Mire se vini – welcome to Tirana, Albania! Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your journey. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to head out for a walk and take in the mosque, citadels, Ottoman architecture and museums of Albania’s capital. This city is a lively, colourful place with plenty of public squares and inviting cafes to discover. After your welcome meeting, you may like to get to know your group over an optional dinner and sample some Albanian food. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Leave the city behind after breakfast this morning and drive north to the stunning mountain and lakes region, where you'll have the chance to experience the true beauty and wildness of Albania. This region is a rare part of the Balkans that managed to maintain its independence and ancient traditions despite being surrounded by Ottoman armies. After a scenic drive along a winding road, you'll board a small boat for a one-hour journey across the brilliantly blue Lake Koman to Nanplep and the Shala River. Check in at a cosy family-owned guesthouse, where you'll have the opportunity to relax, refresh in the water and learn about local culture and history over a delicious meal filled with stories. Our guesthouse accommodation is in multi-share rooms of up to four people and has shared bathrooms and showers. Depending on the group size, we may stay in a number of different nearby houses within the village. Today’s driving time totals approximately 3 hours 20 minutes excluding stops on the way, and motorboat travel totaling approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Today’s boat ride will expose us to weather conditions. Please have sun protection, wind and waterproof jacket on hand.

Today you’ll get to get your toes wet in the aquamarine waters of the Shala River on an challenging hike. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to trek through the brisk waters to cross from one side of the river to the other, so comfortable water shoes or sandals are a must. You’ll quickly discover its vibrant green mountainsides that drop steeply into the river’s bright and clear waters below. You’ll also have the option of hiring a local guide to hike to the abandoned village of Molle. This approximately 5-kilometre round-trip hike involves about 600 metres of elevation gain into the mountains. Hiring a local guide for this hike will come at an additional cost, but can be shared among group members participating. As there are a number of river crossings on our hike in the Shala River region, please bring trekking sandals or reef shoes suitable for walking in water. Past travellers have found the nature of today's hikes challenging, so please ensure you are ready to get wet and walk on steep and uneven ground that may be slippery at times. In the shoulder season, the level of Shala River is likely to raise and may make today’s hike impossible. In such case, we will hike to Mole Village ruins with a mountain guide. Depending on the group size, the group may be split between several nearby houses within the village, all located within easy walking distance of one another.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast, then perhaps soak in the wilderness and slow pace of life in the valley. After taking some time for yourself in the morning, you'll return to the Komani hydropower dam by boat. You’ll then travel to the western part of the region to visit the sustainable and unique agri-tourism destination at Mrizi I Zanave farm, also known as the "Shade of the Fairies". Sit down to a farm-to-table dinner made with fresh ingredients grown on site. Spend the evening at Mrizi I Zanave, where you can relax among the peaceful surroundings. Today’s driving time totals approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, excluding stops on the way, and motorboat travel totalling approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Hit the road this morning and drive south, stopping first in Durres to admire the sandy beaches of the Albanian Adriatic. Your next destination is the beautiful Karavasta Lagoon, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local conservation efforts for species like the Dalmatian pelican and sea turtles. Then, check into a beach guesthouse. In the evening, you’re free to enjoy the dazzling sunset and sample some delicious locally-produced cuisine. To make the most of tomorrow's activities, it is recommended to get a good night's rest, so be sure to turn in early tonight. Today’s driving time totals approximately 2 hours 20 minutes excluding stops on the way. It is recommended to have a mosquito repellent with you today. Divjaka-Karavasta National Park is a wetland where any aerial anti-mosquito spraying is forbidden. To bring you today’s activities, we’ve partnered with MEET, a non-profit organisation that supports local tourism operators throughout national parks in the Mediterranean by giving them the tools to develop community-based ecotourism projects. This partnership gives you the opportunity to visit these protected places in an authentic and sustainable way.

Start your day early with a sunrise breakfast in one of the birdwatching towers on the western side of the Karavasta Lagoon, travelling either by bicycle or electric vehicle. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, you'll enjoy breakfast served on a large locally made carpet and prepared with a focus on reducing waste. You’ll have the opportunity to see various birds and possibly other wildlife while sipping on coffee and tea to start the day. After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Babunje, where you’ll have a chance to participate in a hands-on bamboo craft experience and enjoy a meal with a group of farmers and artists. Your hosts will introduce you to local polyphonic singing, homemade raki and Turkish coffee reading. After your visit, drive to the nearby Bay of Vlora, where you’ll check into your apartment for the night. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy the beach or explore your surroundings. Today’s driving time totals approximately 1 hour 20 minutes excluding stops on the way. To bring you today’s activities, we’ve partnered with MEET, a non-profit organisation that supports local tourism operators throughout national parks in the Mediterranean by giving them the tools to develop community-based ecotourism projects. This partnership gives you the opportunity to visit these protected places in an authentic and sustainable way.

Start your day with a chilled morning at the beach. In the afternoon, take a hike to the old village of Tragjas, where time has stood still since the area was bombed during World War II. From the ruins of the old village, a family has created a farm that utilizes traditional and sustainable farming practices. Learn how they coexist alongside animals such as grey wolves, jackals, birds of prey and bee-eaters. After the hike, return to the coast for a slow and peaceful evening. Today’s driving time totals approximately 30 minutes excluding stops on the way. We recommend wearing long trousers and sleeves as well as enclosed shoes for todays hike due to some thorny bushes and undergrowth along the track. Be prepared for some steep slopes as we ascend and descend. For the evening activity, it is recommended to bring the torch with you.

Begin your day with a morning drive to the small city of Berat, known as the 'town of a thousand windows'. Take a walk through the Old City and visit the castle, where you will be given a guided tour around the ancient walls of the 2400-year-old fortress. After the castle visit, drive to Tirana, back where your adventure began. Get to know the city's tumultuous past, including its Ottoman occupation, monarchy under King Zog I, fascist and Nazi occupation during World War II, and Communist rule. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the symbol of Albania's modernisation efforts, and the New Bazaar for a taste of local delicacies. End the day with a coffee and chat with our local friends, in a beautiful old garden and browse through their collection of historical family objects. Today’s driving time totals approximately 2 hours driving excluding stops on the way.

With no activities planned for today, your Albania Expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring Tirana, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).