What To Expect
Day 1: TIRANA AIRPORT – SHKODRA
Meet the local host at the airport and depart north to Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Visit Rozafa Fortress, located on the southern shore of Lake Shkodra. Originally founded by the Illyrians, it was later rebuilt by the Venetians and the Ottomans. The fortress is named after a woman named Rozafa, who, according to legend, was walled in as a sacrifice to the gods to ensure the stability of the structure. As the story goes, Rozafa requested that openings be left in the walls so she could continue to nurse her child.
Note: The fortress is located on a hilltop and can be reached on foot in about 15–20 minutes. The path is uphill; paid shuttles are available on-site for approximately €2.
Visit the Permanent Marubi Photography Exhibition, a stunning collection of vintage photographs taken by the Marubi dynasty, Albania’s first significant photographers. The collection showcases fascinating portraits and depictions of places and events, providing rare documentation of past lifestyles and a compelling series of historic images.
Lunch and a stroll through the pedestrian area of the recently restored historic center, featuring buildings with Italian architectural influence. Visit the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, also known as the Cathedral of Shkodra, and the Venice Art Mask Factory, which produces the famous Venetian masks.
Free time and preparation for dinner.
Day 2: SHKODRA – KOMAN LAKE – VALBONA NATIONAL PARK
Early wake-up for a boat excursion described in travel guides as one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world. Drive for about two hours to the Koman ferry terminal and board the ferry to Valbona National Park.
For about two hours, the ferry glides over mirror-like water between steep mountain cliffs, narrow rock formations, and waterfalls. After capturing the final photos along the lake, we disembark in Valbona National Park for an optional lunch.
Check-in at the hotel before taking an afternoon walk in the park.
Valbona Valley National Park is located in the Albanian Alps in northern Albania. Covering a total area of 80 km², the park encompasses the Valbona River and its surroundings, featuring mountainous terrain, alpine landscapes, glacial springs, deep depressions, various rock formations, waterfalls, and a dense forest of coniferous and deciduous trees. The park is known for its remote, untouched ecosystem, often referred to as the “Miracle of the Albanian Alps.”
Preparation for dinner.
Day 3: VALBONA – PRIZREN (KOSOVO) – KRUJA – DURRËS
Breakfast and departure from the hotel.
Drive from Valbona National Park to Kruja, passing through breathtaking mountain views, beautiful rivers, and Fierza Lake. This artificial lake, surrounded by hills and mountains, is often shrouded in mist, contrasting beautifully with the greenery along its edges.
This region of Albania feels entirely different from the rest—wild, untouched, remote. Along the way, we pass villages and clusters of red-roofed houses that seem frozen in time. Some homes are perched on narrow ledges in the steep mountains, with no visible roads leading to them, making one wonder how the inhabitants live and whether they experience a unique sense of peace in such isolation.
Continue to Prizren, Kosovo, for a visit to this charming town and its historic center.
Proceed to Kruja, Albania. Optional lunch en route.
Upon arrival in Kruja, begin a walking tour of one of Albania’s most historic cities. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, followed by a stroll through the Ottoman Bazaar, where wooden shops display various gifts and antique household items.
Day 4: DURRËS – BERAT – GJIROKASTËR
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Durrës, home to Albania’s largest port.
Durrës has long been a cultural hub, known as a classic seaside resort and an important city with Illyrian, Hellenic, and Roman influences.
Visit:
Durrës Castle & Venetian Tower
Fatih Mosque
Roman Amphitheater
Drive to Berat (approx. 2h30).
Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will ascend to the fortress, built on a rocky hill. Walking along its cobbled streets and old facades, you will feel as if you have stepped into a scene from a bygone era.
Visit:
Onufri Museum, dedicated to the renowned 16th-century Albanian painter, known for his bold colors and distinctive red hue, “Onufri’s Red.”
Stop at a local home where,in september, according to tradition, the hosts join the production of their homemade raki (local grappa) orlocal sweets .
Fruit Selection and Preparation
The process begins with the selection of ripe, high-quality fruits. Grapes are the most common, but plums, apricots, figs, or even mulberries can be used depending on the region. The fruits are washed, destemmed (if needed), and crushed to create a pulp.
Fermentation
The crushed fruit is placed in large barrels or vats and left to ferment naturally for 2 to 4
weeks. During this time, the natural sugars in the fruit are converted into alcohol by wild or added yeasts. The mixture is stirred regularly to ensure an even fermentation.
Distillation
Once fermentation is complete, the fermented mash is transferred into a traditional copper still. The still is heated slowly, and the alcohol evaporates and then condenses into a separate container.
The first portion, known as the “head,” is discarded because it contains harmful methanol. The “heart” is the drinkable part and has the best aroma and flavor. The “tail” (last part of distillation) is also often separated because of lower alcohol content and heavier compounds.
Second Distillation
Some producers distill the raki a second time for a purer and smoother spirit
Flavoring
In some traditions, sweet raki is infused with herbs, honey, or aromatic plants, especially if it’s meant to be served as a dessert liqueur. However, most classic raki is clear and unflavored.
Aging
While most raki is consumed unaged, some versions are aged in oak barrels to develop richer flavors and a golden color.
Bottling and Serving
The finished raki is bottled and can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. It’s often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif and served with dried fruits, nuts, or local sweets.
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Day 5: GJIROKASTRA / SARANDA
Breakfast at the hotel. On the way to Saranda, stop to visit the natural site of the Blue Eye. Continue to Butrint, mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid. The city, located opposite the Greek island of Corfu, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It preserves Greek ruins, imposing Roman monuments, an early Christian church, and a fortress. Lunch. Free time. Dinner and overnight stay
Day 6: SARANDA
Breakfast at the hotel. A day dedicated to a boat trip from 10.. AM to 5 PM along the coast to enjoy the pristine sea and secluded coves inaccessible by land.
Day 7: SARANDA / TIRANA
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue to Tirana, following the stunning coastal road that winds through the mountains overlooking the Ionian Sea. Arrival in Tirana. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay
Day 8: DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. End of our services.
