ALBANIA & KOSOVO – THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

14.55: Arrival at Tirana International Airport 16.00 – 17.30: Bus Transfer to Hotel in Shkodra (85km / 1hr & 30min); 17.30 – 18.00: Check-in hotel and prepare for Shkodra Walking Tour; 18.00 – 19.00: Shkodra Old Town walking tour (if an earlier arrival at Tirana International Airport, then instead of Shkodra Old Town Walking tour proceed with the visit of Rozafa Fortress); In the evening, we enjoy the Balkans, get to know each other and discuss the trip with our mountain hiking guide. Dinner at Restaurant Tradita Geg & Tosk Overnight in Shkodra

Across Komani Lake to Valbona Valley Early in the morning we leave the Shkodra and drive to the small harbor of Koman village. There we board a ferry that takes us across picturesque Lake Koman (around 2,5 hours). Time to put your feet up, relax and enjoy the view of this fjord-like landscape on the outer edge of the Albanian Alps. In Fierza we board our bus and drive to our guest house in Valbona Valley. In the late afternoon we will have a leisure hike towards “Rragam ” village lying in the western end of the valley. Breakfast in the hotel followed by early departure to Koman Lake; 08.30 – 11.00: Bus Transfer to Koman lake (Ferry boat station); on the way to ferry station a 30- 45min stop to have a short walk along the wild valley of Drin River; 12.00 – 14.30: Ferry boat transfer to Fierza; 14.30 – 16.00: Bus Transfer to Valbona; 16.00 – 16.30: Guest house check-in and prepare for the first hiking session; 16.30 – 18.00: Hiking (easy hiking) in the valley of Valbona: Hiking trail: Guest House in Valbona – Llomi – Guest House Trail type: one way; overall length = 6km, duration 1hr & 30min; elevation 1200m; minimum elevation 950m; 250m ↓↑ Dinner at Restaurant Guest House Margjekaj Overnight in Valbona

Authenticity in an Albanian shepherd’s hut – Raki & Turkish Coffee Hiking Trail: Guest House – Kukaj – Stanet e Rames (Mali Rosit) – Kukaj – Musli Syla Bridge / School Trail type: Loop; overall length = 14km, duration 6hr & 30min; maximum elevation 1650m; minimum elevation 950m; 700m ↓↑ 08.00 – 16.00: Hiking to Stanet e Rames (1650m above the sea level); Our bus brings us to the main street in the valley and from here we continue with our walk towards Kukaj (1200m); we walk on the river bed (normally there is no water on this stretch) and as we cross the river into the path to Kukaj a gradual ascent begins. From Kukaj, we see the summit of Rosi Mount and begin a steady 2,5-hour climbing to Stanet e Rames (a rustic shepherds’ hut), leading through shady forests, across meadows, and rocky mule tracks rugged karst terrain. Once we reach Stanet e Rames, we are rewarded with an imposing view over the Valbona valley and its mountains. After a break in the meadow of Stanet e Rames we continue with the descent on the same path as we ascended. After lunch break in Kukaj (or picnic) we take the path to the village school where we will take bus. Extra hiking option: Not enough hiking? Then skip the break at Stanet e Rames and keep on walking to Rosi Mount Pass (2100 m Elevation); once you’re there a spectacular view opens in front of you. From here you can see the border pyramid. Time to start descending and meet the group on its downhill hike (time duration: 45min) Dinner at Restaurant Guest House Margjekaj Overnight in Valbona

Monastery Visoki Decan and Cultural heritage in Prizren and climbing up to Prizren Fortress In the morning, we leave Valbona and travel to Kosovo. Our cultural highlight is the Visoki Decani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a guided tour reveals its seven-century-old church and thousand preserved frescoes. Next, we visit Velika Hoca, a Serbian enclave surrounded by vineyards, and enjoy a wine tasting. After lunch, we head to Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural capital, and first check into our hotel. Ottoman architecture, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque with the tallest minaret in the Balkans, defines the cityscape. A climb to the fortress offers stunning views of the Old Town and Metohija Valley. Over dinner, we reflect on our Valbona trekking days and toast to the adventures ahead. 07.00 – 08.00 Breakfast in the Guest house 08.30 – 11.00: Bus Transfer to Visoki Decan Monastery (50km / 1hr); 11.00 – 11.30: Visit Visoki Monastery; 11.30 – 12.30: Transfer to Velika Hoca vineyards; 12.30 – 14.00: Visit a winery followed by wine tasting 14.00 – 14.45: Bus Transfer to Prizren (30km / 45min) 15.30 – 16.30: Walking Tour of Prizren; 16.30 – 18.15: Hiking session – Prizren Fortress & Marashi Forest Path (5km / 1hr 45min); Hiking Trail: Prizren Fortress (acropolis elevation 555m) & Marashi Forest Trail Summary: loop, overall length = 5,6km, duration 1hr & 45min; maximum elevation 555m; minimum elevation 420m; ↑215m & ↓110, difficulty level: moderate; trail rank 4; Hiking Route: Sinan Pascha Mosque – Prizren Fortress (600m / 30min) – Natura Bar Restaurant (2,6km / 45min) – Stone Bridge / Hotel in Old Town Prizren (1,7km / 30min) 19.30 – 22.00: Dinner at a restaurant in town (special local food); Dinner at Restaurant Marashi in Prizren Overnight in Prizren

08.30 – 12.30: Bus Transfer to Kruja 12.30 – 14.00: Kruja Old Town Walking Tour; 14.00 – 15.00: Check-in the hotel and free time in Kruja bazaar; 15.00 – 18.30: Hike in Kruja Mountain; 19.30 – 21.30: Dinner at Panorama Restaurant Overnight in Kruja

The white mountains of Gjirokastra The journey to Gjirokastra takes us to the hometown of dictator Enver Hoxha. Here we follow in the footsteps of the writer Ismail Kadare (reading recommendation: Chronicle in Stone) and gain insight into one of the city’s characteristic defiant mansions from the Ottoman era. In the afternoon we will walk to the Fortress and enjoy the fantastic panorama over Drino’s Valley. Later we will continue with an easy hike session to Ali Pasha Bridge and enjoy the unique view of the “Mali i Gjere” landscape. We spend the night in the old town and enjoy local specialties at dinner. 08.00 – 12.30: Bus Transfer to Gjirokastra; 12.30 – 14.00: Lunch break in the old bazaar and hotel check-in; Kruja Mountain Hiking Trail This trail offers an enriching blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and moderate physical activity, making it a memorable experience for hikers. Trail Summary: loop, overall length = 6km, duration 3hrs & 30min; maximum elevation 1115m; minimum elevation 600m; 515m ↓↑, difficulty level: moderate; Kruja – Caravan Path “Rruga e Malit” – “Sari Salltik” Meadow – Hiking Path “Rruga e Malit” (across summit plain) – Southern edge of Summit Plain – “Sari Salltik” Meadow – Paved Road “Rruga e Malit” – Kruja (walking 6km / 3hrs & 30min) Key Highlights • “Sari Salltik” Bektashi Temple: A spiritual site and symbol of the area. • Kruja Peak: Stunning views of the Kruja Plain and Adriatic Sea. • Unique Tabletop Summit: The flat summit offers panoramic vistas and a sense of tranquility. Schedule of the Activity 15:00 – 16:30 • Walk to the trailhead at “Rruga e Malit” and ascend to the summit. • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kruja Plain and the Adriatic Sea.

Discover the wonders of the Albanian Riviera and Butrint Visit Nature protected area of Blue Eye and explore the natural wonder Bistrica River Spring. Visit a small farm in Mursi Village and have lunch at the farm restaurant (local fresh food from the family). Later explore the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar site, steeped in history and cultural significance. This day perfectly blends outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation, highlighting the beauty and charm of one of Albania’s most captivating regions. ” After breakfast, check out, and drive to Blue Eye where you will experience the magnetic charm of Syri Kaltert, the Bistrica River Spring. 08.30 – 09.30: Bus Transfer to Syri Kaltert Protected Area (35km / 1hr); 09.30 – 11.00: Visit Blue Eye Protected Area We arrive at Syri Kaltert bus parking place, where we start our leisure hiking to the spring of the Blue Eye (walk 2km / 30min); at around 11.00 we are sitting back in our bus to continue with the next program point. 11.00 – 12.15: Bus Transfer to Mursi Village (45km / 1hr & 15min); 12.15 – 12.45: Visit the Todi Kote farm – a family run business with focus mandarin and fruit tree plantation. 12.45 – 14.15: Lunch at Todi Kote restaurant; here you will taste local products of the restaurant farm. 14.15 – 15.00: Bus Transfer to cable ferry station (8km / 15min); at cable ferry station guests will take the ferry whereas the bus will continue over the national road to get to Butrint Bus Parking, licated at the other bank of Butrint – Vivari water channel. 15.15 – 17.15: Explore Butrint – the ancient city which existed from the Bronze Age up until the 19th century.

Today we will explore the rest of Albanian Riviera. We travel with the bus to Llogara Pass – the Pass to Paradise and from here we continue with our hiking session (6hrs in total). Later we travel with our bus to Vlora. In Vlora we will explore the old town with its museum street “Muradie” , the Flag Square with its Monument of Independence and the Lungomare. 08.00 – 10.30: Bus Transfer to Llogara Pass (1030m elevation) (85km / 2hrs & 30min); The Panorama Restaurant at the pass will serve as the base for today’s hiking adventure. 10.30 – 16.30: Hiking session – Hiking Trail: Llogara Pass to Maja e Qorres Hiking Trail: Llogara Pass to Maja e Qorres Trail Summary: Route – out and back, overall length = 8,9km, duration 6hrs; maximum elevation 2018m; minimum elevation 1029m; 989m ↓↑, difficulty level: moderate to hard; Llogara Pass – Maja e Qorres Trailhead – “Qorre” Pass – Maja e Qorres – Llogara Pass (walking 8,9km / 5hrs) The first kilometer of the trail is through a dense forest until you reach the ridge. Then, you will follow the ridge which leads you to another forest. You continue ascending in the right side until you will reach the Qorre Pass, which has an altitude around 1850 m/alt. From there you can enjoy the magical view of the Çika peak and the Ionian Sea. After ascending to the Qorre Pass, you need to climb the last stretch to reach the peak. The views are stunning. Lunch break will be short and in the form of a light picnic. 16.45 – 18.00: We board the bus to travel to Vlora, Albania’s vibrant coastal city (40km / 1hr & 15min); 18.00 – 19.00: Hotel check-in and prepare for the dinner. 19.00 – 21.00: Farewell Dinner at e fish restaurant offering typical local dishes; 21.00 – 22.

Departure day Bus Transfer to International Airport of Tirana End of service • Bus at Disposal throughout the Tour • English Speaking guide who will escort the group Throughout the Tour Evening Schedule: Discovering Vlora Explore Key Sites in Vlora: 1. Old Town and Museum Street “Muradie”: o A walk through history along streets filled with charming architecture and cultural landmarks. 2. Flag Square and the Monument of Independence: o This central square commemorates Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912. 3. Lungomare Promenade: o A scenic stroll along the modern seaside boulevard, featuring cafes, restaurants, and views of the Adriatic coastline • 8 Nights’ Accommodation as per below: o 1 Overnight at Tradita Geg & Tosk HotelV – Shkoder on HB basis or similar same standard and category o 2 Overnights at Margjeka Hotel Valbona on HB basis or similar same standard and category o 1 Overnight at Centrum hotel – Prizren on BB basis or similar same standard and category o Panorama or Dior Hotel – Kruje on BB basis or similar same standard and category o 1 Overnight at Cajupi Hotel Gjirokaster on BB Basis or similar same standard and category o 1 Overnight at Brilant Hotel – Saranda on BB Basis or similar same standard and category o 1 Overnight at Palace or Valza Hotel – Vlore on BB Basis or similar same standard and category • Accommodation Tax • Restaurants as follows: o 8 Dinners in Hotel or Local Restaurants Entrances as per below: • Decan monastery • Gjirokaster Castle and Ethnographic Museum • Blue Eye Saranda • BUTRINT Ferry: • koman Lake