day trip to the village and cave of pelumbas

This excursion is a beautiful day trip in one of the most rural landscapes that surround Tirana, the valley of Upper Erzen.

The group leaves Tirana in a (local) minibus for a short transfer of about an hour to Pelumbas village. After coffee at a local bar (where guests could also taste the locally produced raki), the group starts walking along the 2 km-long trail that leads to Shpella e Zeze or The Black Cave of Pellumbas. The view from the trail is spectacular with the mountain side dropping down to the canyon of Erzen River. Nevertheless, the trail is safe for hikers.

The cave stands at an elevation of 350 m and is said to be one of the earliest prehistoric settlements of the area - tools and artefacts dating back to the neolith, bronze and iron eras and fossils attributed to the cave bears (ursus spelae) that lived in the cave more than 10,000 years ago have been found here. The group enters the cave and observes the stalactites, stalagmites and might even be able to track a bat's nest. Those who prefer to stay outside will have to wait for 15 minutes.

The group then walks back to Pellumbas village and enjoys a nice refreshing river bath. This is followed by a delicious meal prepared by a local family. After some relaxing and Turkish coffee in the garden, the group take the local minibus back to Tirana.

The tour itinerary is as follows:

- 11 am - departure in local minivan

- 12 noon - arrival at Pellumbas village; coffee at a local bar

- 12.45 pm - start hike to the cave of Pellumbas

- 1.45 pm - visit the cave

- 2 pm - return to the village of Pellumbas

- 3 pm - visit the river (option to swim)

- 4 pm -late lunch with a local family

- 6 pm - local minivan back to Tirana.