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Tirana · Tiranë · Albania
8 Day Self-Guided Albanian Alps with Accommodation, Transfers & GPS
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From $1,148.62 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
The Albanian Alps are slowly becoming the Balkans’ most fabled walking destination, and this tour includes all their highlights. Start your trip from the lively city of Shkodra, journey by bus through the Drin Canyons, and boat across the fjord-like Komani Lake. Hike among the craggy, limestone mountains of Valbona, a place not unlike the Dolomites 70 years ago. Marvel at the highest peaks of the Accursed Mountains, crossing from one National Park into the other. Learn about the ancient highland codex of the Kanun, materialized in Theth's Blood Feud Tower, then visit the idyllic hamlet Nderlysaj and dive in the icy waters of the colorful oasis, the Blue Eye, before enjoying a night out in the capital, Tirana. Our friendly drivers and horse porters provide convenient transfers and luggage transport between trailheads and accommodation. One stay at a more comfortable hotel, the other an authentic guesthouse experience, all with private en suite rooms. Don't worry about arrangements on this organized trip and enjoy the journey, distraction-free, at your own pace. Explore the Accursed Mountains at your own pace. A warm-up walk with swimming opportunities is followed by three mountain hikes. The crossing of the Valbona Pass is a noteworthy highlight half-way into the trip. The journey ends at a more relaxed pace in Nderlysa and the Blue Eye (karst spring) with more swimming. Day 2 and 7 are half-day walks only to facilitate travel into and out of the mountains.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- The Albanian Alps are becoming famous in the Balkans & this tour includes all their highlights
- Start your trip from the lively city of Shkodra, having free time to explore the city
- Hike among the craggy, limestone mountains of Valbona
- Marvel at the highest peaks of the Accursed Mountains crossing national parks
- Learn about the ancient highland codex of the Kanun
- Visit the idyllic hamlet Nderlysaj and dive into the icy waters of the colorful oasis
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Tirana
Welcome to Albania! Welcome to the Balkans! We pick you up from Tirana or Podgorica (airport/city) for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra. Here you receive your materials (road book, maps, phone, GPS), a walk-through of the tour and have all remaining questions answered.
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Tirana
City/Town Tour. Shkodra Tour Afterwards, the city calls for a stroll through the pedestrian area lined with bourgeoisie townhouses, a reminder of the city's prestigious past. Immerse yourself in the city’s Italian flair, join the buzz of the bazaar to buy dried fruits and other snacks, or dive into the past captured on film at the Marubi photo library. It's only a short taxi ride to visit the Rozafa Castle and enjoy the fabulous views, a foretaste for the upcoming days of travel through the Albanian Alps. With more time at hand, you can rent a bicycle (€5/day) and visit the lake-side villages of Shiroke and Zogaj for a fish meal and a splash in the Balkan's largest lake. The more relaxed will enjoy an espresso with the locals or visit the artisan shops before the daylight fades. Choose one of the many restaurants for dinner and get a drink at a bar, all while having tomorrow's early start in mind. You can store luggage at the hotel and collect it before travelling to Tirana.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Shkoder: hotel
Day 2
Tirana
Journey into the Accursed Mountains An early start is followed by a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges to the Komani Lake (58km/2h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. You're in for a surprise by the peculiar ferry, which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3h). By car you continue further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park, stopping for a light lunch in the small-city Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you reach the Valbona Valley and it’s tower-houses made of stone.
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Tirana
Nature Walks at Albanian Alps. Warm up walk The warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beech forests, speckled with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, the brave will stop for a swimming break at the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The jagged peaks towering high above you give itchy feet for tomorrow's trek into the highlands. Tonight, you enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner and a well-earned rest after this impression-packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Valbone: hotel (B/L/D)
Day 3
Tirana
Hiking. Hike to Kukaj After a short transfer to the trailhead, you start the hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside. Below, bunkers that once protected the border are now scattered in the riverbed. The winding path takes you over lush meadows ablaze with the colors of a wide variety of spring flowers and through light beech forest up to a shepherd’s hut, on 1.650 m. In the communist period, when this was a no-go area, the building used to be a military barrack. Admire the wild and romantic jagged mountain scenery, enjoy a refreshing soda or opt to climb higher to an ancient crossing at the Montenegrin border. At 2.045 m, a weathered border pyramid is the only reminder of the isolation Albania once endured; from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching a last glimpse at the Alps highest peak Jezerca (2.694 m), you descend first to Kukaj and then to your accommodation. When daylight fades, you admire the alpine glow over dinner in the idyllic veranda. No surprise many local women are named after the beautiful valley.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Valbone: hotel (B/LP/D)
Day 4
Tirana
Eco Tour. Aromatic Mountain Air Another highlight, an important milestone in most Albanian Alps journeys, awaits today. After a short ride over the rough riverbed, you meet the mule porter who carries the main luggage and sets out for the hike across Valbona Pass (1.811 m). Above the village Rragam, a few steep segments need to be tackled. Pause regularly near springs and on colorful meadows to take a breath of herb-filled aromatic mountain air and enjoy the splendid views. Reaching the pass, the surrounding peaks appear on par and sweeping views of both national parks fascinate even the seasoned traveler. Enjoy the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth, where the fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the afternoon sun. Close to the village, the woods thin out, Mt. Arapi (2.217 m) becomes more dominant and soon, you reach the uppermost houses of Gjelaj, Theth. Spread below are the valley's many hamlets, and a broad path takes you through the village to another inviting guesthouse.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Theth: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 5
Tirana
Hiking. Choose today's hike between the route to the Peja Pass at the northern end of the valley, below the Matterhorn of Albania, or the panoramic trail to the high-up Meadows of Denelli. Both are return routes, and you stay for a second night at the same guesthouse. The first is sun-exposed, an early start is recommended. The trailhead is a 4 km drive/1 hour walking time each way away. Start at the source of the Thethi River, up the wall that still looks impenetrable. The ancient caravan path is hidden in the sheer 900 m drop below Mt. Arapi (2.217 m) and named after the Kosovo city Peja, where the route is connected.
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Tirana
Nature Walks. Second option: The Denelli walk starts from the iconic Theth church, leads through the lush green Ulaj neighborhood and ascends, after a river crossing, into a light forest to a path in the cliffs & up to a large, high-up meadow in the middle of the mountains.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Theth: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 6
Tirana
Hiking. Trek On A walk through the village and it’s lush green fields reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit the iconic church and dive into the history of the “Kanun” at the nearby lock-in tower that offered protection to those affected by the Blood Feud. It is the perfect place to learn about the former highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins and impact. Onward along water channels, the path ascends to the Grunas waterfall and drops to a cliff above the river, where archeologists discovered stone aged terraces. Gaze into the 50 m deep Grunas Canyon, before starting the second part of the hike on a well-worn bridle path that leads along the river downstream to Nderlysa, where a light lunch awaits at the beautiful garden of the hosts. Tonight's accommodation is a simpler, but very welcoming guesthouse in a calmer hamlet. Use your free time to sample mulberries, grapes and plums in the garden, ask your host about beekeeping or swim in the nearby glacier-formed stone pools. Find this walk too short? Hike yesterday's alternative option and transfer to Nderlysa in the afternoon.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Nderlysa: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 7
Tirana
Hiking. Small Hike The hike through a canyon leads to a karst spring called the “Blue Eye”. The bravest can take a dip in the icy, butterfly surrounded waters - truly a hidden oasis to relax at. The walk can be extended to the close-by, abandoned hamlet of Kapreja.
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Tirana
The transfer starts from the accommodation at around 1-2 pm, and it takes you on a scenic drive across the Thorja Pass into the Valley of Boge and along Lake Shkodra (2 h). In Shkodra, our driver meets you for another 2.5 hour transfer to arrive at the central hotel in Tirana. The capital city represents the modern, very different side of Albania. Conclude your day with a nice dinner and a drink out in the chic "Blloku" district, recall the past week of travel and celebrate the memorable journey through the Albanian Alps.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Tirane: hotel (B/LP/-)
Day 8
Tirana
Leisure. Explore the city Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5 min walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square".
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Tirana
Thank you for visiting! Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 40 min transfer to the airport. Thank you for joining our adventure, we hope to see you again in the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches. Not ready to leave yet? Ask us what more to do in the mountains, exploring the cultural highlights of Albania’s historic cities or a laid-back beach extension - there’s always more to explore in the **Balkans!**
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Materials for a self-guided trip Accommodation: 4 hotel(s), 3 guesthouse(s) (7x private) Rooms: 7x private Transfers: As foreseen by the itinerary, including airport transfer Luggage transport: 1/pers max 15 kg, duffels/rucksacks, no suit/flightcases
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Pick up from Podgorica airport is available on request for an additional cost of €80
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Camera and other items you may need
Meeting & Pickup
Welcome to the Balkans! We pick you up from Tirana (airport/city) for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra We pick-up guests from Tirana airport or city according to their arrival details / preferred timing.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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