MIRDITA - Come as a tourist and leave as a friend / 7 DAYS TOUR
Albanian life in direct contact with 2 northern Albanian families - unaffected, warm, autochthonous “If the aim is to get to know the landscape, culture, living tradition, people, traditional food and drink, and to do so up close, then staying with farming families is the perfect form of an active holiday. Far away from tourism, contacts with the locals are not exotic experiences, but experiences with heart and soul. And even if the hosts cannot speak the guest’s language perfectly, everyone can be sure that communication will work with just a few words, because the heart speaks.”
Marianne Graf
If you are looking to broaden your horizons with family members, friends or partners, then this offer tailored to you. Come as curious tourists and leave as trusted friends!
This trip is for you if:
• You would like to have close contact with people from the host country.
• You love traditional dishes.
• You would like to have close-to-nature experiences on the small farms.
• You want to look over the hostess’ shoulder while she is cooking.
• You love to be away from the hustle and bustle and away from tourism.
• You love the unspoilt life in the countryside.
• You love originality and regionality.
• You love the special and the surprising.
Including
• 3 nights in double rooms
• 3 nights in a 6-bed room with hut character
• All meals
• Entries
• Transports with English speaking driver and a tour guide your language speaking.
Exclusively
• International flight
• Drinks, tips, purchase of Mirdita produce and expenses of a personal nature It is recommended to bring sturdy shoes with you!
Day 1
Meeting point in Infokulla Mirdita in Rubik. In order to get in the mood for the coming days, it is important to find out the essentials about the country and its people. The information from the tourist information point and the visit to the museum from the north used for this
purpose. Here you can get information about mythology, history of the region, peasant life, peculiarities of the Mirdita ethnoregion, way of life and see valuable ethnological-historical exhibits.
Now a farming village in the north beckons. The taxi picks us up, drives to Rreshen and turn left. From there it goes on a lonely mountain road, past sparse settlement to Gjegjan - Gojan and on to Shkoze. At the Lika Guesthouse, they expect us.
Day 2
Here we can find everything we are looking for in farmland. A small stable with animals, a small farmer’s mill where we grind the corn for corn dishes ourselves and grandmother, who introduces us to various jobs, from baking fli to spinning wool with a hand spindle. We rely on the advice of the Lika family. She tailors the program to us so that we can fully enjoy the untouched nature and the magical place.
Day 3
If the season allows, they take us into the mountain forest to pick all sorts of wild berries and mushrooms. Visiting shepherds and cattle farmers is also part of the program, as is meditating in the old, magical fairy cave. If you have stamina, climb higher and enjoy the intoxicating views. After returning from the mountains we enjoy the great traditional food again.
Day 4
Departure 9 am
Although we would like to stay, the route taxi picks us up at 9am. It targets the south of the Mirdita region. We stop at special places in the fascinating Fan Valley, reach Rreshen, the capital of the district Mirdita and after about 15 km we reach Malaj. We arrive at the Doda Guest House.
Day 5
In the midst of the gently rolling hills, it is a real insider tip for tranquility - own vineyards, vegetable garden, wine press, a fishpond that is a good service in summer. We are invited to harvest and process vegetables. The meals with own products leave nothing to be desired.
Day 6
With breakfast we will be well taken care of for the day. Hikes to some key points, from where we have a 360° view of the area, fill the morning. After a delicious lunch, we rest in the shade of the fruit trees or behind the old, lovingly renovated stone kulla. If you like, you will find enough space for volleyball or football or secure the inflatable boat to swing in front of the house. In the evening, a walk to the church calms you down and the house wine promises a good night’s sleep.
Day 7
Departure 8 am
The last day has dawned. I am sure that
we can fully agree with the title of this trip: “Come as a tourist and leave as a friend!” We found places where we were able to perceive the really big in the small and simple with all our senses. Strengthened internally, we drive back to Rubik and let the agro center show us lovingly made handicrafts and agro products to take home with us as a souvenir of a special time. After a snack, we climb into the cars and roll towards hectic Tirana. How impressed we were by the rediscovery of the unaffected!
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