience outdoor activities such as rafting, birdwatching, hiking, and horseback riding, alongside cultural visits
Visit Albania, Europe's emerging tourist destination in 8 days
Discover Albania’s cultural, natural, and historical gems
Indulge in daily culinary delights, savoring some of the country’s best food and wine
Stay in carefully selected 4* hotels and one villa for the perfect mix of comfort and local charm
Experienced guide who will immerse you in local culture
~700 km itinerary with an estimated driving time of 13 hours through scenic panoramic routes
Average driving time: about 1.5 hours per day on well-developed roads (80 km/day)

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana 
Upon your arrival in Tirana, you will meet your guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout the trip. You will start your adventure in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital city. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the main administrative buildings. Take a stroll through the old communist neighborhood of “Blloku” and conclude your tour at Mother Teresa Square. As you explore the city, notice the colorful murals on former communist buildings. Learn about Albania’s communist past.
After checking in at the hotel, enjoy free time for lunch in the city center. In the afternoon, we will visit the New Bazaar, a lively fruit and vegetable market.
Welcome dinner with traditional Albanian dishes.
Overnight: Tirana

Day 2: Birdwatching in Karavasta 

Today, we explore the Divjake-Karavasta National Park, Albania’s most important bird sanctuary and one of the key sites in the Mediterranean Basin. This park is home to the Dalmatian Pelican, with a unique nesting colony that has been active for over a century. The park also hosts the largest mixed colony of herons in Albania, with over 4,000 breeding pairs of 6 different heron species.
If the lagoon waters are high enough, we will take a boat trip to observe these magnificent birds, including the Dalmatian Pelican, Pigmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, and more. After the boat trip, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Late afternoon drive to Gjirokaster for dinner.
Overnight: Gjirokaster

Day 3: Horse-Riding in Gjirokaster  (Optional)

After breakfast, embark on a horseback riding journey through southern Albania’s scenic countryside. The ride begins on the ridge above the Antigone unit, offering panoramic views of the valley below. Traverse through a beautiful coniferous pine massif, complete with uphill and downhill sections that provide a truly picturesque experience.
As we reach Gjinofshat, an area known for its blooming meadows, we will stop to learn about the area’s ancient connection to the city of Antigone (founded in 295 BC by Pyrrhus of Epirus).
After the ride, we’ll visit the Antigone Archaeological Park, then head back to Gjirokaster to explore the Argjiro Castle and take a short walking tour of the city of stone. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore or relax.
Overnight: Gjirokaster

Day 4: Rafting the last wild river of Europe 

Today, prepare for an exciting adventure as we raft through the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river, flowing freely across 270 kilometers of untouched nature. Our rafting trip includes thrilling Class 3 rapids, offering adrenaline-pumping fun against a backdrop of stunning canyons and serene river sections.
After the rafting, we’ll visit the Benja Thermal Baths, natural curing springs located along the river. Enjoy lunch near the Vjosa River, followed by a drive through the Natural Parks of “Vjosa River”and “Hotova Fir” towards Korce. Upon arrival in Korce, check in at the hotel and free evening.

Overnight: Korce

Day 5: Hike in Voskopoja

After breakfast, transfer to the village of Voskopoje, once a major cultural and trading center in the 16th-19th centuries.
Today, it remains a village with about 1,000 inhabitants, surrounded by ruins of The Academy, 24 painted churches, and medieval bridges.
We’ll pack and our picnic lunch before setting out on a picturesque hiking adventure through southeastern Albania, exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Voskopoja–Shipskë–Monastery loop.
Hike Details:
Fitness Level: Average
Distance: ~10 km
Elevation Gain: ~550 m
Time: ~5 hours
After the hike, and short transfer back to Korce enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening.
Overnight: Korca.

Day 6: Cultural Visit of Korçë

After breakfast, Sightseeing of Korçë, known as the "Little Paris" of Albania. Visit the Orthodox Cathedral, stroll through the Old Bazaar, and explore the city of the first Abanian school. Korçë is also home to Albania’s oldest brewery, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch of meat fingers, salad, French fries, and beer.
After lunch, visit a local bee-keeping facility where you’ll learn about beekeeping in the region and taste some of the delicious local honey.
In the afternoon, drive towards Lake Ohrid and check into your accommodation.
Overnight: Villa by Lake Ohrid.

Day 7: Swim the UNESCO lake

Enjoy breakfast and take the morning to relax by Lake Ohrid. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply soak up the sun. Exploring of the Lin village mosaic, placed in the Oldest farming settlement in Europe. For lunch, savor traditional Albanian dishes at a lakeside restaurant.
In the afternoon, drive back to Tirana, stopping for a visit to Elbasan, where you can explore the Castle, Orthodox Church, and King’s Mosque.
Finish the day with a farewell dinner in Tirana.
Overnight: Tirana

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, free time at your leisure until your transfer back to the Tirana International Airport for your onward flight.
Transfer to Tirana international Airport.