OCTOBER 13 - 20 - ALBANIA’S IONIAN COASTAL TRAILS

Let’s discover the hidden gems of the Albanian Riviera and coastal mountains this autumn!

Cost - £769 - twin share (single supplement £150)
Number of nights - 7.
Maximum group size - 15. Accommodation - 3 star hotels

This fabulously varied hotel-based trip combines lovely day hikes with superb swimming opportunities.

Our adventure will take us from Albania’s mountainous coast to picturesque turquoise coves, and through quaint stone villages beyond the seashore.

Hike under the highest peaks of the Ceraunian mountain range in the heart of the Llogara National Park, with spectacular views of the rugged Ionian coast.

Walk along empty shepherds trails, through citrus groves and olive trees, from one authentic stone village to another.

Cool down with a refreshing swim in the shimmering, crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea in some of the most secluded beaches.

Breathe in the herb-scented mountain air and enjoy the finest of Albanian food, a mix of fresh Mediterranean and hearty mountain cuisine.

Come and join us for some spectacular coastal hiking in the Balkans!

ACCOMMODATION

We will stay in 3 star hotels with two nights in a mountain hotel, four nights in a beach front hotel in the lovely seaside town of Himare, and our final night in a city hotel in Tirana.

ITINERARY

Sun 13/10 (-/-/D)

Pick up from Tirana airport at 12:30 OR from Tirana city centre at 11:45 (for anyone arriving earlier in Albania). Transfer to Llogara.

Mon 14/10 (B/LP/D)

Hike beneath the highest peaks of the Ceraunian range in Llogara National Park to the Dhjopuri Saddle (1.600 m). (5km, 550m ascent/descent). Transfer through charming villages of the Riviera to Himara.

Tuesday 15/10 (B/LP/D)

Hike on rocky shepherds' paths above the shoreline, with views over to the island of Corfu, to the picturesque old town of Qeparo, where time seems to have stood still in the maze of stone houses and cobbled streets. (12km, 425m ascent/descent)

Wed 16/10 (B/LP/D)

Hike & swim through the dazzling beaches of the Riviera. Starting at the village of Vuno with its centuries old orthodox churches, we hike through cliffs and olive groves to the beaches of Jal, with its unusually clear water, and Livadh, providing refreshing swimming opportunities.

(12km, 250m ascent, 550m descent)

Thu 17/10 (B/LP/D)

Hike from Lukova through quaint villages with views of the terraced hills plunging into the turquoise sea. Enjoy panoramic views of the colorful backcountry, imposing mountains in the interior and over the azure coastline.

(6km, 500m ascent/descent)

Fri 18/10 (B/LP/D)

Enjoy panoramic vistas along the old prisoners trail, stopping at hidden beaches for some final swimming opportunities before we transfer back to Llogara.

(12km, 150m ascent/450m descent)

Sat 19/10 (B/LP/D)

Scenic mountain hike on the Karaburun Peninsula with an opportunity to climb Mt. Gjipali (1.446 m) for amazing views and through a rainforest-like green corridor. Transfer to Tirana.

(11km, 425m ascent, 625m descent)

Sun 20/10 (B/-/-)

Transfer to Tirana airport for flights from 12:15PM.

DIFFICULTY

Hikes on this trip are a combination of moderate, medium-duration walks and some harder shorter walks. We will be hiking about 3-5 hours per day, on uneven, narrow and sometimes steep and rocky terrain. A moderate level of fitness is required.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• 7 Nights hotel accommodation in shared twin rooms.
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.
• Transfers as foreseen by the itinerary including airport pick-up/drop-off.
• Luggage transfer between accommodations (1/pers, max 20 kg).
• 1 Backabush trip leader and 1 local English-speaking Albanian hiking guide.
• Full financial protection as per the Package Travel Regulations.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• Flights to Tirana Airport.
• Any meals not specified.
• Single supplement (£150).
• Travel insurance.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS

Flights are currently priced at just £126!

The meeting point is at Tirana Airport on Sunday 13 October at 12:30PM. We will return to the airport on Sunday 20 October for flights departing from 12:15PM. Our airport transfer will be timed to meet the following flights:

Outbound - Sunday 13 October:

Wizzair W95002
Departs - Luton 07:45
Arrives - Tirana 11:50

Return - Sunday 20 October:

Wizzair W95001
Departs - Tirana 12:25
Arrives - Luton 14:45

We however highly recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the vibrant city of Tirana!

If you choose to book alternative travel you will need to either meet us in Tirana city centre at 11:45 or at Tirana Airport at 12:30.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP

To book onto this trip please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com and send full payment to the Backabush account. Please use ALBANIA as your payment reference.

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

Your RSVP alone is NOT enough to secure your place, full payment is needed to make a reservation.