Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana to Berat
Start by heading south from Tirana toward Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage City. You'll have a choice between scenic asphalt routes or a moderate off-road option if you leave early in the morning. Once there, you can walk around Berat in a couple of hours to see the old town. If you're traveling during winter months, you'll stay at the Alpeta Winery in the nearby village of Roshnik instead.
- Start point
- Tirana, Albania (We'll deliver your Jimny to the airport, or your hotel in central Tirana, 08:00 - 14:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery)
Optional Activities
- Local guide for Berat (must be arranged in advance)
- Explore Berat UNESCO World Heritage City
Landmarks/POIs Berat - Day 2
Berat to Përmet
Today takes you south into the Skrapar mountains following the Osumi river. After passing through Çorovödë, the river valley gets narrower and opens into the famous Osumi Canyon, where rafting is an option depending on water levels. From there, a rough dirt trail brings you down to the Vjosa river valley and the city of Përmet.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- (Hotel Kaso Erverhe )
Optional Activities
- Rafting in Osumi Canyon (subject to water levels)
Landmarks/POIs Osumi Canyon Vjosa River Përmet - Day 3
Përmet to Gjirokastra Area
The morning is yours to explore the Vjosa valley. There's an optional waterfall hike with no steep climbing if that interests you, and the village of Bënjë has warm sulphur springs where you can soak. For the rest of your day, choose between a dirt road through the mountains or the scenic asphalt road through Këlcyrë Gorge. The UNESCO World Heritage City of Gjirokastra sits along the way, so stop if you left early or plan to visit it tomorrow. Your day finishes at a restored mansion guesthouse in a village near the Greek border.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Libohovë Village Guesthouse (en suite) )
Optional Activities
- Hike to impressive waterfall in Vjosa valley (no steep climbs)
- Soak in warm sulphur springs at Bënjë village
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage City of Gjirokastra
Landmarks/POIs Vjosa Valley Bënjë Këlcyrë Gorge Gjirokastra - Day 4
Gjirokastra to Saranda
If Gjirokastra wasn't on your agenda yesterday, visit it this morning. Otherwise, head directly to the coast and choose your route, a moderate dirt road or a winding scenic asphalt road, both leading to Saranda. During winter months, Saranda becomes relaxed and charming with the best climate in the region. The weather is warm enough that you could even swim in December if the sun cooperates.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Demi, Saranda )
Optional Activities
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage City of Gjirokastra
Landmarks/POIs Saranda - Day 5
Saranda
This day is flexible depending on what appeals to you. Head inland to check out places like Finiq and Delvine with their beautiful scenery and quiet villages, or visit the archaeological park at Butrint. If you'd rather stay put, Saranda's pleasant winter climate makes it perfect for relaxing by the coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Demi, Saranda )
Optional Activities
- Explore Finiq region
- Explore Delvine region
- Visit archaeological park of Butrint
- Relax in Saranda
Landmarks/POIs Finiq Delvine Butrint - Day 6
Saranda to Llogora National Park
Travel north along a winding coastal road toward the famous Llogora Pass. You'll have lots of stopping suggestions along the way, and plenty of opportunities to swim if the weather's nice. By evening, you'll be high up in the pine forests of Llogora National Park where you'll stay for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Alpin, Llogora )
Optional Activities
- Swimming stops along the coastal road
Landmarks/POIs Llogora Pass Llogora National Park - Day 7
Llogora National Park to Tirana
The drive back to Tirana is fairly straightforward though not particularly scenic. The itinerary includes various stops to break things up, including a moderate off-road detour through Karavasta Lagoon where you might spot flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans if you're interested in that route.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Off-road detour through Karavasta Lagoon to spot flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans
Landmarks/POIs Karavasta Lagoon
