JUNE 2 - 9 - HIGH GRAL HIKING TOUR, ALBANIA & GREECE

Embark on a journey on Europe’s brand new long distance transnational trail, connecting some of the most remote highlands of south-eastern Albania and north-western Greece, a little known but fascinating region. This is true "off the beaten path" travel!

Cost: EUR 990 (single supplement possible for 3 nights in Korça, Konitsa and Tirana, EUR 100 extra)
Nights: 7
Max group size: 9
Accommodation: mix of hotel/guesthouse/homestay

The High GrAl tour offers a spectacular adventure on 86 km of carefully selected off the beaten path trails, amidst beautiful, pristine nature.

Named after the abbreviation of both destination countries and a reference to the holy grail as a symbol of healing, High GrAl is a sustainable project that aims at supporting the local communities of both countries whilst healing the wounds of the past century’s wars and conflicts through friendly cooperation.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of Morava-Gramos mountain range of high peaks, vast pastures, endemic flora and impressive gorges. Experience the local traditions of the remote communities and enjoy the vivid life and history of the towns we will visit.

This trip will be delivered by our partner Menduh Zavalani from M'Albania, who has personally designed the High GrAl tour. He is one of Albania's best hiking guides and has guided our group in Albania last summer. We highly recommend joining him on this pioneering trip!
Cover photo courtesy of Kafetsis A. Fotis Photography ©

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Korça – the cultural capital of southern Albania
• Climb the borderline ridge of Gramos and its highest summit Çuka e Peçit/Τσούκα Πέτσικ (2523 m) with views on both countries
• Swim in Gistova, the highest glacial lake of Greece and Albania
• Visit Konitsa and cross the iconic stone bridge over Vjosa/Aoos river
• Visit beautiful Papingo village and enjoy the view of the magnificient Vikos gorge – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

ITINERARY

Sun 02/06 (-/-/D)

Pick up at Tirana International Airport and transfer to Korça, the city of serenades and cultural capital of south Albania.

Mon 03/06 (B/LP/D)

A short transfer will bring us to Mborje’s 14th century Holy Resurrection small church and after the visit, we will hike into the wilderness of Morava mountain range to Ziçisht. (17.9 km, 790m ascent, 825 m descent)

Tue 04/06 (B/LP/D)

Another hike into Morava’s heights will bring us into the mountain realm and then down to the stone-built houses of Dardhë – a charming little village surrounded by beech and pine covered peaks. (15 km, 780 m ascent, 430 m descent)

Wed 05/06 (B/LP/D)

Morning drive from Dardhë to Nikolicë, then a varied hike will lead us to Skorovot. Drive to Greece in the afternoon. (17.4 km, 730 m ascent, 720 m descent)

Thu 06/06 (B/LP/D)

Hike from Plikati to the highest peak of Gramos mountain (2523 m), then hike to Gramos village. (16.6 km, 1440 m ascent, 1320 m descent)

Fri 07/06 (B/LP/D)

Hike on the eastern chain of Gramos mountain, on high altitudes reaching 2150 m to Aetomilitsa, then drive to Konitsa, visiting the iconic stone bridge over Vjosa/Aoos river on our way. (12.5 km, 775 m ascent, 700 m descent)

Sat 08/06 (B/LP/D)

Morning drive from Konitsa to Papingo, the most charming village of Zagori region. Short hike near the UNESCO-listed Vikos Gorge, then drive from Vikos to Tirana where we have our final dinner together. (6.1 km, 375 m ascent, 540 m descent)

Sun 09/06 (B/-/-)

Transfer to Tirana International Airport.

DIFFICULTY
This trip doesn't involve technical mountaineering but the hikes will be challenging & will include some days with long ascents and descents (max. 1450m up & down) so you need to have a good level of hiking fitness. A head for heights is also necessary in mountainous terrain.

INCLUDED

• 3 nights in three star & boutique hotels (twin share)
• 4 nights in chalet hotel/guesthouse/homestay accommodation in shared rooms (2-4 pax)
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunch packs, 7 dinners
• Professional English-speaking Albanian guide
• Airport transfers and transport according to the itinerary
• Luggage transport to the next accommodation during all the hiking days
• Entrance fees in all the sites and protected areas as foreseen by the programme

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Meals not listed

FLIGHTS

Flights are currently priced at just £82!

The meeting point is at Tirana Airport on Sun 02 June at 12:00PM. We will return to the airport on Sun 09 June for flights departing from 12:15PM. Our airport transfers will be timed to meet the following flights:

Outbound - Sun 02 June:

Ryanair FR8288 - Stansted 07:30 - Tirana 11:25

Return - Sun 09 June:

Ryanair FR8289 - Tirana 12:15 - Stansted 14:20

If interested in joining this trip or for any questions, please e-mail Menduh directly on mendi_zavalani@yahoo.com and see the comments section for details on how to book.