Day 1: Tirana - Shkodra

Arrive to Tirana. Upon landing at the airport, we will head north from the capital to visit the beautiful city of Shkodra, a charming city situated on the banks of Lake Shkodra, surrounded by three rivers flowing into the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Shkodra. Our first stop on this journey will be at Rozafa Fortress, which has successfully defended the city over the years as part of Albania's rich history. From here, breathtaking views of the surrounding rivers and the expansive mountain ranges await us. After visiting Rozafa Fortress, we will stroll down Kole Idromeno Street, considered the ancient center of Shkodra, and wander among the many restaurants and cafes adorning the street. Accommodation and dinner in Shkodra.

Day 2: Shkodra - Theth

This morning marks the beginning of a true adventure as we head to one of the most beautiful natural spots in the Balkans. We will start with a northbound drive, passing through breathtaking mountain peaks. Our first stop will be in the village of Bogë, where we will enjoy traditional Albanian coffee before embarking on a hiking trail through the beautiful valley leading out of the village. We will continue northward and embark on another hiking trail to the Theth Waterfalls and Grunas Canyon. Upon returning to the village, we will visit a local watchtower and engage with Albanian locals to learn about life in the beautiful Albanian Alps. Accommodation and dinner at a local guesthouse in Theth.

Day 3: Theth - Blue Eye Spring Hikes - Shkodra

This morning, we will set out on another beautiful hiking trail, with the majestic Vermosh Mountains ahead of us. We will hike to the Blue Eye Spring, a small lake formed by the erosion of rocks created by the Black River waterfall, a unique and fascinating natural phenomenon surrounded by several local legends. Of course, we won't miss the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the cool waters. We will return to the village for lunch and then head back to Shkodra, where our northern journey began.

Day 4: Shkodra - Komani Lake - Kruja - Berat

This morning, we will leave the tranquil Shkodra and travel north by local vehicles towards the town of Komani, where a beautiful artificial lake has been created due to a high dam built in the area, providing significant electricity production for the region's residents. We will cruise on the beautiful Komani Lake until we reach the town of Fierza, named after the local hero of Albanian independence. We will hear his story and then continue our journey to the city of Kruja, where we will learn about the fascinating story of the national hero Skanderbeg, who led the battles against the Ottoman invaders for decades in the 15th century. We will ascend to the city's fortress and visit the historical museum before indulging in the "Turkish" bazaar, a reminder of centuries of Ottoman rule. The Turkish bazaar is one of the pleasant markets you can visit, rich in unique Balkan art objects at such reasonable prices. Maybe we'll buy a carpet for the living room and maybe not, but in any case, from here, we will embark on a southern journey to one of the beautiful and unique cities in Albania: the city of Berat. Accommodation and dinner in Berat.

Day 5: Berat - Vlorë

This morning, we will tour Berat, the "City of a Thousand Windows," a nickname it earned for magnificently preserving the traditional Albanian architectural style. We will overlook the city from the fortress, stroll down to the lower city, and visit the ethnographic museum and the Tekke (prayer place of the Bektashi) with two Stone David sculptures adorning one of its gates. After bidding farewell to the picturesque and beautiful town of Berat, we will begin our journey south to a local winery, where we will sample various wines and local prosciutto. We will then glide to the enchanting beaches of the Vlorë area, where we will plunge into our first afternoon swim at one of the picturesque and beautiful beaches in the area. Accommodation and dinner in Vlorë.

Day 6: Vlorë - Boat Trip to the Karaburun Peninsula - Tirana

This morning, we will head to the port of Vlorë and embark on an unforgettable boat trip along the Adriatic shores to the Karaburun Peninsula. During the journey, we will be enchanted by the beautiful crystal-clear waters and the endless beauty of the stunning bays. We will be impressed by the rich flora and fauna of the wonderful peninsula, the giant caves, and the fascinating underwater world beneath the ship. We will visit the Haxhi Ali Cave, a mysterious and historic cave considered the largest in the southern part of Europe, and anchor at one of the beaches for relaxation on the shore and snorkeling in the turquoise waters. (During the boat trip, we will also enjoy joyful music that will turn the entire experience into one big party (who said by the Sea of Galilee?)). After docking at the port, we will head north to Tirana, the capital, for accommodation and dinner.

Day 7: Tirana

Our last day of the trip will be spent exploring the capital city of Albania, Tirana. Like any major and important city in Europe, Tirana is a city full of energy, rich in cafes, bars, clubs, and beautiful taverns. During our tour of the capital city, we will stroll along the main streets, visit the Bunkart 2, one of the interesting and famous bunkers in Albania, and marvel together at the underground tunnels carved during the reign of the notorious dictator, Enver Hoxha. We will hear horrifying stories from his reign and then continue to Dajti Park, where we will take a cable car ride to enjoy a beautiful view of the city. In the evening, we will go out for a final dinner and explore Tirana's nightlife together.

Day 8: Tirana - Back Home

This morning, we will explore Tirana independently, and if time allows, we will stop at a local shopping center before heading to the airport for our flight back home