Trip to Shkodër, Albania

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel. After you have settled in, you will proceed to your city tour. The best way to get an overview of Shkodër is to take a walking tour of the city’s historical center. Starting at the main gate of the castle, you will walk down cobblestone streets and visit several of Shkodër’s most important landmarks. These include the Ebu Beker Mosque, the Cathedral of Shkodër, and the Franciscan Church. During the tour, your guide will provide you with a brief history of the city and point out some of its unique features.

Day 2: Biking Tour around Shkodër

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the countryside around Shkodër on a bike tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the starting point of the tour. You will ride through picturesque villages, past vineyards and olive groves, and along the shores of the beautiful Lake Skadar. Along the way, you will stop at several historic sites, including an old Ottoman fort and a 14th-century bridge. The biking tour is a great way to get up close and personal with Shkodër’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Day 3: Albanian Alps Day Hike

This is a highlight of the trip as you will be hiking in the Albanian Alps and appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Today you will take a day hike in the Albanian Alps, accompanied by a local guide. The trail will take you through dense forests, up steep mountain passes, and alongside ice-cold rivers. You will also get to visit several traditional mountain villages and meet the locals, who are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The hike is rated as moderate to strenuous, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Day 4: Beach Day in Velipojë

Today is a perfect day for you to relax and unwind on one of Albania’s most beautiful beaches at Velipojë, which is only an hour’s drive from Shkodër. With a long, wide sandy beach stretching for miles and the calm Mediterranean Sea, you will enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the beach. You can purchase fresh seafood from the numerous restaurants and enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch while you’re there.

Day 5: Rozafa Castle and Wine Tasting Tour

Today you will explore the ancient Roozafa castle which is an impressive fortress that dates back to the Illyrian period. Located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the surrounding Shkodër region, this castle is not to be missed. After visiting the castle, you will have an opportunity to taste some of the best Albanian wine in the nearby boutique winery. You will have the chance to explore the vineyards, learn about the wine production process, and sample several different varieties of wine, accompanied by traditional Albanian foods.

Day 6: Theth Village and Waterfall Tour

Today, you will take a tour to the traditional mountain village of Theth and experience the traditional way of living in the Albanian countryside. The tour will take you inside the heart of Albania’s Accursed Mountains to some of its most picturesque villages. You will visit several historic landmarks, like the Church of Theth, which dates back to the 18th century. One of the highlights of the trip is the visit to the beautiful Blue Eye Waterfall, one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Albania.

Day 7: Departure

Today you will check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight. You will leave with unforgettable memories of the beautiful country of Albania, full of traditional culture, history, and great food.