A place this spectacular can’t stay a secret for long: Shala River has its springs from melting snow of the Albanian Alps. This explains the transparency of its waters that create a vivid palette of colors while running through wild mountains. Our journey towards Shala River begins early in the morning. At 05:00 am, our tour guide will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana. As we take the turn from the main road to Vau i Dejës, the area becomes more rural with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. We will stop for a short break by Vau i Dejes Lake, a beautiful and tranquil setting, and experience local transport over a bumpy road but with an amazing view. We will get on a small local boat (this destination is only reachable by boat) that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. We will make the turn to Shala River after 30 minutes. You will have some free time to enjoy the view. The ones that are interested can go explore the area. Shala river is one of the most adventurous and wildest places to hike. If you are brave enough, don’t forget to bring your swimming suits as some of us will dare to swim in this paradise so-called the Albanian Thailand. We will get back on the boat to Komani Dam. From here we drive back to Tirana after an unforgettable experience. We will arrive in Tirana in the late afternoon
What is included in the tour
- Private Guide
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel Insurance
- Visit Ohrid Lake
- Visit Pogradec, one of the oldest civilizations
- Discover the mosaic of Lin
- Explore the deepest lake in the Balkans
- Explore the village of Tushemisht
- Visit the national park of Drilon
Day 1: Tirana - Shala River - Tirana
At 9:00 am in the morning, our tour guide will come and pick you up at your hotel to begin the day tour of Ohrid Lake from the Albanian side. Situated on the shores of Ohrid Lake, Pogradec is one of the oldest settled civilizations in Albania. As we drive down the elaborated zigzags, we encounter the tremendous scenery offering one of the most picturesque views of Lake Ohrid and the Lin Peninsula. In addition to the enchanting views, we will discover the mosaic of Lin, dating back to 4th-5th centuries A.D. This ancient artwork exhibits an amazing ensemble of zoomorphic, floral, and geometric decorations resembling those in ancient Durrës. Lin has also been described as the favorite holiday destination of the Roman Emperor Justinian’s parents.
Our journey continues towards Pogradec, where we will visit the old town and stroll down by the lake. Ohrid lake, of tectonic origin (2 – 4 million years old), is the deepest lake in Balkans and it is under UNESCO protection due to its unique value and being home to 17 species of aquatic animals. At 12:30, you will have some free time to have lunch and wander around by yourself until 14:00 pm.
After lunch, we will visit the national park of Drilon and Tushemisht. Drilon waters form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful greenery that makes the area and the nearby village of Tushemisht a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. The area is also famous for its culinary wonders, such as the traditional fish dishes, especially the baked speckled trout (Koran in Albanian) as well as the famous pickles. You might also taste the various wines on offer, but don’t miss the traditional unique wine of Buti, or the famous Perla and Moskat raki of Pogradec. We will be back in Tirana in the late afternoon.
