4-Day Tour from Berat to Gjirokastër with Osumi Canyons and Apollonia

Start early in the morning from Berat. You will be picked up from the hotel and drive south of Berat. The views along the way are spectacular, with a mosaic of mountains, hills, valleys, old villages, vineyards, bunkers, and an old guns factory.

Stop for a break in Bogova, a village famous for its natural setting and hidden waterfall.

After stopping at a good café, begin walking to reach the waterfall. This area is full of herbs, fresh water, and different trees that dot the region.

Continue driving to Poliçan, a city founded to design and produce guns during communist times. It was the most secure town in Albania during that era. Today, the gun factories still operate, not to produce weapons, but to destroy those that were once made.

Take a short walk through the town and stop in front of the tunnels built to protect communist leaders in case of a strike from the Western army.

Move on to Skrapar, also known as Çorovodë. Explore some of the rock formations in the canyon, which have striking names such as the Cathedral, the Eye, and the Demon's Door. The canyons are 26 km (16 miles) long, at an altitude of 450 m, and are believed to have been formed 2-3 million years ago by water erosion.

Socialise with the local inhabitants, who share many interesting legends, including those of Mulliri i Babait, Vrima e Nuses, and Saint Abaz Ali.

Take the chance to swim and hike around some beautiful spots in the canyon. The water is not too cold, and there are perfect places for a swim.

Spend about 2 hours in this great canyon and enjoy lunch made up of authentic traditional food.

After lunch, journey towards Përmet - the City of Flowers.

Check in to your hotel to relax for a while, and later, try the local special dessert called Gliko.

Walk through the small town of Përmet.

Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant.

Start early in the morning and head out for a short walk to Bredhi i Hotovës, one of the biggest national parks in Albania, known for its high biodiversity. Discover the park's rich variety of endemic, sub-endemic, Balkan, and Mediterranean plants, and encounter mammals such as the wolf, bear, deer, and wild boar.

Take a short walk and swim in this natural spa pool.

Explore the natural thermal waters of Banja.

Enjoy a traditional picnic in the thermal waters.

Spend time here relaxing and enjoying nature. Swim, hike, or explore the surroundings.

Visit Langarica Canyons, one of the most beautiful attractions of Përmet.

In the late afternoon, return to Përmet and taste some Gliko in one of the small family-run workshops.

Enjoy a traditional dinner in a small restaurant.

Walk through the city and climb to the top of Përmet Rock, a large rock in the heart of the city, from where you can enjoy views of the city at night.

Visit the historic city of Gjirokastër. The main characteristic of Gjirokastër is the extensive use of stone in the construction of its houses, which look like small fortresses, and its cobblestone streets, all leading to the bazaar. It is also famous for being the birthplace of communist dictator Enver Hoxha and Nobel Prize candidate for Literature, Ismail Kadare.

Stop at Labova Church. The foundation of the church dates back to the 6th century, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD).

Check in at the hotel for a short break, or continue with the tour.

Stroll through the Gjirokastër Bazaar.

Visit Zekati House, one of the most magnificent and characteristic buildings in Gjirokastër. Built in 1811-1812, it is a three-floor building with two twin towers. A special feature of the house is its carved wooden ceilings and guest room. From the wooden balcony on the third floor, you can enjoy an impressive view of the city.

Marvel at the Castle of Argjiro, the most important structure in the city. The origins of Gjirokastër begin with this castle, which was built in the 4th century when the city was named Argyrokastro.

Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant. The town of Gjirokastër is also known for its culinary art, so try special dishes such as pasha qofte, shapkat, and oshaf with dried figs, a dessert made with sheep's milk, sugar, and dried figs.

Enjoy free time to explore the town at night.

Enjoy your breakfast and begin your drive to Tirana.

On the way, visit Tepelenë for a short visit to the castle, and Uji i ftohtë, one of the best places in Albania.

Take a break at a café or have some snacks.

Stop to see one of the most historic sites in Albania, Apollonia.

Visit Apollonia, an ancient Illyrian settlement founded during the 6th century BC. Historians believe it was the biggest antiquity town of its time. Here, visit the Byzantine Church built by Emperor Peleologu and the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia.

Proceed to Tirana.