From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Journeying to Albania feels like stepping off the map. It’s a country the world forgot about, and this neglect has paved the way for Albania to become one of the most exciting destinations in all of Europe.
In Albania, time hasn’t just stood still, it’s entered another dimension. Where legends of yesteryear are infused in everyday life. Hear stories of the goat-skull wearing Skanderberg, who led an army of rebels against the Ottomans; and the paranoid policies of the communist dictator Enver Hoxha, whose legacy has littered the countryside with some 750,000 concrete bunkers.
The stranger than fiction tales from the ‘Land of the Eagles’ are made all the more mythical by the untamed, rugged landscape. Traverse the old trade roads across the ‘Accursed Mountains’ connecting Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Make use of storybook packhorses to carry your luggage across terrains inaccessible to cars. Pinch yourself at the exquisite beauty of Theth National Park and Valbona Valley.
See how Italy’s close proximity to Albania (just 75km!) has influenced its cuisine and heritage. Explore the crumbling remnants of Rozafa Castle, Venetian ruins perched on a hill overlooking Lake Skadar, the biggest lake in South Eastern Europe. Dine on Mediterranean staples like salads drizzled in olive oil, freshly grilled fish and delicate pastries; as well as uniquely Albanian fare such as fergese (a creamy mix of capsicum, tomatoes and cottage cheese) and tave kosi (a quiche-like dish made with lamb, eggs and yoghurt).
A trip to Albania defies belief and expectations, and once you’ve returned home you’ll find yourself sharing legends from the Land of the Eagles too.
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
12Days
Challenging
Moderate
Introductory to Moderate
Our active trips in Albania are designed to be affordable providing you with all the necessary ingredients for a successful journey at a price that will leave more in your pocket for those random shopping finds on the trail.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.
Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Traverse the old trade roads across Prokletije Mountains, also known as the ‘Accursed Mountains’, that connecting Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.
Explore Lake Koman, an artificial lake created by damming the Drin River in 1978. The boat ride takes 2 hours and passes through narrow passages and remote settlements only accessible by water.
Pinch yourself at the exquisite beauty of Theth National Park and Valbona Valley.
Explore the crumbling remnants of Rozafa Castle, Venetian ruins perched on a hill overlooking Lake Skadar, the biggest lake in South Eastern Europe.
Dine on Mediterranean staples like salads drizzled in olive oil, freshly grilled fish and delicate pastries; as well as uniquely Albanian fare such as fergese (a creamy mix of capsicum, tomatoes and cottage cheese) and tave kosi (a quiche-like dish made with lamb, eggs and yoghurt).
The months of June to August are the busiest times, with temperatures ranging between 20 - 30 degrees Celsius (68 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes higher. You should however be prepared for temperature variations - up to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and down to 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), even in the middle of summer. It is important to take enough water with you and drink regularly through the day.
Albania is GMT +1 hour, GMT +2 hours during daylight saving (the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Albanian (official)
Albanian Lek
+355
Electricity in Albania is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas are not required for citizens of Australia, Britain, Canada, USA and New Zealand for stays of up to 90 days. For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy. Please note that if you are travelling on to or from the Schengen area as part of your travels in Europe you will require an ETIAS visa. Refer to https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias for further details.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us. Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice. We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration. We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements. Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.