Eco Albanian Tour

After breakfast we will drive north to the stunning mountain and lakes region, where you'll have the chance to experience the true beauty and wildness of Albania. This region is a rare part of the Balkans that managed to maintain its independence and ancient traditions despite being surrounded by Ottoman armies. After a scenic drive along a winding road, you'll board a small boat for a one-hour journey across the brilliantly blue Lake Koman and the Shala River. Check in at a  family-owned guesthouse, where you'll have the opportunity to relax, refresh in the water and learn about local culture and history over a delicious meal filled with stories. Overnight in Shala or Koman.

After breakfast you'll return to the Komani hydropower dam by boat. You’ll then travel to the western part of the region to visit the sustainable and unique agri-tourism destination at Mrizi I Zanave farm, also known as the "Shade of the Fairies." Sit down to a farm-to-table dinner made with fresh ingredients grown on site. Spend the evening at Mrizi I Zanave, where you can relax among the peaceful surroundings. Overnight in Fishte.

After breakfast we will drive south, stopping first in Durres to admire the sandy beaches of the Albanian Adriatic. Your next destination is the beautiful Karavasta Lagoon, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local conservation efforts for species like the Dalmatian pelican and sea turtles. In the evening, you’re free to enjoy the dazzling sunset and sample some delicious locally-produced cuisine. Overnight in Divjaka.

After breakfast we will drive to city of Vlore but first we will stop to visit the Ardenica Monastery, an immense Byzantine Structure of 2,500 square meters, known as the wedding venue of Scanderbeg. In the afternoon, we reach Vlora, where Albanians claimed independence from Ottomans in 1912 and visit the Museum of Independence and then we will visit the Zvernec Monastery. Overnight in Vlora.

After breakfast we will go to island of Sazan by boat, the largest in all Albania. The charm of this place is all in the strong contrasts that are created between the beauty of nature, unspoiled and wild, and reinforced concrete military buildings left by the army over decades of the Cold War. Sazan was the first Albanian outpost in the eastern part of the Strait of Otranto. During the Cold War period, enemies from the western block, from Italy, would arrive here. Then we will then get on the boat again to reach one of the most precious gems of the Karaburun-Sazan marine area in a few minutes. Haxhi Ali, originally from Ulcinj, used to use this beautiful cave as a refuge and headquarters for his men. The pirate had, in fact, made a special bond with the local population. He defended the waters from attacks by Turks, Venetians, British and Neapolitans. Back on the boat, you will leave to go along Karaburun. The area retains some of the most beautiful Albania beaches, whose names (Saint Jan Beach, Aquamarine Beach, Saint Basil Beach) refer to the period when the British passed over here. After lunch, the last part of the journey: by boat you will cross the Bay to see the Riviera di Valona and its most famous Albania beaches: Zhironi, Kalasa, and the residential district of Cold Water, with the houses and palm trees facing the sea. Overnight in Vlora.

After breakfast we will drive to Berat. In Berat we explore the most beautiful city in Albania or as we call it, the city of a thousand windows, UNESCO since 2005. First we will visit Berat Castle, a fortress offering exceptional view of the town, with museums, churches and a mosque. Within the castle walls, there is a unique residential area with a local community dating back to the 4th century BC although most if it was built in the 13th century. Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast we will  travel to Tirana but on the way we will stop to visit Dumrea Lakes. In the territory of Dumrea there are many natural lakes that have been formed as a result of karstic phenomena that have occurred and continue today in smaller proportions. Their total area is about 640 ha in 84 lakes. In the lakes of Dumre grow wild ducks, otters, and wild geese which are migratory birds. The size of the lakes ranges from 500m2 to 968,000m2 (lake of Çestije). Depth ranges from 5m to 61m (lake of Merhojë). They are mainly lakes which are filled by falling rainfall. Trout is present in many of these lakes but mostly in the lakes of Belsh, Seferan, Cestija, Çerrages. Some of the most picturesque lakes of Dumrea are: Lake Belshi, Merhoja, Seferani, Cestija, Dega, Red Lake, Paraska and Marinza. Then we will drive to Tirana and we will visit the city and the first visit will be Scanderbej Square, the largest square in Europe. In the square we will visit, the Et’hem Bej mosque, the monument of our national hero Scanderbeg, Opera house, Clock tower. Then we will visit the Pyramid monument and Bunk Art museum, Government building, main boulevard, Mother Teresa Square and Bunk’Art 1. In Tirana you will experience a city with a rich history from Ottoman rule through the fall of communist to a modern European city. Take time to immerse yourself in this colorful city where the past meets the present while rapidly striving towards the future. Overnight in Tirana.

After breakfast we drive to the Airport. Hope to see you again. End of our Service.