Empty Nesters

For full details AND also to sign up, please click here to see the event listed on our London group: https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310144254/

**TRIP FULL** We've now added our Albania kayaking date for 2027: [https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/314674209](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/314674209) If it's this year you're keen on, our next overseas trip with spaces is in September: [https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312165967](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312165967) Swap Croatia’s crowds for **Albania’s wild Riviera** on a long weekend of sea kayaking, coastal hiking and beach time. Paddle to **sea caves and hidden coves**, glide along clear Ionian waters, and land on **Gjipe Bay’s canyon-backed beach** – one of the coast’s most dramatic spots. Hike the **White Trail** to remote **San Andreas Bay** for a swim in Ionian-blue water. Evenings are for sundowners and seafood in lively **Dhërmi** with it's beach bars, and the trip finishes with a night in **Tirana** to explore its cafés, squares and nightlife before flying home. 📏 **Key Info** • 🌙 **Nights:** 3 (Fri–Mon) • 💷 **Cost:** £427 • 🥾 **Difficulty:** **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** 3–4 hrs hiking • 🛶 **Activities:** Sea kayaking, coastal hiking • 🛌 **Room Type:** Hotels - Twin ensuite • 🚐 **Transport:** Private minibus + speedboat transfer • 🍽️ **Meals Included:** All Breakfasts + 2 picnic lunches • ✈️ **Start & End City:** Tirana • 🚐 **Airport Transfer:** Group transfer included for suggested flights 🌟 **Trip** **Highlights** • Stay on the **Albanian Riviera** **coast** at *Sofo Hotel*, Dhërmi **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbb9nD3BNTZZL4hLA))** • **Kayak along the coast** to hidden bays and **Gjipe Canyon** and swim in dazzling blue waters • Hike the **White Trail** from Palasë River Delta to **San Andreas Bay** with panoramic sea and cliff views • Enjoy a **private speedboat ride** back along the coast after the hike • Spend a night in central **Tirana**, staying at *Vila e Arte Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yD295wAzmCYXXdXA))**, a great central base to explore the capital • **Private minibus transport** for our group throughout the trip • Small group – **limited to 18**, with an **English-speaking local Albanian guide** • Option to try extra watersports: **SUP, windsurfing, waterskiing** (subject to conditions & availability) 🌅 **Trip Description** Nestled between the **turquoise waters of Italy and northern Greece**, and sharing the same dramatic coastline as Croatia, Albania remains **one of Europe’s last undiscovered gems** – think Croatia many years ago. With **pebble and sandy Mediterranean beaches**, **rugged mountains**, sea cliffs and **hidden caves**, it offers a remarkably diverse and tranquil natural escape. On this trip you don’t need to choose between a mountain adventure or a beach holiday – **this coastline gives you both**. We kayak beneath **towering coastal peaks** through **crystal-clear waters** to the **stunning Gjipe Bay canyon**, and we also enjoy a **scenic coastal hike along the White Trail**. There’s a balance of structured activity and free time. Relax under the **Albanian sun**, try watersports, or explore at your own pace. In the evenings, the beach bars, restaurants and music give the area a **fun holiday atmosphere**. 🛏️ **Accommodation & Transport** • **Dhërmi (2 nights)** – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at *Sofo Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbb9nD3BNTZZL4hLA))**, located near the beach • **Tirana (1 night)** – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at *Vila e Arte Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yD295wAzmCYXXdXA))**, a central base for exploring the capital • **Transport**: Private group minibus: Tirana Airport → Dhërmi → Tirana Private speedboat transfer back along the coast after the San Andreas hike 📅 **Itinerary** **Friday – Arrival & Transfer to the Coast** Arrive at Tirana Airport and transfer by private minibus several hours to the Dhërmi coastline, where we check into our hotel and enjoy our first evening on the coast. The beach here is famous for its crystal-clear waters and blue sea, with bars and restaurants right by the water, perfect for a first swim and sunset drink. **Saturday – Sea Kayaking to Gjipe Bay & Beach Time** We set off by kayak along the coast to one of the most beautiful spots on the Albanian Riviera – **Gjipe Bay and its canyon**. Here (tide and sea conditions permitting) we may explore the **Pirates’ Cave** from the inside, a cave once used as shelter by pirates. The Gjipe Canyon gives off a hint of a mini Grand Canyon with its steep red walls dropping dramatically to the beach. **Afternoon (optional activities):** We return to the main beach in Dhërmi where you can choose from: • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)\* • Windsurfing\* • Water-skiing\* • Or simply relax on the beach with a swim or a drink \*All extra activities are optional, paid locally and are subject to sea conditions and availability. Evening free for dinner at local restaurants and to enjoy the lively beach bars if you wish. **Sunday – Coastal Hike & Tirana** Hike: Palasë’s River Delta – Bay of San Andreas • Distance: 9km (6 miles) • Grading: **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** • Ascent: 240m • Hiking time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours This morning we start from the delta of **Palasë Beach**, where white pebbles meet turquoise sea – a classic postcard scene. From there we follow the **White Trail** along cliffs, woodland and open coastal paths, with the clear Ionian Sea visible for much of the route. We reach beautiful **San Andreas Bay**, where we have time to enjoy the beach and swim before being collected by a **private speedboat** for the ride back along the coast – a spectacular finale to the hike. In the late afternoon/early evening, we transfer by minibus to Tirana and check into our hotel. Our guide departs here, marking the end of the guided portion of the trip. The evening is then yours to explore the capital and its nightlife at your own pace. **Monday – Tirana & Departure** After breakfast in Tirana you’re welcome to: • Head to the airport (bus or taxi options available), or • Extend your stay in Tirana to explore its museums, cafés and streets. 🍽️ **Food** The local cuisine is Mediterranean with strong **Italian, Greek and Turkish influences**. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and local dishes feature heavily. **Dietary requirements:** • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food can be catered for • Some requirements (e.g. **nut-free**) **cannot** be catered for • We **must** be aware of all dietary needs **before booking** – please email us first to confirm if your requirements can be accommodated: **info@outdooraholics.co.uk** Breakfast is provided each day, and 2 picnic lunches are included (Saturday & Sunday). Dinners are taken at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose what you’d like to eat and how much you spend. 💷 **Cost & Booking** • **£427** **How to book:** • Click **“Attend”** and pay a **£100 deposit** by PayPal to secure your space • Remainder due **within 7 days** by bank transfer - we'll email details • Payment details are emailed **1 week before** the balance deadline **Payment terms:** • Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable • When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see **[FAQ](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)** for details) ✅ **Price Includes** • 2 nights’ accommodation in twin en-suite hotel rooms in Dhërmi • 1 night accommodation in twin en-suite hotel rooms in Tirana • Breakfast daily • 2 picnic lunches • Boat ride from San Andreas Bay • Kayaking: instruction, kayak & kit hire • Private minibus throughout • Complimentary fixed time airport transfer • Local English speaking guide • Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations, including financial protection ❌ **Price Excludes** • Flights, dinners • Local airport bus on the last day (approx £4) ✈️ **Flights, Start & End Times** All times below are **local Albanian time**. **Arrival – Friday (Tirana Airport → Dhërmi)** For anyone arriving on one of the **suggested flights** below or already at the airport – we offer a **complimentary group transfer** to the coast, departing **12:10pm** from Tirana Airport. We will wait up to 3 hours for delays on the listed flights below only. **Inbound flights – 05.06.2026** • **Wizz Air** flight: **W95002** 05:00 from **London Luton (LTN)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **09:05** • **Ryanair** flight: **FR8101** 07:10 from **London Stansted (STN)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **11:05** • **British Airways** flight: **BA380** 07:30 from **London Heathrow (LHR)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **11:35** If you arrive later or on a different flight, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation on the coast. Flights are not part of the package. You are responsible for reaching the meeting point, even if your flight is delayed or changed. Please ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption. **Return – Monday** The trip ends after breakfast in Tirana, you may: • Take the bus or a taxi to Tirana Airport • Stay longer in Tirana 🛡️ **Insurance & Entry Requirements** It is **essential** that you have **travel insurance** which covers: • Emergency medical treatment • Kayaking (Level 1) and hiking • Cancellation and curtailment • Travel disruption (e.g. if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to delayed or cancelled flights) You will be required to provide a copy of your insurance policy. Without valid insurance, we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case. Outdooraholics cannot verify what any policy covers – you must confirm this directly with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy details is not confirmation that it is valid or adequate. **Entry requirements:** • Valid travel documents for Albania, including a passport and visa if required • Albania is **not** in the EU – please check entry rules for your nationality ❓ **Want to Know More?** • 🔍 [New to Our Overseas Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_overseas_trips.pdf) – Perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect” • 🏢 [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) – Who Outdooraholics are, credibility & history • ❓ [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) – Answers to the most common queries 🔗 **Explore More & Stay Connected** [Foreign trips list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and kayak instructor. Outdoor activities carry risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothing. See: **[Clothing tips](https://www.londonhiking.co.uk/Equipment.pdf)**. **📄 [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditions.pdf)** By signing up or attending you agree to these © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

Ladies, join us for a fun Women’s Night Out at VASO Rooftop! Come enjoy rooftop views, delicious food, cocktails, live music, and great conversation in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, unwind after a long week, or simply enjoy a night out, this is the perfect opportunity to relax and connect with other amazing women. Dress cute, bring your positive energy, and get ready for a fun evening of laughter, music, and rooftop vibes overlooking Dublin! Please RSVP early so we can plan seating accordingly. Looking forward to a great night out together!

Join us for a relaxing brunch at Shawnee Station Tap Room Kitchen! Come enjoy great food, good conversation, and a chance to connect with new friends in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re new to the group or a familiar face, we’d love to have you there! Grab your favorite brunch drink, meet amazing people, and spend a laid-back morning together. Please RSVP so we can plan seating accordingly. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

**On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! (ps - empty the glasses into the sink, not the trash ... please) **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*