Get ready to conquer Albania and Corfu on your terms with this whirlwind adventure. Try out some new flavours at a cooking class in Tirana and climb a castle in Kruje. Explore the historic "Town of a Thousand Windows" in Berat and drive along the stunning Albanian Riviera on the way to Greece. Immerse yourself in traditionanl Albanian life in the mountains on a hike to a shepherd outpost and chill out on the beach in Corfu. Breathe in that fresh mountain air, take it all in, and embrace the fact that life doesn’t get much better than this.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Foodie Moment: Tirana Cooking Class, Tirana
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Big Night Out Moment: Corfu. Orientation walk of Tirana. Explore Kruje on foot. Walking tour of Berat including the castle. Visit the coastal wetlands of the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Walking tour of Himarë. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Sample local cuisine with a cooking class in Tirana, Explore Krujë and climb up to the top of the old town's castle, Be Immersed in the local culture with a hike to a shepherd outpost, Check out Himarë and Corfu with free time to personalize your adventure or relax
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private bus, public bus, walking, ferry.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (5 nts, twin share), hostel (1 nt. multi share with 4-5 people).
Itinerary
Tirana
Arrive at any time, and welcome to Albania's capital! After a welcome briefing, in the evening head out with your CEO on a brief orientation walk to get to know Tirana a little better. Walk through Skanderbeg Square and see the Et'hem Bey Mosque, famous for the clock tower that is the symbol of the city. Enjoy an optional dinner out and take the rest of the evening to relax with new friends.
Tirana
There is no better way to get to know a country than to dive head first into their cuisine. Connect with your fellow travellers and learn about the local specialties with an immersive cooking class this morning, ending with a well-deserved and delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day for yourself to explore the city or explore museums, like Bunk'Art 1 or 2 which are located in underground nuclear bunkers. Tirana is known for it's colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet era architecture. Skanderbeg Square acts as the city's focal point, surrounded by pastel buildings. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.
Tirana/Berat
Head from Tirana to Berat today with a stop in Kruje along the way. Stretch your legs with a walk around town, one of the most historically significant villages in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this little village is steeped in history and is the epicentre of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Explore the small centre, roam around one of the country's oldest bazaars, and climb to the Krujë Castle. Upon arrival in Berat, head out with your CEO on a walking tour of the city and the Berat Castle, then enjoy the rest of the evening free. Berat is known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows", due to the large windows found on old, decorated houses overlooking the town.
Berat/Himarë
Transfer to Himarë today with a stop at the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Check out the natural beauty of the wetlands and coastal lagoons and see an old Byzantine monastery before continuing the drive to the beautiful beach town of Himarë. After settling into the hotel, set off on a walk with your CEO to explore the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening. The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian times, these ancient structures are revered as vital historical landmarks. The old town surrounds the castle and the Spilea coastal area serving as both a tourist hub and an economic centre.
Himarë
Experience authentic Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Himarë. The rest of the day is free to explore more of the town or just relax on the beach.
Himarë/Corfu
Head down the coast to the town of Sarandë to catch the ferry to Greece, and the island of Corfu. Transfer to the hostel and settle in with time to relax before heading out in the evening for an optional farewell dinner and a Big Night Out at a couple of bars with your new friends on this Greek Island paradise.
Corfu
Depart at any time. Make sure to say goodbye to your new friends and snap any final photos before heading out.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
