Multiactivities in South Albania

Transfer to Apollonia this morning and set off on a guided tour, where you will have explained the history behind the temple of Artemis, the Odeon, the Triumphal Arch and more about the school of sculpture. Then, you head for lunch in a local restaurant in a thriving and tranquil oasis for the nesting of a variety of birds and the visitor’s peace of mind known as Narta Lagoon. In afternoon we will head to coastal city of Vlora. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

• • Set off on a guided tour in Apollonia archeological park
• • Lunch fish based with fresh local products
• • Visit the coastal city of Vlora for a guided tour of the city’s old town and independence square

This day we will start our hiking with a village pass from Tragjas to Dukat an old village bombed during World War 2. In afternoon we will arrive at our guesthouse in Lloagara National Park to accommodate, eat dinner with local fresh products and enjoy the fresh air and nature. Hike information:

• Gradient: 600 m
• Distance: 10 km total
• Duration: 4-5 h total
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch, dinner.

This day after breakfast we will prepare our packed lunch and hike to the summit, you can admire the mighty view of the highlands of “Labëria” – land of southern shepherds – and the splendour of the Ionian Sea with Corfu and other minor Greek islands on the horizon. Hike information:

• Gradient: 1100 m
• Distance: 9 km total
• Duration: 5-6 h total
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch, dinner.

We will continue with our hike early in the morning after breakfast. We will go to Saint Andreas Bay in Karaburun National park, reachable only by hiking or boat. Before starting our hike we will prepare our packed-lunch,daily backpacks and our big bags will be transported by bus in Dhermi. At Saint Andreas Bay we will take the speedboat to go in afternoon in Dhermi. Hike information:

• Gradient: 420 m
• Distance: 9.6 km total
• Duration: 4-5 h total
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch.

In day six we will get our Kayaks to visit the Pirates cave and Gjipe Bay.

• • We will Kayak to one of the wildest beaches of Albania, Gjipe. There we will have the chance to enjoy swimming in crystal deep blue waters of the Ionian sea and explore the canyons with 100 or more climbing routes.
• • After Gjipe we will continue come back in afternoon at Dhermi
• • Kayaking will last around 4-5 hours in total
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch.

We will continue with our hike early in the morning after breakfast. Hiking Along the coast with Ionian sea views and exploring new beaches. • Before starting our hike we will prepare our packed-lunch,daily backpacks and our big bags will be transported by bus. • In Borsh we will find our minibus that will take us to Saranda • Visit Porto Palermo castle build by Ali Pasha in 19th century, also considered one of the most strategic military points of the Albanian Riviera. There we will see a submarine tunnel and anti-aircraft bunkers. Hike information:

• Gradient: 400m
• Distance: 14.7 km total
• Duration: 6-7h total
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch.

This will be a more relaxing day exploring Saranda coastal town the ‘capital’ of Riviera.

• • We will visit Butrint city which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. On the strength of the immense wealth of cultural, historical and natural value with a considerable history, Butrint was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and further a National Park in 2000.
• • Afterwards we will get the boat for a tour of the ‘’Queen of Butrint Lake’’ and learn about the mussel cultivation ,how to collect your own mussels,clean them, open them, and then taste them in fresh olive oil and lemon juice,with bread by the side of the lagoon with a glass of local wine while the warm breeze comes in across the water.
• • Visit Lekurasi Castle to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets of Riviera.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

On this day we will begin our trip early in the morning to visit the next UNESCO World Heritage Museum city, Gjirokaster also known as ‘Stone City’. Being the birthplace of ‘Kadare’ one of the most known writers in Albania and also of the notorious communist leader Enver Hoxha, the city is intriguing and controversial as it preserves well all phases of history.

• • In Gjirokastra we will make the tour of the city visiting the Old Bazaar and the Castle where you will also have free time.
• • Visit Skenduli House, a 300 years old house well maintained where you will learn more about the culture of Gjirokastra and everyday life of 18-th century.
• • Arriving in Tirana in late afternoon
• Meals included: Breakfast,lunch.