Local discoveries in EASTERN Albania
Still today, the main road to the east follows the ancient Roman Via Egnatia, the Shkumbin valley upwards. The road passes by the city of Elbasan, as the gateway to the Albanian hinterland. The valleys of Eastern Albania are in about 600 to 900 m altitude, surrounded by high mountains. Particularly breathtaking here is the region of lake Ohrid and lake Prespa, which are among the oldest lakes on our planet and are under special protection. The largest center is the stylish city of Korca, in secret the cultural capital of Albania, once competing with the Aromunian city of Voskopoja. A large fertile high plain stretches to the border with Greece. With landscapes no less spectacular and even more remote you will find the northeast, the cross-border National Park of Shebenik-Jablanica, and the Korab Sharr Mountains (2.764m) watching over the towns of Peshkopi and Kukes. In Eastern Albania we start our local discovery tours by default from the cities Peshkopi, Elbasan, Pogradec and Korca.
.
PESHKOPI: To the Summit of Mt. Korab (2.764m)
Duration: 2 days
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: mountain hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. Mai to September
Mt. Korab is the highest peak of Albania and at the same time of North Macedonia. Along the summit also runs the eastern border of Albania. From the Albanian side you climb the mountain from the village of Radomire; the long, exhausting climb requires an overnight stay in Radomire before it starts early the next morning. The ascent requires good hiking experience in the high mountains, and corresponding sure-footedness and condition. You will reach your destination with the help of your local mountain guide, who also takes care of a picnic on the road. Including transfers from/ to Peshkopi; overnight stay with half board in Radomire; local mountain guide & picnic on the way. Before and after the hiking tour, we are also pleased to take care of your overnight stays in Peshkopi.
PESHKOPI: Ridgeway hike in the Korab mountains
Duration: 2 days
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: mountain hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. Mai to September
This 2-day overnight hike will take you along the eastern border of Albania, from the village of Popinare over the top of Mt. Velivari (2,300m) to the village of Rabdisht. The best way to start and finish the program in the small town Peshkopi. The mountain hike requires good hiking experience in the high mountains, and corresponding sure-footedness and condition. You will reach your destination with the help of your local mountain guide, who also takes care of the accommodation and meals on the way. Including transfers from/ to Peshkopi; local mountain guide & 2x picnic on the way; overnight with basic meals in a simple mountain hut. Before and after the hiking tour, we are also pleased to take care of your overnight stays in Peshkopi.
POGRADEC: Day trip to the Royal Tombs of Selca
Duration: 1 day
Profile: culture/ leisure
Activities: sightseeing
Travel period: ca. Mai to October
The surroundings of Lake Ohrid have been inhabited for thousands of years and are rich in ancient cultures. Among the highlights are the Royal Tombs of Selca, now inconspicuously located in the landscape. These Illyrian burial chambers are carved in stone from the 4th to 3rd century BC. Another highlight is the fishermen village of Lin, where you can find remains of a late antique basilica (with mosaic), as well as a good restaurant for a tasty lunch. Including transport, tour guide, traditional lunch menu, entrance fees.
POGRADEC: By bike around the Ohrid lake
Duration: 1 day
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: cycling, sightseeing
Travel period: ca. Mai to October
On this day trip around lake Ohrid, the lake is always in view. By bike along the coastal road we come through hills and villages, and visit cultural highlights, including in Kalishta (monastery), Struga, in Ohrid city and Sveti Naum. Maybe the ideal starters tour to experience the multifaceted aspects of the lake Ohrid region in one day. Those who do not manage the full 100 km by bike can change to the support vehicle. Bikes and equipment are provided, a local support team with tour guide takes cares of the successful organization and authentic experiences.
POGRADEC: To the summit of the "Dry Mountain" (2.288m)
Duration: 1 day
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. Mai to October
On this challenging day hike there are some 1.500 height meters to climb, with a total walking time of about 8-9h. You will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Prespa-Ohrid lake region. The ascent of the "dry mountain" (Mali i Thate) requires hiking experience in the high mountains, and corresponding sure-footedness and athletic condition. You will reach your destination with the help of our local mountain guide who also takes care of a picnic on the road. Including transfers from/ to Pogradec to the starting point and back; local mountain guide & picnic on the way. Before and after the hiking tour, we are also pleased to organise your overnight stays in Pogradec.
POGRADEC: By mountain bike from lake Ohrid to lake Prespa
Duration: 2 days
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: mountain biking
Travel period: ca. Mai to October
Between lake Ohrid and lake Prespa there is a mountain pass (an ascent of 700 meters in altitude!) offering incomparable landscapes and views. The route passes through the Galicica National Park (North Macedonia) and the Prespa National Park (Albania), and is divided into two stages. Overnight stay with half board in a simple accommodation on lake Prespa. Precondition is a good physical fitness; because of the height differences, this tour can only be mastered by sporty cyclists. If you reach your limits, you can also change to the support vehicle. Bikes and equipment are provided, a local support team with tour guide takes cares of the successful organization and authentic experiences.
KORCA: Hiking and culture around Korca - Voskopoja
Duration: 1 day
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. April to October
Voskopoja was founded around the same time as the present-day regional center of Korca. The once wealthy Aromunian city of traders and nomad cattle breeders shrunk to a small village embedded into a green and hilly environment. At over 1,200m altitude Voskopoja invites you to enjoyable hiking. During a guided soft hike of about 4h you will also get an impression of the former richness of this place, by the testimony of scattered, once magnificent church buildings and their ornate frescoes. Lunch is available as a picnic on the way. Including transfers to/ from Korca, tour guide, lunch picnic, entrance fees.
KORCA: Hiking in Prespa National Park
Duration: 1 day
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. April to October
The Prespa National Park (Albania) is a jewel of nature and seclusion, but also a special culture space: a Slavic minority has kept its language and traditions on the Albanian side of the lake. The hilly surroundings on the banks of the large Prespa lake offer numerous hiking possibilities. Together with a local hiking guide we choose for you the daily program according to your own requirements. In the afternoon you can do a little boat trip (optional) to the islet Maligrad. Including transfers to/ from Korca, local hiking guide, lunch (depending on the day program as picnic or menu in a country inn).
KORCA: Stay at Sotira farm (riding / hiking)
Duration: 2 days
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: horseback riding, hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. May to October
The “Farma Sotira” is located far away from major city centers, in wild mountain scenery. It takes about 2 hours drive from Korca. Already on arrival opens up the small natural paradise of Toni & Nida, who have built their own farm, with horse riding, and trout farming with restaurant attached. Experience Albanian hospitality on this excursion, and inhale the healthy mountain air during two horse rides, each of 2-3 hours, in the vast surroundings. Including transport from/ to Korca; overnight in a simple wooden house; 2x horse rides, full board from noon day1 to noon day2. Your stay is extensively extendable, for example to hike, study medicinal herbs, or just to relax in this calm and remote area.
