Albania

June 28-July 5, 2026

the best of ALBANIA!

This adventure is rated 2 out of 5 difficulty level. Moderate level activities (i.e. short to medium hikes up to 5 miles, some elevation, intro to new skill/activity that is guided by 3rd party like mountain biking, climbing, rafting, etc.). Activities are included, but optional if outside of your comfort zone.

Experience the best of Albania in 8 unforgettable days! Hike the Albanian Alps, swim in natural lagoons, soak in hot springs, raft down the Vjosa River, and zip line over canyons. Explore ancient castles, Ottoman bazaars, and UNESCO towns, all while savoring local cuisine and wine.

This is Albania—a land of adventure that will leave you wanting to come back for more!


ITINERARY

    • Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA) and be greeted by your local guide. Two airport transfers will be provided today and times will be arranged to accommodate everyone’s travel schedule. Please arrive by 2 p.m. Private transfers can also be arrange for an additional cost.

    • After a two hour drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel to check in. If time permits, enjoy free time to visit the village of Shkoder.

    • Welcome dinner at Arti i Zanave, a restaurant run and owned by local women that supports women who have been victims of abuse.

    • Meals: Dinner

    • After breakfast it’s time a full day of adventures. Today is all about exploring Theth National Park, home to a variety of natural features including glaciers, waterfalls, valleys, forests, mountains, and unique rock formations, this is Albania’s largest national park.

    • Enjoy a two hour drive from Shkoder to the national park stopping along the way for photo ops of the stunning Albanian Alps.

    • Visit the Tower of Reconciliation and the iconic Thethi village church.

    • In the afternoon, take a short drive to Nderlysaj where the hike to Blue Eye Lagoon begins. This hike also visit the Grunas waterfall and the Thethi waterfall. In total this is hike is around 3.5 hours walking.

    • Return to Shkoder and enjoy dinner at the hotel at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

    • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

    • Learn how to cook authentic Albanian cuisine during this hands-on cooking class using local, organic ingredients with the renowned chef, Alfred Marku, owner of the Raposdia Restaurant.

    • Visit the village of Kruja for a guided tour exploring the old and new parts of the city including stops at the ethnographic museum and castle of Scanderbeg.

    • Wander through the Ottoman-style bazaar with time to shop.

    • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    • Enjoy breakfast before packing up and checking out.

    • Scenic a 4.5 hour drive to Gramsh to enjoy the natural wonders of the Dumrea Karst Lakes. Stop for a visit at Belsh Lake.

    • Visit Banja Lake and enjoy a picnic style lunch.

    • The drive continues along the panoramic road of Maglice. Today’s destination is Korçë, the largest city in SE Albania, located at the foot of Mount Moravia. Korçë was an important commercial and craft center in the 18th century and has also bee called the City of Museums.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast, pack up and check out. We are hitting the road today on our way to Permet.

    • First stop is the village of Benje to enjoy its 18th century bridge and take a dip in the hot springs.

    • Next stop is Permet, famous for its good good, sweets and good wine and raki. Here enjoy lunch at Restaurant Familiari.

    • Adventure time - get heard up for a 1.5 hour rafting adventure down the Vjosa River (one of Europe’s last free flowing rivers with Class II and II rapids).

    • Return back to the hotel in Permet where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

    • Dinner is at your leisure this evening.

    • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    • After breakfast, we are on the move again heading to Berat today. Today’s drive is approximately 3 hours.

    • Enjoy a stop at Cobo Winery for a local tasting along the way.

    • Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique mis of Ottoman influence and local features.

    • Visit Castle Hill and the Museum of Onufri Icons, located in the church of Santa Maria.

    • Free time to explore the city. Enjoy a traditional dinner back at the hotel at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast before packing up and checking out. Today we make our way back to Tirana.

    • Along the 2 hour drive, there will be an opportunity to try the longest zip line experience in the Balkans! This zip line is over 1250 meters long and soars above ancient terraces, olive trees and the glimmering Erzen River.

    • Arrive in Tirana, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch.

    • Walking tour of Tirana city visiting the remains of an ancient castle, the modern Pyramid of Tirana and Blloku district.

    • Enjoy free time to explore the Pazari i Ri bazaar or relax back at the hotel.

    • Farewell group dinner at Oda Restaurant, one of the most celebrated and authentic dining spots in Tirana.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack up and check out by 10 am. Say farewell to your new friends, we’re pretty sure you will have already planned your next adventure together by now!

    • Two group transfers will be provided to the airport today. The shuttle times will be determined based on guest’s departure times. Please plan to depart after 10 am or later to be include in the group transfers. Private transfers can be arranged upon request.

    • Meals: Breakfast

QUESTIONS: PLEASE REACH OUT TO INFO@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM

Ready to Book?

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  • $3,295 USD double occupancy.

    $3,895 USD single occupancy

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

  • • 8 days/7 nights in 4 star hotels (1 night in 3 star superior hotel in Permet).

    • Two group airport transfers to/from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to Shkoder on arrival day and the hotel in Tirana.

    • Local in country transportation in a private mini-bus with AC and a private driver for the duration of the trip.

    • Local English-speaking guide with the group for the duration of the tour except the for the departure day (7 days).

    • Explore Theth National Park visiting the Tower of Reconciliation and iconic Tethi village church.

    • Guided hike to Blue Eye Lagoon, Grunas Waterfall and Thethi Waterfall

    • Explore Kruja city visiting an Ottoman bazaar, Scanderbeg castle and ethnographic museum.

    • Cooking class at Rapsodia Restaurant with the renowned chef Alfred Marku.

    • Visit Lake Belsh and Banja Lake along the scenic drive to Gramsh.

    • Scenic drive along the panoramic road of Moglice passing the Bardhes waterfall and Lake Moglica.

    • Hot springs soak and explore the village of Benje.

    • Whitewater rafting adventure down the Vjosa River - Class II and III rapids.

    • Walking tour of Berat, UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting Castle Hill, Museum of Onufri Icons and church of Santa Maria.

    • Wine tasting at Cobo Winery.

    • Experience the longest zip line in the Balkans.

    • Walking Tour in Tirana visiting an ancient castles, Pyramid of Tirana, and Blloku district.

    • Meals as noted in itinerary - 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners. Includes dinner at Oda Restaurant,

    • Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group.

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions.

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

    • Small group; maximum of 15 women + your WWE trip host and local guide.

  • • International flights to the Tirana International Airport (TIA)

    • Tips and gratuity for guides, drivers, waiters, etc. (at the discretion of the client)

    • Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting locations. Two group transfers provided on arrival and departure days.

    Local transportation outside of times designated for excursions and tours.

    • Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks, and meals as noted.

    • Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary.

    • Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing .

    • Travelers insurance (proof of insurance required).

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • While meals are not provided on this trip, the house will remain stocked with basic food items for all guests to utilize. This will include (but not limited to) coffee, milk, cheese, bread, sandwich fixings, vegetables, snacks etc. Some dinner ingredients will be purchased and arranged for the group ahead of the trip such as pasta, rice, and soups. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.