Albania highlights tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Shared local transport in Albania includes buses and minibuses called "furgons". These are common and budget-friendly options for getting around cities and towns. Buses and furgons are the primary means of public transport. We encourage our clients to choose transportation options that minimize environmental impact, such as public transportation, bicycles and hybrid vehicles.

We actively promote walking, cycling or non-polluting means of travel during tours. This not only reduces carbon emissions, but also provides a more authentic and immersive experience for our clients. Walking, cycling, and kayaking can be part of this trip, especially in scenic areas and mountain regions.

Restaurants like Veganut and Greeny's in Tirana offer vegetarian-friendly options. Markets like Pazari i Ri and the Tirana Farmers' Market offer fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies.Shkodra has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants serving traditional dishes made from local ingredients
Both Kruja and Shkodra have scenic walking and cycling routes that allow tourists to explore the cities in an eco-friendly way.

Korēa offers beautiful walking and cycling routes, such as the Morava circuit and various hiking trails.Hani i Pazarit Boutique Hotel in Korca uses renewable energy and offers a unique blend of Albanian tradition and modern luxury.Many restaurants in Korēa, such as Vila Cofiel and Taverna Vasili, focus on using seasonal and organic ingredients.

In Permet it is possible to overnight in Ecocamping and Glamping and these accomodations generate 100% of its electricity through photovoltaic solar panels.
Pėrmet offers kayaking and packrafting on the Vjosa River.Llogara National Park offers beautiful walking and hiking trails, and there are mountain biking trails available.Berat offers beautiful walking and cycling routes, as well as kayaking tours on the Osumi River and Shepherd Farm offers an authentic agricultural experience with meals prepared using locally-sourced products

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The Land of Eagles, as Albania is also called, has a rich environmental and landscape heritage. Albania has begun to talk about sustainable tourism, community involvement in environmental projects, cultural tourism to archaeological sites, and processing activities of agricultural and livestock products. Thirty-five percent of European biodiversity is preserved intact in Albania's Protected Areas.

Accommodations are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impacts. Hotels like The Green House Tirana and EcoHotel Tirana use solar panels for hot water and LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
Many hotels have installed water-saving filters on taps and showerheads, and some, like Rogner Hotel Tirana, collect rainwater for irrigation.

We can stroll in Grand Park of Tirana: A large urban park with an artificial lake, botanical garden.
Divjakė-Karavasta National Park: Known for its rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities.
Lake Shkodėr Nature Reserve: This nature reserve encompasses the Albanian segment of Lake Skadar and the adjoining Buna River and plain.
Prespa National Park: Located in the Korēa region, this park is also part of the Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve
Redhi i Hotovės National Park: Known for its canyons and greenery, this park offers a rich natural environment for visitors.
Vjosa River: The Vjosa River, one of Europe's last free-flowing rivers, is a significant natural feature in the region
Butrint National Park: This park is one of the most important sites of cultural and natural heritage in Albania, covering a total area of 9,424.04 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of species and habitats.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltėr): A water spring and initial water source of the Bistricė River, known for its stunning blue color
Tomorr Mountain National Park: This park is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

The NATURED project aims to enhance resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions in urban areas.
EU4Nature: This project focuses on protecting and conserving at least 25% of Albania's territory by 2030.
NaturAlbania Project: Focuses on the protection of Albanian natural capital and includes a Sea Turtle Recovery Center

Balkan Lynx: One of the most threatened species in Albania, facing habitat loss and illegal logging.
Arabian Leopard: Efforts are being made to raise awareness and protect this endangered species.
Silver-Cheeked Toadfish: This invasive species has been spotted off Albania's coast and poses ecological and health risks.
Dalmatian Pelican: This species remains threatened in Lake Shkodėr, primarily due to human activity and climate change

We work several expert nature guides, many of whom are from the local community and are well-qualified.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

There are several locally owned accommodations including boutique hotels and homestays. Notable examples include:
Villa Permet: An original home from the 1800s converted into a stunning hotel, featuring a restaurant, bar, garden, and free Wi-Fi.
Bujtina Lumo: A tranquil villa surrounded by greenery, offering outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, and thermal baths

In Kruja, we can visit the historic Old Bazaar. This marketplace dates back to the 17th century and offers a variety of traditional Albanian crafts, clothing, and antiques. It's a great place to immerse in the local culture and find unique items.
In Korēa, we can visit the historic Old Bazaar, the social and economic center of the city for centuries and offers a variety of traditional Albanian crafts, clothing, and antiques. Additionally, Korēa is known for its artisanal crafts, including handmade products by local women.
Dardha is known for its traditional organic food, plum moonshine, and beautiful costumes
In Pėrmet, we can visit the Pro Pėrmet Consortium. This consortium promotes tourism and typical territorial products, offering a variety of high-quality agricultural products, including grapes, cherries, herbs, and honey. The local market in Pėrmet is a delightful destination that captures the heart of Albanian hospitality and culinary richness

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The employment rate in Tirana is part of the broader labor market statistics for Albania. According to the latest figures, the employment rate for the population aged 15 to 64 is 66.7%. The majority of the workforce is from the local community.

Tirana is gradually becoming more LGBTQ+ friendly.
Tirana is committed to improving accessibility for people with disabilities. Many public spaces, including Skanderbeg Square and various museums, offer wheelchair access and other facilities. The city also has initiatives to create inclusive playgrounds and parks

We support Local Businesses for services such as accommodations, restaurants, and transportation.

Collaborating with local organizations, such as the Don Bosco Centre in Shkodra, can provide opportunities for children to experience new environments and activities. These trips can include visits to parks, museums, and cultural sites, offering educational and recreational benefits.