Adventurous Week in Albania: Theth and Beyond

  • Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
    20 minutes (10.2 miles) from Tirana International Airport

    Welcome to Albania! After arriving at the airport, spend the day exploring the capital city of Tirana. Check out the colorful buildings of Blloku, visit the National Museum of History, and take a stroll through the Grand Park. Don't miss the chance to try traditional Albanian cuisine at Oda Restaurant or Era Restaurant.

  • Day 2: Road trip to Valbona National Park
    3 hours (103 miles) from Tirana

    Today, embark on a scenic road trip towards Valbona National Park. On the way, visit Kruja, the birthplace of Albania's national hero Skanderbeg, and explore the Kruja Castle and Bazaar. Upon arrival at Valbona, hike through the Valbona Valley and enjoy the stunning views of the Albanian Alps. Spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.

  • Day 3: Hiking in Theth National Park
    2 hours (16.4 miles) from Valbona

    Today, head to Theth National Park, a hidden gem in the Albanian mountains. Start the day with a challenging hike to the Blue Eye, a natural swimming hole and waterfall. After a refreshing swim, hike to the Grunas Waterfall and admire the untouched beauty of the park. Spend the night in a guesthouse and savor a home-cooked meal.

  • Day 4: Canyoning in Osumi Canyon
    5 hours (139 miles) from Theth

    Today, drive to Osumi Canyon, one of the most scenic and adventurous places in Albania. Experience the thrill of canyoning as you jump, swim, and rappel down the stunning canyon. After a day of adrenaline, relax in a nearby guesthouse and enjoy the local cuisine.

  • Day 5: Rafting in Vjosa River
    3 hours (89.5 miles) from Osumi Canyon

    Get ready for more excitement as you head to Vjosa River for a thrilling rafting adventure. The river offers a range of difficulty levels, from calm stretches for beginners to challenging rapids for experienced rafters. After a day on the water, spend the night in a nearby guesthouse.

  • Day 6: Beach Day in Saranda
    3 hours 45 minutes (125 miles) from Vjosa River

    After a week of adventure, it's time to relax on the beach. Drive to Saranda, a coastal city known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views. Spend the day lounging on the beach and swimming, enjoy fresh seafood for lunch at a local restaurant, and take a boat tour to the nearby islands. Overnight in Saranda.

  • Day 7: Departure Day
    30 minutes (18.5 miles) from Saranda

    Say goodbye to Albania as you make your way to the airport for your departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to explore the city of Ksamil and its beaches or stop by the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park.

Time and Cost Estimates:

  • National Museum of History (1-2 hours, 600 Lek)
  • Oda Restaurant (2 hours, 2,000 Lek)
  • Valbona National Park Entrance Fee (2-3 hours, 200 Lek)
  • Guesthouse in Valbona/Theth (1 night, 4,000 Lek)
  • Blue Eye Entrance Fee (2-3 hours, 200 Lek)
  • Canyoning in Osumi Canyon (4-5 hours, 8,000 Lek)
  • Rafting in Vjosa River (4-5 hours, 6,000 Lek)
  • Butrint National Park Entrance Fee (2-3 hours, 700 Lek)
  • Estimated Total Costs: 21,700 Lek (approx. $210 USD)

Transportation:

Transportation in Albania can be challenging, especially in the mountains. Renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended. Costs will vary depending on the rental company, but expect to pay around 40-50 EUR per day. Public transportation is available, but schedules can be unreliable. Domestic flights within Albania are not available.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider exploring the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a shorter trip, skip the beaches and spend more time in the mountains. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the hikes, and be sure to bring appropriate gear and supplies.

Airports:

Tirana International Airport (TIA) is the main airport in Albania, located 17 km from the city center. There are also smaller airports in Kukes (KUK) and Vlora (VLR).

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