Eco Mirdita

Exclusively included:

• 8 nights of accommodation in double rooms
• All meals included
• Entrance tickets included
• Transportation by bus and 4×4 vehicles included
• French-speaking guide included
• Local guides included

Day 1 – Departure from Tirana at 08:00 AM

Early departure from Tirana heading toward Rubik. Our first stop is the Infokulla, with its tourist information point and the Museum of the North. There, we discover fascinating information for our upcoming adventures: the history of the region, rural life, the characteristics of the Mirdita ethnoregion, as well as valuable ethnological and historical artifacts.

We then visit the church perched on the rock. Its apse and its 1272 frescoes are the only religious relics of Mirdita that survived the destruction of the dictatorship. We reflect at the “Stone of Creation” before enjoying a snack at the cultural center.

Then, we travel to the picturesque Katund i Vjetër Valley and check in at the Marub ecolodge, set in an idyllic location. After a short break, we visit the ruins of Saint Nicholas Church on the mountainside. We return to Marub to enjoy the evening on the terrace.

We head toward Orosh, the former capital and spiritual center of the northern Albanian tribes for centuries. The Monastery of Alexander, once renowned far beyond the region’s borders, was completely destroyed during the dictatorship, as was the Kapedan’s palace.

The church has been rebuilt according to its historical design.

Once a place with internal autonomy under the Ottoman Empire, Orosh is today just an isolated mountain village, difficult to access and ready to be rediscovered. You will be amazed by the landscapes of bold rock formations and resilient farmland.

In the afternoon, we ascend to the “Sacred Ground” of Nenshejt, a vast karst area overgrown with vegetation and offering magnificent panoramic views.

Overnight stay in Orosh.

Heading to Fan for the day. We travel toward Shengjin, where our hike begins. On former settlement lands, we explore traditional agricultural life. Depending on the season, we may observe locals sowing, planting, plowing, harvesting, or fencing the fields.

On the agenda: visiting local households, discovering traces from the Bronze Age, and exploring the remains of Anderfajt Castle. A fascinating panoramic trail takes us around Kujt, Klos, and Konaj. We return to Marub in the evening.

A short drive, followed by a switch to 4×4 vehicles in Munazë. The hidden Vele Valley amazes us with its small agricultural plots, now threatened by the emigration of young people.

Along a winding forest road, we ascend into the Vele Mountains. Albania’s first school was located beyond the ridge, in historic Vele. We stop at a lush spot nestled within these rugged mountains.

Next, we reach the mountain station: a spectacular site offering the perfect viewpoint for a souvenir photo. After a hearty lunch, we spend the afternoon at the nearby reservoir.

Return to Marub in the evening.

A long drive takes us to the sources of the Great Fan. Through sparsely populated mountainous areas, we pass Gjegjan and Gojan, the main villages of the narrow yet fascinating Fan Valley. At Shkozë, we turn off to visit a small rural mill, a vast limestone formation, and the mythical cave of the Zanen.

Déjeuner chez une famille d’agriculteurs. Puis continuation vers la petite ville minière de Fushë Arrëz, et enfin Kryezi. Après la visite de la cascade romantique et légendaire, installation au Makry Guesthouse.

Une journée intense nous attend. Après un long trajet retour, nous faisons une pause au Café Çupi avant une visite chargée d’émotion : la mine de Spaç, ancien camp pénitentiaire et prison de haute sécurité (fermée en 1991), terrible symbole de la terreur sous le régime d’Hoxha.

Along a canyon road, the vehicles climb the tight switchbacks leading to this place of suffering. We take the time to listen, observe, and feel.

Next, a narrow mountain road takes us up to 950 meters in altitude toward Gurth Spaç. A whole new world unfolds before us. The Natura Magica Spaç Guesthouse welcomes us in an exceptional setting.

Below us lies an oasis of peace. At the foot of the Munella Mountains — a rich biodiversity area and the last refuge of the Balkan lynx — the locals have created a harmonious ecotourism space in contrast to the former camp.

We take advantage of this day for an exceptional exploratory hike: a watchtower, an old medieval sheepfold, a water mill, and a chapel built over a spring — all places of healing and positive energy. Evening spent at the ecolodge in a calming atmosphere.

Descent into the valley and drive toward Rrëshen, then Urakë. By 4×4, we reach Bruç. On foot, we access the prehistoric caves: Blazit, Keputit, Nezirit, and Valit — a unique site in Albania due to the number and size of the ancient dwellings.

Outdoor lunch in front of a cave, followed by exploration of the enchanting and little-known Lufaj Plateau. We settle in at “Tranga Adventura,” a traditional fortified family house.

Next, we explore the new ecotourism projects: a drinking water reservoir (260 m deep), a children’s adventure area, cooling cisterns, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, impressive chasms, and a hike to the Maria Anna Chapel at the “Place of Peace.”

A warm evening spent around the fireplace or at the dining table.

Day 9 – Departure at 09:00 AM

Final day. Farewell to the ancient pastures and an extraordinary guesthouse. As we watch the sparkling ribbon of the Mat River, we descend to our vehicle and drive toward Rubik.

At the Agro Center, we have the opportunity to support the people of Mirdita by purchasing beautiful handicrafts and local food products. After a simple lunch, we return to Tirana.

A warm Mirupafshimto you all!