Discovering Albanias Mountains from Village to Village
Day 1. Airport -Shkoder
Upon arrival in Shkodër, we will rendezvous with the group and proceed to the city of Shkodra, which is not only the capital of northern Albania but also an important trading center for the region. During our visit, we will explore ancient castles and learn about the city’s rich history, which dates back 2500 years and has been continuously inhabited to the present day. From the castle, we will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Shkodra field, which is surrounded by the rivers that are headed by the Albanians, as well as the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake of Shkodra. The Adriatic coastline is located a mere 8 kilometers away and can be easily viewed on clear days. After checking into the hotel, we will take a stroll through the city’s pedestrian area, which is characterized by Venetian-style buildings.
Bus Transfer 95 km, approximately 2 hours
Day 2. Shkoder-Koman-Valbona
We will start our day early and embark on a journey to the Albanian Alps via an old road that leads us to the dam of one of the largest hydropower plants in the Balkans. The lake created by the dam is now a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This lake is now known as the fjord of southern Europe. After a short transfer, we will arrive at Sale, where we will begin our walk along the Valbona River in the forest, surrounded by Fagus trees. The walk will take approximately 2.5 hours and will conclude at the GH, where we will be hosted by the members of the house and spend the night.
Bus Transfer 75km, 2.5 h, 30km boot 2.5 h, Hiking +350m -250, 3h
Day 3. Valbona - Mountain Rosi -Valbona
After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast, we will make our way to the top of Rossi, whose summit separates Albania from Montenegro. Our target for today is to reach the former border pyramid. Once we reach the summit, we will be treated to a breathtaking view of the Accursed Mountains, the second highest mountain, Jezerca (2695 m), and the peak of Rossi (2522 m). We will then begin our way back and we will make a stop at the Ramas shepherd's hut, where we can enjoy a cup of coffee or refreshment while admiring the stunning landscape of Valbona Valley, which is situated approximately 800 meters over the Walley.
Bus Transfer NO Hiking +750-750 6h
Day 4. Valbona - Kuji Rrogamit - Valbona
From the Guesthouse, we will head on a picturesque journey to the top of the peak of Kuji i Rrogamit. The walk will take us through a dense forest, which will lead us to a multiflowered meadow where we can rest as desired. We will then climb to the top of Kuji i Rogamit, which is located 1830 meters above sea level. From the summit, we will be treated to a clear and impressive panorama of the entire Valley of Valbona and the peak of the Mountain of Jezerca, which is the fourth highest in Albania and the sixth highest in the Balkans.
Bus Transfer NO Hiking +750, -750, 6h
Day 5. Valbona - Theth
Today is the cherry on top of our walks, as we embark on the Valbona Theth pass, which is one of the most beautiful attractions in the Balkans and has been used by Albanian mountaineers for centuries. Valbona’s Pass is located at 1860 meters above sea level and offers a stunning view of the two most beautiful valleys in the Balkans, Valbona and Theth, where the mountain pass owns two valleys simultaneously. The descent to Theth is made through a forest mass of beech, which is one of the most beautiful forests in Albania. During our walk, we will have the opportunity to stop at one of the service structures set up to serve the many hikers in this area. The descent to Theth also gives us the chance to cool down in the cold water of the Theth River, which flows from the glacial peaks of Albanian mountains. While our luggage will be carried by transport mules directly to our guesthouse
Bus Transfer NO Hiking +900, -900, 7 h
Day 6. Theth -Peja Pass-Theth
The Peja Pass is a former traditional trail of the caravans during the Middle Ages that ran from the city of Shkodra towards Peja in Kosovo, as well as towards the cities of Montenegro. The ascent to the Pass of Peja offers a clear view of the Theth valley, which is located among the Accursed Mountains and is one of the 14 national parks of Albania. The Peja Pass is situated at 1710 meters above sea level.
Bus Transfer NO Hiking +900, -900, 7h
Day 7. Theth - Nderlysaj
Today will be relaxed day with the easiest walk along the river of Theth. The first visit will be to the Lock in Tower and the old church where we will learn more about the usances and honor code of the Albanian highlanders, blood feud and how it was chosen in the Middle Ages. We continue for about 40 minutes' walk towards the Grunas waterfall, which falls from 25 meters high and is a natural monument within the national park of Theth. Inside the national park of Theth. The walk towards the village of The Nderlysaj will be done across the deep river by the side of my sword. The arrival in Nderlysaj also shows us the delta of the river of Theth and that which flows from the karstic source of the blue eye.
Bus Transfer NO, Hiking +350m, -350m, 5h
Day 8. Nderlysaj - Blue Eye- Thorre Pass, - Kruja
Today's hike, although picturesque, poses the most challenging leg of our tour. Setting out from the guesthouse, our journey leads us to the source of Blue Eye. Following a pause at the crystalline water basin formed by this source, we embark on a demanding ascent through the catchment's mouth toward the Thorres Pass. Navigating the steep climb amidst the dense pine and oak forest adds an element of difficulty. Upon completing the hike, a local beer or raki awaits to celebrate our triumph. A bus then transports us to Kruja, the historical capital of Albania and a symbolic center. The Kruje Castle, entwined with the legacy of national hero Gjergj Kastriot, awaits exploration. Following check-in, delve into the medieval castle's history, stroll through the city's medieval bazaar, and conclude the day with dinner at the hotel.
Bus Transfer 200 km 3.5 hours, Hiking +1300, -130, 6 hours.
Day 9. Kruja -Tirana
Embarking on the journey to Tirana, the energetic and lively capital, we arrive and promptly drop our luggage at the hotel before commencing the city tour. Tirana unfolds as a mosaic of diverse architectures – from the Illyrian-Roman mosaic and medieval Ottoman influences on the rationalism of the 20s, socialist realism, and contemporary structures. The afternoon grants free time for personal exploration of the vibrant capital. Later, enjoy dinner at a city-center restaurant, providing an opportunity to share the trip's highlights.
Bus Transfer 25 km Hiking NO
Day 10. Tirana - Airport
As we bid farewell to Albania, a blend of reluctance and anticipation to return accompanies us. Exchanging contact details with the guide and driver, we eagerly plan to share photos and cherished memories from this journey. Departing with hearts full of joy, we head home.
Bus Transfer 17 km Hiking NO
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Day 1. Airport - Berat
Arrival at the airport where we will be met by the local guide who will accompany us throughout the trip and familiarize with the rest of the group and leave for the museum city of Berat. Upon arrival and accommodation at the hotel, we will take a walk to the city's impressive castle, as well as visits to the two museum districts that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards a traditional dinner and a walk along the pedestrian street. is time to have the first taste to the traditional schnaps, Raki and the local wines of the region.
Bus Transfer 125 km
Day 2. Berat - Limar
Early departure from the town of Berat towards the starting point of our trekking, the village of Peshtan. Part of the journey winds along the Vjosa River, which is one of the last pristine rivers in Europe and is also called the blue heart of Europe and a national park. In Peshtan we start our trek to our destination, the village of Limar. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the mountains of southern Albania, as well as the Mediterranean vegetation of these mountains. A stop at the local shepherd's house to taste the turkish coffee together with the strong homemade raki of the mountains, as well as the organic honey of its bees that grow in the green mountains of Cajupi. After saying goodbye to our shepherd, we will continue our path, which is also the ancient caravan route of the famous Pasha Ali Pashe Tepelena (Janina), where the crossing of the river from one side of the mountain to the other is through the 300-year-old Ottoman-style bridge built by this famous pasha. The trail continues with a moderate climb to the village of Limar, where we will spend the night at the house of the village teacher, who will also be our host, where he will offer us a simple but very tasty dinner together with his wife with the products of his farm.
Bus Transfer 145 km, 2h, Hiking +750hm - 425hm 5h, ca 11km
Day 3. Limar - Hoshteve
We follow the old caravan road, now a trail for hikers and travellers who seek adventure, to the village of Hoshteve. On the way, we visit the small village school, where a dedicated teacher instructs a handful of students, and the ancient church that has stood for two centuries. We stop at the village of Doshnice, where some locals still cling to their ancestral home. They offer us coffee, fruit brandy, honey from their own hives, and fresh fruits that we can pluck from the trees. We continue to the Doshnice waterfall and back, enjoying the view from above. Some of us may choose to stay longer and experience the daily life of our host. We resume our walk to Hoshteve, passing through fields, hills and picturesque landscapes. There, Katerina and her husband greet us warmly and prepare us traditional dishes with ingredients from their farm.
Bus Transfer NO, Hiking + 486hm, -474hm, 6h, ca 14km.
4. Hoshteve - Sheper
Our walk to Sheper begins with a visit to the old church from the 17th century, which reveals the village’s history and culture. We take the road that follows the mountain and the valley until we reach Nivan, where we explore its interior. We meet the locals who live in their ancestral homes, which are hundreds of years old, and work in farming and animal husbandry. We also visit another old and renovated church in the village, and enjoy the local cuisine, fruits and trees along the way. We descend through the woods to the old monastery, which was once a resting place for the caravans in the Middle Ages. We also see the famous bunkers that were built in Albania during the Cold War. After seeing the Nivan Monastery, we ascend the hill to our host’s house in Sheper. The family meal shows us the lifestyle of the Albanian families in these mountainous areas.
Bus Transfer NO, Hiking + 725hm -575hm, 5h, ca 12.5km.
Day 5. Sheper- Permet
Today is the longest day of hiking over Dhembel Mountain, with the aim of reaching the small and clean town of Permet. In the meantime, the transport of our luggage will be transported by mules before departure, as well as by local carriers who take us to our destination in the hotel reserved for us, so we have to make sure that everything must be well packed. Our trek will continue with the ascent to the Dhembel Pass along the mountainside and immediately after reaching the pass we will take a lunch break with a view of the town of Permet from 2000 meters altitude. After lunch, we continue the descent, which is relatively difficult and sometimes slippery. After descending from the mountain to the first village, in Leuse we will have the opportunity to visit another medieval church, nicknamed the Capela Sistina of the Balkans due to its frescoes and icons. And after your visit, we will continue to the hotel. We will stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel, while dinner will be in one of the restaurants with traditional cuisine.
Bus Transfer NO, Hiking + 650hm -1250hm, 6.5h, ca 12km.
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Day 6. Permet- Gjirokaster
We will depart from Permet in the morning by minibus to visit the Strembec waterfall. After visiting the waterfall, we will return to have lunch in one of the restaurants along the Vjosa River. Following lunch, we will have free time at the thermal baths of Benje in Permet. After visiting the thermal baths, we will head towards the museum city of Gjirokasta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road winds along the Vjosa valley and between the mountains of southern Albania. Upon arrival in Gjirokaster, we will check in and do some shopping in the medieval town, which is full of cafes and traditional shops. We will also visit the house of Skendulaj, a medieval Ottoman-style house of a rich family of the time. This will give us an idea of Albanian life and society in the Middle Ages. The tour in the house will be led by the heir of the family. We will end the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Bus Transfer 80 km, 1.5 h, Hiking + 350hm -350hm, 3.5h, ca 6km.
Day 7. Gjirokaster - Himare
After breakfast, we will visit Gjirokastra Castle, which offers a fantastic view of the city from its height. We will then continue our journey over the Muzina Pass, which is the old caravan route from Ioannina to the Albanian coast, to the Blue Eye. The karst spring with clear water is a unique natural monument of its kind. The source of Blue Eye is also the main source of the Bistrica River, which feeds two small electric hydroelectric power plants and irrigates the entire area of Delvina, Sarande. It is also the main source of fresh water for Lake Butrint. After visiting the Blue Eye, we will head to the ancient city of Butrint, located between the lake, the lagoon, and the Ionian Sea. The city has thousands of years of history and tells us about the civilizations that it has carried from the Illyrians to the ancient Greek, Roman and up to Ottoman rule in the Balkans. After visiting the archaeological site, we will have lunch at one of the coastal restaurants in front of the island of Corfu, which is a popular destination for locals and foreigners in the summer. Depending on the time and weather, there is also the possibility of diving in the crystal clear and turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. After lunch, we will drive along the Albanian Riviera towards the small coastal town of Himare, where we will spend the night. We will stop at the old fortress of Ali Pasha, which is in front of the war tunnels of the Cold War submarines. This will give us a clearer idea of the history of this small and unknown country in the Balkans. We will end the day with dinner in Himare, where we will enjoy fish dishes.
Bus Transfer 80 km, 1.5 h, Hiking NO, 40 minutes walking.
Day 8. Himare - Llogara
We will depart from the town of Himare along the southern coast of Albania and head towards the Akeraunian Mountains. We will pass through the gorge of the Gjipe and descend to the virgin bay of the same name, which is a paradise on earth. We will take a break and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gjipe to refresh ourselves and prepare for the trek towards the picturesque village of Dhermiu. Upon arrival in Dhermi, we will refresh ourselves at the beach bars of this tourist place and restart our journey through the path of the mills, which has been used for centuries by the inhabitants of the area. During the hike, we will have the opportunity to visit one of the first hydropower plants built in Albania in the 20s. Depending on the possibility and time, we can also visit the Church of St. Mary in Dhermi. We will then depart by bus from Dhermi to Llogara National Park, where we will arrive at the mountain pass at over 1000 meters above sea level. The view from the pass offers us a fantastic view of the Ionian Sea from the strait of Otranto to the coast of Corfu. We will end the day with arrival and accommodation in an alpine hotel in the national park, surrounded by coniferous forests.
Bus Transfer 30 km, 45minute, Hiking + 250hm -500hm, 3.5h, ca 6km.
Day 9. Llogara – Vlore
Today is a challenging day towards the top of Cika, which climbs up to 1000 meters above sea level and 2044 meters above sea level. The ascent begins at the Llogaras Pass through the most natural forest with coastal pines with a small stop in Dhjopuri. We arrive at the summit of Cika and have an impressive 360-degree view of almost the entire south of Albania, from the island of Corfu in the south to the Adriatic and the bay of Vlora in the north, as well as the entire valley of Albania the valley of the Vlora River. After the descent, I drove to the coastal town of Vlora, we stay in a hotel near the sea and dinner with fish dishes.
Bus Transfer 56 km, 45minute, Hiking + 950hm -950hm, 6h, ca 11km.
Day 10. Vlore -Tirane
We drive about 150 km in the direction of the capital of Albania, Tirana, check in at the hotel and city tour that shows us the interweaving of different architectures over the centuries from the Ottoman to the modern face of Tirana today. We have the opportunity to touch the lively life of this city, which had the leading position of the European capital last year. After lunch, we have time in the afternoon to visit the city individually.
Bus Transfer 150 km, 2h, Hiking NO
Day 11. Tirana - Rinas Flughafen
Our trip is over and after buying souvenirs and memories of this picturesque and diverse country, we prepare for the journey home and then we share email photos of this trip with each other. Transfer to the Airport
Bus Transfer 17 km,