Walking holidays are the right way to creating unique authentic experiences in Albania. There’s too much to say about hiking opportunities in Albania, but the most important thing is that you’ll have the trails for yourself. Albania is one of the best destinations for nature lovers, according to National Geographic. There are hiking trips of every length and difficulty through incredibly varied landscapes. Albanians love to explore their country and are taking seriously the existing trails, while many others are being mapped and signed.
DISCOVERY HIGHLIGHTS
The tour starts at Airport and we will transfer to the hotel in Shkodra. In afternoon we will visit the Castle of Rozafa and the city center, one of the oldest and most historic places in Albania. Overnight in Shkodra.
After breakfast, we drive to Koman Lake and then take a boat through the beautiful Komani Lake (which takes approx. 2 hrs). The boat journey allows us to take in the spectacular scenery whilst we wind our way between high cliffs and towering peaks. Three hydroelectric power plants have been built here at the lake, which produces approx. 70% of Albania’s electricity. We drive to Valbona National Park. Overnight in Valbona.
After breakfast we start hiking to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside, below bunkers that once protected the border and are now scattered in the riverbed. The windy path takes you over lush meadows ablaze with the colors of a variety of spring flowers to a shepherd hut at 1,650 m. In the communist period, this was a no-go area and the building used as a military barrack. Back to Valbona. Overnight in Valbona.
After breakfast, accompanied by a local and a mule that carries your load you set out for the transfer hike across Valbona Pass (1,811m) another highlight and the highest point of your journey. After passing the village Rragam few steep segments need to be tackled. You can pause regularly near springs and on colorful meadows to enjoy the splendid views. Reaching the pass, the surrounding peaks appear on par, and sweeping views of both valleys fascinate even the seasoned traveler. Enjoy the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth. Overnight in Theth.
After breakfast we walk through the village and the green gardens reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit the iconic church, well-kept fields and dive at the lock-in tower that offered protection for men threatened by blood feud into the history of the “kanun”. It is the perfect place to learn about the highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins, impact and present-day relevance. Onward along the water channels, you ascend to the waterfall. On a cliff above the river, archaeologists discovered stone-aged terraces. You can rest there, enjoy picnic lunch and gaze into the adjacent 50 m deep Grunas Canyon. Along the river, a well-worn bridle path leads downstream to Nderlysa where you stay on a farmstead. Overnight in Theth.
After breakfast we hike through the canyon leads to a karst spring called “Blue Eye”. The bravest can take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl around you – truly a hidden oasis to relax at. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity, and road access busy everyday life seems completely forgotten and then we drive to Tirana, Capital of Albania. Overnight in Tirana.
After breakfast if we have time we will visit Tirana and then we will transfer to airport. End of our service.
Tour Itinerary: Walking in Albania
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