5-Days Hiking Tour to the Alps of Albania

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Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

15 people

Languages

___

About this tour

Number of Persons	Price / Person
Group 14 Guests Max	890 Euro
Private Tour 2 Guests Min	970 Euro
Solo Traveler in Private Tour	1950 Euro

Confirmed Group Departure Dates for 2026:

June 4, 2026

June 17, 2026

If you need a different departure date, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to help arrange another date

Please review the tour details below, including the highlights, full route on the map, detailed itinerary, and what’s included in the price.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help — and we can offer a reduced price depending on the season and travel dates.

If you’re interested in joining this tour, we’ll send you all the necessary information in advance. Please make sure to read the general terms and conditions beforehand:
https://enjoytravelguide.com/terms-conditions-tours

Guest Requirements for the Hiking Tour:

This tour requires good physical condition and some previous hiking experience. Guests should come prepared with the following:

Hiking shoes
Sunscreen
Hiking backpacks
Hats and jackets
Raincoats

Highlights

Explore the wild beauty of the Albanian Alps
Hike to the stunning Blue Eye natural pool
Visit the historic Old Church and Lock-in Tower
Witness the majestic Grunas Waterfall
Stay in a traditional guest house in Theth
Enjoy the Ferry trip to Koman Lake
Visit the Village of Valbona

Itinerary

This tour begins in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and focuses primarily on walking and hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of the northern Albanian Alps. Along the way, you’ll uncover the rich history and legends of northern Albania, including the fascinating history of Kruja, the enchanting village of Thethi, and Shkodra, the ancient capital of the Illyrian Empire. During your hikes, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views, while also enjoying delicious traditional Albanian cuisine and the refreshing mountain air. A highlight of the journey includes a scenic ferry ride across Koman Lake, offering even more picturesque vistas. Afterward, you’ll savor a traditional lunch at a renowned restaurant near Shkodra, before heading back to Tirana to conclude your adventure.

Morning
Arrival & Meet Your Guide:
Welcome to Albania! Meet your local guide at your accommodation for an introduction to the day and a brief insight into Tirana’s rich history.

Tirana Walking Tour:

Skanderbeg Square & Main Boulevard: Start at the heart of the capital, surrounded by the National History Museum, Opera House, and other key landmarks.
National Historical Museum (Optional): Explore Albania’s story from prehistoric times to the present.
Et’hem Bey Mosque & Bunker Visit: Step inside one of Tirana’s oldest mosques, then explore a Cold War–era bunker for a glimpse into the communist period.
Pyramid of Tirana: Visit this striking monument symbolizing Albania’s transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Mother Teresa Square & Blloku: Stroll through leafy squares and the once-forbidden district of Blloku, now a lively hub of cafés and boutiques.

Departure for Kruja:
Drive about 1 hour to the historic hillside town of Kruja, home of Albania’s national hero.

Kruja Walking Tour:

Skanderbeg Castle & Museum: Discover the stronghold of Skanderbeg and learn about Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
Old Bazaar: Wander through stone-paved alleys lined with traditional handicrafts, antiques, and local souvenirs.

Traditional Lunch in Kruja:
Enjoy authentic Albanian dishes such as fërgesë, byrek, or grilled specialties in a local restaurant.

Evening
Depart for Shkodra:
Continue north with a scenic 2-hour drive to Shkodra.

Arrival & Free Time:
Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to wander this cultural city, known as Albania’s “city of poets.”

Traditional Dinner:
Savor a regional dinner, perhaps trying dishes like tava e krapit or homemade qofte accompanied by local wine.

Overnight in Shkodra:
Settle in for a restful night before the adventures ahead.

Early Morning: Departure to Valbona
Breakfast on the Go:
Your day starts early with a packed breakfast to enjoy en route, ensuring you're energized for the adventure ahead.

Drive to Valbona National Park:
Begin your journey toward Valbona National Park, one of Albania’s most spectacular natural gems. Enjoy a scenic drive through dramatic mountain landscapes as the northern Alps slowly unfold around you.

Morning: Ferry Ride Across Koman Lake
Board a three-hour ferry across the iconic Koman Lake—renowned for its emerald waters, narrow gorges, and towering cliffs. As the ferry winds its way between steep canyon walls, you’ll pass remote mountain villages where traditional life continues unchanged. This breathtaking ride is considered one of the most beautiful journeys in the Balkans.

Late Morning: Arrival in Valbona Village
Arrive in the peaceful alpine village of Valbona, nestled among waterfalls, forests, and the striking peaks of the Albanian Alps. It’s the perfect haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility and pristine landscapes.

Hike to Kukaj Village:
Set off on your first hike toward Kukaj, a tiny hamlet perched above the valley floor. Reach it by a short 20-minute walk or opt for a 4x4 ride for a more adventurous approach.
Kukaj is home to just a couple of traditional houses—including one of the oldest in the valley—offering a glimpse into authentic highland life. Enjoy sweeping views of the valley, river, and mountain ridges. Those craving more adventure can continue further toward the Montenegro border for a more challenging ascent.

Return to Valbona afterwards and enjoy the afternoon at leisure—relax, explore, or simply soak in the serene alpine atmosphere.

Evening in Valbona
Traditional Dinner:
Savor a homemade Albanian dinner in a cozy local guesthouse, featuring organic, farm-fresh ingredients. Expect hearty dishes such as grilled meats, fresh mountain vegetables, and wild herbs gathered from the surrounding slopes. It’s common for hosts to share stories about life in the valley, making the experience warm and memorable.

Overnight in Valbona:
End the day surrounded by the silence and beauty of the Albanian Alps. Rest well in your guesthouse and prepare for another day of discovery tomorrow.

Morning: Departure from Valbona
Breakfast at the Guesthouse:
Begin your morning with a hearty traditional breakfast—fresh bread, eggs, local cheeses, and homemade jams—to fuel you for the hike ahead.

Preparation for the Hike:
Pack your essentials, including water and your prepared lunch. Your main luggage will be transported by horses, allowing you to hike comfortably. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail includes steady climbs and some challenging sections.

Morning to Afternoon: Hike from Valbona to Thethi
Starting the Ascent:
Your journey begins with a gradual but consistent climb toward the famed Valbona Pass (Valbona Neck), at 1,820 meters (5,974 ft). Along the way, take short breaks for water—or even a quick coffee—at small rest points on the trail.

Scenic Highlights:
As you ascend, the landscape opens to sweeping views of jagged peaks, lush valleys, and the shimmering Valbona River. Every turn offers another breathtaking glimpse of the Albanian Alps.

Reaching Valbona Pass:
After about three hours, arrive at the summit of the pass, one of the most iconic viewpoints in northern Albania. Enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch while taking in the dramatic alpine panorama.

Descent to Thethi:
Continue your hike with a steady descent toward Thethi Valley. This segment takes approximately another three hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop, rest, and take photos of the gorgeous scenery surrounding you.

Afternoon: Arrival in Thethi Village
Arrive in the picturesque village of Thethi, known for its stone houses, dramatic mountain backdrop, and untouched natural charm. This remote alpine haven offers tranquility and a feeling of stepping back in time.

Check-in & Free Time:
Settle into your guesthouse and enjoy some free time to wander through the village, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and admire the beauty of Thethi’s traditional architecture and serene landscapes.

Evening: Traditional Dinner in Thethi
Dinner at the Guesthouse:
End your day with a comforting Albanian dinner made from locally sourced ingredients—grilled meats, fresh vegetables, handmade bread, and fragrant mountain herbs. Enjoy a warm, homely atmosphere and swap stories with fellow travelers.

Overnight in Thethi:
Relax and unwind in your cozy alpine guesthouse. Surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the mountains, you’ll rest well after a rewarding day on the trail.

Morning: Discovering Theth Village
Breakfast in Theth:
Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast at your guesthouse, featuring freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local jams, and aromatic mountain herbs—perfect fuel for a full day of exploration.

Introduction to Theth:
Nestled in a dramatic amphitheater of slate-grey peaks, Theth is one of Albania’s most breathtaking alpine villages. Its untouched beauty, traditional stone houses, crystal-clear rivers, and expansive meadows make it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. As the gateway to Theth National Park, the village offers a wealth of hiking routes and panoramic viewpoints.

Morning to Afternoon: Hike to Theth Waterfall
Trail to the Waterfall:
Set off on a one-hour hike to Theth Waterfall, a scenic trail that winds through pastures, riversides, and rugged mountain terrain. The path includes moderate to challenging sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are essential.

Reaching the Waterfall:
The final 15-minute ascent brings you through lush vegetation and over rocky terrain before revealing the magnificent cascade. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and vibrant greenery, the waterfall is a spectacular reward for your climb.

Lunch or Relaxation:
Enjoy your packed lunch or simply unwind beside the falls, taking in the soothing sound of rushing water and the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Afternoon: Exploring the Blue Eye of Theth
Hike to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër):
Continue your adventure with an easier hike through a flat valley to the famous Blue Eye. Formed by the Black River carving into the limestone, the result is a crystal-clear, circular pool of vivid blue water, about 3–5 meters deep.

The Blue Eye Experience:
Arrive to find a surreal, turquoise spring tucked beneath cliffs and dense forest. Community-made trail markers guide you safely to this magical spot.

Optional Swim or Rest:
On warmer days, brave a refreshing dip in the icy waters—or simply relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Evening: Return to Theth Village
Return Journey:
Head back to Theth Village, where you can unwind, stroll through the charming alpine settlement, or relax on your guesthouse terrace as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Traditional Dinner:
Enjoy a comforting Albanian dinner at your guesthouse—think grilled meats, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and homemade bread, all prepared with local, farm-fresh ingredients.

Overnight in Theth:
Settle into your cozy guesthouse for a peaceful night in the heart of the Albanian Alps, resting up for the adventures ahead.

Morning: Departure from Theth to Shkodra
Breakfast in Theth:
Enjoy your final alpine morning with a fresh, traditional breakfast at your guesthouse—homemade cheeses, warm bread, and local ingredients to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Drive to Shkodra:
After breakfast, depart the peaceful village of Theth and begin your scenic drive toward Shkodra. As you descend from the Albanian Alps, rugged mountain scenery gradually transitions into the gentle landscapes surrounding Shkodra Lake.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Shkodra Lake
Shkodra Lake Overview:
Arrive at the shores of Shkodra Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans. Covering 368 km²—149 km² of which lie in Albania—the lake stretches across the border with Montenegro. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains and the cultural richness of nearby Shkodra, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Optional Activities:
If time allows, enjoy a short boat ride or a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore. This is the perfect moment to relax and take in the natural beauty before continuing your journey.

Afternoon: Arrival in Tirana
Return to the Capital:
Continue south toward Tirana, passing through rolling hills and charming villages. You’ll arrive in the vibrant capital by mid-afternoon.

Free Time in Tirana:
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. Whether you prefer relaxing or sightseeing, Tirana offers plenty to discover. Consider visiting:

Skanderbeg Square – the cultural heart of the city
The Pyramid of Tirana – a striking symbol of Albania’s modern history
The National History Museum – showcasing Albania’s rich past
Et'hem Bey Mosque – a beautifully preserved Ottoman monument
Blloku District – a lively area filled with cafés, shops, and restaurants

Evening: End of Tour
End of Service:
Your journey concludes in Tirana. Depending on your travel plans, you may choose to relax in the city or head to the airport, train station, or bus terminal.

Durations

4 – 7 days

Travel Style

Adventure

Culture

Food & Culinary

Hiking & Trekking

Historical

Self-Guided Tour

Solo Travel

Wildlife & Bird Watching

Included/Excluded

Transport - The Company will Arrange the Transportation for you
Optional Extras - All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information
Meals - 4 Breakfasts in guest houses