Peaks of the Balkans; Small group tour in 8 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Tirane / Shkoder – Theth National Park- Hike to the Blue Eye – Theth
5 stops
1
Tirana
Our journey towards the Albanian Alps begins at 06:00 am in the morning. Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana or Shkoder. As we drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains
1 hour • Admission ticket free
2
Shkoder
From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
Boge
From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top, we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
Blue Eye of Theth
We will have a short break for refreshment and start our hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water?
3 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Qender Theth
We will go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. After a day full of exploration, we will go back to the village center.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Theth – Valbona Pass – Valbona
1 stop
6
Valbona Pass
Trekking to Valbona from Theth will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The route used to be an old mule trail and goes through a landscape full of impressive mountains. At one point, we will see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass also offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and “Bjeshket e Nemuna” or the Accursed Mountains. “Bjeshket e Nemuna” is a national park in Gjakova and Peja in Kosovo, near the borders with Albania and Montenegro. On our way, we will walk through some beautiful landscapes and wild forests. We might even see some shepherd’s passing by with their flock. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, we will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Valbone to Cerem
1 stop
7
Cerem
Our next destination on Peaks of the Balkans tour is Cerem. On our hike, we will pass through forests and meadows. We will arrive in an area that looks like a canyon and the only place that still has snow, even during the summer. We will have the option to hike to the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolata peak (2033m), which will add another 3 hours of hike. Another magnificent element that we will cross during the hike is a stone surface on the side of a mountain that looks like the face of a miserable old man. We will also pass a cave with an extremely cold wind along the trail of which no one knows the exit. So, all in all, there is definitely enough extraordinary things to see during the hike, besides the mountains. We will arrive at the shepherd’s huts in Cerem, which is located high in the mountains, 1300m above sea level. However, the delicious food and hospitality of the people make up for the basic facilities.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Cerem – Doberdol
1 stop
8
Doberdol
From Cerem, we will hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On our way, we will cross the border to Montenegro for about two hours. The hike brings us through pine forests and we can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries (depending on the season). We will also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans. It is a beautiful trail with the highest point being 2100 meters above sea level. We will have a chance to enjoy a nice coffee or other drink at some of the shepherd’s hut villages. Doberdol, our destination for today, is about 1800m above sea level and this is where we will have another overnight in a shepherd’s hut. The village is beautiful and we can choose from different food options made from ingredients out of the region. The beds, however, are definitely not hotel beds, just matrasses and the conditions are basic.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Doberdol (Albania) – Three borders Point (Albania, Montenegro & Kosovo)/ /Tromedja 2366 m– Babino Polje (Montenegro)
1 stop
9
This day hike begins with a big climb up Tromedja Mountain. This peak is very unique because while summiting the top, at a particular point, you stand in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo at the same time. Ideal spot to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the geopolitical significance of the tripoint. After reaching this peak, we will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. After reaching this peak, we will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. This hike includes beautiful views of endless meadows and Bogicevica National Park. The trail winds through blueberry bushes and is a leisurely walk-through untouched nature. As the day concludes, we will arrive in the charming village of Babino Polje, where you can immerse yourself in the natural splendor and cultural richness of this unique corner of the Balkans.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Babino Polje to Plav via Hrid Lake
1 stop
10
Plav Lake
Embarking on the hike from Babino Polie to Plav is an extraordinary journey through nature's breath-taking beauty. As we traverse the pristine landscapes, nature unveils its wonders in every step. This trail goes through untouched forests and the most beautiful lake in all of Montenegro, Lake Hrid, this lake is the highlight of the trail. Local legend says that swimming in this alpine lake brings good health and good luck in marriage. Nestled in a thick pine forest, Lake Hrid is the perfect place to take a break and cool down after hiking. Here in the wilderness, we will feel completely isolated from the outside world. It becomes a truly immersive experience, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fade away, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature. As we reach the summit, the view of Plav unfolds in front of you like a postcard brought to life. Plav is nestled between the Prokletije Mountains, which are part of the Dinaric Alps.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Plav to Vusanje
1 stop
11
Vusanje
After enjoying very local breakfast at the guesthouse we will continue our adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. This trail unfolds like a tapestry of wonder, leading you through landscapes that seem almost surreal in their beauty. The path meanders through dense forests, where ancient trees reach towards the sky, creating a cathedral of greenery. As the ascent in elevation continues, the scenery undergoes a breath-taking transformation into an alpine paradise. The path reveals panoramic views that stretch across rugged valleys and expansive meadows, each vista more awe-inspiring than the last. The rugged beauty of the landscape serves us as a constant companion. Approaching Vusanje, the landscape opens up to reveal a valley of unparalleled beauty. Nestled between mountains, the quaint village is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human settlement and the natural world.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Vuthaj (Montenegro) to Theth (Albania)
3 stops
12
Theth
From Vuthaj, we will head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, we will visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if we don’t know the exact location. We will also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m above sea level) next to Jezerca Peak (2694 m above sea level). We will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Shkoder
After arriving in Theth your local transportation will be waiting for you to drive to Tirana. We will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around we.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
14
Tirana
After arriving in Theth your local transportation will be waiting for you to drive to Tirana. We will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around we.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.
• This tour departs early in the morning; thus, we would recommend you to eat breakfast before the tour departure or to take some food with you.

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