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Rinas · Durrës · Albania
8 Day Self-Guided Hidden Valley Trek with Transfers and Accommodation
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From $1,178.27 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Europe’s last wild river, Vjosa, winds its way across southern Albania. This journey sees one of the most impressive mountain-framed valleys one of its branches, the Zagoria River, has formed. Trek from doorstep to doorstep through remote, idyllic villages where time stands still. Panoramas of flower-covered meadows circled by snow-capped peaks unfold in spring, the sweet harvest time awaits in autumn. Follow in the footsteps of caravan travel, cross historical Ottoman stone bridges, visit the well-preserved orthodox churches, and marvel at medieval frescoes. Bathe in a waterfall and the healing waters of thermal pools. Your hosts welcome you in their simple homestays, where you enjoy a fine raki, fresh produce from the garden, and warm, homemade meals at the end of each day. Experience the history and tradition that comes to life inside the finest mansions of the City of Stone Gjirokastra and conclude the journey in the dynamic capital city of Tirana. 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. For treks in mountainous and alpine terrain fitness is important and previous trekking experience is recommended. It is not vital as long you are confident of your physical condition and sure-footedness. Prepare to endure poor weather and navigate rocky undefined routes, remoteness can also play a part. Walking days are usually between 5 and 8 hours, although they can be longer to cross passes or peaks (mostly optional). Daily ascents will likely be around 900m to 1.000m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 1.100m to 1.300m. 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
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Tirana
Welcome to the Balkans! Welcome to the Balkans! Zbulo staff meets you in town or at Tirana Airport (TIA) to hand over materials (road book, maps, GPS & SIM card), walk you through the trip, and answer all your questions. 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
Rinas
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Time to begind the Trekk 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
Rinas
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. 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 at Albanian Alps. 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
Rinas
Hiking at Albanian Alps. 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
Rinas
Sightseeing at Albanian Alps. 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
Rinas
Local Flavor. The History behind Gjirokaster Famed for its intricate Ottoman mansions, it's also known as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania's Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare. Protected by the status of "Museum Town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns and is today inscribed in the World Heritage List. Get lost in a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, visit the ethnographic museum in Hoxha’s birth house, and climb to the towering castle above. Inside the walls, oddities like an American “spy plane” sit on display, the city museum enlightens with unique insights and the views from the iconic clock tower over the Drino Valley remind us of the trekking days. One can easily spend more days walking through the neighborhoods or visiting nearby sites. Butrint, the Blue Eye (a karst spring), and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera are also less than an hour's driving from here.
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Private but scenic transfer A private transfer or public transport takes you to the centrally located hotel in Tirana (up to 4 h), the modern capital that wants to be everything but Albanian. Visit the Skanderbeg Square and the trendy "Blloku" district to watch the city come to life at night.
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Accommodation
Day 8
Rinas
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.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Materials for a self-guided trip GPS Cell Phone Transfers: As foreseen by the itinerary, including airport transfer Luggage transport: 1/pers max 15 kg, duffels/rucksacks, no suit/flight cases
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) We pick-up guests from Tirana airport or city according to their arrival details / preferred timing.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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