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All the hotel accommodation was of a high standard, and the food was excellent. I very much enjoyed this trip, both for the tour of a new country and observation of different lifestyles, and the number of species seen. In particular I was pleased to find some species that were on my list to see that I had not seen before, such as Macedonian Crested Newt, Erhardt's Wall Lizard and Greek Meadow Viper. Enerit was an excellent leader. He was a good driver, and he worked hard at finding animals at the places we went to. He was very pleasant and easy to get along with, and he was very knowledgeable about the animals we found.
I.B, Cheshire, May '24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania
Tour Code: ALB02An 8-day holiday through the stunning landscapes of Albania, searching for the numerous reptiles and amphibians of this Balkan country, a hidden gem of the Mediterranean region.
8 days
from
£2,395
£2,395
Land only price
from
£2,095
£2,095
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
An exploration of the Republic of Albania is a tantalizing prospect for the naturalist and indeed especially for anyone with an interest in seeing Europe’s reptile and amphibian species. On this exciting 8-day holiday we will travel through Albania's most stunning scenery to explore a variety of species-rich habitats, staying at lovely 3* and 4* hotels throughout, in search of the wildlife of this little-known, picturesque, Balkan country. Intact habitats and a Mediterranean climate provide paradise for reptile- and amphibian-life, and in Albania they can be encountered with rare abundance for a European country, and a diversity of over 40 species. On an itinerary carefully prepared by herpetologists and biologists of the University of Tirana, we will go in search of such special species as Greek Meadow Viper (Vipera graeca), Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) and Albanian Pool Frog (Pelophylax shqipericus) – 3 endangered species – alongside a plethora of over 55 species which includes two species of terrapin, Fire Salamander and an impressive range of frog, lizard, and snake species.
The group size for this holiday is limited to just seven participants as we seek to find and photograph some of Europe's special reptile- and amphibian-life. For further detail, please download the tour's itinerary above.
- Enjoy a standout area for reptile and amphibian abundance in all of Europe
- Breathtaking scenery
- Explore pristine freshwater habitats for beautiful Balkan Terrapin
- Search for the country's two endangered meadow vipers, Leopard Snake and the highly sought Shkodra Lake (Lake Scutari) locale of Nose-horned Viper
- Survey for the regions’ amphibians including the near-endemic and rare Albanian Pool Frog
- The range of special lizards include such species as Dalmatian Algyroides, Balkan Green Lizard, Erhard’s Wall Lizard, Glass Lizard and Snake-eyed Skink
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Corfu/Tirana
Day 2
Shkodra Lake (Lake Scutari) – Peshkopi
Day 3
Korab Mountain
Day 4
Lake Ohrid, Maligrad Island and Prespa National Park
Day 5
Berat
Day 6/7
Tomorri Mountain
Day 8
Inbound flights
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable 4* and 3* en suite accommodation throughout
- Food:
All meals including mineral water, starting with dinner on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 8.
Reviews
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Enerit was a brilliant leader, worked hard to make the tour successful, very friendly and was excellent company. Finding the Greek Mountain Viper on Tomorri Mountain was the definite highlight.
N.S, Suffolk, May '24 -
I can not praise too much Enerit Sacdanaku, a brilliant and diligent guide who was very attentive to the needs of all participants and had the patience of a saint. Worked his socks off as a guide and ensuring hotel stops went smoothly and ensuring we were very well fed (the food was of an excellent quality and choice). The loggerhead turtle on the last morning was a wonderful surprise addition. He made the holiday for me, together with a great group of participants who gelled really well.
G.W, Hampshire, June '23 -
The tour leader, Enerit, was brilliant. He literally left no stone unturned in showing us the reptiles and amphibians of his home country. He was extremely knowledgeable, a good communicator and had a great sense of humour. He was supportive of all of the group and especially one member who had medical issues as well as being less mobile. If there are any awards for best tour leader at Naturetrek, he should be nominated!
H.G, London, June '23 -
We could not have wished for a more diligent tour leader. Enerit was totally attentive to our needs and proved an ideal companion for our week. We saw brilliant landscapes, some great wildlife and with Albania, a fascinating mix of cultures and architectural styles. All absorbing. The mountain landscapes in the evening light were a special joy.
R.H, Kent, May '23 -
Tour leader Enerit's knowledge was incredible and we saw what we came to see. Perhaps the best tour leader I have ever had. He fully explained everything. It was excellent and I would do the same tour again.
R.C, USA, May '23 -
We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to tour leaders Dan Lay and Enerit Sacdanaku. Both made “The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania” a fantastic expedition. Their enthusiasm, drive, willingness to adjust based on circumstances, their knowledge and input in the identification of amphibians and reptiles, and other observations, their skills as drivers both on asphalt and off-road etc… From the first meeting we felt a connection. This was confirmed day-after-day by the dynamics that made us ‘one team’. A joke, a laugh, a good conversation, etc… it was part of enjoying every day and saying goodbye, which in itself was harder than expected. Superlatives cannot express how fantastic the “The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania” tour was and how we will remember it as a beautiful, special experience, all with the common goal of enjoying and protecting nature.
A.VH. Belgium, June 2022
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 14th May – Thu 21st May
5
£2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Thu 28th May – Thu 4th Jun
6
£2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
2027
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 13th May – Thu 20th May
SPACES
£2,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Thu 27th May – Thu 3rd Jun
SPACES
£2,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
