Trekking in the Albanian Alps

Arrival at Tirana International Airport and meeting with your guide for the transfer to Shkodra, one of the most historic and charming cities in Albania. Nestled between Lake Shkodra and the Albanian Alps, this vibrant city is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Shkodra is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, with museums, art galleries, and characteristic traditional architecture that reflect its long and fascinating past. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and free time to explore the famous Shkodra Fortress. The Rozafa Castle, dramatically perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of three rivers, is an ancient Illyrian stronghold later modified by the Romans and Venetians. The site offers breathtaking views over the city and the surrounding landscapes. The castle is famous for its legends, particularly the story of the "Woman in the Wall", a tragic tale of sacrifice in which a woman was buried alive within the castle walls to ensure their strength and stability. The ancient ruins, towers, and archaeological remains make Rozafa Castle a place of great charm and mystery. Dinner and overnight stay in Shkodra.

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey continues with a transfer to Koman, where you will board a public boat for a scenic 20 km cruise along the Drin River. This spectacular route offers breathtaking views of green hills and majestic mountains, while the crystal-clear waters reflect the untouched beauty of Albania’s wilderness. The peaceful boat ride, surrounded by nature, provides a unique opportunity to explore one of the country’s most pristine and remote corners. After the cruise, the journey continues towards the heart of Valbona National Park, located at 930 meters above sea level in the Albanian Alps. Still largely untouched by human intervention, this park is considered one of Albania’s most unspoiled natural areas. Here, you will have the chance to fully immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes. At the end of the day, check-in at the hotel or at a traditional guesthouse in Valbona. Dinner and overnight stay in Valbona.

After breakfast, you'll set off on foot from the hotel, located at an altitude of 930 meters, towards Mount Kollata, one of the most captivating peaks in the Valbona Valley. The trail winds through a beautiful forest of pines and firs, with the peaceful silence of nature accompanying each step. As you continue, you’ll reach 1,700 meters in altitude, where breathtaking views of the surrounding valley unfold before you.
It’s a deeply immersive experience in the wild beauty of the mountains—perfect for those looking to connect with nature in an authentic and rejuvenating way. Dinner and overnight stay in Valbona.

After breakfast, you'll set off on foot from the hotel to begin the hike towards Mount Rosit. Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional shepherd's hut, where you can enjoy some of the best local specialties: artisan cheeses, fresh bread, homemade yogurt, and honey. To complement the experience, you'll be offered local wine or raki, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views that will make this break truly unforgettable. The hike continues towards the summit of Mount Rosit, before beginning the descent back to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Valbona. (For those who prefer, it's possible to return from the hut with the help of a guide.)

After breakfast, you'll set off on foot from Valbona towards the Valley of Theth, following one of the oldest trails in the Albanian Alps. This historic route has been used for centuries as a link between the villages in northern Albania. The hike, winding through wild and unspoiled landscapes, will lead you through rugged terrain, dense forests, and picturesque scenery. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to admire deep valleys and majestic peaks, making the journey a true adventure immersed in nature. The trail reaches the Valbona Pass, located at an altitude of 1,750 meters, from which a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding mountains unfolds. This trek is one of the most scenic in northern Albania, offering the opportunity to explore a unique and remote mountain environment. At the end of the hike, you’ll arrive in Theth, where you’ll spend the night in a rural house. Accommodations may vary, and some bathrooms may be external and shared.

After breakfast at your guesthouse in Theth, you will set off on a scenic circular hike to discover the most iconic sites of the valley, following a beautiful trail with gentle elevation changes. The hike begins with a visit to the Theth Natural Pools, spectacular natural basins carved over the centuries by the Black River. These deep rock pools, filled with crystal-clear waters, offer the perfect spot for a refreshing break, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of flowing water and unspoiled nature. Continuing along the trail, you will reach one of the most enchanting places in the area: the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring and stunning turquoise pool created by a small waterfall. Its incredibly clear and vibrant waters create a breathtaking scene, framed by wild and untouched surroundings. Throughout the hike, you will be immersed in the extraordinary landscapes of Theth Valley — a pure and silent environment, far from the rush of everyday life. At the end of the hike, you will return to your guesthouse in Theth for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast at the rural house in Theth, you'll set off on foot for the final exciting hike of this trip, along one of the most fascinating historic trails in the Albanian Alps. The route will take you towards the famous "Passo delle Pecore" (Shtegu i Dhënve), an ancient path once used by shepherds to move their flocks between the villages of Theth and Boga. As you ascend, the landscape continuously changes: you'll pass through green alpine meadows, lush forests, and rocky paths, with constant views of the towering Maledetta Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna), dominating the horizon with their grandeur. Upon reaching the Qafë Thore Pass, at an altitude of 1,750 meters, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of these legendary mountains, among the most striking in all of Albania. It’s a perfect spot to stop, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak in the wild, authentic beauty of this remote corner of the country. After the hike, you'll transfer by car to Tirana, the lively capital of Albania. Arrival at the hotel, check-in, and room assignment. Free dinner and overnight stay in Tirana.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Tirana Airport for your return flight. Take one last look at this stunning land, with its wild mountains, authentic villages, and pristine nature. End of services.