Albania Coastal - Kayaking, Hiking and Watersports LONG WEEKEND

FINAL SPACE female

Discover one of Albania’s great gems - the coastline that extends along the Adriatic and Ionian sea. A dreamy mix of clear blue waters and pebbly beaches, untouched bays and caves waiting to be explored in our kayaks. Join us as we discover this unique blend of coastal shores, cliffs and walks on trails parallel to the Ionian sea with some beautiful panoramic views.

Hike the stunning coastal trail, visit the 100m deep Gjipe Bay canyon and swim in the bright blue waters of Albania. Get a close glimpse of a different pace of life and enjoy the famous Albanian hospitality and local traditions. Albania is still quieter than the dense tourist crowds of neighbouring Croatia, now is the perfect time to explore, before this gem becomes less "undiscovered".

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay on the coast near Dhermi - the Albanian riviera
• Enjoy a gentle but scenic hike following the White Trail to the St. Andreas Bay and swim in the dazzling blue waters
• Kayak along the coast
• Explore the Pirate’s cave from the inside
• Visit a tea shop in Himara to find out how a traditional Albanian dessert is made
• Spend a night in the vibrant capital Tirana
• A small group limited to just 16 with an English speaking local Albanian Guide

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION

Nestled between the turquoise waters of Italy and northern Greece, Albania is a relatively undiscovered gem - think Croatia 10/20 years ago without the Croatian crowds. From pebble/sandy Mediterranean beaches to rugged mountains, cliffs and caves it offers a tranquil and diverse experience in nature. No need to compromise between a mountain or a beach holiday since this trip offers the best of both worlds. We enjoy the scenery beneath the green Ceraunian mountains or so called "thunder-split peaks" as we kayak through the stunning crystal waters to Gjipe Bay.

This trip provides a balance between tranquillity and adventure as we have planned some exciting and optional activities. Choose from bathing under the Albanian sun or hire out power boats or do other watersports on the coast. You can also self explore the area or just enjoy the beach and sea. In the evening you have the beach bars and music to enjoy.

Driving - There is several hours each way to the coast and back, also some twisty mountain roads.

ITINERARY

Friday

Transfer from Tirana airport. On the way we stop by Llogara National Park to enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, before we continue our journey to Dhermi coastline where we check-in at our accommodation and enjoy our first evening on the coast, walking distance to the beach and it's bars/restaurants.

The beach is famous for it's crystal clear waters and blue sea.

Saturday

We kayak to one of the most stunning places on the coast - Gjipe Bay canyon. Here we explore the Pirate’s Cave from the inside - a cave where pirates would seek shelter. The canyon gives off a hint of a Grand Canyon feeling with its red walls.

This afternoon we return to the beach with a range of activities awaiting, including (optional extras subject to availability): SUP, wind surf, water skiing or just a relaxing afternoon at the beach. All water activities are subject to sea conditions.

Sunday

Hike: Palase’s River Delta - Bay of Saint Andreas
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Grading: Moderate
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours

This morning we start from the delta of Palase Beach, where the white beach pebbles and the turquoise waters make the perfect postcard picture. From there on we indulge in the scenery of woodlands, cliffs and the clear Ionian sea following the White Trail to St Andreas Bay. We have a speedboat ride back

For the afternoon we have something sweet planned - quite literally. We will stop by Ms. Virada’s small tea shop to learn a thing or two about Albania’s traditional dessert - Gliko. It is a “Spoon Sweet” way of welcoming guests to your home, or to celebrations such as weddings or engagements and it’s popular in the Balkans, Greece and Middle East.

We then arrive to the capital Tirana late evening where our guide departs and you can self explore this city and enjoy its nightlife.

Monday

The trip ends after breakfast in Tirana. You are welcome to extend your stay and explore the city or make your way to the airport.

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COST & PAYMENT

£399. Click “Attend” and pay the £100 deposit by Paypal. The remainder is due by bank transfer within 3 days. We will send you payment details for this once your booking has been processed.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

START AND END TIME

Times are local time i.e. the times for Albania are in Albanian time

We suggest an inbound group flight below, for anyone on this flight or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 12:15pm. If you arrive later you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (we wait for the suggested flight if delayed).

Inbound flight 28.06.2024
Wizzair 7:50am from London Luton (LTN) to Tirana (TIA) landing at 11:55am
Flight: W95002

RETURN

The trip ends in Tirana on Monday after breakfast and you are welcome to make your own arrangements to the airport (bus or taxi) or if holiday permits you can extend your stay for a night and explore this city.

FOOD

Breakfast will be provided each day, and 2 picnic lunches on Saturday and Sunday, as well as dinner on Friday evening. You are welcome to explore the local cuisine for dinner on Saturday. The local cuisine is Mediterranean with influences from Italian, Greek and Turkish cooking. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food can be catered for. Some dietary requirements such as lactose free and nut free cannot be catered for.

We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us first to check if they can be catered for: info@outdooraholics.co.uk

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 2 nights' accommodation in twin en-suite rooms near Dhermi
• 1 night accommodation in twin en-suite rooms in Tirana
• Breakfast daily, 2 picnic lunches, 1 dinner
• Boat ride from St. Andreas/Grama Bay
• Kayaking - instruction and also kayak and kit hire
• Visit to the tea shop
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
• Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option
• Private minibus transport throughout

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Flights
• Transfer to Tirana airport on the last day
• Dinner on Saturday and Sunday (Typically £10-£15 excluding drinks)
• Optional extra activities - (as available) (at cost - you pay the provider): SUP, wind surf, water skiing
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Travel insurance

INSURANCE

It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of kayaking (Level 1) and hiking. It is also recommended that this covers illness, cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.

There are lots of insurers who cover kayaking and hiking, for example the BMC: LINK

You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Albania is NOT within the EU.

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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