Hiking (8 days, 7 nights)

N/A

1 Min – 18 Max

WT-CODE 880

From €1,499.00

Discover Illyria’s hiking package takes you through Albania’s beautiful trails and stunning nature. Enjoy guided hikes, fresh air, and amazing views as you explore hidden gems. Perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts!

What You Will Love About the Trip:

Adventure, culture, and natural beauty are blended perfectly throughout this trip.
Visit distant villages, trek through rugged mountain landscapes, and immerse in the traditions of Northern Albania.
The journey comprises boat rides, strenuous hikes, and relaxing periods at local guesthouses
Enjoy the untouched beauty of nature, eat authentic food from Albania, and mingle with the locals in a way that not many travelers get to.

Tour Details:

Walking Grade: Moderate
Group Size: Maximum 18 travelers, minimum 10 travelers (average 14)

Trip Staff:

Tour Leader
Local Guides
Driver(s)

Is this tour for you?

These days have been graded as moderate for hiking, and you need to have a reasonable level of fitness to participate.
We will be in the Albanian Alps, where a lot of ground is undulating and there is scree slope and lots of down hills, so walking poles are highly recommendable.
On day number 5, our bags will be brought by horses for part of the trek. The horses have been cared for and have done this type of work, but don’t overpack your bags. You’ll need one of those softshell cases, not a hardshell suitcase, for this trip.
In the summer, it can be unbearably hot in cities, and we recommend that you pack light layers, protection from the sun, and a hat for use outdoors.
We also suggest a filter water bottle be available at all times with fresh water around you.
During this tour, we are going to be spending a few nights in guesthouses. They offer a unique flavor of local life.
Albanian food is excellent; however, if you have specific diet requirements, you may be limited to what you can get in villages and mountainous areas. For your dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. Please keep in mind that you will prepare your own sandwiches for lunch on days 3, 4, and 5. Options include cheese, cold cuts, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fruit.

Walking Information

Daily distances
- Day 2: 3 hours, 6 kilometers
- Day 3: 5 hours, 11 km
- Day 4: 5 hours, 8 kilometers
- Day 5: 7hrs, 12km
- Day 6: 4/2hrs 7km/6km
- Total: 50 kilometres

Walks for 5 days for between 3 and 7 hours. Most walks are mostly well-defined footpaths with mountain trails and minimal dirt tracks. Walks are largely along mountain trails with several scree sections, rocky portions, and some steep climbs. Essentially, this is a satisfying day out for fit hikers, while lesser-fit ones would regard it as challenging but not insurmountable. The trip is suitable for seasoned and new hikers who have a general appreciation for walking and also possess a decent level of fitness and balance. Anyone not comfortable with sudden hip or knee pains repeatedly or is unstable on their feet is excluded. Max walking altitude (m): 1800.

Trip information

Climate and Country: Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Tirana boasts 9 to 11 hours of sunshine during the summer, while temperatures can soar to 40 °C in July. July and August can be hot in Albania. In the beginning of the season and the end, it is a little colder and might rain. The tour leader may have to adjust walks with this in mind. Weather from October to April is mild but highly unpredictable in the mountainous regions. Snow can be found on the highest peaks throughout the year
Time Difference to GMT +1
Plugs:
- standard European 2-pin round plugs.
Religion:
- Islam, Orthodox,Catholic
Language:
- Albanian, as it is the native and official language, but you can communicate easily in English
Budgeting & Packing Clothing:
- Wear airy and comfortable clothes, suitable for Albania’s typical warm climate; layering is recommended due to the variable weather that could prevail, sometimes without warning, particularly in the mountains. Don’t forget to pack for the possibility of rain.

Must-Knows:

Waterproof jacket
Long sleeves,
Shirts,
Hat,
Full-length pants (for rural villages),
Shorts (for walking),
Swimwear
A thicker fleece or pullover
Ankle-supportive hiking boots (must be worn), plus
Sandals or trainers for downtime.
Luggage: An allowance of 20 kg is provided. Due to the itinerary, soft travel bags and/or backpacks would be recommended, with regard to areas in and around national parks.

Packing List:

Travel rucksack/duffel
Sunglasses; sun cream
Torch (small; battery back-up)
Camera and walking poles
Personal toiletries, first-aid kit (blister kits, aspirin, plasters, etc.)
Water bottle (reusable; minimum ONE L)
Waterproof dry bag (for valuables such as a phone)

Tipping:

Tipping is not necessary but is well appreciated.

Leader: 20-30 € per person/week (optional, for exceptional service).
Local Crew: 20€ for tipping local staff.

Albania:

Food & Drink
- Lunch: 10-15€
- Dinner: 18-22 €
- Beer: 2 €
- Water: 1€
- Vegetarian food is everywhere, but the vegan and gluten-free traveler will need to carry extra snack food. Simple meals are grilled vegetables, salads, and roasted potatoes. Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water or filtered water is preferable.

Currency & Payment

Local currency: Albanian Lek (ALL).
Accepted foreign currencies: Euros, US dollars, and British pounds can be exchanged in major towns.
ATMs: Available in most larger towns.
Credit Cards: Not widely accepted; cash is preferred.

Transport trips involve travel by bus, boat, or private vehicle, depending on the itinerary.

Accommodation: Simple guesthouses and intimate hotels embodying Albanian charm. Expect simple yet comfortable. Note: Private rooms may not be guaranteed, especially in and around national park areas. Accommodation may be shared with the group.

Things You Need to Know

Always check the local tax government’s travel advice to stay updated concerning safety, health, and entry requirements.

Visa & Passport Requirements

Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa.
Other nationalities should check with their local embassy for visa requirements.
Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Insurance

All travelers must have valid travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and activities included in the itinerary.

Safety & Health

We recommend checking government travel advisories before departure. For vaccinations and health recommendations, consult your healthcare provider.

Insurance

Travel insurance that is mandatory must include medical treatment, emergency repatriation, and any activities outlined in the holiday itinerary. The traveler must ensure that their policy is comprehensive.

Booking Conditions

Once confirmed, your booking price is locked in and will not change. However, voluntary changes (e.g., date changes) may incur additional costs.
For further details or specific inquiries, feel free to contact our team!

Explore the magnificent scenery of Albania, from the breathtaking landscape of the Albanian Riviera to the high mountains, and experience the warmth of the hospitality of its people. Book your next adventure with Discover Illyria!

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Tirana and transfer to Shkodra

After everyone has arrived at the airport (TIA), we will gather all travelers together around 12pm to head immediately from the airport to Shkodra. To avoid any unexpected issues or delays during your journey to Tirana, we recommend arriving at least one day before the tour begins. We can assist you with finding affordable hotels or anything else you may need for that day. Shkodra is the city called the gateway to the Albanian Alps. Full of history and culture, Shkodra has been an important center since ancient times. We will wander through the city’s lovely streets, enjoying its Venetian-style architecture and lively atmosphere. For the history buffs and visual storytellers, there is an optional visit to the Marubi National Museum of Photography. In the latter part of the day, we will leisurely stroll through the pedestrian zone of the city and enjoy dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant.

Accommodation: Tribute Hotel, Hotel Tradita or similar

Meals provided: None

Day 2

Boat Journey on Koman Lake and Transfer to Valbona

Today we set out for Shkodra—who is driving us—towards docks at Lake Koman, where we will take a ferry to leave for an amazing boat ride categorized as “one of the greatest boat trips around the world” through the Bradt guides—in a two-hour sojourn in piece blue waters, flanked by narrow gorges as well as tall peaks—incredible initiation to beauty, the wonderful landscapes of Northern Albania. We will continue our journey towards Valbona after getting across, reaching a beautiful alpine region. During the stoppage, we will be Walking along a river towards the scenic view is an ideal stretch on our legs as we prepare for our adventures ahead. We’ll then return to the mountain co-living, where we’ll be based for the next three nights. The approximately 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) one-way walk today is expected to take one to three hours depending on where you stay; details will be shared by your tour leader during the trip; the walk affords a maximum ascent of 360 meters (1,181 feet) and a descent of 180 meters (591 feet).

Accommodation: Valbona resort or similar

Meals provided: Breakfast

Day 3

Hiking in Valbona National Park

For the next couple of days, we will walk through the wonderful valleys of Valbona National Park. Found in the Tropoja district in Northern Albania, Valbona itself is in an even bigger area named The Malesi, meaning The Highlands. This rough and remote area has people who are strong and independently minded souls—one who has stood the test of time and withstood various invasions through the last two millennia. Another mountain section that surrounds it is somewhat popularly known in English as ‘The Accursed Mountains.’Once we are done with breakfast, a short drive will take us to the starting point of our trail near Drogobia village. We will begin with a moderate ascent through meadows until we reach the pastures high above called ‘Gjarpri I Dragobis’-the Drogobia Snake. Lunch will be enjoyed with a view. After lunch, we will continue onto the pastures for a wonderful opportunity to see Dragobia Gorge with its high peaks towering above. Then it will descend into the valley floor, where a short drive will return us to the hotel. Today, the hiking trail is an out-and-back 11 km (6.8 mi) long, which will take roughly five hours to complete while ascending and descending 630 m (2,067 ft) in the process.

Accommodation: Valbona resort or similar

Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch

Day 4

Exploring the High Alpine of Valbona

Plan a trekking adventure today across the slopes of the Paplluga massif. The way lies through dense beech and fir forests, which at some points are steep and hard, at times interrupted by an old timber road coming from an era of sinful regime. The way rises to the plateau called ‘RrethiIi Jubanit’, crosses over to a wonderful viewpoint where we stop for lunch towards the towering, vertical peaks of Grykat e Hapta, forming a limestone amphitheater toward the southwestern end of the valley where awaits us the Pass of Valbona for tomorrow’s journey. After lunch, we shall remain high on the plateau until we descend toward the eastern slopes of ‘Rrethri’ to bring us down to the remote hamlet of Kukaj. There, we will sip a cup of refreshing herbal mountain tea on the terrace of a local family house. Refresh, and then descend towards the valley floor, enjoying the soft afternoon light at the end of the day. Today’s hike is approximately seven kilometers, or 4.3 miles. It will take about five hours to complete, with an elevation gain and drop of 650 meters, or 2,133 feet.

Accommodation: Valbona resort or similar

Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch

Day 5

Crossing the Valbona Pass to Theth

Today, we embark on one of the most remarkable hikes of the journey as we cross the famous Valbona Pass that connects the beautiful Valbona with the remote village of Theth. From lush alpine meadows to rugged rocky slopes, the trail has breathtaking views every twist and turn. It leads to the highest point of the pass, 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, at which point it offers some of the best panoramic vistas of the Accursed Mountains. Thus, with this splendor unraveling from this vantage point, we begin our descent into the Theth Valley, which is void of lifestyles and dotted with traditional stone houses, flanked by soaring mountains of rock. This hike is a hard one and measures around 17 kilometers (10.5 miles)—both actual distances to be traveled and vertical ascent of 1,050 meters (3,445 feet)—so training is deemed compulsory. During the trip, we will also stop at a beautiful spot, have a packed lunch, and recharge ourselves for the day’s journey.

Accommodation: Thethi Paradise or similar

Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Theth

Theth, an iconic village in the highlands of Northern Albania, or male sore’, is located far away in the Accursed Mountains. Life in Theth had remained free from the disturbances that had reached the other parts of the Alps through invasions, and hence, it followed the rigid dictates of the ‘Kanun’, the Unwritten Code of the Mountains, to an even larger extent. The Victorian traveler, Ms. Edith Durham, has written a vivid account of these traditions in her book, High Albania, based on her travels in the region at the very beginning of the 20th century. After breakfast, we will have the chance to visit sites within the village like the stone-built church and Kulla e Ngujimit, the lock-in tower once used for blood-feud resolution in line with the ancient ‘kanun.’ From there, we will move out of the village and follow the river to a small waterfall. We will also pass by the ancient terraces of the Grunas Canyon and arrive at the hamlet of Nderlysa, where we will be treated to a lovely lunch by a local family. In the afternoon, you may choose to unwind in the garden of the guesthouse, where we have a swimming pool. The pools in Nderlysa are fed by the icy, clear waters of the Kaprea Creek, enticing you for a refreshing swim. The drive back to Theth will take us 20 minutes, after which we will have dinner and spend the night. The 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) trek is expected to last around four hours, with a 420-meter (1,378-foot) ascent and a 660- meter (2,165-foot) descent.

Accommodation: Thethi Paradise or similar

Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Journey back to Tirana, explore the capital city

This morning, we will take some off-road vehicles into the charming village of Boga, where, according to the preferences of the group, we will have the option of taking an easy circular hike over the Thore Pass for magnificent views (90 minutes approximately). Finally, we bid farewell to the rugged outline of Albania’s mountain and proceeded toward the Shkodra plain. Indeed, our journey has taken us through some very rough and scenic geography.And finally, we have a stop at the lively capital city of Tirana, where we will have a hotel just minutes from the city center after a four-hour drive. As part of the orientation, our tour leader will take us through the history of Tirana’s development through the different periods it lived, allowing us to feel the cosmopolitan atmosphere of folk from around the globe. Skanderbeg Square was the focal point of Tirana city, surrounded by important places such as the Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National History Museum. The Great Park of Tirana is an isolated area that leaves one to lakeside serenity with green varied landscapes. For history buffs, this argument leads us to Bunk’Art 2 and the House of Leaves, both of which present fascinating dimensions of Albania’s recent past. The Old Bazaar is a precious place for tasting traditional snacks and admiring local crafts.

Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Doanesia Hotel or similar

Meals provided: Breakfast

Day 8

Departure time from Tirana to airport

After breakfast, our journey comes to an end at our hotel in Tirana. There are no scheduled activities today, allowing you to depart at your convenience. If your flight is later in the day, you may store your luggage at the hotel. If you wish to extend your stay, Tirana is a wellorganized and safe city, filled with attractions and vibrant culture, making it an excellent place to explore before your departure. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Albania’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Safe travel!

Meals provided: Breakfast

What’s Included: