Balkan Bliss
June 22, 2024 - June 29, 2024
Group: 10-18
Summary
Balkan Bliss: Albania 8D/7N Tour
Tirana — Shkoder — Komani — Theth — Berat — Himare — Sarande
The Balkan Bliss tour highlights the best that Albania has to offer. Embark on a soulful journey with Muslim Voyagers to Albania, where the rich tapestry of Islamic heritage intertwines with the stunning landscapes of the Balkans. From exploring ancient mosques echoing tales of history to savoring halal delights in picturesque settings, our trip is a harmonious blend of spirituality and adventure. Wander through vibrant bazaars, immerse yourself in the warmth of Albanian hospitality, and connect with fellow Muslim travellers as you discover the hidden gems of this enchanting destination. Albania awaits, offering a unique tapestry of culture, faith, and breathtaking landscapes that will leave an indelible mark on your heart. Join us for a transformative experience that transcends boundaries and creates lasting memories
Highlights
Experiences include:
Exploring the Balkans and it’s history of Islam and communism in the country
Theth, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Albania
Swimming in Shala River, known as Thailand of Albania
Historic Ottoman mosques
Visit to the beautiful coastal cities of Albania and swimming in blue waters
Optional rafting in Osumi Canyon
Dates
The tour is limited to 18 guests so reserve your space in advance to avoid missing out.
Dates:
Saturday June 22, 2024 - Saturday June 29, 2024
What’s Included
🏔️ Accommodation in selected boutique or 4-star hotels
🏔️ All breakfasts and dinners
🏔️ Local and knowledgable tour guides
🏔️ Private transfer to/from airport and for entire duration of the trip
🏔️ All activities part of the tour including entrance tickets to any monuments
🏔️ Curated itinerary with all the planning done by us!
❌ Flights
❌ Trips and gratuities for driver and tour guides
❌ Optional activities
❌ Lunch and drinks, unless specified
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Travel Insurance
Airport Transfer
Airport transfers are planned with a 1-2 hour window to allow everyone to arrive to the airport based on the flight they may take. The time chosen is based on the cheapest flights for the destination on our trip day. If you are arriving at a different time, we can arrange a pickup for you for an additional fee.
Arrival Window: Saturday, June 22, 2024 Time: TBD
Departure Window: Saturday, June 28, 2024 Time: TBD
Itinerary
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Arrive to Tirana International Airport in Tirana. You will be picked up by your driver and taken to your hotel in the city.
Freshen up in your hotel and explore the city by foot. Depending on the arrival time, you will be given a guided walking tour of the city with a focus on Islamic history and communism in Albania.
You will then try delicious Albanian cuisine.
Overnight in Tirana.
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On Day 2, we will head towards Shkodra after breakfast. the 5th most populous city in Albania. Shkodra has been continuously inhabited since the Early Bronze Age, and it has roughly 2,200 years of recorded history.
Along the road you will stop at Castle of Kruja, built in the 5th century during a revolt against the Ottomans. In Shkodra, you will stop at Rozafa Castle, dating back to the 4th or early 3rd century BC!
The rest of the day you will have to yourself to explore Shokdra.
Overnight in Shkodra.
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On Day 3, you will depart your hotel after breakfast to head to Koman, known for its beautiful lake on the Drin River.
Once there, you will be taken in speed boats, in groups of 7, for a tour of the Shala River, known as the Thailand of Albania. The hazy color of water and it’s crystal clean water is a characteristic of this river. The steep huge rocks, worn by trees and green plants, seem to rise to the sky to protect this beauty. You will have time to swim and enjoy yourself for a couple hours.
Then you will have lunch and depart for Theth.
Overnight in Theth.
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On Day 4, you will wake up to the magnificent Caucasus mountain range.
You will have time until lunch to explore and relax in the most beautiful mountain village of Albania at an elevation of 2,790ft.
You may also hike to Theth Waterfall, about 45 mins each way.
After lunch, you will depart for Berat.
Overnight in Berat.
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On Day 5, you will wake up in Berat, known for its iconic white Ottoman houses.
A 2,400 year old city, and a UNSECO World Heritage Site.
You will have a guided walking tour of the town by a local of Berat.
Points of interest that you will visit include Berat Castle, from the 13th century, containing Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques.
Optional rafting in the Osumi Canyon! For those that do not want to partake in the activity can explore Berat on their own.
After lunch, you will head to the coastal city of Himare.
Overnight in Himare.
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On Day 6, you will wake up in the beautiful Albanian Riviera.
Underrated and lesser known but with beaches just as beautiful as popular European beaches.
You will go on a boat tour on the Adriatic Sea along the coastline. Stops for swimming and visit to caves!
Afterwards, enjoy lunch by the coast while soaking in the sun.
You will have the rest of the day to yourself to relax.
Overnight in Himare.
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On Day 7, you will head back to Tirana via the Llogora Pass. A high mountain pass with zig zag roads and breathtaking views.
Once in Tirana, you will go for an early lunch.
After lunch, you will have a guided walking tour of the city (if unable to on Day 1).
After the walking tour, you will depart for Bovila Lake*. A picturesque reservoir in Albania, approximately 9 miles northeast of Tirana .
Overnight in Tirana.
*Subject to time and availability
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On Day 8, you will check out of your hotel and head to the airport to bid farewell to Albania.
If you would like to continue your trip and would like suggestions we would be glad to help.
Terms and Conditions
Please carefully read the T&Cs below and let us know if you have any questions. It is important you understand the terms below prior to booking to avoid any disappointment.
A $99 reservation fee applies when booking a trip to confirm your spot. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
The full payment for the trip is due no less than 10 weeks before the departure date. This is to ensure we are able to make all the bookings for our travellers and make necessary arrangements.
Once the full payment has been made, it will be non-refundable and non-creditable. If you have any questions about other options please reach out to us to discuss what can be done. You may sell your ticket to someone else should you be able to.
Cancellations are allowed up to 8 weeks before departure. After this you will incur a fee, depending on the circumstances and we will ensure to try our utmost to keep the fee at minimal.
Once the trip starts, there will be no full/partial refunds or credits.
Read the full Terms & Conditions here.
Pre-Trip Checklist
All travellers must ensure they check the visa & other entry requirements for their respective citizenship. Muslim Voyagers does not arrange any visas however we can provide any necessary documents should you need to apply for a visa.
We recommend you purchase travel insurance once you make your booking. This should protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances should you be unable to travel. The medical insurance is also highly recommended in case of any unforeseen illnesses or medical emergencies on the trip. Contact us if you would like suggestions.
Tour Details
The itinerary is planned to provide a memorable experience for everyone however it remains flexible. We may need to cancel/modify certain parts of the itinerary due to extraneous circumstances out of our control
If you would not like to partake in a specific activity due to health or physical conditions, let us know and we can find a different activity for you or compensate you when possible
Information about accommodation will be provided in a guide after you have booked your spot
Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller of same gender, should you not opt for a single room. If this is not available, you will have to choose the single room option for an additional fee
