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!

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.

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ITINERARY

    • After you arrive at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport , your local driver will be
      waiting to transport you to the group hotel. The transfer can take 1-2 hours depending
      on your arrival time.

    • For those already in the city, we’ll meet in the afternoon (time TBC) for a walk across
      central Sukhbatar Square before heading to the Tumen Ekh Cultural Show.

    • Welcome dinner

    • Meals: Dinner

    • Often overlooked in favour of the more famous southern Gobi, Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a
      striking la      ndscape defined by dramatic granite formations — its name translates as “Small
      Land Rocks.” Scattered elm-lined riverbeds, fed by underground springs, thread through
      the area. These water sources have long sustained both wildlife and Mongolia’s herding
      communities, and they lend the region a quiet vitality.

    • A highlight of your visit will be Chuluun Sum, the “Rock Temple.” Although the temple was
      destroy      ed during the political purges of the 1930s, the site remains a peaceful and
      evocative place to explore. We’ll plan a 2–3 hour walk here, allowing you to experience both
      the area’s natural beauty and its Buddhist heritage.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch ad dinner

    • Having explored Baga Gazriin Chuluu in the morning, you’ll transfer to Erdenedalai after lunch. This name means “Jewel of the Ocean” which will seem odd until you see the sweeping views and the ‘ocean’ of rolling landscapes that surround it.

    • On arrival, you’ll stay with the Nergui herding family, whose home lies around 14 km from
      Erdenedalai’s centre. The focus here is on family life, sharing dinner, conversation, and the
      simple rhythm of daily routines in this immense landscape.

    • By now, you’ll probably be ready for a shower! We will stop by the public shower house in Erdenedalai.

    • During your visit to the public shower
      house, you might also stop by Dambadarjaalin Khiid (also known as Gimpil Darjaalan Khiid) — a functioning monastery with deep historical and cultural roots.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Leave the Middle Gobi behind as you journey to the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. The small yet crucial Tarna River also flows through the reserve, serving as a vital water source for local herders.

    • Since today is a travel day, we keep the plan flexible upon arrival, adapting to your arrival time.

    • On arrival, we will settle in to our accommodation.

    • While dinner is being prepared, we encourage you to make the most of your surroundings and explore the area!

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • We will wake up to a breakfast cooked by our guides. After this, there are a few options for various adventures depending on your interests!

    • The sand dunes are an easy walk from our accommodation. You can take a leisurely walk or enjoy a camel ride. You can opt for a 2 hour or half day excursion.

    • You can explore the sacred granite mountain including Erdene Khambiin Khid, a small temple, nestled within the Khögno Khan mountains.

    • We can do the the Övgön Khiid Walk! This can be a 45 minute walk OR a longer 2-3 hour hike into the nearby mountains. Both of these require a guide to go along so we can arrange this the night before as a group.

    • You can also choose to spend time with your hosts in their home and take part in an
      informal cookery lesson, gaining insight into traditional Mongolian cuisine.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • 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.