Endemics of Albania 

Explore Albania's Endemic Flora 

Endemics of Albania – Botanical Tour is a meticulously curated exploration of the diverse flora that Albania has to offer. This immersive experience allows enthusiasts to delve into the enchanting world of plants, with a particular focus on the endemic species found in Albania. Discover the unique beauty and ecological significance of these plants while exploring the stunning landscapes of this captivating country. Embark on a Botanical Tour of Albania and witness the rich botanical heritage that this land has to offer. This 8-day tour, focused on some of the endemic plants of Albania, offers a fascinating journey through diverse landscapes, rich in endemic plant species and unique wildlife. The tour begins with arrival in Tirana and a trip to Llogora National Park. Participants will explore notable sites such as Çika Mountain, Kanioni i Gjipesë, and Nemërçkë, home to rare endemic plants and reptiles, while enjoying breathtaking views. The itinerary includes a visit to the UNESCO city of Gjirokastër, hikes through Golëm-Progonat and Gropat e Bizës, and a trip to Kukës to see the globally endangered Albanian Tulip. The tour concludes with a return to Tirana.

Day 1. Arrival at Tirana International Airport and travel to Llogora

Arrivals at “Mother Theresa” airport in Tirana. Pick up from the airport and travel to Llogora National Park and check-in in the hotel.

Day 2. Çika Mountain (the site of the endemic species of Sesleria albanica, Reichardia albanica and Noccaea cikaea).

Start the day around 08:00 and take the Çika peak trail. The area is protected and holds the status of the Nature Park. The trail apart from many plants species and three strictly endemics offers the most fascinating landscape view of the whole Vlora Bay, including the Karaburun Peninsula and Corfu Island in Greece. The trail is rather steep in some parts and to reach the peak takes 4-5 hiking hours and it takes around 3.5 to go down. The area offers great opportunities also for watching birds and reptiles.

Day 3. Kanioni i Gjipesë (the site of the endemic species of Limonium himariense and Hypericum haplophylloides) and departure to Gjirokastër.

Check out from the hotel and drive along the Albanian Riviera, until reaching the Canyon of Gjipe, that in the meantime represents the most beautiful coastal canyon of the country. In this site there are found two Albanian endemic plants Limonium himariense and Hypericum haplophylloides.  Spend around 3-4 hours in the area and take a picnic lunch on site. After that, take the bus and drive towards the UNESCO city of Gjirokaster. Check in a nice hotel in the old city and go for dinner in a traditional restaurant nearby.

Day 4. Nemërçkë (the site of the endemic species of Aubrieta albanica and Stachys sericophylla).

Start the day around 08:00, drive towards the Mountainous region of Pogon, bordering Greece. Drive until the village of Polican where the cars will be parked and the hike towards the Nemercka Mountain will start. The trail is opened and it will take around 5 hours going up and down. Many plant species will be seen in the area, including two endemics Aubrieta albanica and Stachys sericophylla. Nemercka is the largest mountainous massive in southern Albania that lies further south to Greece. It is part of the Vjosa River basin. The area offers fantastic landscapes and other interesting wildlife, such as the rare species of Greek Viper that in Albania it is found only there.

Albanian Lilly (Lilium albanicum)

Day 5. Golëm-Progonat (explore the area and see many plant species).

Start the day around 08:00, make a city tour up to 10:00, visiting the castle and parts of the old city of Gjirokastra. After this drive towards the village of Golëm and arrive there in around 45 min. Leave the car there and take the Golëm-Progonat trail. Watch many plants species along the trail until reaching the village of Progonat where the cars will be waiting for the group. The trail takes around 3.5 hours and it is rather soft. Take lunch at a restaurant at the canyons of Nivica, some of the most beautiful canyons in the whole Europe. After lunch drive through the village of Salari and enjoy the amazing landscapes of the last wild river in Europe, the Vjosa River. Make few stops on the way. Reach the city of Tepelena and then drive straight to Tirana.

Day 6. Gropat e Bizës (the site of the endemic plant species Stachys albanica and Carex markgrafi) and departure to Llogora.

Start the day around 08:00 and drive to the Protected Area of Mali me Gropa – Bize - Martanesh. The area is situated in the eastern part of Tirana, the capital of Albania and it takes around one-hour drive to reach the site. Take the trail, where the endemic plants of Stachys albanica and Carex markgrafi and many other plant species. Turn back in the city in the early afternoon. Take some rest in the hotel and make a short tour to the centre of the capital of Albania and take dinner in a restaurant somewhere in the centre.

Day 7. Kukës (the site of the endemic and globally endangered plant species of Albanian Tulip (Tulipa albanica).

Departure from Tirana around 08:00 and drive for around 2.5 h towards the northern part of the country and closed to the city of Kukes where the site is situated. Spend the day watching the Albanian Tulip and many other plants in the area. Take lunch as a picnic on site. Depart around 16:00 back to Tirana and arrive in early evening.

Albanian Tulip (Tulipa albanica)

Day 8. Departures

Accommodation

Meals

Transport

Guiding Fee