Hiking and kayaking in the Ionian Coast

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hiking and kayaking in the ionian coast

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Price From

910€

Category

Multi Active

Destinations

Llogara, Ionian Coast

Difficulty

Duration

5 Days

Group Size

5 – 8

Trip Code

CST03

Why join this tour?

Small group hiking tour – industry-leading guest-to-guide ratio of not more than 8:1
Hike in Llogara National Park – one of the most amazing places of Albania
Enjoy the hiking to Thanasi Peak and the amazing views over the Ionian Coast up to Italy
Jump on a Kayak for a memorable paddling tour to Pirate’s Cave
Enjoy the easy hike to Ngjipe Canyon and bathe in the crystal-clear sea at the Bay
Enjoy the scenic drive along the Ionian Coast and the visit of traditional villages along it

The right tour for you?

This journey starts in the afternoon on the arrival day. If you arrive in the evening of this day, it is impossible to participate in activities scheduled for day one.
This is a multiactivity tour. We have combined a soft hike in Llogara National Park with a kayak tour along the Albanian Riviera. Good physical condition is required, but previous alpine experience or proficiency in kayaking are not needed.
We kindly ask you to read our daily trip descriptions which give detailed information about: terrain, technical difficulty, estimated walking times, ascent/descent in meters.
Please read the packing list carefully and bring all essential items with you especially the right walking shoes.
Being prepared to cope with the weather conditions is an important factor to consider before you travel. Be prepared for all elements – rain, wind, heat and cold.
Most of the time there is no shade so remember to bring a hat and sun protection. The temperatures may be very high during the Summer and don’t forget to have always plenty of water with you.
Please bring a day pack/bag to carry clothing, water, packed meals, a camera etc. for the day trips.
We are strongly committed towards responsible and sustainable travel. We please you to follow our guidelines regarding sustainability.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving to Tirana

Welcome to Tirana. Your hotel is located in the downtown. There are plenty of attractions, cafes and bars to keep you busy. Founded in 1614, Tirana became the capital of Albania in 1920 and is the main cultural and industrial center of Albania. The city boulevards are marked with fascinating relics of the Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
If you arrive early, you can even take the cable car to the Dajti Mountain for panoramic views over the city.
In the evening, you can have a drink at one of the numerous cafes or trendy bars of the “Blloku” district. The most animated quarter of the city lies at the place where before the democratic changes it was not allowed for the public to enter as it was inhabited only by the higher leadership.
The price includes:
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 2: Hiking in Llogara, the evergreen National Park: T2, 4h, ↑650m, ↓450m, 11km

The day starts with the drive towards Llogara National Park. It is one of the most beautiful places in Albania with woods, beautiful valleys, countless natural resources, as well as numerous species of plants, animals and birds. Today, we will hike to the Thanasi Peak. The trail runs through a dense forest toward Qafa e Thellë, until we reach the pass that separates the national parks of Llogara and Karaburun. From there, the ascend to the peak follows the ridgeline. The views from there are magnificent, and, if we are lucky, we can even catch a glimpse of the Italian coastline, less than 90km away. We will descend to the Llogara Pass, and board the vehicle for the transfer to the hotel in Llogara, where the accommodation is planned.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Llogara
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 3: Kayaking along the Ionian coast to the Pirates Cave: 2h, 4km

After breakfast, we will start the activity of the day. We will kayak on the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Our destination is the Pirate’s cave. It is more than 30m long, 8m wide and 10-12m high. A stone block pillar divides the entry into two parts. You will have the possibility to enter, and admire the cave from the inside.
Then, we will kayak back to Dhërmi, where lunch is planned.
In the afternoon you will have free time to enjoy the sea and the sun on your own.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Dhërmi
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 4: Hiking to Ngjipe Beach: T2, 3h, 6km, ↑350m, ↓300m

After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the hike to Ngjipe. We will follow a well-prepared trail to descend to the beach. Some small stops are planned at panoramic spots along the way.
The canyon of Ngjipe is situated along the lower parts of Ngjipe stream, between Vuno and Ilias. It is formed by water erosion, is more than 2km long and 100m deep. Walking along its length is a unique experience. The landscape is attractive, the beach is clean and the water clear.
After some time to enjoy the sea and the sun on the beach, the hike continues on a steep trail up to the village called Vuno. There, the vehicle will be waiting to start the drive to Tirana where the farewell dinner and accommodation are planned. After dinner you can have a drink in one of the nice bars in “Blloku” quarter, the most animated quarter of the capital.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Farewell Dinner in a traditional restaurant in Tirana
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Albania.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Useful information

Performance level:

Our daily trip descriptions give detailed information about: terrain, technical difficulty, estimated walking times, ascent/descent in meters. We kindly ask you to read these very carefully and consider them while choosing your trip.

The given technical difficulty for each daily trip specifies in any case the maximum difficulty in the course of the corresponding trip. That does not necessarily mean that the whole day trip is technically that difficult.

Abbreviations:

↑ = Ascent in meters

↓ = Descent in meters

Walking time:

Estimated walking times are given for each day. These times do vary, however, according to the day’s weather conditions, and the fitness levels of the tour participants. These times do not include times taken for meals and breaks.

Accommodation:

During the entirety of this tour, you will be accommodated in carefully selected hotels.

The accommodation will be provided on a twin-share basis. The hotel rooms all have a private bathroom with a shower/bath and toilet. In rare occasions, the accommodation in hotels will be provided in triple rooms.

In all cases, we pair up solo travelers with other travelers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

Solo travelers:

The tour is suitable for solo travelers.

Luggage transportation:

We take care of the luggage transportation between the accommodations.

Transfers:

All transfers described in the itinerary are included in the price and will be organized by us.

Extensions:

If you wish to extend your journey by a few days, we are at your disposal to further organize your tour according to your wishes. All related services and costs are not included in the tour price and as such will be additionally calculated.

If you wish to start or end your tour from/to a different location, we can pick you up or drop you off against additional charge, enabling your participation in the travel.

Sustainability:

We are strongly committed towards responsible and sustainable travel.

We please our guests to follow our guidelines regarding sustainability:

• Respect the local people, their culture and environment.
• Support locally owned businesses, restaurants and other services: Eat local food and drink local brands and brews.
• Shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products. Favor local products over imported items. This helps in keeping traditional crafts alive. Even a small amount could be extremely important to local producers.
• Always ask first before photographing or videoing people. Send them back copies of photos to help make it a two-way exchange.
• We strongly recommend bringing reusable water bottles. In places where tap water is potable, this eliminates the usage of single-use plastic bottles entirely.
• Bring a water filter. This way you can drink tap water even in places where it is otherwise unsafe to do so.
• Bring a reusable straw in case you use them regularly.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Our staff and guides are trained and able to advise you in detail about our approach towards sustainability.

Inclusions

Included in the price:
• All trips according to the program schedule
• Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• 2 nights’ accommodation in 4 Star hotels
• 2 nights’ accommodation in 3 Star hotels
• Meals according to the program schedule
• Water during the meals and for the activities
• Entries and visits listed in the program
• Luggage transport between the accommodations
• Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide during the entire journey

Not included in the price:
• Transfer from and to the airport
• Any type of insurance
• Any beverages
• Other services not mentioned in the included section above or in the itinerary

Equipment list

Essential Personal Equipment:
• Daypack
• Rain cover for daypack
• Hiking boots
• Hiking trousers
• Sweater/Jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• T-shirts/shirts
• Spare socks
• Reusable water bottles (at least 1 liter in total)
• Comfortable shoes for traveling and sightseeing
• Bathing Suit
• Beach Towel
• Beach Slippers
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Blister bandages
• Any prescription medication you might need
• Personal Luggage
• Passport or ID

Recommended Equipment:
• Water filter or alternative water purification system
• Reusable straw
• Hydration system
• Slippers
• Personal first aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Trekking Poles