Albania

First Day:

We depart in the morning from Tirana to Lezhë, with a stop at the Gjergj Kastrioti Burial Ground, Skënderbeu. The memorial or burial site was built on the Church of Saint Kolli, where Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu was buried in 1468. In 1478, the Turks occupied the city of Lezhë, destroyed the tomb, and opened Skënderbeu’s grave. They wrapped his bones in gold and silver to be used as a talisman of invincibility in battles. The memorial was built in 1981. Inside the walls, there is a row of shields with the emblems of the tribes that participated in the Assembly of Lezhë. We will then continue towards Lezhë Castle.

Lezhë Castle: Built on the foundations of the ancient Acropolis, the construction of the castle began in the 8th century, giving it the character of a civic center. The castle underwent several phases of construction, with the final phase completed in 1520 by Sultan Selim I. After being accidentally burned in 1398 by the local Dukagjin, the Venetians rebuilt the castle between 1440-1451, giving it the form it has today. The next destination after the castle is the village of Kallmet, located 20 minutes away from the castle.

Kallmet Village:

An old legend says that once the village of Kallmet was covered by water, which, when it dried up, left behind mud and silt that influenced the growth of reeds, or wild reeds, which gave the place its name, Kallmet. Kallmet is an ancient settlement. Archaeological findings throughout the territory of the village show that it was inhabited from the Neolithic period to late antiquity. Even after the Roman conquest, the population continued to live here and developed its own unique culture. This is evidenced by the medieval cemetery found in the olive grove of Gjek Simoni (VI-VIII centuries AD). The continuity of life for the residents of Kallmet was uninterrupted, and they created their own culture with distinctive features, making this village a special ethnographic unit in the municipality of Lezhë. The traditional dress of women and girls, characterized by white clothes (a continuation of the Illyrian dress), is particularly distinctive. The people of Kallmet are good farmers and vintners; they have created the Kallmet grape variety, the Kallmet bata, and the large-grain olive, which is mentioned in scientific agricultural literature. Cultural monuments have been erected in Kallmet, such as the 13th-century Church of Eufemize. The Church of Eufemize is a holy place, and believers from all over Lezhë and other areas come here for pilgrimage every Friday or religious holiday.

Island – Lezhë: Tourism in this area dates back to early times, reaching its peak in the 19th century with the construction of the Hunting Hotel. Island-Lezhë and the nearby Vain marsh form an attractive natural complex for day-trippers who are passionate about nature and good food. On Lezhë Island, there is also the Hotel i Gjuetarei, also known as Villa e Konti Çiano. It has its own history and architectural values, which it still preserves today. The past and tradition continue to be preserved in the functional part of the residence.

During the trip through the lagoon, you will find many popular restaurants serving traditional dishes or fresh fish. You can choose to travel by bike around Lezhë Island, walk and watch birds, try your hand at fishing to feel the adrenaline of the sport, listen to intriguing stories from the past, or simply enjoy your stay.

Second Day:

After breakfast, we will make a stop at the Managed Natural Park “Kune – Vain – Tale,” which covers an area of 4,393.2 hectares. It is always a pleasant surprise. The park represents tradition, history, and boasts great natural value. It was declared the first protected area in Albania in 1940. The ecosystem consists of a variety of habitats, including marine, scrub, desert, forest, underwater, riverine, agricultural land, and residential areas.

The park stands out for its high biodiversity, due to the variety of habitats, which include coastal alluvial forests, sand dunes reaching up to 10 meters, lagoons, sea, rivers, and more. To the west lies the Patok Lagoon, which is gradually becoming swampy.

Patok-Fushë Kuqe Nature Park:

This park is located only 50 km from Tirana. This extraordinary area combines the Adriatic coast, the lagoon, the river, and the marshes, creating unforgettable landscapes and extraordinary sunsets. Patok Lagoon is easily accessible by car, making it a perfect weekend destination in a peaceful setting. An added beauty of this park is the wooden huts built above the lagoon. In these buildings, you can enjoy the traditional food of the Horseshoe Lagoon in a unique environment. The park is rich in various types of plants and animals. Around 360 different plant species and 180 species of birds inhabit this area. A boat ride through the lagoon brings tourists closer to the lifestyle of this unique environment.