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Explore the south of Albania on a variety of trails, where you’ll discover a wild, rugged coast and superb mountains.

  • Trek through the forests of Llogara National Park
  • Climb Mount Cika
  • Enjoy Tirana nightlife in ‘The Block’
  • Explore Greek, Roman & Ottoman ruins at Butrint & Gjirokastra
  • Follow the coastal trail along the Albanian Riviera

Taking inspiration from Lord Byron, this itinerary follows scenic mountain and coastal paths through southern Albania. Our walking tour starts in the picturesque Llogara National Park, trekking through forest towards the Karaburini Peninsula. The following day we embark on a trek to Mount Cika with the option to walk the steep ascent to Qore Summit (2,005 metres) for a memorable mountain and sea panorama. Walk through unspoiled valleys, exploring villages encountered en route.

Paths lead us down towards the stunning Albanian Riviera where you will see the vegetation becomes noticeably more Mediterranean, with olive groves and vines. We visit the XVIII Century fortress of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, before the trail leads us to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Butrint and Gjirokastra, ending with a walk above the trendy city of Tirana where we stay for our final evening.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Tirana

    Meet at Tirana Airport for your transfer to Vlore.

  2. Day 2: Walks in Llogara National Park

    Transfer by road to Llogara National Park and, once checked into our accommodation, we embark on a trek through the forests of Llogara and ascend the Qafa e Thelle (Deep Pass), negotiating our way through dense mixed forests towards the wild beauty of the Karaburuni Peninsula and on to the Llogara Pass. There is an option to enjoy a short walk to Caesar’s Pass to enjoy watching the sunset fade over Vlorë Bay prior to dinner.

    Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 430 m | Descent: 600 m

  3. Day 3: Mount Cika & optional summit hike to Qore

    Today we head for Qore’s summit in the Cika Mountain. The trail winds through pine forest until it reaches the panoramic Saddle of Dhjopuri. From here there is an option to continue up to the summit of Qore (2,005 metres), presenting a stunning mountain and sea panorama. We descend through the Llogara Pass and take a scenic drive to Dhermi Beach.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 1,000 m | Descent: 1,000 m

  4. Day 4: The Albanian Riviera & Butrint

    We take a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera, visiting the XVIII Century fortress of Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the splendid bay of Porto Palermo. Enjoy a walk through olive groves to reach the cobbled streets of the old village of Qeparo on top of the hill. From here we descend for lunch at the beach with the option to go for a swim before travelling inland to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint.

    Walking distance: 5 km | Ascent: 260 m | Descent: 260 m

  5. Day 5: Hike to Gjirokastra

    A morning drive to the valley of Drinos, crossing the picturesque Muzina Pass, to visit the Blue Eye spring. Continuing our journey to the foothills of Bureto Mountain, we start hiking. We trek to the village of Labova and visit the 13th century Labova e Kryqit Church, one of the oldest in Albania. Following lunch we drive to the 13th Century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gjirokastra.

    Walking distance: 9 km | Ascent: 273 m | Descent: 273 m

  6. Day 6: Walk to Antigonea & Lunxheria mountains; return to Gjirokastra

    Today’s hike takes us to the ruins of Antigonea, founded by the legendary Pyro of Epirus in the 3rd Century. We then continue hiking, following the elevated line of villages at the slopes of Lunxheria Mountains, before returning to Gjirokastra in the afternoon to continue our exploration of the 'City in Stone', and visiting the Castle that dominates the town.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 95 m | Descent: 270 m

  7. Day 7: Drive to Tirana; walks

    We drive back to Tirana, the Albanian capital, where on arrival we take a cable car ride to Mt. Dajti to lunch in one of the panoramic restaurants at 1,000 metres elevation. In the afternoon we hike in the park above Tirana (3-4 hours), before returning to town late afternoon. Evening at leisure.

    Walking distance: 6 km | Ascent: 586 m | Descent: 586 m

  8. Day 8: Fly back to the UK

    Depart Tirana at your leisure for your flight back to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £1,685 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,985 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £170
  • Walking grade: Moderate to Demanding
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,005m
  • Group size: 4-10
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7 nights
    • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide

Next Steps

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Dates & Prices

Choose your preferred departure date from the 2 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 7 Jun 14 Jun £1,685 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 31 Aug 7 Sep £1,685 Available* Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.