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Rinas · Durrës · Albania
8 Day Guided Hidden Valley Trek with Transfers and Accommodation
Starting From
From $1,179.75 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Join us to discover the beauty of the hidden Zagoria Valley Trek for four days between secluded villages, meet friendly hosts, enjoy home-cooked meals, hike to the mighty north face of Nemercka, swim in thermal waters and last but not least, visit the stone city of Gjirokaster. Return home enriched by memories, extend in Tirana or the Albanian Riviera. We arrange your transfers, luggage transfers, and overnight stays, as well as provide all the needed support and materials for a hassle-free, self-guided trip for you to enjoy at your own pace. Three moderate walks of 4-6 hours in the lower mountain ranges culminate in a fourth longer day crossing the Dhembel Pass. There are two optional shorter walks to the Sopot Waterfall and in Gjirokaster at the end.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Explore Europe’s last wild river, Vjosa, that winds its way across southern Albania
- From doorstep to doorstep through remote, idyllic villages where time stands still
- Panoramas of flowercovered meadows circled by snowcapped peaks
- Cross historical Ottoman stone bridges & visit the wellpreserved Orthodox churches
- Inside the finest mansions of the City of Stone Gjirokastra
- Follow your guide through the most scenic areas in Albania
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Tirana
Welcome to the Balkans! Welcome to the Balkans! The guide will meet you in town or at Tirana Airport (TIA). Depending on your booking, you're either taken to the bus station for public transport towards the overnight location or depart on a private transfer, directly to the doorstep. Driving yourself can also be accommodated. The transfer into Southern Albania takes up to four hours, it leads past the coastal plain's colorful produce stands and along the mountain-backed Vjosa River to the outskirts of Tepelena. There, a bold bridge is followed by a narrow road that meanders into the small village of Peshtan, right at the starting point of the hike, and by a cozy, family-run guesthouse. The hostess Mirela is a hiker and explorer of the area and the proud owner of an impressive collection of relics from the wars that unfolded in the mountains over the last century. Time to relax and enjoy her delicious cooking and homemade wine, tomorrow you start walking the beautiful Zagoria Valley.
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Accommodation: Peshtan: guesthouse (-/-/D)
Day 2
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Hiking. Time to begin the Trek The trek starts at the doorstep of the valley. Zagoria is not yet visible - Dhembeli, Nemercka, Lunxheria, and Bureto, four mountain ranges, encompass and shield it from the outside world. Only an almost forgotten caravan route leads inside this hidden place. Through open woodland, the route ascends to a pass that reveals the full extent of the valley, out of which mountains rise on both sides. Over terraced fields, the path leads to the almost deserted village of Kala, where only three inhabitants remain, and then down to the river. It's crossed via one of Ali Pasha’s impressive Ottoman stone bridges and climbing up to Limar, remains of the cobbled caravan path are visible. The views of the distinct Mt Strakavec (1.958 m), the remote feeling, and the vernacular stone architecture of Limar leave a lasting impression. A stroll through the village reveals its whole extent. and you can learn more about life here from your hosts.
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Accommodation: Overnight in the teacher's house, who takes care of the 2 pupils who remain in school regardless of the seclusion.
Day 3
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Eco Tour. Through Village Mountains Only footpaths connect the villages en route to the next overnight location, where your luggage is transported by horse. Passing several hamlets allows you to experience rural lifestyle, meet locals, and admire the mountain splendor above as well as the Zagoria River below, where the cooling Doshnica Waterfall awaits. Depending on the river level, you can continue along the stream or backtrack into the village and over grassy meadows before the reascent to Hoshteve marks the final stage. Animal husbandry, beekeeping, and the collection of medical herbs have been the only sources of meager income, triggering mass emigration to Greece. The hosts lived and worked there too for 17 years, then returned to spend their golden years and open a B&B in their home village. They're a good example of the returning diaspora, equipped with new skill sets and savings to invest. Don't miss out on the Church of the Holy Apostles, a fine example of Orthodox heritage and one of the best preserved in the country.
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Accommodation: Hoshteve: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 4
Rinas
Local Flavor. The Villages Today’s shorter and easier route with views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m) allows for a relaxed, yet rewarding walking day. The villages Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, and Sheper are connected by roads, their influence is manifested in newer buildings that serve as weekend and retirement houses. Nivan served as the center of the commune - remains of military installations and storage depots are visible, while its central square is dedicated to William Tilman. Described as “the 20th Century's last true explorer", Tilman was a famed British mountaineer and sailor who, during WW2, fought based out of Zagoria with the resistance against German occupation. Only once more, the trail takes you down to the river, the old monastery, and (on an optional detour) the last of Ali Pasha’s stone bridges. After a shortcut across meadows, you reach Sheper, where many ex-nomadic, Aromanian shepherds were forced to settle during communism. Time can be spent with the family or exploring the village, in particular, the neglected museum and buildings adorned with weathered Marx and Lenin quotes. This will be the last village overnight.
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Accommodation: Sheper: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 5
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Hiking. Trek on The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range is the last stage of the trek through the secluded valley, leading back into the outside world. As the drive around takes almost as long as the walk across, the challenging route remains in use by locals to this day. Enver Hoxha's bunkers still protect the entrance to a crack that climbs with fabulous views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m) to the top of the mountain. Shepherds come from as far as Konispol, the southernmost point of Albania, to these summer pastures. It isn't uncommon for flocks to travel two weeks to reach the fertile meadows. The alpine valley is bare of trees and flanked by steep slopes, the Dhembel Pass (1450 m) sits at its end and offers views of the Eastern Mountains, across into Greece, and to the city of Permet far below. The long rocky descent requires attention and leads into Leuse, another stone village with an imposing, fresco-covered church - perhaps the most beautiful in Southern Albania. From here it's only a short walk to the centrally located hotel. After a long day, you can put up the tired leg and look forward to the city’s cuisine, wines, and raki.
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Accommodation: Permet: hotel (B/LP/-)
Day 6
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Sightseeing. The Scenery The scenery alone is worth the 45-minute drive to today's trailhead. Below, the turquoise waters of Vjosa have dug deep into the rock, and above the river towers the rugged Mt. Nemercka (2.485 m). From afar, the sheer, 650 m high wall of Southern Albania's second highest summit looks impressive, but only a walk along water channels towards the Sopot Waterfall at the wall's base reveals its full extent. Returning from the hike, another unique nature gem at the nearby entrance of the Langarica Canyon waits to surprise. The warm thermal pools of Benje are said to have a healing effect on many ailments. They are a welcome treatment after the last days of hiking. Soak and relax in their sulfuric waters or explore the river canyon on foot. From here it takes a good 90 min to transfer to Gjirokaster, where you will stay at one of the vernacular mansions of Ottoman architecture in the old town. Start exploring the streets of the "City of Stone'' and absorb the atmosphere in one of the many small cafes, tomorrow there's time for more.
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Accommodation: Gjirokaster: hotel (B/-/-)
Day 7
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City/Town Tour. The History behind Gjirokaster The town is not only known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions but also as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania's most influential, Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare: His book Chronicles in Stone is a must-read. Protected by the status of "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns and is inscribed in UNESCO's world heritage list. After visiting the castle that towers over the old town, you can join your guide for a short hike through the upper quarters or explore the maze of narrow, cobbled streets on your own. There's no lunch today and we encourage you to take a picnic for a walk or pick a little tavern in the old town.
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Private but scenic transfer Later the group gathers for the 3.5-hour drive to Tirana, the modern capital that wants to be everything but Albanian. Here you visit Skanderbeg Square and the trendy "Blloku" district, where the city comes to life at night. Not ready to head back to Tirana? We're happy to arrange your transfer for an extended stay at the Albanian Riviera, too.
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Accommodation
Day 8
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Leisure. Espresso Maybe? Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow, and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5-minute walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square".
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Thank you for visiting! Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 40-minute transfer to the airport. Thank you for joining our adventure, we hope to see you again in the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains, and sun-kissed beaches. Not ready to leave yet? Ask us what more to do in the mountains, exploring the cultural highlights of Albania’s historic cities or a laid-back beach extension - there’s always more to explore in the **Balkans!**
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
English-speaking guide(s) Transfers: As foreseen by the itinerary, including airport transfer Luggage transport: 1/pers max 15 kg, duffels/rucksacks, no suit/flight cases Other: entrance fees
Not Included
Tips & Gratuity Pick up from Podgorica airport is available on request for an additional cost of €80
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear for hiking and cold conditions Camera and bag for essentials during the trip
Meeting & Pickup
Welcome to the Balkans! Zbulo staff meets you in town or at Tirana Airport (TIA)
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
Single-room supplement - 85.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 18 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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