Hiking In South Albania – In The Footseps Of Cezar & Lord Byron

Itinerary

Day 1: Walks in Llogara National Park

Stop At: Vlore, Vlore, Vlore County
Leaving Tirana behind we will head toward the south of Albania, where Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. On the way to Vlora,
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Zvernec, Zvernec, Vlore, Vlore County
the next stop will be the Zverneci Monastery, This Byzantine Style Monastery is located on an island and surrounded by salty water by Narta Lagoon. To reach the monastery, you follow the charming bridge that, stretching over the water, connect the island with the land.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Llogara National Park, Llogara National Park, Vlore County
In addition, driving through Vlora we will reach the Natural Park of LLogara.

Hiking experience in the park of LLogara.
Hike information:
Gradient: 600m ; – 600m
Distance: 13 km
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner: Mountain restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight: 3-star hotel in Llogara National Park


Day 2: In the footsteps of Julius Caesar. Hiking from Llogara to Palasa

Stop At: Llogara National Park, Llogara National Park, Vlore County
Leaving the Llogara we will hike down toward the sea, following an ancient trail named after the glorious Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar. The same trail was used by Cesar when he organized an unexpected attack on his opponent in taking Okikum from him. On the way down, we will still see some ruins of the trail that was used during the Roman Era.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Ali Pasha Castle, Sh8 Porto Palermo, Porto Palermo Beach, Vlore Albania
Chilling time at the Ali Pasha castle on the Porto Palermo. The splendid bay of Palermo served as an important submarine base during the regime days. The semi-abandoned base, its tunnel, and structures are still visible and driving along the Albanian coastline.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Night spend in authentic Albanian Village.

Day 3: Exploring the Albanian Riviera and Archaeological Park of Butrint

Stop At: Saranda, Saranda, Vlore County
The tour of south Albania continues by driving deeper to the Albanian Riviera. Passing by the “City of forty saints” or Saranda as it is called today we will reach the UNESCO World Heritage site
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Butrint National Park, SH81, Butrint Albania
Archeologic Park of Butrint. The site itself has remarkable historical values how the city has developed in time starting as a Greek Colony, turned out to be a very developed Roman City. It is the time when we also have most of the archeologic evidence.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant and relaxing time before the classic stroll in the Saranda’s boulevard.
Fish cuisine dinner.
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: : 3-star hotel in Saranda

Day 4: In the footsteps of Lord Byron - Hiking on the Highlands of Gjirokastra

Stop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
Leaving Saranda we change the scenery and head toward the highlands of Gjirokastra. This moderate hiking starts from the Libohova toward the “Labova e Kryqit”. The same trail was also part of a Comercial Roman Road that connected the South of Albania with Grece. The same was also used by Lord Byron in his famous journey from Tepelena to Greece.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Labove e Siperme, Labove e Siperme, Gjirokaster County
Reaching Labova and visit of its church, which is known as one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the entire Balkans. In addition, Visits in local families to get introduced better to the local lifestyle and tradition. Lunch and ride to Gjirokastra.
Duration: 3 minutes

Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town, Gjirokaster Albania
City tour of Gjirokastra
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner: Dinner at a traditional restaurant in the city.
Accommodation included: : 3 Star Hotel in Gjirokaster

Day 5: Hiking in South Albania - Antigonea

Stop At: Antigonea Archaeological Park, Gjirokaster Albania
Following the Byron itinerary, this time our hike will pass by the ruins of Antigonea, founded by the legendary Pyro of Epirus in the 3rd Century BC
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mount Lunxhëri, Albania
We then continue hiking, following the elevated line of villages at the slopes of Lunxheria Mountains, before returning to Gjirokastra in the afternoon. In addition exploration of the city of GJirokastra and overnight in the city.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner: Traditional Restaurant Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: 3 Star Hotel in Gjirokaster

Day 6: Gjirokastra - Berat - Durres - Tirana

Stop At: Berat, Berat, Berat County
We are leaving the city of Gjirokastra behind and drive towards another UNESCO site, the City of Berat. With more than 20 centuries of history, Berat is a mosaic city of different cultures and influences. It is a city of multi-cultures. Local ancient civilizations of 6th Century BC are fused with Roman culture, the medieval period, Eastern Ottoman influence and communist changes. Berat is also characterized by a wealthy traditional culture, heritage, and religious harmony. It is a city with amazing culinary and wine.
City tour of Berat walking in its cobblestone paths visiting the Castle of Berat, Onufri Museum and the church of Saint Mary.
In addition, strolling into Mangelem and Gorica, 2 of th
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Durres, Durres, Durres County
The tour will be concluded with a brief visit to the coastal city of Durres that in centuries has been a very important point of Albanian history, culture, and art. Short visit in Durres or free time for refreshment in the sea.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.