Hiking to Albanian Alps

Albania
Not Rated
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

14 people

Languages

English

Overview

Price from: ?784 per person

Overview:

This 9-day expedition takes you through the wild and stunning landscapes of the Albanian Alps. Starting from Shkodra, you travel via Koman Lake to the remote Valbona Valley, hike over high mountain passes, explore traditional villages like Theth, and end your journey with cultural visits in Krujë and Tirana. Expect long hikes, steep ascents, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Duration: 9 days

Level: Very difficult

Area: Valbona – Theth

Itinerary

Day 1: Tirana – Shkodra

Arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet your local guide. Then drive north toward Shkodra, one of the oldest and most important cultural centers of Albania, with a history of over 2,400 years.

Upon arrival, visit the impressive Rozafa Castle, located on a 138-meter hill, offering panoramic views over Shkodra city, the Buna River, and Lake Shkodra, which extends into Montenegro. After free time for lunch (self-paying), enjoy a relaxed walk through Shkodra’s charming old town with its cafés and pedestrian streets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Shkodra (e.g. Buna Park Hotel or similar).Driving time: approx. 2 hours.

Day 2: Shkodra – Koman Lake Ferry – Valbona Valley

In the morning, drive to the Koman Reservoir, considered one of the most spectacular boat routes in Europe. Board the ferry for a scenic journey through narrow gorges, steep cliffs, and wild mountain landscapes of the Albanian Alps.

During the crossing, there is plenty of time for photography and enjoying the untouched nature. Together with the guide, a simple fresh lunch is prepared and enjoyed on board. After reaching Fierza, continue by vehicle to the Valbona Valley at approximately 960 meters above sea level. After arrival, time to relax, explore the surroundings, or take a short walk to nearby bunkers.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Valbona (2 nights, e.g. Margjeka or similar).

Travel time: Koman transfer 2 h | Ferry 2 h | Fierza–Valbona 1.5 h.

Day 3: Trekking in the Valbona National Park, optional: up to the Maja Ete 2393 m Now the first trekking tour entices. After breakfast, pack your lunch, put on your hiking shoes and start your hike along the Valbona River. Today's tour leads through the beautiful Valbona valley with steeply towering mountains above 2,400 m altitude. They climb up to the alpine pastures where the locals keep their animals. It is a wonderful walk through wild flower meadows and forests. At the high alpine hut Rama you can take a break and you can drink coffee, cola and beer. If you still have energy, you can still climb up to the 2,393 m high Maja ete summit. From the top there is a unique view of the many pointed rocky mountains around. The view to the neighbouring countries after Kosovo and Montenegro is clear. Then descend to the Kukaj guest house – here you can also enjoy a nice coffee or a cool beer. Then on to the accommodation.

Walking time: 5 hours ▲ 900 m ▼ 900 m but if you choice to include Maja Ete the walking time summit approx. 7 hours ▲ 1,400 m ▼ 1,400 m

Day 4: Over the Valbona Pass (1,795 m) to Theth After breakfast, the luggage is loaded on horses and you hike with your daypack through the meltwater valley towards Valbonapass. On this old village road from Valbona 960 m to Theth at 750 m, cross the Valbona Pass at 1,795 m. You walk through beech forests and lush green pastures. From above, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps, such as Jezerca 2,694 m and Radohima 2,568 m. Along the way, 2 rustic huts invite you to linger. After crossing the pass, the route descends along easy paths to the traditional village of Theth at approx. 750 m. An exhausting day, but a cosy inn makes up for all the efforts. 2x overnight stay in a cosy inn in Theth

Walking time: 7-8 hours ▲ 850 m ▼ 1,050 m

Day 5: Theth: Peja Pass (1,730 m) – Optional Arapi Peak (2,217 m)

Starting directly from the guesthouse, the hike follows the valley gently upward before reaching denser coniferous forests and crossing mountain streams. After a break at the Kroni hut, the trail climbs in serpentines toward Peja Pass at 1,730 meters.

From the pass, enjoy panoramic views toward Montenegro and the dramatic Arapi Peak, often called the “Matterhorn of Albania.” Very fit hikers may choose the optional ascent of Arapi Peak, adding significant elevation gain.

Return to Theth in the afternoon.

Walking time:

– To Peja Pass: 5–7 h | ▲980 m ▼980 m

– With Arapi Peak: 9–10 h | ▲1,460 m ▼1,460 m

Day 6: Hike in the beautiful Nderlyse valley to the Grunasi waterfall and the “Blue Eye”

On this day you will have the opportunity to discover the wonderful hidden places around the valley of Ndërlysë. Shortly after the beginning of the walk you will come to the stone church of Theth, which with its traditional wooden roof gives a beautiful photo motif. Then visit the restored Kulla of Blood Revenge. Then it goes uphill to the impressive Grunasi waterfall. Continue along the valley to the village of Ndërlysë, where you will be greeted by a feeling of total solitude. You walk past abandoned houses and learn more about the difficult living conditions of previous generations. From here it is still about 1 hour to the jewel of the mountains – the "Blue Eye", which is only reachable on foot. A small waterfall pours into a circular stone basin. From deep blue to turquoise, the water shimmers and invites you to bathe. After lunch we go back to Theth.

Walking time: 6-7 hours ▲ 250 m ▼ 250 m

Day 7: Theth – Kruje: Sari Salltik

After breakfast, we will depart from Thethi and drive to Krujë.

Upon arrival in Krujë, we will enjoy a half-day hike to Sari Salltik, located just outside the town. The trail is easy, about 5 km round trip, with an elevation gain of 400 ft (122 m) and a summit at 1,178 ft (359 m). Along the way, the group will admire the beautiful natural surroundings and learn about Albania’s religious heritage. At the summit, we will visit the Bektashi tekke and discover the story of Sari Salltik, considered a local saint. For convenience, we suggest taking the bus one way and walking back, reducing the total hiking time to around 3 hours.

After the hike, there will be time to explore Krujë town, including its historic bazaar, charming streets, and traditional shops. This is a great opportunity to enjoy local culture and relax after the morning’s hike.

Travel time: up to 4h

Walking time: approx. 3 hours

Overnight stay: Hotel in Krujë (e.g. Panorama Hotel)

Day 8: Kruje – Tirane

After breakfast, enjoy a morning in Krujë, one of Albania’s most historic towns. We will visit the Krujë Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town below. Inside the castle, explore the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, and the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing traditional life. Afterwards, stroll through the old bazaar, where you can browse local handicrafts, souvenirs, and experience the town’s historic atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Tirana Castle, the Pyramid, and the Grand Boulevard. Stroll through the Blloku district, formerly the area of the communist elite, now lively with cafés and shops. In the afternoon, visit Bunk’Art 1, a former communist nuclear bunker turned museum, offering insight into Albania’s recent history.

Travel time: approx. 1 hour (Krujë → Tirana)

Walking time: 3–4 hours (Krujë visit + city tour)

Overnight stay: Hotel in Tirana

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tirana International Airport for your individual flight home, concluding your Albanian adventure.

Details

Final Offer:

6 pax → 1141 € per person in Double/Twin Room (BB)

8 pax → 1003 € per person in Double/Twin Room (BB)

10 pax → 960 € per person in Double/Twin Room (BB)

12 pax → 831 € per person in Double/Twin Room (BB)

14 pax → 784 € per person in Double/Twin Room (BB)

Single supplement: + 270 €

📌 Price Includes:

Accommodation in hotel, double / twin room on BB basis

Transportation throughout the itinerary

Professional driver and all fuel-related costs

Tour guide service throughout the entire trip

Entrance fees to monuments and attractions as per the program

All local taxes and operational charges

❌ Not Included:

Every service not mentioned in the program

👥 Group Size :

Minimum: 6 participants

Maximum: 14 participants

Day 1: Tirana – Shkodra

Arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet your local guide. Then drive north toward Shkodra, one of the oldest and most important cultural centers of Albania, with a history of over 2,400 years.
Upon arrival, visit the impressive Rozafa Castle, located on a 138-meter hill, offering panoramic views over Shkodra city, the Buna River, and Lake Shkodra, which extends into Montenegro. After free time for lunch (self-paying), enjoy a relaxed walk through Shkodra’s charming old town with its cafés and pedestrian streets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Shkodra (e.g. Buna Park Hotel or similar).Driving time: approx. 2 hours.

Day 2: Shkodra - Koman Lake Ferry – Valbona Valley

In the morning, drive to the Koman Reservoir, considered one of the most spectacular boat routes in Europe. Board the ferry for a scenic journey through narrow gorges, steep cliffs, and wild mountain landscapes of the Albanian Alps.
During the crossing, there is plenty of time for photography and enjoying the untouched nature. Together with the guide, a simple fresh lunch is prepared and enjoyed on board. After reaching Fierza, continue by vehicle to the Valbona Valley at approximately 960 meters above sea level. After arrival, time to relax, explore the surroundings, or take a short walk to nearby bunkers.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Valbona (2 nights, e.g. Margjeka or similar).
Travel time: Koman transfer 2 h | Ferry 2 h | Fierza–Valbona 1.5 h.

Day 3: Trekking in the Valbona National Park, optional: up to the Maja Ete 2393 m Now the first trekking tour entices. After breakfast, pack your lunch, put on your hiking shoes and start your hike along the Valbona River. Today's tour leads through the beautiful Valbona valley with steeply towering mountains above 2,400 m altitude. They climb up to the alpine pastures where the locals keep their animals. It is a wonderful walk through wild flower meadows and forests. At the high alpine hut Rama you can take a break and you can drink coffee, cola and beer. If you still have energy, you can still climb up to the 2,393 m high Maja ete summit. From the top there is a unique view of the many pointed rocky mountains around. The view to the neighbouring countries after Kosovo and Montenegro is clear. Then descend to the Kukaj guest house – here you can also enjoy a nice coffee or a cool beer. Then on to the accommodation.

Walking time: 5 hours ▲ 900 m ▼ 900 m but if you choice to include Maja Ete the walking time summit approx. 7 hours ▲ 1,400 m ▼ 1,400 m

Day 4: Over the Valbona Pass (1,795 m) to Theth After breakfast, the luggage is loaded on horses and you hike with your daypack through the meltwater valley towards Valbonapass. On this old village road from Valbona 960 m to Theth at 750 m, cross the Valbona Pass at 1,795 m. You walk through beech forests and lush green pastures. From above, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps, such as Jezerca 2,694 m and Radohima 2,568 m. Along the way, 2 rustic huts invite you to linger. After crossing the pass, the route descends along easy paths to the traditional village of Theth at approx. 750 m. An exhausting day, but a cosy inn makes up for all the efforts. 2x overnight stay in a cosy inn in Theth

Walking time: 7-8 hours ▲ 850 m ▼ 1,050 m

Day 5: Theth: Peja Pass (1,730 m) - Optional Arapi Peak (2,217 m)

Starting directly from the guesthouse, the hike follows the valley gently upward before reaching denser coniferous forests and crossing mountain streams. After a break at the Kroni hut, the trail climbs in serpentines toward Peja Pass at 1,730 meters.
From the pass, enjoy panoramic views toward Montenegro and the dramatic Arapi Peak, often called the “Matterhorn of Albania.” Very fit hikers may choose the optional ascent of Arapi Peak, adding significant elevation gain.
Return to Theth in the afternoon.
Walking time:
– To Peja Pass: 5–7 h | ▲980 m ▼980 m
– With Arapi Peak: 9–10 h | ▲1,460 m ▼1,460 m

Day 6: Hike in the beautiful Nderlyse valley to the Grunasi waterfall and the “Blue Eye”

On this day you will have the opportunity to discover the wonderful hidden places around the valley of Ndërlysë. Shortly after the beginning of the walk you will come to the stone church of Theth, which with its traditional wooden roof gives a beautiful photo motif. Then visit the restored Kulla of Blood Revenge. Then it goes uphill to the impressive Grunasi waterfall. Continue along the valley to the village of Ndërlysë, where you will be greeted by a feeling of total solitude. You walk past abandoned houses and learn more about the difficult living conditions of previous generations. From here it is still about 1 hour to the jewel of the mountains - the "Blue Eye", which is only reachable on foot. A small waterfall pours into a circular stone basin. From deep blue to turquoise, the water shimmers and invites you to bathe. After lunch we go back to Theth.
Walking time: 6-7 hours ▲ 250 m ▼ 250 m

Day 7: Theth – Kruje: Sari Salltik

After breakfast, we will depart from Thethi and drive to Krujë.
Upon arrival in Krujë, we will enjoy a half-day hike to Sari Salltik, located just outside the town. The trail is easy, about 5 km round trip, with an elevation gain of 400 ft (122 m) and a summit at 1,178 ft (359 m). Along the way, the group will admire the beautiful natural surroundings and learn about Albania’s religious heritage. At the summit, we will visit the Bektashi tekke and discover the story of Sari Salltik, considered a local saint. For convenience, we suggest taking the bus one way and walking back, reducing the total hiking time to around 3 hours.
After the hike, there will be time to explore Krujë town, including its historic bazaar, charming streets, and traditional shops. This is a great opportunity to enjoy local culture and relax after the morning’s hike.
Travel time: up to 4h
Walking time: approx. 3 hours
Overnight stay: Hotel in Krujë (e.g. Panorama Hotel)

Day 8: Kruje – Tirane

After breakfast, enjoy a morning in Krujë, one of Albania’s most historic towns. We will visit the Krujë Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town below. Inside the castle, explore the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, and the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing traditional life. Afterwards, stroll through the old bazaar, where you can browse local handicrafts, souvenirs, and experience the town’s historic atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Tirana Castle, the Pyramid, and the Grand Boulevard. Stroll through the Blloku district, formerly the area of the communist elite, now lively with cafés and shops. In the afternoon, visit Bunk’Art 1, a former communist nuclear bunker turned museum, offering insight into Albania’s recent history.
Travel time: approx. 1 hour (Krujë → Tirana)
Walking time: 3–4 hours (Krujë visit + city tour)
Overnight stay: Hotel in Tirana

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tirana International Airport for your individual flight home, concluding your Albanian adventure.

  • Accommodation in hotel, double / twin room on BB basis
  • Transportation throughout the itinerary
  • Professional driver and all fuel-related costs
  • Tour guide service throughout the entire trip
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions as per the program
  • All local taxes and operational charges
  • Every service not mentioned in the program
  • 👥 Group Size :
  • Minimum: 6 participants
  • Maximum: 14 participants

Multi day

English

Tour's Location

Albania

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from $627,20

Information Contact

Email

info@europatravelalbania.com

Phone

+355

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