Hiking and cultural discovery of northern Albania

Itinerary

• Memorable boat tour along the Koman Lake
• Hiking in the romantic Valbona Valley and Thethi National Park
• Guided visit of Tirana – The vibrant capital city
• Cultural discovery of Kruja and Shkodra
• Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses

Valbona and Thethi are magical places for nature lovers, for sports enthusiasts and for hikers of all abilities. They are part of the Dinaric Mountain Range, which extends along the Adriatic coast, reaching its greatest width and highest altitudes in Northern Albania with Mount Jezerca (2692 meters). The Thethi area is the largest karstic area in Europe and is home to unique landscapes.

Day 1 Tirana, the vibrant capital

Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 4 pm, during which the details of the program will be discussed.  Afterwards, starts the guided tour of the city and its main attractions. Dinner will be provided in a traditional restaurant in Tirana.

After dinner you can have a drink at one of the numerous cafes or trendy bars of the “Blloku” district. The most animated quarter of the city lies at the place where before the democratic changes it was not allowed for the public to enter as it was inhabited only by the higher leadership. (-/-/D)

Day 2 Scenic ferry ride along the Koman Lake. Hiking in Valbona: T2, 3h, ↑400m, ↓400m, 7km

The day starts with the transfer to Koman, where our ferry ride begins. The ferry ride across Lake Koman allows you to see some spectacular scenery, not unlike a Norwegian fjord winding its way between high cliffs and towering peaks. We will leave the ferry in Fierza, from where the trip will continue by car to Valbona. The road winds through the valley, along the Valbona River, surrounded by a wild and beautiful landscape and the rugged mountain peaks of the Albanian Alps.

In the afternoon is planned a short walk in the surroundings of Valbona.

Starting from the guesthouse, you will hike on a well-maintained trail to the hills above the valley. Today you will not gain a lot of altitude, but the views will be amazing none the less. After reaching the highest point of the trail, you will descend at first towards “Kukaj”, and then down to the guesthouse in the valley.

Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse in Valbona. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Hike in the surroundings of Valbona: T2, 4h, ↑750m, ↓750m, 12km

After breakfast, we will start hiking towards the hanging glacial valley of Kukaj. The trail runs through boulders and meadows, entering the beech forest. Passing by the houses of Kukaj, the path follows the right side of the valley until it reaches a meadow with a small shepherd’s hut.

There, a longer stop is planned, after which we will hike down to the guesthouse in the valley. (B/Packed Lunch/D)

Day 4 Over the Valbona Pass to Theth: T2, 7h, ↑900m, ↓1100m, 17km

We will start the day with a walk along the Valbona valley up to Rragam located at 1130m altitude. From there the trail leads gently uphill through open forest to a glade with rocks and then follows a rough upward slope. On the Valbona pass at the altitude of 1812m, the view of both valleys is unique. The descent towards Theth begins very steep on a gravel path and follows through the forest. The overnight stay is planned in a guesthouse with shared rooms in Theth. (B/Packed Lunch/D)

Day 5 Theth and surroundings: T2, 4h, ↑550m, ↓350m, 11km

After breakfast, we will take a short transfer to the village of Ndërlysaj, where the hike begins.

The glacier mills of Ndërlysaj offer a unique nature spectacle. The water squeezes itself through a narrow approach that has arisen over the millennia. Rounded and sharp rocks, half dipped into the shimmering colors of water and all-around green vegetation will surround our path. We will continue our hike up to the Blue Eye of Kaprre, a spellbinding natural pool with amazingly blue water in a jungle-like environment. After a short break, we will follow the same trail back to Ndërlysaj, where lunch is planned.

Then we will continue the hike towards Theth. On the way, is planed the visit of the mill of Kolaj, a small structure which is put to work by a stream of water diverted from the river.

Afterwards, we will hike to the Waterfall of Grunas and to the Grunas Canyon that is 30 meters in height and one meter in width.

Near the end of the trail, we will visit of the Isolation Tower in Theth, and from there walk to the guesthouse. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Hike to the beautiful Dënell Meadow: T2, 5h, ↑900m, ↓900m, 13km

The day begins with the hike northeast up to the neighborhood of Ulaj. Then we will continue through a scree path into the beech forest and along a trail, which gets increasingly steep, up to Dënell Meadow, 1600m above sea level. It is surrounded by a chain of high mountains from where the view of the Valley of Theth is very beautiful. After a short break, we will follow the same route back to the guesthouse. (B/Packed Lunch/D)

Day 7 Shkodra, the center of north Albania and the traditional city of Kruja

After breakfast starts the journey towards Shkodra. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Albania with a 2400-year-old history of urban civilization. Numerous people, countries and cultures have left their traces on the city. Many sights, monuments, memorials and ruins bear witness of its eventful history. A guided visit of the city and a short walk uphill to the Rozafa Castle are planned. Its origins date back to pre-Roman times of the Illyrians. The castle has determined the destiny of the city until modern times.

After the visit, transfer to Kruja and lunch in a traditional restaurant.

The city lies on a mountain 600m above sea level and has a very ancient history. It was the capital of Albanopolis inhabited by the Illyrian tribes of Albans, was the capital of the principality of Arber, is the city where the history of Skanderbeg began. The city is rich in monuments of culture and ethnography.

The castle of Kruja is situated on a hill and the views from there are magnificent. The construction of the castle dates at VI – VII century. It was rebuilt by the Byzantines and later on by the Ottomans.

In Kruja, a short visit of the Castle and a walk along the 400-year-old handicrafts market are planned. Transfer to Tirana.

In the late afternoon you will have some free time to enjoy the capital city on your own.

The guide will pick you up at your hotel and you will walk together to the restaurant for the farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Departure

Transfer to the airport

What’s Included

• Accommodation

Accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels.

• Guide

English speaking guide.

• Meals

7 Breakfasts 7 lunch and 7 dinners

This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request.

• Additional Services

Entrance fees as per program.

• Transport

Transportation by minibus or bus for all the tour.

What’s Not Included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Optional

Other activities and services not included

• Additional Services

Tips