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Exploring North Albania & North Macedonia

8 DAYS
Availability : 9th - 16th October '24
Malta
Albania & North Macedonia
Max People : 20
DetailItineraryFAQAdditional InfoPayment Details

Exploring North Albania & North Macedonia

(1 Review)
  • 8 DAYS
  • Albania & North Macedonia
  • 9th - 16th October '24
  • Max People : 20
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Tour Details

Globaltravelbook is a licensed travel agency in Malta and is covered by the Insolvency Fund – meaning that in the scenario the agency (local or foreign) is unable to provide the promised service, you, the customer is guaranteed your money back. 

Highlights

  • The Albanian Alps – Valbone Valley, Thethi National Park, Shala River
  • A scenic three-hour ferry ride across Lake Komani
  • Get a taste of Albanian culture, history, and food
  • Experience traditional life in rural Albanian villages
  • Skopje – Struge & Lake Ohrid ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) 
  • Immerse yourself in nature, in areas such as Shala River | Komani Lake | Thethi National Park | Valbone Valley etc (find out more in itinerary section)

Tour Details

We will meet at Malta International Airport on the day of departure and together we will travel to Skopje with your group leaders from DanEscapes.
 
Once we land in Skopje, we will meet our licensed local guides who will be with us during our 8-day, 7-night tour. Throughout this laid-back 8-day tour, you will immerse yourself in culture, amazing food, and natural wonders. 
 
Join us on this trip for a true understanding of Albania and it’s fascinating nature and culture. The trip is suitable for all age groups (5 years plus) – two trails in Theth might not be suitable for children (i) at the waterfall (however close by there are bars and coffee shops) (ii) Blue Eye – parents are the children could stop in the village of Nderlyse. 
 
More exciting, day-by-day information is available below in the Itinerary section.

Price Includes

  • Local tour guide in visiting country plus Globaltravelbook team.
  • 7 nights accommodation with Bed & Breakfast
  • 3 Dinners and 1 Lunch (without beverages)
  • 3-4* Hotel Accommodation based on a double room (Single supplement: €200). Children policy in 'Additional Info'
  • Boat trip in Lake Ohrid, Ferry tickets in Komani Lake and Return Boat Ticket in Shala River
  • Airport transfer and Transportation throughout in comfortable vehicles
  • Insolvency Fund Protection

Meeting Point

Malta International Airport or Skopje City 

Arrival Airport

Skopje International Airport

Dates

9th-16th October 2024

Price Excludes

  • Flight with WizzAir - we do not include the flight but (i) we could book the flights for you (ii) we could help you with the booking process. This offers you flexibility with baggage allowance it will work out cheaper depending on your baggage allowance.
  • Compulsory Travel Insurance
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Globaltravelbook and operators in Albania
  • The lunches and dinners that are not mentioned as 'Included' in Itinerary (Approx €5 - 20 per meal)
  • Any museum one would like to enter
  • Private expenses
  • Everything not mentioned in 'include section'
  • Gratuities

Requirements

  • Insurance policy covering this particular trip
  • A passport valid for at least six months after the return date
  • Sign Globaltravelbook's waiver form
  • Inform us of any medical or religious food restrictions
  • Visa - (no visa required for Maltese citizens)

Itinerary

8 Days in Albania & Northern Macedonia

Day 1Malta to Skopje

For those travelling from Malta we will meet at Malta International Airport and travel together to Skopje, Macedonia. If anyone is flying from outside of Malta has to meet us in  Skopje on the travel dates.

Once we arrive at the airport, our transport will pick us up from the airport and take us to the hotel.

Overnight in Skopje

Included: Transfers & Overnight in Skopje.

Day 2Skopje - Prizren (South Kosovo) - Valbone

  • Breakfast at hotel and departure at 9am to Prizren by car (2.5 hour drive) 
  • Prizren is a ‘must-see’ for any visitor and has the highest number of preserved Ottoman buildings with their upper storeys jutting out into the narrow cobbled streets. In Prizren we will visit: The old fortress , the stone bridge and the city center on both sides of the river.
  • Prizren to Valbone (2 hour drive)
  • Lunch – either around 1pm in Prizren or else at 3pm after crossing the border at a traditional restaurant
  • After passing the border into Albania, we will stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant were our guide will explain to you more about the local dishes that you can taste. (We tried and tested the food in Albania and its absolutely delicious) 
  • Hotel Check-in Valbone
  • After reaching the hotel, we will explore the valley and hop on 4×4 jeeps (if available and optional €20 per person). The experience will be around 1 hour and if time permits, we could hike for 20 minutes to reach an amazing 40m waterfall called Rragami Waterfall
  • After this exploration the group will have time to relax until dinner as a group. 

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Transfers & Overnight in Valbone.

 

Day 3 Valbonë Valley - Komani Lake ( ferry trip) – Shala River (boat trip)

  • Breakfast
  • After a delicious breakfast with local products we will visit the rest of the valley: Mulliri i Vjeter i Valbones/ The old Mill” and Liqeni i Xhemes
  • We will take a break in Bajram Curri , the main city of the region so we can get supplies (example snacks) because Shala River we will be surrounded by nature and that region is only accessible by boat
  • 1PM we start the ferry trip from Fierza to Komani
  • 2.30PM – In Komani, we will board a smaller boat and head to Shala River
  • Around 3pm – check-in to hotel 
  • We will explore the area and get prepared to start a fire for after dinner.
  • Dinner time
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transfers & Overnight in Shala.

Day 4Shala River- Shkoder

  • Breakfast – easy morning
  • Time to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Shala River(view our instagram stories). Here you will have time to swim in the river, kayaking or just enjoy the pureness of this gem. 
  • Those who prefer more adventure can take any short trail with the guide.
  • Around 12pm we will take the return boat trip and head to Berisha Penisula, located in Komani Lake. At this location, guests could have lunch and those who are interested could do kayaking. 
  • Head to the next destination – Shkoder
  • Hotel check in
  • Visit the city promenade and its pleasant low-rise buildings, pretty gardens, decorated windows , narrow cobblestone alleys
  • Free time – guests could go for dinner together or individually if they prefer
Included: Breakfast, Transfers & Overnight in Shkoder.  

Day 5Thethi National Park | Grunasi Waterfall

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • 9am –  we head to Thethi National Park considered as the pearl of Albanian Alps
  • Our first  stop is at ‘Boge & Qafe Thore’ Balcony which gives you the best point of view of the mountains at an altitude of 1720m
  • After a short stop at the balcony and the small glacial lake we will continue our road to Thethi National Park. Theth is a wonderful village in northern Albania set among the peaks of the mountains. Natural beauties of this region begin once you have passed Boge village and the natural beauties do not end at any moment in the area of Theth. 
  • Arrival in Theth & check-in at accommodation
  • 1PM – Lunch in Teth
  • Visit the villages ‘old church’
  • Visit the reconciliation tower which includes a brief discussion and showcasing of the history of the past of Northern Albania. Here you will have the chance to briefly learn about “kanun’ which is a set of Albanian traditional customary laws, which has directed all the aspects of the Albanian tribal society.
  • We head to Grunasi Waterfall. It’s more than 30m high and at the bottom, a natural bath with emerald water is created, which completes the rare decor for which it has gained the status of a natural monument. To reach the waterfall we will need to walk for 50 minutes ( 20 minutes easy and 30 minutes medium difficulty)
  • After spending around 1h there to swim, explore and take pictures we will take the way back to our hotel.
  • Free time in the village for ATV tour, zipline and other activities 
  • Dinner time.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Transfers & Overnight in Theth.

Day 6Nderlyse- The Blue Eye of Thethi - Tirana

  • 8.30am – After a breakfast with local products we will head to the Blue Eye of Thethi where we will need local vans to reach this village because it is located inside the national park.
  • Arrive to Nderlyse- Grunasi Canyon – Stone groves of Nderlyse and then we will walk towards Blue eye of Thethi, the most frequented natural attraction in Theth. Located between rocky and green slopes, with its depth this well takes on the colors of blue and emerald depending on the season, forming a fascinating landscape for all visitors. To reach the destination it requires a 40-50 minutes easy to moderate walking.
  • Head back in the center of the village for lunch (around 12.30pm)
  • Last destination for today will be Tirana (4 hour drive) but we will have a break on the way back.
  • Hotel check in
  • Free time in the city or traditional dinner with the group

Included: Breakfast, Transfers & Overnight in Tirana

Day 7Tirana - Struge - Ohrid - Skopje

  • 8am – Departure
  • On the way we will stop for coffee or to rest
  • After crossing the border we will head to Struge (2.5 hour) where we will visit the city promenade, The bridge of Poetry and enjoy a coffee or a cup of tea exactly on the point before the Black Drin river lets out into Lake Ohrid.
  • Next destination will be the beautiful city of Ohrid (30 mins drive). There we will take a boat trip in Lake Ohrid ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) one of the biggest lakes in the Balkans and one of the oldest in Europe.
  • 1pm -After the boat trip we will have free time visit the old bazaar and the old town where you can try traditional food and choose among different restaurants.
  • Then we take the way to Skopje with 1-2 short stops on the way.
  • Hotel check-in
  • Free time to rest, for bars & restaurants. We will suggest some restaurants.
Included: Breakfast, Transfers & Overnight in Skopje .

Day 8Skopje - Airport

  • Breakfast and check out around 10-11am
  • We will visit the capital city of North Macedonia and pass by the stone bridge over Vardari river which is an important symbol of the city which was built in XV century. This bridge connects the old and the new side of the city.
  • We will also visit (i) Macedonia square & Alexander the Great statue (ii) The bridge of civilisation (iii) Skopje Fortress( Iustinian I castle) (iv) “ Carshia e Vjeter” an old bazaar and a neighbourhood of bars and restaurants, where we will stop for lunch (v) The clock tower (vi) The Mother Theresa memorial house (vii) The zoo (These activities rand between €2 and €5)
  • These visits could be guided or if you prefer, you can have free time around the city and meet with the group in the meeting point & time set by the guide.
  • This will be the end of this amazing adventure.
Included: Breakfast, Airport Transfers

Tips & Important things to know before travelling to Albania

  • Internet & Wifi connectivity is not stable in the NORTHERN REGION. However, it gives you the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the beautiful nature.
  • Some drives will be be long on winding roads so be sure to carry motion sickness pills just in case
  • Delays could occur due to weather conditions (be it air, water or land transport)- so please be patient, we do not have control over mother nature but our partners in Albania will always find the best possible solution for you.
  • Our partners in Albania have the authority to change the itinerary last minute in the case of any weather conditions. This is for your safety & wellbeing.
  • Hotels in northern Albania offer comfortable accommodations, but they are situated in remote areas. Consequently, these hotels are smaller than those in major cities and provide only minimal amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to book this trip?

Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.

Is it possible to arrive earlier / stay longer?

Yes, of course. As long as you are in Skopje on the trip dates, you are free to arrive / leave whenever you want. It is best to let us know your plans so we can organise transfers accordingly. 

What type of insurance do I need?

For safety, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling with us.

What is the accommodation like?

Accomodation will be hand selected 3-4* hotels. The price includes double room accommodation, however, if one wishes a private room for one person, the supplement is 200 euro

I am a solo traveller - is this trip suitable for me? Could I get a single room?

The majority of guests joining our trips are solo travellers. Through meet-ups, events and our facebook community you will get to know the group before meeting at the airport to fly to Albania. You could get a single room at an additional charge, however, meeting up with the group beforehand could give you the opportunity to meet someone and decide together to share a room. 

How about food?

Breakfasts are included at the hotel. However, we’ve got you covered with food. Food is a BIG love to the team of Globaltravelbook so rest assured that you will be eating at some of the best local restaurants. Price range for lunches and dinner are between € 5-20. 

Are there vegetarian options?

Generally all restaurants cater for your needs and we will have a local guide who will suggest appropriate dishes and restaurants. Best is to advice us on booking so that we could plan for this in advance.

How is the weather like in the time of travel?

Expect cool nights and mild days in many places. The average air temperature ranges from 15 °C  during the day to 3 °C  at night. 

What's the power plug in Albania?

In Albania the power plug sockets are of type C and F.

Do I need a visa to enter Albania?

EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Albania as a tourist, provided they have a passport of usually six months’ validity and an onward or return ticket.

Do I need to take travel vaccines?

The WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Albania: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. However, best is to consult your doctor or visit Floriana Health Centre for further info.

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Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking - subject to availability
  • First come, first served basis.The minimum number of people required for this trip is 10 people. In the case this is not reached, you will get your full payment back.
  • Our local partners and tour leader can adjust the itinerary at the last minute due to weather conditions. Changes will only be made with your safety and well-being in mind, and not for any other reason.
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Globaltravelbook and operators in Albania
  • If you decide to switch from a shared room to a single room after booking, the single supplement option won't apply. We'll need to work out a new price for the single room based on each individual case.
  • It is the responsibility of the persons joining an experience to communicate any food intolerances/allergy-related information. GTB or the Service Provider will not assume any liability for adverse reactions to food/drinks consumed, or items one may come in contact with while on an experience
  • Refer to the FAQs Section for further information
  • International flights are not included. You must book your own flights and be in the visiting country on the itinerary dates. Your flight must arrive by or before the Arrival Day, and depart no earlier then the Departure Day.
  • Signing up to any of our trips and any risks involved are the sole responsibility of the individual, and organizers cannot be held responsible in any way to illness, altitude sickness, injury or trauma during the trip.
  • If a traveller for some reason cannot travel on the dates, the organiser is not responsible.

Payment Details

Pay directly or choose to pay by bank transfer

To secure your spot you need to send a 50% deposit either via bank transfer or our online payment system after completing the booking form. Second payment is required by 1st August 2024.

  • Account Name: Globaltravelbook Limited
  • Bank Address: APS Centre, Tower Street, Birkirkara, BKR 4012
  • IBAN: MT53APSB77013000000047276110011

Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel your booking, we will offer a refund of any balance which we have not yet paid or are obliged to pay to any other Third Party. When a booking is cancelled within the month prior to departure, the remaining balance will be non refundable as well as we would be fully committed at that stage. All types of travel insurance are supposed to cover “cancellations” and for this reason we require that such travel insurance is purchased prior to travel.

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