Adventures in Albania & Lake Ohrid

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) 

Ascent: 620 feet (190m) 

Descent: 920 feet (280m) 

After an early morning start, our first walk takes us from the small village of Polis along the highland landscapes of the historic Via Egnatia. Originally constructed by the Romans in 2BC, this ancient trail began on Albania’s Adriatic coast through to the city of Byzantium, now Istanbul. We will learn more from our local guide as we walk. Later, a short bus journey offers a stop in Lin before heading on to Voskopoje. Here, we’ll take a walk around the village before learning how to cook a traditional pie, which we’ll dine on for dinner at the Pashuta Guesthouse, where we stay for two nights.  

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)   

Ascent: 1,230 feet (375m)   

Descent: 1,230 feet (375m)  

After an early start, we’ll enjoy a circular walk from the village centre along the riverside and up to the traditional village of Shipske. We’ll take a break to admire the newly restored church before our journey back to Voskopoje. It’s a steep descent but will reward us with breathtaking valley views over streams and forests. Enjoy free time in the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll visit a traditional village house and have dinner at a local restaurant. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)   

Ascent: 1,575 feet (480m)   

Descent: 690 feet (210m)  

This walk starts from Voskopoje, passing the Church of the Archangels on a path within the beautiful Morava mountains. We’ll learn about nearby military tunnels, built during the communist period, and see the “Soldiers’ Fountain”. After a short-but-steep section to our highest point of the day, we’ll stop and take in the view of Valamara Mountain. After descending a gravel path we’ll hop on a bus transfer and drive to Korce. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this ancient city with its charming, cobbled streets and market quarter. We’ll check in to our next hotel, Hani i Pazarit, and enjoy dinner. 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)   

Ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)   

Descent: 2,300 feet (700m) 

It’s an early start today, but there’ll be a coffee break at St Nau, before we reach Galicica National Park where our walk begins.  Joined by an expert local guide, we’ll begin at a high point between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prepsa and ascend through the forest, emerging to the Magaro Peak. We’ll have magnificent views of the surrounding mountains before heading back downhill on a different route and transferring by road to Ohrid. We’ll check in to the Sky Corner Hotel for two nights and have some time to refresh before dinner at a local restaurant. 

Distance: 9 miles (14km)   

Ascent: 985 feet (300m)   

Descent: 2,300 feet (700m) 

Today we’ll uncover more trails within Galicica National Park, starting in Velestovo with a longer but more leisurely route. We’ll pass through remote villages such as Konjsko and Elshani, with panoramas of Lake Ohrid. Our local guide will tell us more about how this area was affected by World War II, as we pass thought-provoking ruins and monuments. Back in Ohrid, there’ll be afternoon free time before a walking tour of the city and dinner at a local restaurant.  

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)   

Ascent: 1,345 feet (410m)  

Descent: 985 feet (300m)  

An early start today as we drive alongside Lake Ohrid, then travel westwards by road on the panoramic route to Krabe, over the crest of Krasta, Albania’s highest town. Our last walk will take us through the villages of Gracen, Pajenge and Terbac, before a lunch break. Arriving in Tirana in the afternoon, we’ll have time for a walking tour of the country’s capital, seeing some of the key sights, such as Skanderbeg Square. We’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together at a local restaurant, before our final night’s stay at Hotel Senator. 

Departure day