Albanian Alps Adventure: Shkodra, Valbona, Theth & Tirana
Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Albania, exploring towering mountain peaks, scenic valleys, remote villages, and rich cultural heritage.
Shkodra – The Gateway to the Albanian Alps Start your adventure in Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most historic cities. Situated on the shores of Lake Shkodra, the city offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From here, you’ll begin your journey into the Albanian Alps, a region famed for its rugged terrain and spectacular mountain landscapes.
Valbona Valley – Majestic Peaks
Continue your trip to the Valbona Valley, an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, steep slopes, and vibrant green meadows. Discover two of the highest peaks in the region: Kollata Peak (2,507 meters / 8,225 feet), offering challenging hikes and panoramic views, including distant peaks of Montenegro and Kosovo, and Rosi Peak (2,526 meters / 8,288 feet), known for its stunning views of the Valbona Valley, ideal for nature lovers and solitude seekers.
Theth – A Remote Alpine Paradise
After exploring Valbona’s peaks, hike the challenging Theth-Valbona Pass, which connects the two valleys through rugged alpine terrain, offering stunning views and remote villages. Upon reaching Theth, you’ll discover unspoiled nature and traditional culture within Theth National Park, home to natural wonders and cultural landmarks.
After exploring Theth, head to Qafa e Thore, a mountain pass connecting northern and central Albania, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Continue to Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, where a mix of Ottoman, Italian, and Soviet architecture meets modern energy, providing a perfect end to your journey with its historical and cultural attractions.
Arrival at the airport and meet with the guide. Transfer to Shkodra (70 km) one of the oldest cities in Albania.The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with museums, galleries, and traditional architecture.The nearby natural landscapes, including Lake Shkodra and the Albanian Alps, make it an excellent destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Check-in at the hotel.Free time to visit the Fortress of Shkodra. Rozafa Castle, is a historic fortress dating back to the Illyrian period and later expanded by the Romans and Venetians. Situated on a hill overlooking the city and the confluence of three rivers, it offers stunning panoramic views. The castle is steeped in legend, particularly the story of the "Wall Woman," in which a woman is said to have been immured alive within the walls to ensure their stability. The castle’s ancient walls, towers, and archaeological remnants make it a fascinating site for visitors. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Shkodra.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Koman (40 km) for boarding a public boat. Navigation from Koman to Fierze (20 km) along the Drin River. The 20 km route takes passengers through stunning landscapes of lush green hills and towering mountains, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding beauty. The serene and tranquil boat ride offers a unique perspective of Albania's wild nature, before continuing with a scenic drive into the heart of Valbona Valley, a pristine national park nestled in the Albanian Alps at an altitude of 930 meters above sea level. Check-in at the hotel or guesthouse in Valbone. Dinner.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart on foot from the hotel at 930 meters towards Kollata, another mountain in Valbone, descending through a pine and fir forest. Reach an altitude of 1,700 meters before returning to the hotel. Total hiking time: 6-7 hours. Difficulty: Easy. Elevation gain: 1000 meters uphill, 950 meters downhill.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart on foot from the hotel (930 meters) towards Rosit Mountain. A 3.5-hour climb with a stop at 1,700 meters at a shepherd’s hut to taste local products for a truly authentic experience in the heart of Albanian Alps! Here, you'll have the chance to taste some of the finest local products, including traditional cheeses, fresh bread, homemade yogurt, and delicious honey. These artisanal treats are paired with locally produced wine or raki, giving you a true taste of Albania's rich culinary heritage. As you savor these flavors, you’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain views, making this an unforgettable moment in Albania's beautiful countryside. Continue to the summit at 2,500 meters before descending back to the hotel. Total hiking time: 7-8 hours. Difficulty: Medium. Elevation gain: 1,600 meters uphill, 1,600 meters downhill. Dinner and overnight stay in Valbone. (*Those who do not wish to continue can wait or return with a guide.)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart on foot towards Theth Valley, walking on one of the oldest trails in the Albanian Alps, historically used as a connection between northern Albania villages. Hiking from Valbona to Thethi Pass offers an incredible journey through the stunning Albanian Alps. The trail takes you through rugged terrain, lush forests, and picturesque landscapes, with breathtaking views of towering peaks and deep valleys. The hike reaches the Valbona Pass at 1,750 meters, providing a panoramic vista of the surrounding mountains. This route is one of the most scenic in Northern Albania, offering nature lovers a true adventure in a pristine, remote environment. Walking time: 6 hours. Departure from 930 meters, maximum altitude "Valbona Pass" 1,750 meters, arrival in Theth at 850 meters. Elevation gain: 1,150 meters uphill, 900 meters downhill. Accommodation in Theth guesthouse (room types may vary, with some shared external. bathrooms).
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Depart on foot for a circular route in Theth Valley with minimal elevation change. First, we will visit the Pools of Theth, deep rock formations carved by the Black River, creating serene, crystal-clear basins. Here, you can relax and even enjoy a natural hydrotherapy experience in these peaceful waters. Just a short distance away is the Blue Eye, a stunning waterfall that forms a vibrant turquoise pool, offering a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Both of these incredible sites are set within Theth’s untouched nature, providing the perfect escape into Albania’s wilderness. Walking time: 6 hours. Difficulty: Easy. Elevation gain: 200 meters uphill and downhill. Dinner and overnight stay in Theth.
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Depart on foot from Theth to the "Sheep Pass" (Shtegu i Dheneve) linking Theth and Boga villages, with views of the "Cursed Mountains." This historic trail, once used by shepherds, offers incredible views of the Cursed Mountains, or Bjeshkët e Nemuna, towering above us. As we walk, we’ll pass through lush meadows, alpine landscapes, and rocky paths, all while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The pass offers a true taste of Albania’s wild beauty, with panoramic views that will leave you in awe of the rugged wilderness surrounding us. Maximum altitude: 1,750 meters. Walking time: 6 hours. Difficulty: Easy. Elevation gain: 900 meters uphill, 1,100 meters downhill, 17 km total. Transfer to Tirana and check-in at the hotel.
Transfer to Tirana airport for the flight departure.
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