Albania in Spring

Tour Code: ALB01

A pioneering 8-day holiday to a little-known Balkan country, focusing on the birds and other natural history of the Albanian Alps and the scenic wetlands of Divjaka-Karavasta National Park.

8 days from
£1,895 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,745

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Highlights

Summary

Closed for so many years to the outside world, Albania has now opened its doors to become a rewarding tourist destination, with much to offer the visiting naturalist. After a direct flight to the capital, Tirana, we stay for the first three nights in a hotel next to the fabulous Divjaka-Karavasta National Park. From here we’ll explore this national park, and the 4,000-hectare Karavasta Lagoon where we’ll look for a host of waterbirds including Dalmatian Pelican and Greater Flamingo. Whilst in this area we will also visit Vjosë-Nartë, south of Karavasta, which is a magnet for migrating birds such as Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Spotted Redshank, Kentish Plover, Little Stint and Marsh Sandpiper. Next, we drive to the north-east of the country and the spectacular Valbonë Valley National Park in the Albanian Alps, where we will stay for three nights in a traditional guesthouse beside the River Valbonë. The region is home to Brown Bear, Wolf and Chamois, although these are indeed ever-elusive, with Hazel Grouse, Rock Partridge and both Black and White-backed Woodpeckers amongst the avian delights, along with a range of special butterflies and wild flowers including Chequered Blue and Albanian Lily. Finally, we will enjoy a scenic ferry ride across Lake Komani and spend our final night close to Lake Shkodër and enjoy the wildlife this area has to offer before heading back to Tirana for our flight home.

A wonderful array of migrant and breeding birds including Dalmatian Pelican and Flamingo
A fascinating country with a rich culture
Explore the breathtaking Valbone NP and varied habitats throughout the week
Take one of the world’s most impressive ferry journeys across Lake Komani.
Black, White-backed, Grey-headed and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers possible, with Wryneck too
An array of orchids, butterflies, and reptiles
Explore a little-known and exciting country, stopping off in Kosovo too!

Grading

Grade A/B (except for some optional steeper walks in Valbonë Valley NP).

For so long, many of us will have had no more than a tantalising glimpse of Albania — perhaps from Corfu or the Adriatic Sea — its distant and rugged hills full of allure, but not opportunity. Shackled for so much of the latter half of the 20th century by the isolationist and atheistic policies of the regime of the then People’s Republic of Albania, followed by economic difficulties in the 1990s (post communism), only in the 21st century has the new Republic of Albania emerged from the shadows to become a tourist destination of great potential. Indeed, with its unspoiled beaches, wild mountainous topography, delicious cuisine and an archaeological heritage fashioned over millennia through successive Greek, Roman and Ottoman occupations, the potential for tourism is rich and varied. So too is its natural history, which we will be excited to discover and enjoy on this holiday.

We begin our holiday with a flight to Tirana, Albania’s capital city, before travelling to the coast to spend three nights near the wildlife-rich Divjaka-Karavasta National Park. During our time here, we will explore this superb and little-known national park with its 4,000-hectare Karavasta Lagoon, the largest in the country and, with 5% of the world’s breeding Dalmatian Pelicans, it is of international importance. Naturally, these special birds will be a highlight, however the park’s marshes and shallow pools are teeming with other life. Greater Flamingoes can be present in their hundreds, with Pygmy Cormorants, Marsh Sandpipers and Caspian Terns. In the surrounding pine woods we will look for Collared Flycatchers, Subalpine Warblers and Nightingales. The Vjosë- Nartë protected area, to the south of Karavasta, is a huge complex of saltpans and coastal dunes around the Nartë Lagoon. This magnet for migrating birds can offer some of the best wader-watching in Europe, with Black-winged Stilts, Avocets, Spotted Redshanks, Kentish Plovers, stints and sandpipers in abundance, and Slender-billed Gulls, Collared Pratincoles and Stone Curlews amongst other highlights. Bee-eaters and Hoopoes will no doubt add a splash of Mediterranean colour!

The second phase of our holiday will be spent exploring the Valbonë Valley National Park, the gem within the Albanian Alps. Travelling there via a lunch stop in Kosovo, we will enjoy daily walks with the aim of discovering the wealth of natural history in these wild and rugged mountains. They hold a healthy population of both Brown Bears and Wolves, though these are elusive and hard to see, as well as Chamois and such avian stars as Hazel Grouse, Rock Partridge and Black and White-backed Woodpeckers. One spectacular walk ascends through vast Beech woodlands to the meadows above, which may hold Ring Ouzels, Black Redstarts, Wheatears and Water Pipits. Nutcrackers are possible here too, whilst after rainfall there is always the chance of a Fire Salamander! Botanically this area is also wonderfully rich. The meadows are covered in Green-winged Orchids while the fascinating Coralroot and Bird’s-nest Orchids are common in the Beech woodlands alongside an array of other possible alpine species. As the trail climbs higher the landscape opens out to reveal breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, with Maja Jezercë the highest of these at over 2,600 metres. Our guesthouse is located in the valley, beside the River Valbonë, and we will be served traditional cuisine here.

After three nights in the mountains, the time will come to bid farewell to this wild region and wend our way southwards, back towards Tirana. However, one more treat lies in store. The ferry journey across Lake Komani has been dubbed by travellers and guidebooks alike ‘one of the great boat trips of the world’! A trip of two hours or so will see us cruising between towering peaks and sheer cliff faces, across a region in which no roads or power lines connect its few hardy resident farming families to the outside world. We end the holiday with a night in Shkodër, allowing us to enjoy some excellent birding on the way and around the lake here, along with a visit to the castle. The following day we will be in easy striking distance of Tirana where we end our explorations of this wild and little-known land.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Tirana and transfer to Karavasta National Park

Day 2/3

Karavasta National Park and Nartë Lagoon

Day 4

Transfer to Valbonë National Park via Kosovo

Day 5/6

Valbonë National Park

Day 7

Cruise Lake Komani to Shkodër

Day 8

Transfer Tirana

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
Three small, comfortable guesthouses. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Food: All included in the price.

Reviews

We travel as a group (known from an earlier Naturetrek trip to Madagascar as the MAD 4) who choose unusual places to go to which challenge our knowledge and experience. So we expect high quality guides and interesting itineraries. We were not disappointed. Our Albanian guide was well informed, amusing and helpful. Our Naturetrek guide was outstanding in his knowledge of the natural world and was never at a loss for a credible answer. We saw as planned Dalmatian Pelicans, Flamingos, not to mention such less well known birds as the Collared Pratincole, plus numerous butterflies, small reptiles and at at a distance, Chamois. The flat midge infested salt pans of the south contrasted with the awe-inspiring peaks of the Alpine north reached via a drive through Kosovo. All in all a memorable experience.
J.P. London, May 22
Throughout the trip, I was feasted with the sight of local birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and plants in the riches of Albania. One of the highlights included the view of the flamingo birds in the lagoon. Also the Chamois and its young in the Alpine region as well as the European green lizard and the variety of butterflies including the Osiris Blue. During the journeys, I got the chance to absorb the breath-taking layers of scenic views, e.g. the gigantic mountains and turquoise sea in one setting. Throughout the trip we stayed in traditional Albanian accommodation and enjoyed the local cuisine. Another highlight was the interaction with the Ghegs in the Albanian highlands including a spontaneous and humorous cultural exchange that took place in a bar. Also I got an insight into the history of Albania from the visit to Berat as well as through our very knowledgeable local guide. The holiday was appropriately rounded off by the boat trip across Lake Komani towards Koman where were entertained by a traditional musician playing his Lahuta and learned to do an Albanian dance. [The guide] showed great leadership qualities in a subtle way. He was very professional and yet could interact with us effectively and was very sociable. He was calm and unassuming throughout. He was so knowledgeable about the birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and plants, etc. He showed an interest in each individual and was attentive to one's specific focus. He was very thorough and ensured that we got the opportunity to achieve our aim for each trip. He always brought his telescope on the trips and he always gave me the chance to view the wonders of nature through his instrument.
S.M. Ireland, May 22
Although I'd been in Albania once before, it was only for a couple of days. This Naturetrek visit enabled me to see quite a lot more of the country. There was also a very interesting excursion into Kosovo (most whose people regard themselves as Albanian anyway). There was a great deal of wildlife to be seen, and I was particularly interested in some of the bird species; the guides made a small excursion on the first day so I could see the European roller, which I'd seen before but which is one of Europe's most beautiful birds. Our two guides were both knowledgeable and helpful, and the company more generally was excellent.
J.C. Surrey, May 22

An excellent trip run by Naturetrek, terrific wildlife sightings everyday in a beautiful country. Both the Naturetrek and local guides were extremely knowledgeable and made the trip thoroughly enjoyable. The local guide was excellent, giving us a unique and entertaining insight into Albanian culture and everyday life as well as being a highly skilled naturalist.
D.T. Kent, May 19

Thought that Albania might be a bit grey with lots of identical tower blocks of flats but it was beautiful with happy, friendly people everywhere. We birdwatched on the coast for 3 days before taking the long journey to the mountains where the scenery was stunning. Shooting was only banned in 2014 so there was not the quantity of birds around but plenty of variety. The food, always plentiful, was a mixture of Turkish, Italian and Greek and delicious.
H.K. Stirling

The lunch at the "stan" will live long in the memory. All I can say is that for me it was a wonderful holiday.
D.C. Buckinghamshire

Good balance and well described in your brochure.
K.H. Surrey

The trip was well organised with a variety of interests catered for. Valbone NP was a wonderful experience.
B.F. Devon

Tom Mabbett inspired us with his knowledge, enthusiasm and energy. We very much enjoyed the whole holiday and it was also an adventure!
M.F. Devon

Offered good opportunities for bird watching and wild flowers. Expert guiding very good. Different locations visited all excellent. Albanian food and hospitality, especially in the mountains fantastic. Tom's leadership very professional and Marsela too. The extension to Tirana/Sarande was also very well arranged.
S.T. Leicestershire

I enjoyed the great variety with the combination of cultural and wildlife interest. As a walking holiday this was ideal for me, with regular stops to observe our surroundings. One of the highlights was the hospitality shown by the mountain people. The food produced under such primitive conditions was fantastic.
G.L. Norfolk

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Wed 9th Apr – Wed 16th Apr 2 £1,895

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,745

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£245

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Neil Anderson

Tour Leader: Neil Anderson

Neil graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Plant Biology. He has since followed a career in horticulture but a lifelong passion for natural history has occupied much of his spare time. Formerly a member of the council of the London Natural History Society, he has organised and led many field trips for the society and is their dragonfly recorder. His considerable skills as a communicator are also demonstrated during field teaching sessions, which he conducted at the London Wetland Centre. He has been on the management committee of an LNR in Barnes to advise on wildlife issues for over 20 years and a WeBS/BBS surveyor for 30 years. Neil's enthusiasm for birds, flowers, butterflies, dragonflies and indeed every aspect of the natural world, make him an ideal addition to our team of Naturetrek leaders.

Wed 21st May – Wed 28th May 6 £1,895

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,745

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£245

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Neil Anderson

Tour Leader: Neil Anderson

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            [description] => Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides
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Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
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All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
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What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?

Travel with a group of like-minded people
Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
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Our specialist recommends...


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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
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The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

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Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


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Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - April 2022

Tour report - May 2019

Tour report - April 2019

Tour report - May 2018

Tour report - April 2018

Tour report - May 2017

Tour report - April 2017

Tour report - May 2016

Tour report - April 2016

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