living albania: hospitality and local life experiences

Price From

1025€

Duration

6 Days

Category

Experiences

Difficulty

T2

Support Level

Guided Private Tour

Destinations

Southeastern Albania

Start/Finish

Tirana

Why join this tour?

  • Undertake a transformative journey through local encounters and ancient traditions
  • Enjoy fresh shepherd-made cheese and yogurt, partake in a traditional farm-to-table lunch, and learn the secrets behind authentic Albanian recipes.
  • Walk through the Zagori region and along ancient pastoral trails, discovering breathtaking vistas and unspoiled landscapes.
  • Participate in time-honored traditions like preparing coffee on a rock and delve into the stories of Albania’s historic towns and landmarks.

The right tour for you?

  • Every step of your journey is led by one of our highly experienced guides.
  • This journey includes some easy hikes that don’t require previous hiking experience. However, we recommend you bring suitable hiking shoes for you to enjoy the experiences to the fullest.
  • On days 2 and 5 there is a fair amount of driving involved. We have planned them well, with many stops along the way, the vehicles are modern and air-conditioned. Please make sure you are comfortable spending up to 4 hours in the vehicle.
Day 1: Begin Your Adventure in Tirana

Let a private transfer whisk you to your hotel, where you can comfortably relax and ease into your trip after your flight.
Your centrally located hotel places you in the heart of Tirana, a city rich in history and culture. With roots dating back to 1614, the capital offers visitors a chance to explore Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences along its streets and boulevards.
Early arrivals can escape to the Dajti Mountain for serene views over the city. In the evening, relax in the “Blloku” district, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this transformed neighbourhood, now teeming with modern bars and cafes.

The price includes:
  • Transfer from the TIA Airport to Tirana
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 2: From Shepherd Traditions to Stunning Mountain Views

Hiking: T2, 3h, ↑300m, ↓300m, 3km

After breakfast, we will depart from Tirana and head toward the stunning Zagori region near Gjirokastra. It is renowned across Albania for its rich pastoral heritage and exceptional cheese production, where centuries-old traditions of shepherding are still preserved. The journey ascends to the field of Çajup, nestled at 1,200 meters in the heart of the Çajup Mountains. Here, a local shepherd will welcome you and share the traditions of pastoral life, including the ancient art of turning milk into cheese and yogurt. Enjoy a shepherd’s lunch featuring these fresh, handmade products. Later, we will embark on a hike to the mountain ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Drino Valley. Transfer to Gjirokastra for dinner and an overnight stay.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Gjirokastër
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 3: Coffee, Castles, and the Charm of Gjirokastra

Begin your day in Gjirokastra, where you’ll learn the art of preparing coffee on a rock—a tradition passed down through generations. Take part in roasting, grinding, and brewing, then enjoy the coffee accompanied with local jam and raki. We will continue our exploration with a visit to Gjirokastra’s castle and its History Museum, followed by a tour of a beautifully preserved museum house that reflects the town’s rich history and urban civilisation. The afternoon is free for you to stroll the busy city streets and bazaar.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Coffee Experience in Gjirokastra
  • Entry tickets to the Gjirokastra Castle
  • Entry tickets to the Gjirokastra Castle Museum
  • Entry tickets to the Skënduli House in Gjirokastra
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Gjirokastër
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 4: From Labova’s Church to Libohova’s Table

Hiking: T2, 2h, ↑200m, ↓250m, 7km

The day starts with a transfer to Labova of the Cross, a village famed for its Byzantine church, an architectural masterpiece once believed to house a piece of the True Cross. After exploring its history and unique design, follows the hike on a clearly visible but unmarked path, which mostly traverses meadows, leading up to Libohovë. This route was once part of the old pastoral trails used by migrants traveling from Greece to the north. After the hike, we will head to a small farm for a traditional lunch, where you can savour the authentic flavours of dishes passed down through generations. You can also join the cooking process and learn the secrets behind these time-honored recipes. The day concludes with accommodation in Gjirokastër.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Entry tickets to the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Labovë e Kryqit
  • Cooking experience in Libohovë
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Gjirokastër
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 5: The Grey Past and Colourful Present: Back to Tirana

After breakfast, begins the journey back to Tirana, a city that has transformed remarkably over the last two decades. Once grey and subdued, Tirana is now lively, colourful, and full of character. Upon arrival, take some time to settle into your hotel and have lunch, before embarking on a guided tour of the city’s main attractions. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant, celebrating a transformative week full of experiences and new encounters.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 6: Leaving Albania with memories to cherish

Enjoy your final breakfast in Albania before heading to the airport for your departure, carrying cherished memories with you.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Transfer from Tirana to the TIA Airport
*Please see “Inclusions” section!
The price includes:
  • Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle according to the program schedule
  • TIA Airport transfers (Days 1 and 6)
  • Short local transfer (Day 4)
  • 5 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin-share basis
  • Entry tickets and visits listed in the program
  • Cooking experience in Libohovë (Day 4)
  • 5 x Breakfast
  • 3 x Lunch
  • 1 x Dinner
  • 1 x Farewell Dinner
  • Water during the meals listed under “The price includes”
  • Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide during the entire journey
 

The price does not include:

  • Transfers not listed under “The price includes”
  • Meals not listed under “The price includes”
  • Any beverages
  • Any type of insurance
  • Other services not listed under “The price includes”

Season:

01 April 2025 – 25 November 2025

Traveling with a group larger than four or seeking customized accommodations? Contact us here.

This is a private tour:
Everything is taken care of, so that you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.
We have very carefully designed this itinerary, to make it varied, yet relaxing. It is very well organised while remaining flexible. We have combined cultural highlights with culinary experiences and local life experiences, to enable you to enjoy the best that Albania has to offer.
Your expert guide will be at your disposal to assist you with any requests you might have.
 

Performance level:

This tour offers a combination of hiking activities with the cultural discovery of the places you will visit. A certain level of fitness is required for the activities.
 

Meals:

We have chosen quality traditional restaurants in beautiful locations and local homes embodying authentic atmospheres, all designed to make you feel welcome. You will taste something new every day, whether homemade raki, pastries, freshly baked bread, tasty vegetable, and cheese dishes.
 

You can find more detailed information by clicking here.

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