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Day 1 – Arrival
You will be collected from Tirana Airport and then our guide and driver will give you a warm welcome and plenty of useful information on the way to the remote and spectacularly beautiful mountain village of Theth, stopping in the Valley of Boga for refreshments. Overnight at the Bujtina Polia Guesthouse, where we will also taste the delicious food of the village.

Day 2 – Hiking the Theth to Valbona Pass*
After an early breakfast, alpine style, we set off for Valbona. Our trail offers some of the wildest, most untouched views in the Balkans, taking 7-8 hours to walk in total. We will first pass through the ancient forest before arriving at the plateau offering magnificent views of the Valbona Valley below. From here it’s a steep downward descent to our traditional guesthouse in beautiful Valbona. Mules are available to carry bags if required. At the end of the hike, there is time to relax and watch the sun go down over the mountains, before enjoying a great local dinner of delicious locally-made products. Overnight at the Kol Gjoni Guesthouse.

Day 3 – Kayaking on Komani Lake
This man-made lake is framed on all sides by sheer limestone cliffs and the contrast with the sapphire waters is remarkable. Our destination after a short car journey and the ferry ride is “Peace Island”, a tiny, isolated community, where after checking into our bungalow accommodation, we will set off for a paddle on this magnificent stretch of water to visit the Shami river and a secret cave where swimming is positively encouraged! The views throughout are spell-binding – and when we get back our hosts will prepare a dinner for us of delicious fresh fish. Overnight at the Berisha Chalets.

Day 4 -Transfer to Berat 
Our destination is the town of 1000 windows – the UNESCO Heritage site of Berat. This stunning hillside village on the steps of the Tomor mountains is a place of great beauty and tranquillity, and it’s our base for the remaining days of the holiday. After arrival, you can walk around the old town and castle before dinner at your accommodation. Overnight at Hotel Castle Park, Berat.

Day 5 – Hiking to the Pirogoshi Cave
Pirogoshi is located in the canyon of Gradec, surrounded by limestone cliffs. It has a width of about 30 m, a height of 5 m and a length of 1252 m with extensions, narrows, large halls and natural galleries – a real underground maze and a unique adventure for explorers young and old! There are many superb formations to be seen here, with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, stone waterfalls, red cave pearls, and more. Lunch is at a real locals’ secret restaurant, before a return to our base in Berat. Overnight at Hotel Castle Park.

Day  6 – White-Water Rafting 
The nearby Osumi canyon offers the opportunity for many amazing activities! Until the end of June, we can go white-water rafting on a class 3 river – the hollows, natural sculptures, and waterfalls flow in different shapes. You go through natural wonders like “the Cathedral”, the champagne waterfall, the Devil’s Gate and the Love Waterfall, whose legend says those who kiss under it will remain forever in love. In July/August, when the water levels on the river are too low for rafting, we switch to the stunning Vjosa River instead!

Day  7 – Hiking the Summit of Tomorr*
The highest point of Mt Tomor affords astounding views to those who can say they have conquered her peak! A six-hour ascent takes you through staggering scenery, and the first half is actually done on horseback before we resort to old-fashioned hiking. With a lavish picnic lunch of fresh local products to sustain us, we will reach the peak of 2417 metres before making our descent back down again, passing the old shepherd’s hut and the chance to view mountain goats in their natural environment.

This is a long day, requiring a 05:00 start, so pack well and rest up with a cold beer after!

Day 8 – Transfer back to Tirana Airport (other destinations will incur an extra transfer charge)

* Due to snow at high altitudes lasting through May & early June, lower level hikes will be substituted for Theth-Valbona, and on Mt Tomorr

Prices are in £ Sterling per person and include all transport, all activities, all accommodation, all meals and all guiding (drinks not included).

Book by 1st January 2024 and get a £50pp discount!

Please note, on this holiday, accommodation is clean and characterful – do not expect luxury! If for any reason the first choice accommodation is not available, we will let you know about the alternatives well in advance of your holiday.

BUJTINA POLIA

KOL GJONI

BERISHA CHALETS

CASTLE PARK HOTEL