Day 1: Thessaloniki – Gjirokaster

Our excursion will begin in Thessaloniki and end in Gjirokaster, through Egnatia Road. The journey will take 5 hours, giving us enough time to visit Gjirokaster at the end of the day. A Medieval city where you can admire the distinctive architecture of Gjirokaster, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after checking into our hotel. The iconic castle at the top of the hill, the cobblestone alleys, the cultural heritage museum, and Enver Hoxha’s birthplace are all worth seeing.

Driving time: 5 hours

Overnight accommodation in a traditional guesthouse or hotel with traditional architecture

Meals are not included.

Day 2: Gjirokaster – Durres – Radomire

After a hearty Greek breakfast, we’ll head down the Aoos, Europe’s only remaining wild river, which begins in Greece, continues through Albania as the Vjose and finally flows into Vlore. After paying a visit to the historic district, we will continue on to Durres, the largest port in Albania and one of the oldest cities in the country. The weather and our general disposition will determine where we stop for lunch and how we proceed on the drive to the base of Korab the following day.

Time on the road:

A trip from Argyrokastro to Vlore takes around 2 hours.
Two hours from Vlore to Durres
Four hours from Durres to Radomire

Overnight: in a local guesthouse or rooms

Breakfast is served at the hotel, and dinner is served at our lodging in Radomire.

Point of interest:

The Vlora and Dures tributaries of the Radomire and Viose (Aoou) deltas

Day 3: Radomire – Korab summit (2.764m)

We’ll have an early start so that we can summit the highest mountain in Albania without rushing. The trek is strenuous but rewarding because of the beautiful scenery and the various streams you’ll cross, both temporary and permanent. From here, you can see the Albanian Alps and the beautiful sub-alpine meadows where traditional cattle farmers still reside. We retrace our steps back to Ohrid, stopping briefly for lunch before continuing on to our accommodation in the historic district by the lakeside.

Overnight: in a hotel or local guesthouse in Ohrid

Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation, packed lunch

Driving hours: 3 hours

Route profile
Distance: 17 km
Gain altitude: 1500 meters
Difficulty: 3/5

Estimated hiking time: 9 – 10 hours

Day 4: Ohrid – Thessaloniki

We will have breakfast in Ohrid, taking in the peaceful surroundings by the lake before taking a stroll around the city’s historic center, home to impressive buildings and a historic theater. Those who are interested can use the free time we have to schedule a relaxing massage. We will leave for Thessaloniki in the early afternoon.

Driving hours: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel

minimum number of people: 4 people

maximum number of people: 8 people