sharr travel albania

How to get from Tirana to Pristina? Bus, Taxi, Rental Car

If you are wondering how to get from Tirana to Pristina, I have written this blog post for you. I will describe how to get from Tirana to Pristina by bus, by taxi or by rental car.

How to get from Tirana to Pristina? You can get from Tirana to Pristina by bus, taxi or rental car. There are no direct flights. A bus ticket costs 15 EUR per person, buses depart between 5:45 AM and 20:00 PM, journey takes 4 hours. A taxi costs 130-180 EUR. And a rental car costs at least 20-25 EUR per day + border crossing fee. 

In this blog post, I will describe the best ways of getting from Tirana to Pristina. I will discuss flights briefly, then I will share the bus timetables, bus operators, ticket prices and bus stations. I will also compare the taxi rates for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina. And I will compare car rental rates for taking a rental car across the border to Kosovo. I will also discuss train travel, the distance and how long it takes to get to Pristina. 

The best ways to get from Tirana to Pristina

In this blog post, I will discuss how to get from Tirana to Pristina. I will answer all the frequently asked questions about travel from Tirana to Pristina in detail. 

Tirana to Pristina flights

• How to get from Tirana to Pristina by bus? Including bus timetables, ticket prices, bus operators and the bus terminal.
• Tirana to Pristina taxi prices

How much does it cost to rent a car and drive from Tirana to Pristina?

Can i get from tirana to kosovo by train, what is the distance from tirana to pristina, how long does it take to get from tirana to pristina, how do i get from pristina to tirana.

I have not been able to find any direct and nonstop flights from Tirana to Pristina on either Google Flights or Skyscanner. The only flights being offered are connecting flights with 1 or 2 stopovers. However, since the drive from Tirana to Pristina is only around 4 hours, it would not make much sense to take a connecting flight. 

How to get from Tirana to Pristina by bus?

In this section, I will outline the Tirana to Pristina bus timetables for each bus operator. I will share ticket prices, advice on buying tickets and booking and how to get to the bus terminal.

Tirana to Pristina bus timetable

You can get from Tirana to Pristina by bus, let me share the bus timetables of different bus companies. 

Tirana Metropol Bus

Tirana Metropol offers a daily bus from Tirana to Pristina. The bus departs from Tirana at 6:00 AM and it arrives in Pristina at 10:30 AM. A one-way bus ticket from Tirana to Pristina costs 15 euros per person. And a return ticket costs 20 euros per person. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 6:00 AM Tirana -> 10:30 AM Pristina

Arbeni Tours Bus

Arbeni Tours operates a daily bus service from Tirana to Pristine. The bus departs from Tirana at 5:45 AM and arrives in Pristina at 10:00 AM. A bus ticket from Tirana to Pristina costs 15 euros for a one-way journey or 20 euros for a return trip. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 5:45 AM Tirana -> 10:00 AM Pristina

Arditi Tours Bus

Arditi Tours operated 4 x buses per day from Tirana to Pristina. The first bus departs from Tirana at 7:00 AM and arrives in Pristina at 11:00 AM. The second bus departs Tirana at 14:00 PM and arrives in Pristina at 18:00 PM. The third bus departs from Tirana at 16:00 PM and arrives in Pristina at 20:00 PM. And the fourth bus departs from Tirana at 20:00 PM and arrives at 24:00 PM. 

A bus ticket from Tirana to Pristina costs 15 euros for a one-way journey or 20 euros for a return trip. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 07:00 AM Tirana -> 11:00 AM Pristina
• 14:00 PM Tirana -> 18:00 PM Pristina
• 16:00 PM Tirana -> 20:00 PM Pristina
• 20:00 PM Tirana -> 24:00 PM Pristina

Sharr Travel Bus

Sharr Travel operates a daily bus in the evening between Tirana and Pristina. The bus departs from Tirana at 18:00 PM and the bus arrives in Pristina at 22:00 PM. A bus ticket costs 15 euros for a one-way trip or 20 euros for a return trip. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 18:00 PM Tirana -> 22:00 PM Pristina

Albani Tours Bus

Albani Tours operates a daily bus from Tirana to Pristina in the afternoon. The bus departs from Tirana at 14:30 PM and it arrives in Pristina at 18:30 PM. A bus ticket costs 15 euros for a one-way trip or 20 euros for a return ticket. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 14:30 PM Tirana -> 18:30 PM Pristina

Kei Reisen Bus

Kei Reisen operates a daily bus from Tirana to Pristina at noon. The bus departs from Tirana at 12:00 PM and it arrives in Pristina at 16:00 PM. A bus ticket costs 15 euros for a one-way trip or 20 euros for a return ticket. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 12:00 PM Tirana -> 16:00 PM Pristina

Memi Reisen Bus

Memi Reisen has a daily bus in the afternoon from Tirana to Pristina. The bus departs from Tirana at 15:30 PM and it arrives in Pristina at 19:30 PM. A one-way bus ticket costs 15 euros and a return bus ticket costs 20 euros. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 15:30 PM Tirana -> 19:30 PM Pristina

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Kabashi Tours Bus

Kabashi Tours has a daily bus in the evening from Tirana to Pristina. The bus departs from Tirana at 17:00 PM and it arrives in Pristina at 21:00 PM. A bus ticket will cost you 15 euros for a one-way trip or 20 euros for a return trip. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 17:00 PM Tirana -> 21:00 PM Pristina

Vellezrit Thaqi Bus

Vellezrit Thaqi operates a bus from Tirana to Pristina in the evening. The bus departs from Tirana at 19:00 PM and it arrives in Pristina at 23:00 PM. A one-way bus ticket costs 15 euros per person and a return ticket costs 20 euros per person. The bus departs from the International Bus Station behind the “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. 

• 19:00 PM Tirana -> 23:00 PM Pristina

Where to buy a bus ticket from Tirana to Pristina?

You can buy your bus ticket on the bus from the driver of the bus. In Albania, it is not common practice to reserve bus tickets online and pay online. So what you need to do is simply travel to the International Bus Station to catch the bus. You will then buy a ticket from the driver of the bus before you board the bus to Pristina. Bring cash euros or Albanian Leke to pay for your bus ticket in cash.

Where can I check the bus timetable from Tirana to Pristina?

You can always check the Albanian bus timetables on the website of Gjirafa Autobus. This is the website of Gjirafa Autobus: https://travel.gjirafa.com/  

To be extra sure, the bus timetables above are correct, I have personally spoken with each of the bus operators by phone. I have double-checked their bus timetable and ticket prices, to ensure you get the right information on my blog. 

Where is the International Bus Station in Tirana?  

The buses from Tirana to Pristina depart from the International Bus Station. The International Bus Station is located behind the  “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace. You can see the location of the International Bus Station on a Google Map here: https://goo.gl/maps/FuzEhR1g8Qd7exhb7  

The International Bus Station is within a 15-20 minute walking distance from central Skanderbeg Square. From Skanderbeg Square, walk into Rruga e Durresit towards the Ringu Roundabout. You can recognize the roundabout since it has the Ring shopping centre next to it and a silver statue in the middle. Continue straight ahead until you see the Asllan Rusi Sports Palace on your left-hand side, the bus station is behind this sports palace.

Tirana to Pristina taxi price

A taxi from Tirana to Pristina costs between 130 – 180 euros. To give you a good insight into the price of a taxi from Tirana to Pristina, I compared the rates of several taxi companies in Tirana. 

Let me give you an overview of the taxi prices from Tirana to Pristina:

• Smart Taxi Tirana charges 130 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina.
• Speed Taxi charges 138 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina.
• Tirana Airport Taxi charges 165 euros for a taxi from Tirana airport to Pristina.
• City Taxi Tirana charges 150 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina.
• Green Taxi Tirana charges 160 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina.
• Do Taxi Tirana charges 17000 Leke or 146 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina.
• Merr Taxi charges 180 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Pristina.

If you want to take a taxi from Tirana airport to Pristina, the official Tirana Airport Taxi service charges 165 euros. Although, you might be able to get a better deal by booking a taxi in advance via Smart Taxi or Speed Taxi and requesting pick-up from Tirana airport.

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A rental car in Tirana costs at least 20-25 euros per day. You do not need a Green Card Insurance document for Kosovo, because the Albanian car insurance covers Kosovo, so that is included in the price. Some car rental companies charge a cross border between 10-50 euros. But for other car rental companies, the cross-border fee is included in the car rental price. And of course, you would need to pay for the petrol for the car.

• Rental car = at least 20-25 euros per day (could be more in July/August)
• Green card insurance for Kosovo = Free
• Cross border fee = It depends could be included in the price, 10 euros per day, 25 euros once, 50 euros once.

To give you a good insight into what you will pay for renting a car in Tirana and driving it to Pristina, I contacted several popular car rental companies in Tirana. Here is an overview of their responses and car rental offers. 

• Enterprise Car Rentals at Tirana airport said that you normally need 2 documents to drive abroad with a rental car. Firstly, you need a written authorization from the car rental company that allows you to travel abroad with the rental car. This cross-border document costs 48 euros per reservation . The second document that you would need for all European countries is a Green Card Insurance document. However, for Kosovo, you do not need a Green Card Insurance document . 
• ARA Auto Rental Albania at Tirana airport offered a Fiat Tipo 2019 for 30 euros per day. They mentioned that for Kosovo you do not need a Green Card, because Albanian insurance covers the Kosovo territory . You only need border authorization from ARA Auto Rental Albania, which is included in the car rental price.
• Sixt Car Rental at Tirana airport offered a rental car for 25 euros per day. And you pay an additional 20 euros for a cross border fee . 
• Green Motion at Tirana airport offered a Skoda Fabia for 20 euros per day. And you pay 50 euros for a cross border fee .
• Avis Rent a Car at Tirana airport offered an economic rental car for 25 euros per day. The cross-border fee is included . And they mentioned that no insurance is needed for Kosovo.
• Eurocar Rentals in Tirana offered a Kia Rio 2021 for 25 euros per day. You would need to pay 450 euros in deposit by credit card. And an additional 25 euros for authorization to cross the border. They also pointed out that for Kosovo you do not need to pay for a Green Card. 
• Eagle Car Rental in Tirana offered a Hyundai i10 for 25 euros per day. A deposit of 300 euros is needed to rent the car. And they mentioned that for Pristina you don’t need a green card, so that is free.
• Easy Rent in Tirana offered a Fiat Panda for 30 euros per day. You would need to pay an additional 10 euros per day extra for a cross-border fee. And you can go to Pristina since no green card is needed.
• Hertz at Tirana airport offered a Suzuki Ignis 2019 for 22 euros per day. And they mentioned that you do not need a green card for Kosovo.
• G Rentals Tirana airport charges 20 euros per day for an Opel Corsa 2021. And you do not need to pay a cross-border fee . No green card is needed for Pristina in Kosovo.

IMPORTANT! If you are travelling to Albania in July or August, I highly recommend that you book a rental car beforehand. Car rental prices can be high in the summer months, and it is best to compare car rental prices before you travel and to book beforehand. I have received messages from travellers who were charged as much as 50-70 euros per day for a rental car in the high season.

IMPORTANT! Driving in Albania as a foreigner can be daunting and challenging. Albanian drivers have a chaotic and sometimes aggressive driving style. So if you have any doubts about renting a car, I would recommend you travel by bus or taxi instead. Of course, you are the only one who can judge your driving ability, experience and confidence.

You cannot get from Tirana to Kosovo by train. Because Albania does not have international railway tracks that connect to Kosovo. In fact, Albania does not have any international passenger trains, so travelling by train to Albania from another country is not possible.

The main reason is that the railway network and trains were built by the communist regime that ruled Albania from the end of the Second World War until 1992. In that period, Albania was isolated from the rest of the world. So no international railways were ever built. 

Since the fall of communism in 1992, there has been little investment in railway networks or trains. As a result, Albania has as little as 2-3 operational trains per week within its borders. And Albanian people choose the Furgon minibus as their preferred or only option for public transportation.

The distance from Tirana to Pristina is 260 kilometres. I will mention that Google Maps usually underestimates the time needed to drive through Albania. According to Google Maps, it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Tirana to Pristina. However, bus drivers state it actually takes 4 hours depending on traffic. 

It does take around 4 hours to get from Tirana to Pristina by car, by bus or by taxi. Bus drivers who drive the route regularly all estimated their average driving time from Tirana to Pristina to be roughly 4 hours. 

You can get from Pristina to Tirana by rental car, by taxi or by bus. A bus ticket from Pristina to Tirana costs 15 euros for a one-way ticket or 20 euros for a return ticket. Below I will give you a quick overview of the bus timetable from Pristina to Tirana. 

• 04:00 AM – Memi Reisen operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana every day at 04:00 AM.
• 05:00 AM – Arditi Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 5:00 AM every morning.
• 06:00 AM – Kabashi Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 6:00 AM every day.
• 06:30 AM – Sharr Travel operates a daily bus from Pristina to Tirana at 6:30 AM. 
• 08:00 AM – Arditi Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 8:00 AM every morning.
• 10:00 AM – Vellezrit Thaqi operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 10:00 AM.
• 11:00 AM – Arditi Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 11:00 AM every day.
• 12:30 PM – Albani Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 12:30 PM every day.
• 14:30 PM – Arbeni Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 14:30 PM every day. 
• 15:00 PM – Tirana Metropol operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 15:00 PM.
• 16:00 PM – Arditi Tours operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 16:00 PM every day.
• 19:00 PM – Vellezrit Thaqi operates a bus from Pristina to Tirana at 19:00 PM every evening.

Related Questions

How to get from Tirana to Prizren by bus? You can get from Tirana to Prizren by bus, it takes 3 hours and a bus ticket costs 15 euros per person. Tirana Metropol departs at 6:00 AM and 15:00 PM. Arditi Tours departs at 7:00 AM, 14:00 PM, 16:00 PM and 20:00 PM. Albani Tours departs at 14:30 PM. Memi Reisen departs at 15:30 PM and Kabashi Tours departs at 17:00 PM. Buses from Tirana to Prizren depart from the International bus station in Tirana. 

I am an Albania Tour Guide , who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania . I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! Kind regards, Manon

Welcome to Albania!

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This hiking route explores an untouched wilderness in the Western Balkans

The High Scardus Trail winds through Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, showcasing the staggering beauty of the continent’s least visited mountains and valleys.

The mountain ranges of the Western Balkans hold a part of European history trapped in time. Now, a new long-distance hiking route hopes to share the heritage of this land that was once closed off to the world due to a series of conflicts in the 20th century.

The 225-mile High Scardus Trail traces the borders of Kosovo , Albania , and North Macedonia down to one of the deepest, oldest lakes on the continent. At 9,000 feet, it’s a hazy realm of endless green peaks, dotted with stream-threaded pastures. Many of the paths used today were originally built by Roman caravans in the second century B.C.

Although High Scardus has been years in the making—the idea was conceived in 2016—it’s only now established enough for thru-hikers. The stages are mapped, markers painted, lodges restored, and homes turned into guesthouses. Here’s what you need to know.

The last European wilderness

During the late 20th-century Yugoslav Wars , the ridges of the Western Balkans provided strategic military vantage points. In the subsequent Kosovo conflict (1998-99), landmines were rife across the alpine Kosovo-Albanian border. Kosovo was declared landmine-free in 2001, but still, the mountains were far from tourists’ sights.

Decades later, things are changing. “We want people to know that, yes, Kosovo has a sad and difficult past, but now we’re working hard to become a destination for travelers, to show the world our amazing nature and culture,” says Taulant Hoxha, who was a child in the city of Prizren during the Kosovo War. He now co-owns the mountain guiding service Super Xplorers and was involved in the creation of High Scardus.

Weaving through some of the least visited mountains in Europe, the trail passes through six national parks—two in North Macedonia, one in Kosovo, and three in Albania.  

“As it takes in multiple countries and environments, we believe it has the preconditions to become a top hiking trail in Europe and even worldwide,” says Ekrem Hyseni, a project manager for GIZ , an international development arm of the German government that helped develop the route.  

( This new trail reveals the wonders of Armenia .)

Completing all 20 stages of the hike with guides is recommended, but would take 20 days. Additionally, each country allows only native citizens to work on the trail, so hikers would need to hire multiple leads throughout the trek.

The trail begins in North Macedonia, at the recently restored Mountain Hut Ljuboten , a 1930s refuge for hikers, located in the petite village of Staro Selo. From here, the route traces the Kosovar/North Macedonian border in the Sharr Mountains, before leading to Brezovica , a ski resort that offers a glimpse of Kosovo’s socialist era. Hikers follow the small trails, often blurred by the moors along the northern flanks of Sharr.  

The path continues through plains and plateaus to the summit of Mount Korab (9,029 feet), the highest peak of both Albania and North Macedonia, where semi-nomadic shepherds guarding their livestock from native bears and wolves offer shelter.

( See how these traditional herders still cross the perilous trails of the Caucasus .)

Along the route,   guest houses like Sabriu and Korabi in Albania welcome travelers to experience local customs and sample slabs of herb-smothered sheep cheese and raki, a sweet brandy, after a hearty family-style dinner.

The final stage brings hikers through North Macedonia’s Galicica National Park to Sveti Naum , a popular monastery on the shore of Lake Ohrid. The Ohrid region is one of 28 places globally to be granted both UNESCO Natural and Heritage status   (for its 1.36 million-year-old lake and the Old Town, one of the world’s oldest human settlements).

Other relics of Western Balkans’ 20th-century history can also be found on the trail, such as former dictator Enver Hoxha’s “nuclear” bunkers across Albania, a machine-gun holder in North Macedonia, and abandoned Soviet-era structures in Kosovo.

Trekking for a sustainable economy

While High Scardus aims to showcase the jewels of the Western Balkans, it’s equally a project of sustainable development. It’s hoped an ecosystem of businesses will emerge, improving the quality of life for locals and giving them reasons to stay.

( Puerto Rico’s stunning new trail traverses a tropical rainforest .)

“We hope that above all, the young population sees their homeland in a new perspective, of which they can be rightly proud,” says Stefan Lieb-Lind, lead trail designer from High Scardus’ consultants the Trail Angels.

Building enthusiasm at the government level is a long-term process. But training programs and grants have helped develop accommodations along the route, and have sparked interest in local stakeholders to invest in the trail’s surrounding rural areas.

“[After] years of planning, selecting trails, making the routes, [and] talking to homeowners and landowners into turning to tourism—now it finally feels like reality,” says Lieb-Lind. “High Scardus is no longer an idea—the wheels are in motion.”

What to know

For hungry minds, related topics.

• BACKPACKING
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
• SURVIVAL SKILLS

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• Stay in one mountain range
• Max 21 km per day
• 3 days hiking
• June to October
• Popova Shapka ski center
• Peak Titov vrv – named after Marshall Tito 
• Peaks : Sin Vrv (2550 m), Karabunar (2600 m) and Bakardan (2702 m asl.)
• Leshnica waterfall
• Camping in Leshnica glacial valley  
• Karannikolichko glacial lake

Difficulty Grading

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN POPOVA SHAPKA SKI CENTER

Day 2: titiv vrv (2.747m), day 3: peak plat & leshnica waterfall, day 4: karanikolichki peak and glacial lake.

250 € + 60 € local supplement / per person Price is valid for min 2 participants sharing double room / tent for 2  INCLUDED IN PRICE:

• Accommodation in mountain lodge (private rooms) 2 nights and camp in wilderness 1 night 
• Meals: 3 x breakfast
• Transfers: Tetovo to Popova Shapka ski center and village Veshala to Tetovo
• Baggage transfers
• Detailed hiking visual route descriptions and maps
• Mobile app with uploaded tracks with visual descriptions and locator
• Local safety information and contacts
• Stand-by support (cell phone and contact person)
• Organization and logistic by Macedonia Travel

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

• Airplane tickets to/from Skopje
• Personal medical and travel insurance (mandatory)
• Any extra expenses not mentioned under „included in price“

OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS: 

• Supplement for single room accommodation: 43 € 
• Supplement for full board  (3 x lunchbox, 3 x dinner): 87 € / per person / drinks excluded. Vegetarian and vegan meals available on request
• Private arrival / departure transfers available on request
• Extra night before or after the tour - In Skopje: 3* hotel: from 26 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 15 €;  4* hotel: from 40 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 20 €  - In mountain lodge in Popova Shapka (private rooms): from 15 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: from 10 €.   - In camp in Leshnica valley (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, headlamp, 2 pot set and backpacking stove provided and delivered to the valley): from 50 € for the first night, and 25 € for each additional night) 
• Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €

Accommodation

Why Travel With Us?

Local experts.

Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner of the country and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.

* Strict company risk management on each tour that we operate available * 24/7 for anything from enquiries to emergencies * Macedonia Travel has liability insurance by Winner - Vienna Group * "A" licensed by the Ministery of Economy of North Macedonia UP 113-101 * IATA license No. 76-3 2058

FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS

 * Change your travel plans up to 30 days before departure, with no fees.  *After you pay the deposit, the rest of the amount can be paid any time until 30 days before departure

MACEDONIA TRAVEL

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1054, Sopiste

North Macedonia

Po box. 138, 1001 Skopje

+389 (0)71 327075

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Albania & Kosovo Safari Ski touring

Freeride Level

Touring  Level

Physical effort.

Accommodation

A Ski Touring Safari in Albania and Kosovo

In the Sharr and Korab mountains

season runs from 15.01 to 07.04

8 days/ 7 nights

Group from 2-8 persons

from 1 600 chf p/p

leaving the valley behind

Korab summit

evening meal with a fire

in the Balkans

First tracks

end to a happy day

enjoying the sun

endless choice

crossing the river

dva tuition

evening meal

hotel balcony

in the village

cosy valley

afternoon drink

almost home

Balkan beauty

back in the village

arrived at the hotel

alpine scenery in the Balkans

along te ridge we go

Click on picture to navigate the gallery

The slowly emerging active tourism now makes the little-visited wild natural sites in Albania and Kosovo accessible even in winter. In the border area between the countries, mysterious mountains beckon with some of the best slopes on the continent. What is missing in this region makes it so attractive at the same time: Without the typical après-ski pleasures, gourmet restaurants and luxury hotels, a winter trip to the Balkans is refreshingly easy and concentrates on the essentials: skiing, eating, sleeping. 

A selection of the most beautiful tours takes you on this 8-day trip into untouched, alpine mountain landscapes, in which only a few skiers have left their mark before you. 

Between three varied locations in the Sharr Mountains, In the Enchanted Mountains and Korab-Koritnik-Massif, minibuses and off-road vehicles take over the transfers and the transport of your equipment. When the day draws to a close, spend the night in family-run guest house and in simple mountain inns, whose hosts will remain in memories. 

You fortify yourself with local specialties, warm your spirits with local fire water and mountain tea. A trip to this region is also a trip into the past, back to the roots and into an often archaic highland culture.

A seldom technical, but nevertheless demanding ski touring week, which requires experience and stamina for daily stages with up to 1,500 m ascent and equally long descents. You bring flexibility, team spirit and personal responsibility with you to a region in which winter sports are largely unknown, and where there are no reliable maps, no snow reports or professional mountain rescue services. Most of the overnight stays are in good hotels in double rooms and twice in simple but clean guest houses with shared rooms. Due to weather, snow conditions and the poorly developed infrastructure, changes in the itinerary can often occur.

Package program

• Accomodation / food

Day 1: Flight to Pristina, arrival day At the airport in Pristina, an employee of our local partner will be waiting for you for the collective transfer to the first accommodation.

Our destination in the Sharr Mountains (82 km) can be reached from the airport in 1.5 hours. Brezovica is a delightfully semi-functional ski resort from the 1970s that is more like an icy fossil from Yugoslav times. Not far from the Serbian enclave of Shtrpce, snowstorms meet here on the north-facing, 2400 meters protruding from the surrounding Dukagjin plain, rugged ridges and sheltered, sweeping grass ridges. If there hadn’t been enough snow during the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, the alpine competitions would have been held here in Brezovica and the location at 1700 meters would have achieved international fame: it is one of the most snow-sure in the Balkans! We will stay for one night at Hotel Molika, a simple hotel complex and part of Marshal Tito’s legacy. At dinner in the Serbian restaurant we meet your guides and get in the mood for our ski touring week.

Brezovica The sky is (hopefully!) Immaculately blue, the mountain scenery is definitely at least as magnificent as in the Alps, and descents on untracked powder snow slopes are almost guaranteed. Our tours in the best snow of the Sharr Mountains start either at the hotel, from 1700 m, or the top exit point at 2200 m, depending on the lifts.

Two possible destinations, among many others, are the peaks of Piribreg, 2524 m, and Guri i Zi, 2536 m. “Antenas” is what the locals call the bizarre radio mast ensemble at an altitude of around 2500 meters and the first starting point for many descents on the ridge. If the conditions permit, we continue to climb to the majestic cone of the “Black Rock”. The view extends from here far across the snow-white scenery to North Macedonia, Albania and deep into Kosovo.

Below this begins a dreamy descent of almost 1000 meters in altitude with countless freeride variants: lonely forest clearings and tree skiing follow high alpine terrain with steep gullies and tree skiing – Brezovica has a bit of everything to offer! Nevertheless, there is not a single soul to be seen far and wide, and we often hunt alone in wide sweeps over square kilometers of immaculate slopes down into the valley. At the end of the day we drive 30 minutes to the accommodation for the next two nights.

The peaks of the Sharr Mountains From the front door of the hotel, at 1520 meters, we start our tour to the mountains on the ridge of the Peskovi Massif, the second highest point in the country. Our guides will choose the most suitable between the three mighty peaks of Konjushka, 2572 m, Guzhbaba, 2582 m, and Bistra, 2651 m. Once at the top, the ascent is rewarded with a view of the neighboring country.

The next day, after a short drive to a remote side valley, the Dovedenica, 2510 m awaits us. You can feel the “wilderness” on this seldom made ski tour. The hunting lodge of the former Yugoslav guide Tito is hidden deep in the forest, a series of glacial lakes below the summit and wolves, bears and even the Balkan lynx have been spotted in the reserve.

A slightly shorter second day is available for the approximately 1,100 meters of altitude, fantastic runs in the eastern part of the Sharr Mountains are available. Then we drive through small villages to the Dragash region, which is dominated by Gorans (journey time approx. 90

minutes). We spend the night in the “multifunctional hotel” with a wedding venue and supermarket and can experience the local goings-on in the evening.

Ascent of the Kleq, 2467 m Until modern times, the main traffic artery of the caravan trade in the Balkans ran through these valleys, connecting the Ottoman provincial capitals Prizren and Skopje. The position at the intersection of peoples and the lively exchange has shaped Kosovo significantly and turned it into a patchwork quilt of different ethnic groups with their very own cultural heritage.

From the hotel we can reach the surrounding Goran villages in a few minutes, which are squeezed into a narrow valley surrounded by high peaks and lined with well-preserved coniferous forest. The ascent starts in the village at 1350 meters and first leads through coniferous forest with a view of the roofs and peaks. Bare and rocky pastures form a sea of ​​grass, fed by many watercourses, on the way to the mountain top of the Kleq, 2467 meters. From the ridge we look down on the beautiful Leshnica valley, the second highest peak in the country Titov Vrh, 2747 meters, and its no less impressive neighbors.

The descent on the ideally oriented north-facing slopes offers many possibilities and sweetens our day. Just making a selection is difficult.

Afterwards, a long transfer (92 km / 3 h) across the border to Albania and to the foot of our last mountain destination awaits us. Two nights in a guest house or simple guesthouse.

  Day 6 – 7

Korab  –   the highest mountain in two countries The Diber region is still rarely visited today, visitors only come to climb the summit in summer, and it is famous for its hospitality even within Albania. We will reach the highest peak of Albania and Macedonia, the real highlight of our trip, on one of our last two tours. Our goals are the big Korabi (2,764 m) and his little brother Korab (2,683 m). You are separated by an extensive alpine high valley in which we find the most beautiful slopes. The long but technically undemanding ascent is rewarded with panoramic views over Macedonia and Albania’s eastern highlands.

On the way back to the village, our own ascent tracks will probably be the only ones we cross on the enjoyable descent. We spend the night in a guest house in the village,

After our second ski tour, we return to Kosovo (80 km / 2.5 h) and explore the cultural capital of the youngest nation in Europe at the foot of the Sharr Mountains. Prizren’s cityscape is shaped by Ottoman influence and Turkish is still spoken in the city today. Day 6: Hm ↑ ↓  6.5 h 7th day: Hm ↑ ↓  3.5 h

Saying goodbye From Prizren the drive is about an hour to the airport of Pristina, collective transfer and return flight home.

Please note that the program sequence may change due to current weather / snow conditions.

• 7 nights: one night in 3 star hotel, 4 nights in 2 star hotel and 2 nights in boarding houses.
• 6 days ski touring
• All transfers in private mini van
• One local ski touring guide and one WSA ski touring guide

Does not include

• International flights to and from Pristina
• Alcohol, soft drinks and tour snacks.
• Ski / Snowboard touring gear

Avalanche safety gear

• Anything that’s not in the includes section.

Accommodation – Rating comfort

 As this a Safari package, you will be staying at five different location.

7 nights: one night in 3 star hotel, 4 nights in 2 star hotel based on double occupancy (single 100chf extra subject to availability) and 2 nights in boarding houses with shared rooms.

All full board

Flight to Pristina.

Please note that collective transfers from / to the airport will be organized on the day of arrival and departure. Departure on the day of arrival around 6 p.m., departure on the day of departure from 10 a.m.

• leisure sports activities
• worldwide repatriation
• helicopter mountain rescue with no geographical or altitude limits
• cancellations
• and whatever you feel necessary

One local guide and one WSA Swiss certified guide. For 6 full days.

Safety tips / Health

This is a Freeride package, you need to be able to ski powder and unprepared snow comfortably.

A good physical health is needed.

No need to worry about Altitude sickness, you have plenty of time to adapt and we will make sure to not move up to fast on your first riding day.

Please mention any health conditions, any allergies or serious medicationyou may be taking when you book with us.

Avalanche Risks and safety

Avalanche danger in mountains is always present.

WSA has years of experience at recognizing areas and snow conditions that are a high avalanche hazard, to avoid them.

We will make sure on the first day that everyone has the adequate gear and knows how to use it. We will provide you with a tutorial on this topic.

Thought you must accept all the risks that come with skiing remote and uncontrolled areas.

The correct mountain attitude is of essence.

Ski/Snowboard touring Gear

We advise you to use suitable gear :

• Skis : wide powder skis minimum 100mm width, mounted with touring bindings, adjustable poles, skins and ski crampons.
• Snowboard : split board with compatible bindings, telescopic poles, skins and adapted crampons or a normal board with snow shoes.

We can help you prepare your complete gear list, just contact WSA.

Mountain touring equipement

First aid box (with: Compeed plasters for rubbing, sports tape etc) safety blanket

Thin gloves and thicker gloves

Thermo underwear and socks

Helmet and goggles

Sunglasses and high factor sunscreen

Thin fleece jacket

Thin down jacket for cold days and rest breaks on the summits

Shell pants and jacket (wind and waterproof)

Small thermos , a water bottle

lip protection

• The compulsory trio : shovel, probe and transceiver (included in this package)
• ABS bag, not compulsory but advised
• Extra batteries for the beacon

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• 11 Things To Know Before...

What You Should Know Before Travelling to Albania

Albania is one of the most interesting countries in Europe, and one of the friendliest – perhaps in part because it’s so small, with a population of just 2.8 million. It is also a top destination for foodies, with affordable fine dining and delicious local dishes such as fëgesë stew to try . Be pleasantly surprised by the world-class beaches of the Riviera, or find your inner adventurer by hiring a car and driving into the mountains. Here’s what to know before you go. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Albanians are incredibly friendly.

One of the best things about travelling to the Land of the Eagles is that wherever you go, from the capital city to the Riviera, from the mountains to the historical towns, you will be welcomed by the locals. Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll ever visit. So don’t be afraid to ask for directions or other information – there will always be someone who will help you find what you’re looking for, be it accommodation, a place to eat or transport advice. Many Albanians speak English, and tourism is developing within the country and is welcomed as a key part of the country’s economy.

It is a safe country

The country does lie in an earthquake zone, and a 6.4-magnitude quake in 2019 killed 51 people. The epicentre was in Mamurras, in the northwest of the country, with tremors felt in Tirana. Life has gone on since the quake, and the government has since tightened up construction regulations.

Foreigners and locals generally stick to bottled water in Albania, as it’s not advised to drink the tap water – and make sure any meat you eat is well cooked.

The beaches along the Riviera are gorgeous

There is a good reason why most tourists visiting Albania come to its beaches: the Albanian Riviera has some of the finest stretches of coast in Europe. These pebbly and sandy shores line crystal waters that could stand toe-to-toe in a beauty contest with the beaches of Italy , Greece or Croatia . The best beaches on the Riviera are Drymades, with clear water, live music and beach bars, and Ksamil, which also has clear-blue water and is part of Butrint National Park. However, you will find sublime stretches of sand all along the coast. Palasa Beach, surrounded by rocky cliffs and green hills, is also a great place to relax, as is Dhermi beach, which has a party vibe.

Albania isn’t just about fantastic beaches

Although the Albanian Riviera and its stunning beaches are great reasons to visit, the country has so much more to offer. Mountains, including the Albanian Alps and the Sharr and Pindus ranges, run along the length of the country. Archaeological sites include prehistoric mounds, as well as ancient Greek and Roman temples and forts, and medieval bathhouses. The country is also rich with lakes and rivers, forests and ancient towns that will take your breath away. Albanian holidays should always be organised with plenty of time built in for exploring the country’s many natural and historical wonders.

Albania is very affordable

Compared to neighbouring nations, tourism in Albania is very affordable. You can spend a phenomenal week travelling through the country without breaking the bank. Tirana , the capital, is the most expensive city, but you still won’t spend too much compared to other Eastern European destinations.

When it comes to activities, parks are free, and while museums require tickets to enter, the fees are low. For shopping, bear in mind that many shops take only Albanian lekë (the local currency), but hotels take euros as well. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so be sure to have some cash on you.

Albanian food is delicious

Bring a pair of stretchy pants with you, because Albanian cuisine is fantastic. The best dishes are tasty and affordable. Make sure to try as many as you can while you’re here, but start your culinary experience with fëgesë (a slow-cooked stew made of peppers, onions, spices, tomatoes and cottage cheese); tavë kosi (lamb and rice baked with yoghurt and eggs); byrek (flaky filo stuffed with savoury fillings); speca me gjize (peppers in cottage cheese); baklava (a sweet layered pastry covered in syrup) and trilece (three-milk cake).

Raki is the answer to everything

Bad day? Drink raki. Good day? Drink raki. Don’t feel good? Drink raki. Have something to celebrate? Drink raki. For Albanians, raki is the answer to everything – but what is it? Raki is an intense aromatic liquor that’s very similar to grappa, as it is made from grape pomace. It is often flavoured with aniseed. You’ll find it throughout Albania and the Balkans, as well as Kazakhstan, and it is considered the national drink in Turkey .

It is thought raki was originally made by monks in Greece during the 14th century. Don’t forget to say gëzuar (cheers) before drinking it down.

The Albanian language is unique in Europe

Many European languages originate from Greek, Latin or Slavic families, but not Albanian. This ancient language has its own branch on the linguistic tree. Linguists are unsure exactly where Shqip (the Albanian word for the language) is from, and although a few words are similar to those in Italian, English and other languages, it is unique. Albanians are very proud of their language, so try to learn a few words – they will really appreciate it. Here are some basics: përshëndetje (hello), faleminderit (thank you), mirë (it’s OK), naten e mirë (good night) and mirupafshim (goodbye).

Travelling in Albania is an adventure

A trip to Albania is a real adventure. If you don’t like travelling off the beaten path, change your plans and go elsewhere. If you rent a car here, you’ll understand. People tend to cross the road when they want, drivers do whatever they want and animals love to relax and sleep in the middle of the streets. Needless to say, driving in the country can be quite a challenge. The other option, if you don’t want to rent a car, is to travel through the country by bus. Albanian travel can be a challenge – there are no official bus timetables, so be prepared to be patient and ask locals where the stops are. We strongly suggest renting a car, because buses will not necessarily get you where you want to go.

There are more Albanians outside the country than in it

Albania is a small country with around 3 million inhabitants, most of them in the capital city, Tirana. But outside Albania, mostly in the neighbouring countries of Italy, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro, there are more than 10 million Albanians. Many people have settled in the US , Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Turkey as well.

Albania is tolerant of many religions

One of the most beautiful things about Albania is that it is a tolerant nation when it comes to religion. Christians, Muslims and Jews all feel safe and welcome here. In every town you’ll see an Orthodox church and a Catholic church within a few metres of a mosque. According to the 2011 census, just under 60 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim, 10 percent Roman Catholic and seven percent Eastern Orthodox, with Bektashi Muslims, other Christians and other religions also represented.

Love reading Culture Trip? How about travelling with us! Our Culture Trips are small-group tours that truly immerse you in a destination through authentic travel experiences. You can also embrace slow travel and the joys of journeying by train on our eco-friendly Rail Trips .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

How to spend a weekend in vlora.

11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Gjirokastër, the UNESCO Town of Albania

Places to Stay

The best hotels on the albanian riviera.

Guides & Tips

The best summer festivals in albania.

Why Albania Is the Next Music Destination, According to DJs Ben Böhmer and Moon Boots

Great Trips to Take in Albania

The Best Places in Albania to Visit During the Summer

The Best Hotels in Tirana, Albania

Restaurants

Restaurants in tirana, albania that locals love.

8 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit the Albanian Riviera

A Wine Lover’s Guide to Albania

The Best Hotels in Albania for Every Traveller

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Longer Trips in Cheaper Destinations — And Why Albania Is Getting So Popular

Elizabeth Casolo , Skift

May 14th, 2024 at 9:00 AM EDT

Travelers are still booking flights despite inflation. Where some of those flights are headed may be different, though.

Elizabeth Casolo

Italy and Greece may come to mind when planning a summer holiday in Europe . But travelers are gravitating toward other destinations that offer similar amenities at lower prices. A 2024 travel trends report from Mastercard showed increased air traffic and longer stays in some cheaper destinations.

“People are trying to be very thoughtful about how they can continue to enjoy travel and enjoy these experiences within their budget,” said Mastercard Chief Economist Michelle Meyer.

Albania is one standout budget-friendly destination. The country has had a 141% increase in daily flight traffic since 2019. For this summer, the Albanian capital of Tirana — which is close to some beach hotels — is witnessing an increase in its share of flight bookings from pre-pandemic levels. The report calls it one of this year’s trending summer destinations.

“There has been more of potentially a focus on tourism in terms of increasing the number of flights that are moving in, trying to facilitate more tourism, which is, of course, an effort to support greater economic growth,” said Meyer on Albania’s popularity.

An extra day for a traveler’s stay

Another change: Travelers are staying about one day longer on trips than they did in 2019. This trend is most prominent in destinations that have not experienced a steep increase in hotel prices.

For example, in markets with the smallest price change, travelers added 2.1 days. In markets with the biggest increase, travelers added less than one day.

The Middle East and Africa, followed by Europe, are the regions with the greatest trip extensions from 2019.

Meyer thinks the post-pandemic spike in “bleisure” travel — fusing business and leisure — may be contributing to this boost in longer stays. The hybrid work model that evolved from the pandemic leads to more flexibility.

“To travel for work, you can add on a leisure trip. If you travel for leisure, you can add in one day working from anywhere or be able to integrate your work into your leisure activity,” Meyer said.

What else to know

• A record-breaking total of around 15.9 million Americans traveled abroad in the first quarter of 2024.
• Japan had the highest increase in share of tourist spending from last year. The U.S. and Canadian currencies’ strength against the Japanese yen led Japan to becoming a trending destination.
• The surge in events-based travel, like with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour , remains. Munich — a host of the upcoming UEFA European Championship — tops the list of Mastercard’s most in-demand summer destinations, with Tokyo and Tirana close behind.
• The share of passenger arrivals by sea has gone up in the Bahamas since late 1999. Originally at roughly 60%, that percentage was over 80% for Bahamas arrivals in February. Cruise transactions overall are up from 2019.
• Egypt’s currency devaluation and tourism investment could eventually position it to be a major player for those looking to travel to the Middle East and North Africa in coming years, Meyer said. Egypt’s 2027 eclipse will be another event to look out for.

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Tags: albania , bahamas , coronavirus recovery , cruise , euro 2024 , europe , germany , japan , Mastercard , middle east , munich , north africa , tokyo , Travel Trends , uefa

Photo credit: Street in Durrës, Albania. Árpád Czapp / Unsplash