show the detailed itenerary

Activity Schedule

Day 1 – Corfu: Arrive Corfu, Greece; depart for Saranda by ferry and check into hotel; Dinner in the Castle Likursi. Stay in Saranda hotels for the night. Day 2 – Butrint: Bus to the Ancient City of Butrint – tour archeological site; picnic lunch at the Triangular Fortress; hike Mt. Sotires Trail and on to Alimura Bay; return to Burint main gate. Bus back to Saranda. Stay in Saranda hotels for the night. Day 3 – Kakome to Qeparo: Hike the Ionian coast (14 km). Leave Saranda by boat to Kakome Beach; hike to Krorez beach and Monastery of St. Maria; continue along the coast to Stylla Beach for picnic lunch; hike to Bunec Beach in the afternoon, then by bus a short distance to Qeparo Beach; stay in Qeparo hotels for the night. Day 4 – Qeparo to Pilari: Hike inland to mountain villages (14 km). Leave Qeparo Beach and hike up to the village of Kudhes – visit the village of Old Qeparo along the way; picnic lunch in Kudhes; hike thru the mountains to the village of Pilari (vertical climb 800 m). Stay in village houses around Pilari; meet at the village café for dinner; breakfast in village houses. Day 5 – Pilari to Himara: Return to the Ionian Coast (99 km). Hike around the Pilari area in the morning; hike to village of Himara in the afternoon (downhill) and on to the beach at Himara (Spila); picnic lunch along the way. Stay in Himara hotels for the night. Day 6 – Himara (Overnight): Free day in Himara with optional activities: (1) hike back up the mountain to Old Himara and explore the remains of the Castle/Village, (2) relax on the beach, (3) hike in the area on your own. Stay in Himara hotels for the night. Day 7 – Himara to Dhermi Beach: Hike the Ionian coast (13 km); hike along the rocky coast to Jal Beach; lunch in Jal area; continue along the coast to the Monastery of St. Tohdre, exploring Vuno Canyon along the way; hike down the bluff and along the beach to Dhermi; stay in hotels in Dhermi Beach for the night. Day 8 – Village of Dhermi: Village Tour - hike up the mountain to the village of Dhermi; walking tour of the village with guide to the many churches in the area; picnic lunch at the Monastery; return to the beach in the evening along a different trail; stay in hotels in Dhermi Beach for the night. Day 9 – Return to Saranda: Travel by private coach back to Saranda; stop along the way to visit the scenic Village of Vuno; picnic lunch at Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo; stay in Saranda hotels for the night. Day 10 – Corfu: Take the ferry from Saranda back to Corfu for travel back to the airport. Sightseeing or last minute shopping in Saranda or Corfu (depending on departure plans).

show the activity schedule

Detailed Itenerary

Arrival – (Corfu Airport – scheduled at 18:40+-)

• DEPART – for Saranda at 19:30 from Port of Corfu
• TRAVEL – by chartered ferry approximately 1 ½ hours to Port of Saranda
• ARRIVE – Saranda at 20:00 (Local Time)
  • Go thru customs at the Port
  • Transportation provided to Hotel Ari, closeby
  • Note: Greek time in Corfu is 1 hour later than Albania time

Dinner

Meet in the Hotel lobby at 21:00 for group transportation to Castle Likursi for dinner.

Day 2 - Butrint

Morning – Visit Archeological Sites (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – at 09:00 from Hotel Ari to visit Synagogue archeology site.
• DEPART – at 10:00 from Synagogue to Butrint archeology site.
• DISTANCE – Walk 3 blocks fm hotel to Synagogue site; bus to Butrint.
• NOTES -
  • Need to buy food for picnic lunch before 9:00 departure: meet in hotel Lobby at 08:00 for escort to local shops.
  • Visit the Synagogue site for 1 hour – meet the (private) bus for Butrint at the bus stop across the street in time to leave at 10:00.
  • Arrive Butrint at 10:30 (admission fee of $5 included in cost of Trek).
  • Visit Butrint archeology site for 2 hours – group walking tour with guide.
  • Meet at Butrint entrance gate at 12:30 to take ferry across the Vivari Channel for lunch

Lunch

One Hour in the Triangular Fortress 12:30 to 13:30

Afternoon – Trekking in Butrint National Park on Mt. Sotires (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – at 13:30 from Butrint Main Gate
• DISTANCE – - 5+- km loop trail back to Butrint main gate
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO –
• • (1) Hike along the shore of Lake Butrint to the east face of Mt. Sotires.
  • (2) Go up 270 meters to the top of Mt. Sotires (Steep Mountain Trail)
  • (3) Hike halfway down Mt. Sotires to olive groves still in production.
  • (4) Hike along the west face of Mt. Sotires back toward Butrint.
  • (5) Return to Butrint entrance gate by 17:00 to catch the 17:15 public bus back to Saranda by 18:00.

Dinner

Meet at the hotel lobby at 19:30 to leave for group dinner. Walk along the promenade to Demi fish restaurant overlooking Saranda Bay.

Day 3 - Kakome to Qeparo

Morning – Coastal Trekking (Four Hours)

• DEPART – Pack up and leave hotel at 08:30; board chartered boat to Kakome Bay departing at 09:00
• DISTANCE – 8+- km hiking from Kakome Bay to Stylla Beach
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Arrive Kakome 10:00 – boat ride to former army pier at Kakome Bay.
  • Climb 150 meters up to Mon. Shen Maria (Steep Mountain Path)
  • Climb down to Krorez Beach (Very Steep Mountain Path)
  • Hike north along the coast (Coastal Trail - gentle to level terrain)
  • Arrive Stylla Beach at 13:00

Lunch

One Hour (in the shade) at Stylla Beach 13:00 to 14:00

Afternoon – Coastal Trekking (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – at 13:30 from Stylla Beach
• DISTANCE – - 6+- km to Bunec Beach
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Walk along the beach ¹/₂ hour to crossroad at Village of Lukova.
  • Walk down short abandoned road to Lukova Beach (dirt road).
  • Climb up and down (3) 100 meter cliffs overlooking sea (dirt Trail).
  • Walk along abandoned agricultural road 2 km to Bunec (level dirt road – 1.5 hrs.).
  • Arrive Bunec at 17:30 – transportation provided to Qeparo – 30 minutes.

Dinner

Meet at the Kokedhima restaurant at 19:30 for group dinner.

Activities/Notes

• Buy food and pack lunch the night before or early that morning before 9:00 departure.
• Visit the Monastery of Shen Maria along the way overlooking the beach at Krorez
• OPTIONAL BAILOUT – at the afternoon crossroad to Lukova, those that do not want to continue the sometimes steep trails and walk along the road to Bunec can leave the group to visit the village of Lukova. An escort will take you up the road we cross to Lukova (180 meters climb in elev.). Transportation will be provided in the evening to the hotel at Qeparo.
• Part of the afternoon hike follows an abandoned agricultural road with sweeping views of the coast that winds thru a terraced landscape of an olive plantation once run as a cooperative farm by the communist goverment.
• Stay in Qeparo Beach – Hotel Kokedhima – for the night.

Day 4 - Qeparo to Piluri

Morning – Mountain Trekking (Four Hours)

• DEPART – Pack up and leave from Qeparo Beach Hotel at 08:00
• DISTANCE – 7+- km to village of Kudhes
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Climb 600 meters elev. up to village of Old Qeparo (Steep Village Path – 1 hr.)
  • Visit Old Qeparo for 1 hour
  • Climb on up 100 meters elev. to mountain pass (Mountain Trail – sometimes steep – 1 hr.)
  • Hike down 500 meters elev. to village of Kudhes (Mountain Trail – sometimes rocky – 1 hr.)
  • Arrive Kudhes at 12:00

Lunch

One Hour in the Village square of Kudhes 12:00 to 13:00

Afternoon – Mountain Trekking (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – at 13:00 from Kudhes village
• DISTANCE – - 7+- km to village of Piluri
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Go down 150 meters elev. and cross the River Qeparo (Village Trail – 1/2 hr.)
  • Climb 500 meters elev. up to Vumblo (sometimes Very Steep Mountain Trail – 1.5 hrs.)
  • Climb up 250 meters elev. to village of Piluri (1.5 hr-Dirt Road)
  • Arrive Piluri at 16:30 (Introduction to village families for accommodations at 17:00)

Dinner

Meet at the tavern (Naci Restaurant ) in the village center at 19:00 for group dinner and fun

Activities/Notes

• Buy food and pack lunch the night before to facilitate early departure.
• Visit and sightseeing in the old village of Qeparo for one hour in the morning. This will allow those who want to walk slower (up the steep hill) time to catch up.
• Optional Bailout – vehicle ride in the afternoon up the mountain to Vumblo or Piluri to avoid a steep afternoon climb for those that are tired. Meet at the bridge on the intersection of River Qeparo and the paved road. The luggage vehicle will take you up the mountain.
• Stay in Village Houses for the night. Please meet at the village center at 17:00 to be escorted to the house where you will stay for the night.

Day 5 - Piluri to Himara

Morning – Village & Mountain Trekking (Two Hours)

• DEPART – at 11:00 from Pilari village center
• DISTANCE – 4+- km to Kostare valley for lunch break.
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
• • Hike around the village of Piluri in the morning before leaving for Himara. Breakfast with your host family and pack in time to meet at 09:00 in the village square for departure.
  • Climb down 400 meters elev. to Kostare valley (Mountain Trail- sometimes steep – 1 hr.)
  • Walk thru pastoral agricultural valley with historic farmsteads and stone houses (Creek Trail – 1 hr.) .
  • Arrive Kostare valley at 13:00

Lunch

One Hour in Kostare valley at the old well

Afternoon – Village & Mountain Trekking (3 Hours)

• DEPART – at 14:00 from Kostare valley
• DISTANCE – 5+- km to Himara (Spila Beach)
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
• • Go down another 200 meters in elev. passing the village of Old Himara and Ottoman era bridges (Creek Trail – 1.5 hr.)
  • Continue down 100 meter elev. to the beach at Himara (Spila) (Village Trail – 1.5 hr.)
  • Arrive Himara at 17:00. Check into Hotel

Dinner

Meet at the hotel lobby at 19:00 to walk to Kacelani restaurant in the center of town for group dinner.

Activities / Notes

• No bailout needed today – the hike is ALL downhill !
• There is supposedly an internet cafe in Himara. I haven´t actually found it yet, but we´ll find out for sure.
• There is always the popular bilardo (billiards), a glass of «raki» at one of the many «lokali´s» (bars) in the evening, or a stroll along the promenade.
• Stay in Gjicali hotel on Spila beach – Himara

Day 6 - Old Himara

Morning

• Free Day – Optional Activities:
  • Sleep–in
  • Go to the Beach at Spila across the street from our hotel; or, walk further south to the larger beach of Potam (30 minute walk); or, walk along the coast north to less developed Livadhe Beach (1.5 hours – coast trail has some areas of steep rocks with no trail).
  • Hike around Himara on your own.
  • Guided tour to the village of Old Himara will leave from the hotel at 10:00 in the morning; leisurely hike up scenic valley (100 meters elev. 2 km) to the fortified historic village now mostly in ruins; picnic lunch in Old Himara; return by way of Livahde Beach in the afternoon.

Lunch

On your own

Afternoon

• Free Day continues
  • Return to the hotel in time to leave for the group dinner. Don´t get lost anywhere!
  • Replenish lunch supplies for the trek the next day.

Dinner

Meet in the hotel lobby at 19:00 for group dinner at Vironi restaurant.

Activities / Notes

• Polyphonic concert after dinner in the restaurant. Historic polyphonic music is predominantly a-harmonious group singing (typically practiced without accompaniment by instruments) that can still be heard coming from taverns today, spontaneously sung by the patrons. It is unique to the Balkan region and is a particular tradition in Albania. Ben´s father and uncle have been renowned performers in their youth having competed (and won) at festivals around the country for years. Ben´s uncle will lead his group in the polyphonic singing. Sing along if you can get the hang of it !
• Remain in Hotel Gjicali at Spila Beach – Himara

Day 7 - Himara to Dhermi

Morning – Coastal Trekking (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – Pack up and leave at 09:00 from Himara Beach Hotel
• DISTANCE – 6+- km to Jal Beach
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Climb 100 meters over the ridge to Livadhe beach (wooded dirt road and trails – 1 hr.)
  • Walk the long sand and pebble beach without a single building to spoil the view (45 min ).
  • Continue along an abandoned army road to Jal Beach (1 hr.)
  • Arrive Jal Beach at 12:00

Lunch

One Hour on the beach at Jal

Afternoon – Coastal Trekking (Four Hours)

• DEPART – at 13:00 from Jal Beach
• DISTANCE – - 7+- km to Dhermi Beach
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Climb out of Jal on a rocky trail along the bluff (100 meter climb) overlooking the beach (Coastal Trail – 2 hrs)
  • Climb back down to Gjipe beach at sea level.
  • Walk along abandoned road along the coast to the Monastery of Shen Todhre (Dirt Road – 45 min.)
  • Hike down the bluff to the beach north of Dhermi, then walk along the long beach to the hotel (Coastal Trail – 1 hr.).

Dinner

Meet at Luciano restaurant (one building up the beach from the hotel) at 19:00 for group dinner.

Activities / Notes

• Explore around Gjipe Beach for a half hour before continuing the trek north. Gjipe is at the mouth of Vunoi canyon and is very scenic. There are caves with iron age hieroglyphics high on the walls of the canyon.
• Visit the Monastery of Shen Todhre overlooking Dhermi Beach. Once converted into an army barracks and later a tourist village, the landscape around the remains of the monastery provide clues to the early extensive Christian complex.
• Stay in Dhermi Beach - Hotel Stramarku - for the night.

Day 8 - Village of Dhermi

Morning – Village Tour (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – Pack up and leave at 09:00 from Dhermi Beach Hotel
• DISTANCE – 3+- km total: 1km up to village of Dhermi, tour village
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Climb 100 meters in elev. up to village of Old Dhermi (Steep Village Path – 1 hr.)
  • Visit churches and historic sites in Dhermi for 2 hours
  • Climb another 100 meters to Monastery above Dhermi (Village Paths – sometimes steep)

Lunch

One Hour in the area of the Monastery above Dhermi: 12:30 to 13:30

Afternoon – Village Tour (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – at 13:30 from the Monastery
• DISTANCE – – 3+- km to Dhermi Beach
• ELEVATION / ROUTE INFO
  • Continue village tour (Village Paths – 2 hrs.)
  • Return by climbing down 100 meters to Dhermi Beach (Pastoral Valley Trail – 1 hr.)
  • Arrive Hotel at 16:30

Dinner

Meet at Luciano restaurant (one building up the beach from the hotel) at 19:00 for group dinner.

Activities / Notes

• Village tour provided by local Dhermi residents.
• Dhermi has numerous historic churches and buildings, some of which date from the VIII century.
• The village trail up to Dhermi in the morning is an historic, seldom used, stone path with great views of the coast, with a small religious prayer building built into the cliff.
• The hike in the afternoon returning to the beach follows a small stream through a terraced valley with gardens, citrus and olive groves.
• Remain in Hotel Stramarku for a second night.

Day 9 - Dhermi to Saranda

Morning – Travel to Porto Palermo by chartered bus (3.5 Hours)

• DEPART – Pack up and leave hotel at 09:0
• Travel to the Villages of Ilias and Vuno – tour villages for 2.5 hours
• ARRIVE Porto Palermo at 12:30

Lunch

Hour in the Ali Pasha Castle at Porto Palermo 12:30 – 13:30.

Afternoon – Travel to Saranda by chartered bus (2 Hours)

• DEPART – at 13:30 from Porto Palermo.
• ARRIVE – at 15:30 in Saranda; check into Ari Hotel.

Dinner

Meet in the hotel lobby at 19:00 for group dinner at Golfo di Pesce restaurant on the Saranda promenade.

Activities / Notes

• Visit and sightseeing in the old villages of Ilias and Vuno
• The Porto Palermo Bay has been an important coastal landing since ancient times. More recently, it has been used as an Albanian military post and until 1991 it was off limits to visitors. The large man-made cave on the north shore once housed Albania´s submarine navy donated by the Soviet Union. The Castle of Ali Pasha was built on the small island in the bay during Ottoman rule in the 18th -19th century.

Day 10 - Saranda to Corfu

Departure – Travel back to Corfu by ferry

• DEPART – for Corfu at 10:00 from Port of Sarand
• TRAVEL – by ferry approximately 1 ¹/₂ hours to Port of Corfu
• ARRIVE – Corfu at 12:30 (Local Time)
  • Go thru customs at the Port
  • Departure plans vary by individual; please coordinate your departure with Ben in advance. The round-trip chartered ferry cost of 25 Euro assumes your return by the same boat taken on arrival. Alternate plans for return will not incur a refund by the boat company.
  • Note: Greek time in Corfu is 1 hour later than Albania time