Trekking the Albanian Alps

Arrive at Tirana international airport, where you will be met and transferred to Kruja. The town of Kruja is located approximately 20 miles (30 km) northwest of Tirana, high on the slopes of Sari-Salltiku Mountain, providing visitors with great views of majestic landscapes.  Visit Kruja Castle, the epicenter of the legendary Albanian resistance against the Ottomans, led by Skanderbeg in the 14th century. Walk through the Citadel's main gate to visit the Skanderbeg Museum and Ethographic Museum.

Also stroll through the Kruja Bazaar, a street of quaint wooden buildings with plenty of excellent souvenirs.

Enjoy dinner with your group at one of the restaurants at the top end of the citadel, offering great views of the surroundings and serving delicious Albanian specialties.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: 3* hotel

Today is your first hike, up the holy mountain of Sarisalltik. Visit the Bectasci Teqe (Sufi Dervishes Sanctuary) located at 6,200 ft. Bectascism is a Sufi order of Islam founded in the 13th century. It began to expand dramatically in the early 19th century, and in response, the Ottoman central authority tried to suppress it. Religious leaders of the sect built sanctuaries secluded in the mountains so they could practice in safety. 

After the descent, you drive to Shkodra, an important cultural and economic center. At the entrance to the city, stop to see Rozafa Castle and admire the view of Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Western Balkans. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax at Lake Shkodra and walk around the town.  Meet your group for dinner at a traditional restaurant. Albanian food usually consists of a slow-cooked meat and a vegetable salad dressed in olive oil, vinegar, and salt.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: 3* hotel

Rise early to drive to the ferry that will carry you down the spectacular canyon of the River Drin, the longest river in Albania. The river divides downstream and empties into both the Adriatic Sea and the Bojana River. Pass through Lake Koman, a man-made lake created by a dam constructed in the 1980s. Then continue your drive along the beautiful valley of River Valbona to picturesque Dunishë, where you will spend the night in a unique guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Guesthouse Valbona (maximum 6 people per room, shared facilities)

Today's hike will start from your guesthouse and head in the direction of Kukaj Village, a very small hamlet with only a few families.  You may want to pick up a jar of delicious Albanian honey from the local beekeeper before continuing your hike.  As you walk along shepherd's paths toward Qaffa e Rosit, savor the surrounding landscapes of the eastern Alps of Albania. The path climbs smoothly amidst green meadows, with gorgeous views of Jezerca Mountain and Rrethi i Bardhë – The White Circle (2,450 ft - 5,250 ft - 3,000 ft) is approximately 6 hours. An optional hike to 6,500 ft adds 2 hours. At the end of the day, arrive in the village of Rrogam, where you overnight in a mountain hotel. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant where you may meet the friendly locals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Mountain Hotel Rrogam

After a hearty breakfast, set out for Valbona Pass
(6,500 ft), a classic Albanian Alpine pass that for centuries was the only link between the two most best valleys of the area, Valbona  and Thethi.  Highlanders frequent the path from late spring until the first snow of winter. Take your rest stops beside fresh water springs along the trail that will offer pleasant and refreshing punctuation for your hike.  Admire the steep and jagged surrounding peaks of Jezerca and Radohima. From the pass, descend toward the village of Thethi (2,600 ft), where you will stay overnight after a full day of walking. Thethi is the best-preserved alpine village in Albania. Situated in a spectacular location, it has typical houses still roofed with traditional wooden tiles.

Have dinner and overnight in one of these homes, which operates as a guesthouse, and experience the unforgettable hospitality of Albania.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Guesthouse Thethi, max. 6 persons per room, shared facilities

Today is a free day to explore the village of Thethi and the surrounding countryside. This is one of the most well-known and charming villages of northern Albania. 

Consider walking downhill from the guesthouse to visit the sights of the village, including the church and the Kulla e Ngujimit, a tower house used in the past by local militia men as a shelter against on-going vendettas.  Then, as you continue down the path, you come to the Thethi Waterfall, Grunasi Canyon, and the cyclopean stone walled terraces dating from the late bronze era that were just discovered in 2007.

Overnight again at your guesthouse in Thethi, where you are becoming part of the family.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Guesthouse Thethi, max. 6 persons per room, shared facilities

This morning, depart Thethi (2,600 ft) and start another day of spectacular trekking in the direction of the village of Boga. Walk along Shtegu i Dheneve (Path of the Sheep), connecting the villages of Thethi and Boga. After the trail's pass (6,000 ft) and the stunning views it offers of Bjeshket e Namuna (The Accursed Mountains), the walk will continue downhill along the Radohima Mountain Range to Boga (3,000 ft).

Enjoy lunch in this picturesque village surrounded by vertical slopes with peaks more than 2000m high, then drive through the Boga Valley towards Shkodra to Tirana (75 miles - 3hrs).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: 3* hotel in Tirana

Today is free for exploring Tirana. The major attractions include the Mosque of Ethem Bej, the National Museum of History, and the Italian architecture visible throughout the city. You may also decide to visit one of the many markets in Tirana for last-minute gifts and souvenirs of your Albanian adventure.

Enjoy a last dinner tonight (not included) with your traveling companions and new friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: 3* hotel in Tirana

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your homebound flight. Depart with happy memories of your Albanian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast