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The Albanian Odyssey: Mountains, Villages & Coastal Wonders
The Albanian Odyssey: Mountains, Villages & Coastal Wonders
Tirana - Tirana
Tour snapshot
Duration:
7 Days
7 Days
Group size:
16 people
16 people
Availability
March - November
March - November
Destination
Tirana
Tirana
Overview
7-Day Off-Road Adventure: Explore Albania’s Wild Beauty & Local Traditions
Discover Albania’s untouched landscapes on this 7-day off-road adventure, where rugged trails lead to historic towns, remote villages, and breathtaking natural wonders. This journey blends thrilling 4x4 driving with authentic cultural experiences, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable tourism.
From the UNESCO city of Berat to the Osumi Canyons and Permet mountains, you’ll connect with local families, taste homemade specialties, and experience traditional crafts. In Zagoria and Gjirokaster, meet shepherds, enjoy donkey milk tasting, and learn centuries-old cooking techniques in village homes. Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint, relax by the Ionian Sea, and venture to hidden waterfalls and canyons known only to locals.
This off-the-beaten-path adventure not only offers incredible landscapes but also directly supports local businesses, ensuring a positive impact on the communities you visit. If you seek a genuine, immersive, and responsible travel experience, this journey is for you!
Tickets
Adults
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Youths
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Children
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Tirana – Transfer to Berat
Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, our team will pick you up and transfer you to Berat, one of Albania’s most historical and picturesque cities. Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, ancient fortifications, and unique blend of cultural influences.
In the evening, we will visit a local winery where you will enjoy a wine-tasting experience, sampling some of the finest Albanian wines while learning about the region’s rich winemaking traditions.
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Day 2: Berat – Osumi Canyons – Permet (Off-Road Adventure Begins!)
After breakfast, we will take a short walking tour of Berat, exploring its narrow cobblestone streets, the Berat Castle, and historical landmarks. This charming old town is not to be missed!
We then start our off-road adventure, driving through the stunning Osumi Canyons, a breathtaking natural wonder with towering cliffs and emerald waters.
• Lunch stop: A traditional guesthouse along the trail, where we will enjoy authentic local cuisine.
• Arrival in Permet: Once we reach the charming town of Permet, we will relax at the Benja Thermal Baths, famous for their natural healing properties, or take a refreshing swim in the Vjosa River (depending on weather conditions).
In the evening, we will check into a local guesthouse, where we will have a traditional Albanian dinner and rest for the night.
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Day 3: Permet – Zagoria Natural Park – Gjirokaster
After breakfast, we will begin our ascent into the mountains of Zagoria, an untouched natural paradise known for its panoramic views, wild landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
• We will stop at scenic viewpoints for photography and enjoy local desserts in a traditional village famous for the Saint Mary Monastery and its historical significance.
• Lunch break at a village guesthouse, experiencing authentic mountain cuisine.
Our next experience is unique: donkey petting and tasting fresh donkey milk, a rare tradition still practiced in the region.
By the afternoon, we arrive in Gjirokaster, where we check into our accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Day 4: Exploring Gjirokaster – Lazarat – Saranda
Gjirokaster, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the Stone City due to its beautifully preserved Ottoman stone houses. It is also the birthplace of the former Albanian dictator, Enver Hoxha.
• We will explore the Gjirokaster Castle, a traditional Ottoman-era house, and enjoy the famous coffee of stone, a unique local coffee experience.
• Lunch in Lazarat, a well-known traditional village. Here, we will take part in a cooking class, learning to prepare an ancient 2,000-year-old recipe using traditional methods, including making butter the old-fashioned way.
From here, we drive towards the Greek border, taking an off-road route through the mountains to the Ionian coast.
The day ends with dinner at Lekursi Castle, a historic fortress overlooking the city of Saranda, offering stunning views of the coastline.
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Day 5: Butrint – Ksamil – Camping by the Beach
Today, we visit Butrint, Albania’s third and oldest UNESCO site, an ancient city with over 2,500 years of history. Butrint was a major Greek, Roman, and Byzantine settlement, featuring well-preserved ruins, an amphitheater, temples, and fortifications.
After exploring Butrint, we drive towards one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
• We will spend the day camping by the sea, enjoying various beach activities and a traditional barbecue dinner under the stars.
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Day 6: Nivica & Progonat Canyons – Peshtura Waterfall – Drino River
After breakfast, we start our journey towards Nivica and Progonat Canyons, some of the most breathtaking and less-explored canyons in Albania.
• Visit to a local farm: Experience the traditional methods of making yogurt, cream, and dairy products, passed down through generations.
• Hike to Peshtura Waterfall, one of Albania’s hidden gems, with crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings.
For our final night, we relax at a small riverside resort by the Drino River, where we can swim, unwind, and enjoy a special farewell dinner.
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Day 7: Return to Tirana
After breakfast, we will either explore nearby areas (depending on the time available) or head directly to Tirana International Airport for your departure.