Albania Road Trip: Canyons, cliffs and crystal waters

Today's the day! You're answering the call of distant lands and starting your Albanian adventure! As you sit on the plane, you can barely contain yourself because you know that the country’s beauty is sure to surpass all your expectations.
You finally make it to Tirana, collect your hire car at the airport and head north into the Albanian Alps. But all that travelling's got you hungry. So it's time for a culinary pit stop in Lezha at the Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm' restaurant (optional, payable on site). The vibes are authentic Albanian and 100% local – everything here is home-grown. Pro tip: make sure to book a table in advance. Full and happy, you then head to today's destination: your accommodation in Bogë. The alpine hotel is so lovely that you feel like you're in a remake of The Sound of Music!

When you wake up, the sight of the rocky peaks and green slopes around you immediately has you ready for action! The neighbouring village of Theth is the perfect starting point for hikes through the Albanian Alps, so you park your car there and start your tour with a hike across the breathtaking Valbona Pass. From Theth, you walk for around five miles overs sweeping mountain slopes, through dense beech forest and across plateaus and green meadows. The scent of thyme and pine is everywhere, and at the end, you're rewarded with a view of the Valbona Valley that's so unreal it surpasses everything you previously imagined. Not a fan of heights? Then take the path from Theth towards the Blue Eye, past the Grunas Waterfall, and discover an unbelievably gorgeous, shimmering turquoise meltwater lake waiting for you at the end of your hike. And if you're courageous enough, jump right into the ice-cold water!

Your road trip starts today! From Bogë, you're off to the beach paradise of Durrës. Along the way, you pass through Shkodra – hello pit stop! The town is right next to Lake Skutari, the largest lake in the Balkans, through which the border with neighbouring Montenegro runs. If you have the time, join a boat tour (optional, payable on site)! Once you arrive in Durrës, you definitely don't want to miss out on a dip in the sea on the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Coast. And if you still have time and want to go sightseeing afterwards, perfect! Check out the Amphitheatre, Venetian Tower, the Old City Wall and the Byzantine Forum. Whip out your phone, start snapping pics, and when you're done, head further south in your hire car until you reach your destination for the day.
Welcome to Berat! The historic centre of the City of a Thousand Windows is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true thrill for every fan of history. The absolute must-sees? Berat Castle, which sits perched on a hill above the city, and the historic district of Mangalem – exactly where the city gets its nickname! Spend the evening on the Bulevardi Republika in one of the many restaurants and bars and enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner (optional, payable on site).

Berat itself isn't the only highlight; the surrounding area also has loads in store. And Osum Gorge is one of the best! You can't take your wheels with you on this one, so instead, just hop on the bus to Çorovoda and off you go. Pro tip: It's even easier with a guide, so it's a good idea to book one in advance. From several different bridges, you’ll have the perfect Insta-worthy view into the depths, where the milky-turquoise river meanders through the canyon. Up for even more nature vibes? Then head back to Berat, grab your hire car and check out the village of Bogovë. Park up there in town and set off on a short hike along the river through deep green forest. Walk until the sound of water breaks the silence, then behold: the Bogovë Waterfall – a true showstopper, splashing into the depths. And when you’re ready for some scran, why not go for a dinner with a view?! Cross the Osum River on foot, grab a seat in one of the restaurants in the Gorica district and tuck into a delicious meal with a view of the old town and the famous 'thousand windows' – talk about next level!