The Llogara National Park and the Ionian Coast

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the llogara national park and the ionian coast

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Price From

1934€

Category

Hiking

Destinations

Llogara, Ionian Coast

Difficulty

Duration

8 Days

Group Size

4 – 6

Trip Code

CST01G

Why join this tour?

Small group hiking tour – industry-leading guest-to-guide ratio of not more than 6:1
Hike along the Caesar’s path in Llogara National Park
Dare to ascent Mount Qorre and be amazed from the view of wild mountains and paradise beaches stretching along the coast
Hike to the pristine Grama Bay
Admire one of the richest “rocky diaries” in the Mediterranean in Grama Bay
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
Visit Tirana – The vibrant capital city of Albania

The right tour for you?

This is a hiking tour, so moderate level of fitness is required. 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.
This tour includes alpine crossings, which you have to perform in order to continue with the program. There is no access to transport.
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.
On day 4, accommodation is provided in tents in the Grama Bay. This is a very exciting part of the tour, but remember that no facilities are available.
Packed meals are provided where it is impossible to have a meal at a restaurant.
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 National Park: T2, 1h, ↑75m, ↓175m, 3km

After breakfast starts the journey towards Llogara National Park.
It is one of the most beautiful sites in Albania with a total area of 1020 hectares, covered in everlasting green. In the inner part of the forest there are beautiful lawns, countless natural resources and numerous animal and bird species.
The hike of this afternoon follows Caesar’s path. In 48BC, during the war with Pompeus, Caesar’s army anchored in Palasa, and from there followed this path to travel to Orikum and defeat Pompeus.
Accommodation will be provided in a hotel in the park.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Llogara
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 3: Hiking to the Qorre Summit: T3, 7h, ↑1000m, ↓1000m, 9km

Today’s destination is the Qorre Summit, which rises at an altitude of 2018 meters and is the second highest peak of the Ceraunian Mountains. On the southeast, Mount Çikë goes sharp into the sea: a difference of 2000 meters in less than 5 kilometers. Especially on its upper part, there are very steep mountain slopes. The trail to the top is very visible, but steep and we’ll have to walk on scree. At the top you will be rewarded with a magnificent view: wild mountains and paradise beaches stretching along the coast. After a short photo break, the descent begins. As we approach the park, the path becomes less difficult and goes through pine trees. The return to the hotel is planned for afternoon.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch
• Dinner
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Llogara
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 4: Hiking to the idyllic Grama Bay: T3, 9h, ↑600m, ↓1450m, 15km

After breakfast starts the hike to the Grama Bay, following a trail that begins from the hotel. We will walk 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 hike continues on a partially visible trail until we reach the Grama Bay – an untouched beach in a special atmosphere, where you can enjoy the nature or bathe in the crystal-clear sea. Ships and vessels used to anchor there since antiquity. The coastal shoreline along the Bay area has cultural heritage sites of significant value: sculptured frescoes from early Christian period, inscriptions from Hellenistic period. The area can be considered as one of the richest “rocky diaries” in the Mediterranean”.
Accommodation is provided in tents.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch
• Packed Dinner
• Accommodation in Tents
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 5: Hiking along the Ionian Coast: T2, 7h, ↑550m, ↓550m, 13km

Today’s trail goes parallel to the sea and the scenery is very beautiful. It is not very steep and, in some cases, flat. The first stop is at St. Andre Bay, located about 5km away from Grama. Totally isolated from the rest of the world, the bay has kept its natural beauty intact. After a short break to bathe, we will continue walking toward Palasë, again following the trail parallel to the sea. The delta on the beach of Palasë is a particular geographical phenomenon, because it looks always white due to the presence of limestone. It consists of sediments of solid material brought in from the stream of Palasë. It has the shape of a large cone and is called the stream of “white roads”. In Palasa, the vehicle will be waiting to transport us to the hotel in Dhërmi, where accommodation is planned.
The price includes:
• Packed Breakfast
• Packed Lunch
• Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel in Dhërmi
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

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

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 back to the vehicle, from where we will drive to the same hotel in Dhërmi.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel in Dhërmi
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 7: Return to Tirana and free time to enjoy the capital

After breakfast, we will begin the return trip to Tirana.
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.
Tirana has changed incredibly in the last twenty years, from the dull, grey city it once was. Tirana is a city where fun is guaranteed: lively, loud, crazy, colourful, simply fascinating.
In Tirana, you will have some free time for lunch, after which a guided tour of the city is planned.
In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant near the Hotel. Accommodation is provided in Tirana.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Farewell Dinner in a traditional restaurant in Tirana
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Day 8: 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.

This tour includes alpine crossings (Days 4 and 5), which you have to perform in order to continue with the program.

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 this tour you will be accommodated in a carefully selected:

• Hotels on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 on a twin-share basis
• Tents on day 4

The accommodation in hotels 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.

The accommodation in tents will be provided on a twin-share basis. For your comfort, we use three person tents for two travelers. Please note that no bathrooms or shower facilities are available in the tents or camp sites.

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.

Hiking on days 4 and 5 will be accompanied by pack animals that will carry the luggage. Therefore, it is important to pack your belongings in duffle bags and not in suitcases. The maximum weight of the luggage must not exceed 15kg per person. You will only carry your personal daypack.

Camping equipment:

The tents for this tour will be provided by AFA. However, due to hygiene reasons, AFA cannot provide sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Therefore, you will have to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

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.

Health and Safety:
We are committed to ensuring your safety and well-being during your travels. Here’s a summary of some important health and safety aspects for your upcoming visit to Albania:
• Travel Safety: (USA, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.) Many governments provide travel advice for Albania, which includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences. Please visit your government foreign office for advice for more information.
• Water Quality: Please note that tap water in many parts of Albania may not be safe to drink due to aging infrastructure. We recommend opting for bottled water.
• Food Safety: While enjoying the local cuisine during your free meals, we advise you to follow standard food safety guidelines. This includes ensuring your food is thoroughly cooked and consuming only pasteurized dairy products.
• Illegal drugs: Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe. Possession of illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. The penalty for supplying drugs is up to 15 years in prison. Cannabis possession and consumption is not legal, and the same penalties as for all other drugs apply.
• Climate: Please be aware that Albania has a mediterranean climate. It can get very hot in the summers, and rain showers can be intense. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.
Please note that this is a general overview, and the specific health and safety issues can vary depending on the exact location within Albania and the activities undertaken. We always recommend checking the latest updates before travelling to Albania.

Inclusions

Included in the price:
• All trips according to the program schedule
• Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• 4 nights’ accommodation in 4 Star hotels
• 2 nights’ accommodation in 3 Star hotels
• 1 nights’ accommodation in tents
• Meals according to the program schedule
• Water during the meals and for the hikes
• Entries and visits listed in the program
• Luggage transport between the accommodations and by pack animals up to 15kg per person on days 4 and 5
• 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 Equipment:
• Daypack
• Rain cover for daypack
• Hiking boots (category B/C)
• Hiking trousers
• Sweater/Jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• T-shirts/shirts
• Spare socks
• Reusable water bottles (at least 2 liters in total)
• Comfortable shoes for traveling and sightseeing
• Head lamp
• Bathing Suit
• Beach Towel
• Beach Slippers
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Blister bandages
• Any prescription medication you might need
• Duffle bag for personal luggage
• Passport or ID
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag (3 season)
• Reusable camping flatware and plate
• Toiletry
• Wipes
• Towel

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