Women’s Adventure Trip to Albania

June 28-July 5, 2026

the best of ALBANIA!

Bar chart with five bars increasing in height, labeled with a difficulty level of 2 out of 5.

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.

Albania is the travel secret that can't stay secret much longer. Dramatic alpine peaks. Wild river canyons. Ottoman bazaars spilling onto cobblestone streets. Crystal-clear Ionian coast. UNESCO-protected ancient cities. And almost none of the crowds that have overrun the rest of Europe's Mediterranean destinations.

Women Who Explore's Albania trip packs the entire country's highlights into 8 extraordinary days: hiking the Albanian Alps, rafting the Vjosa River (one of Europe's last wild rivers), zip-lining over canyons, swimming in natural lagoons, soaking in hot springs, and eating and drinking far too well for the price.

Booking Deadline: March 28, 2026. All reservations much be secured by this date. After the deadline, availability cannot be guaranteed and pricing is subject to change. We strongly recommend finalizing your booking well in advance of the deadline to ensure your spot on this trip.

Trip Highlights:

8 days through Albania's most spectacular landscapes and historic towns

  • Hike the Albanian Alps (Accursed Mountains) in the Theth region

  • Raft the Vjosa River — one of Europe's last undammed wild rivers

  • Zip-line over Osumi Canyon for a bird's-eye view of Albania's dramatic terrain

  • Swim in natural lagoons and soak in thermal hot springs

  • Explore UNESCO-listed Berat and its extraordinary Ottoman castle town

  • Sample Albanian wines, raki, and fresh mountain cuisine throughout

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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.

    • Overnight in Shkoder.

    • 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 to 4 hours walking. Elevation is 200 meters up and 250 meters down on an upaved path.

    • Return to Shkoder and enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the hotel.

    • Overnight in Shkoder.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

    • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and check out today. A short hour driver brings us to our first adventure.

    • Today you’ll 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.

    • After enjoying local delights, a 1.5 hour drive will bring you to the village of Kruja. Here enjoy 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.

    • Overnight in Kruje.

    • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    • Enjoy breakfast before packing up and checking out.

    • Scenic a 4.5 hour drive to Gramsh with an opportunity to see Banja Lake and some fantastic scenery. We will make stops to enjoy the views, a coffee and picnic lunch along the way.

    • The drive continues along the panoramic road of Maglice passing Bardhes waterfall and Lake Moglica. 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.

    • Enjoy the later afternoon to explore the city's local bazaar or lively pedestrian area before enjoying dinner at a typical local restaurant.

    • Overnight in Korçë.

    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    • Enjoy breakfast, pack up and check out. Today our adventure brings us to Permet.

    • First stop is the village of Benje to enjoy its 18th century bridge and take a dip in the natural hot springs. After a little time to soak, it’s off to the next stop is Permet.

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

    • After checking into the hotel, it is adventure time!! Get geared 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.

    • Overnight in Permet.

    • 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 mix of Ottoman influence and local features. Here 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 in a castle with a local family this evening.

    • Overnight in Berat.

    • 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, take the cable car up for a view of the city or relax at the hotel.

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

    • Overnight 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

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QUESTIONS: PLEASE REACH OUT TO INFO@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

  • $3,895 USD double occupancy.

    $4,595 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.

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

    • Hot springs soak and explore the old bridge in 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 and cooking class.

    • 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.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. 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.