20th October – Departure from Malta
Depart Malta at 2310hrs on the flight to Skopje, North Macedonia.
21st October – Arrival in Skopje, North Macedonia
0050 AM: Arrival at Skopje International Airport.
Overnight in Skopje: Guests can rest and refresh after their journey at a centrally located hotel.
0900 AM: Departure from Skopje to Prizren, Kosovo.
Prizren Highlights: This charming Ottoman-era city is known for its cobblestone streets, historic mosques, and vibrant culture. Guests will explore key sites like the Stone Bridge, Sinan Pasha Mosque, and the old bazaar.
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Kosovo dishes such as qebapa and pita, at a local restaurant (own expense).
Afternoon: Continue the journey to Shkodër, Albania.
Shkodër Overview: As one of Albania’s oldest cities, Shkodër boasts stunning views of Lake Shkodër, Rozafa Castle, and a lively cultural scene. Relax and soak the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Arrival in Shkodër: Check in at a comfortable Hotel Boutique near the city center. After that we will head towards Shkodra Lake, to the picturesque village of Shiroka, where we will embark on a boat ride at sunset. This serene journey will allow us to admire the breathtaking views, explore the natural beauty of the lake and observe the diverse bird species and wildlife.
Also, we can enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, where we can savour local dishes, including the famous ”Tava e Krapit” (baked carp casserole), a signature specialty of the area. (own expense)
Overnight in Shkodër
22nd October – Exploring Theth National Park
Morning Departure: Travel to Theth, a picturesque mountain village located in the Albanian Alps.
Theth Highlights: Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, Theth offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks, rivers, and traditional stone houses. Includes
Blue Eye Hike: A guided hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning turquoise spring surrounded by lush greenery. The hike is moderate, suitable for nature lovers, and offers incredible photo opportunities.
Lunch: Savor a homemade meal at a guesthouse in Theth, featuring fresh local produce and traditional mountain cuisine (included).
Evening Return: Travel back to Shkodër for an overnight stay, where you can then enjoy a leisurely evening in the city.
23rd October – Komani Lake and Shala River Adventure
Morning Departure: Head to Komani Lake for a boat tour
Komani Lake: Often called the “Albanian Fjords,” is a lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, making it one of Albania’s most scenic destinations.
Shala River: Take a boat ride to the Shala River, a serene and secluded spot ideal for relaxation whilst enjoying its emerald waters.
Cooking Class at Neomalsore Agrotourism: After the lake tour, visit Neomalsore Agrotourism to learn more about the traditional Albanian recipes. Guests will prepare authentic dishes such as byrek and tavë kosi under the guidance of local chefs.
Lunch: Enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with local wines (included).
Evening Return: Back to Shkodër for an overnight stay.
24th October – Full Day Jeep Safari In Cape of Rodon
Morning Departure: We will depart from Shkodra in the morning and head toward Lalez Bay to begin an exciting Jeep Safari tour to Cape of Rodon.
The tour starts in Gjiri Lalsit with a sand off-road excursion through the pines to the old military roads.
After the heart beating adventure we will drive to Kepi Rodonit ”The Land of the Giants” as it is the penisula that Odysseus was sent to meet the Cyclops in Greek mythology. During our stop at Kepi Rodonit we will visit military bunkers build in communism time and the castle of the Albanian national hero, Skenderbeg.
Walking for 45-60 minutes to the castle at a simple pathway that does not require special physical preparation.
We will visit the church of St. Anthony and the beach nearby, where Prince Karl Topia had set up a site for ships. The church is located very close to where the Jeep stops. On this site, we will have a brake of 30 minutes. After the short brake, we will start the jeep adventure with off road driving at the remote villages of Lalez area and afterwards taking the asphalt road and drive again to the starting point.
Evening Return: After this activity, we will return in Tirana for an overnight stay.
25th October – Depart from Tirana to visit Belsh & Berat
Morning Departure: Travel to Berat with a stop in Belsh
Belsh Highlights: Belsh, once considered as a potential capital city of Albania, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by its scenic lakes. During our visit, we will enjoy a relaxing canoeing experience on Lake Saferan, taking in the beauty of its calm waters and natural surroundings.
Afternoon Arrival in Berat: Known as the “City of Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Ottoman-era architecture and historic neighborhoods.
Free Time: Guests can wonder the cobblestone streets of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters or enjoy the peaceful riverside promenade.
Overnight in Berat.
26th October – Rafting Adventure & Gjirokastër Exploration
Morning Departure: Travel to the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers, for a thrilling rafting experience.
Rafting Activity: Led by professional guides, this activity offers a mix of adventure and scenic beauty, suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike.
Lunch: You can enjoy a picnic-style lunch by the river (own expense).
Afternoon Transfer to Gjirokastër: Explore this UNESCO-listed city, known as the “Stone City” for its slate-roofed houses and historic fortifications.
Gjirokastër Highlights: Visit the Gjirokastër Castle, the Ethnographic Museum, and the old bazaar.
Overnight in Gjirokastër.
27th October – Depart from Gjirokastër to Zvërnec Island
Morning Departure: Departure from Gjirokastër early in the morning. Enjoy scenic views of southern Albania as we travel towards the coastal region of Vlora.
Arrive at Zvernec Island: A serene destination located within the Narta Lagoon. Visit the Monastery of St. Mary, a historic 13th – century Orthodox monastery nestled in a tranquil setting.
Lunch Experience: Enjoy a traditional seafood lunch at a nearby restaurant
Explore the surrounding Narta Lagoon, known for its unique ecosystem, salt pans and diverse bird species.
Evening return in Tirana: Begin the return journey to Tirana in the late afternoon. Arrive in Tirana by evening for an overnight stay.
28th October – Nature Exploration – Visit Pëllumbas Cave & Shëngjergj
Morning Departure: Depart from Tirana in the morning, heading toward the village of Pëllumbas located approx.. 30 minutes away.
Arrive at Pëllumbas Village: Begin a guided hike to Pëllumbas Cave, known as the ”Black Cave”. The hike takes around 45 minutes through beautiful forests and landscapes. Once at the cave, learn about the cave’s history and its significance as a prehistoric site.
Visit Shëngjergj: Continue the journey to Shëngjergj, a picturesque village located about 30 mins from Pëllumbas. Visit this tranquil mountain village known for its stunning natural attractions.
Shëngjergj Waterfall: A short hike leads to this beautiful cascading waterfall, perfect for nature photography.
Evening Return to Tirana: Overnight stay in Tirana
29th October – Transit to Skopje
Morning Departure: Travel from Tirana to Skopje via Kosovo
Lunch Stop: A brief break for lunch at a local restaurant during the journey (own expense).
Optional: Visit at Skopje city centre (if time permits)
Evening Arrival in Skopje Airport: Conclude the trip with arrival in the evening.
SKOPJE/MALTA 2125 2315
