1st till 4th Day

 

Arrival Shkodra. After the arrival, we will drive north till the city of Shkodra where we will stay overnight in a hotel in the centre and dine in a traditional restaurant. Time permitting we could also make a short visit to the fortress of Shkodra.

Day 2:

A short transfer will bring us to the beautiful valley of Boga where our first walk begins. We start the hike along the Path of the Sheep (1356m ) - the shepherds' route between the Boga and Theth valleys -  towards the Diagonal Pass (1676m). Here we make a brake and have a pick nick at the foothills of the Radohima mountains. Afterwards we go downhill through the Kaprea Valley, towards our guesthouse in Nderlysa (500m). On the way we will stop for refreshment at the Blue Eye spring. The evening will be left to some good rest and to the hospitality of the locals, in a really rural setting.

Walking approx: 5hrs

Accommodation type: guest-house (common rooms, max 6 pax per room, shared bathrooms).

Day 3:

Hike Nderlysa (500m) - Thethi (750m).

Today's walk doesn't have much gradient but is rich in attractions, as we discover one of the most characteristic villages of Northern Albania, Thethi. Its impressive landscape and ancient mountain culture inspired Edith Durham's "High Albania". We will walk along walls and terraces of the late bronze, near the Thethi waterfall, visit the Blood Feud Tower, and the old water mills until we reach the guesthouse in the middle of the valley.

Walking time approx: up to 4hrs.

Accommodation: guest-house (common rooms, max 6 pax per room, shared bathrooms).

Day 4:

We will start the walk in Thethi (750m) towards the impressive Peak of Harapit, directed to Peja Pass (1800m). A well trod path will bring us to the heart of the mountain range known as the Accursed Mountains. We will have a pick-nick near the spring of the Beautiful Meadows - a shepherd's summer 'station', facing the steep slopes of Jezerca mountain - the highest peak of the North. In the afternoon we will walk down to Thethi and relax and dine in the village.

Walking time approx: 8hrs.

Accommodation: guest-house (common rooms, max 6 pax per room, shared bathrooms).

5th till 8th Day

Today we will leave the Valley of Thethi (750m) and start climbing towards the Pass of Valbona (1960m). Our luggage will be loaded on horses/mules. The path is in good conditions - although it gets 'rocky' as  it gets higher, and it is the only direct connection to the valley of Valbona. At the pass we can enjoy great views of Jezerca the highest peak of the Alps and of the Radohima mountains. From there the path winds downhill to the village of Rrogam (700m), where we will stay overnight in a mountain hotel and enjoy a warm shower after a long walking day.

Walking time approx:8 hrs.

Accommodation: mountain hotel

Day 6:

The walk will start from Rrogam (700m) in direction of the village of Kukaj (900m), here we can visit few village houses. From there, a shepherd's path will bring us to remote landscapes of the eastern Alps of Albania and it can go up until reaching the shepherds huts at (1600m) were we'll have a pick-nick. The path climbs smoothly in the middle of green meadows, water streams and forests, with gorgeous views of Jezerca Mountain and Rrethi i Bardhë - The White Circle. In the afternoon we will walk down to Dunisha, a group of village houses in a lovely setting, were our next guesthouse is located (700m).

Walking time approx: 8hrs.

Accommodation: guest-house (common rooms, max 6 pax per room, shared bathrooms).

Day 7

We will leave early in the morning to catch the boat in Fierza and enjoy the ferry ride of lake Koman - 2hrs30min, inside a spectacular fiord like canyon. Lunch on the way and in the afternoon we will drive to Tirana, and spend an evening in one of the most dynamic towns of the Balkans.

Accommodation type: centre town located hotel. Air conditioned rooms with en suite services.

Day 8: Kruja

If the departure is scheduled in the afternoon it is possible to visit Kruja - the historic town, from where Skanderbeg the Albanian national hero, led his legendary resistance to the ottomans in the 14'th century. Lunch in a traditional restaurant within the fortress walls, for than driving for about 30 minutes to reach the airport.

Services

Single rooms are just available for 3 nights in Shkodra, Rrogam und Tirana.

Included in the price:

• Full board accommodation during the entire itinerary above described.
• Transport: minibus or 4WD
• Guide: English/German speaking all days
• Food: traditional restaurants and home-made dishes.
• Accommodation: hotels and family run hotels.
• museum fees

Not included in the price:

• Extras of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages etc.
• Air fare to/from Tirana

Things to know

• Reservations for travel to Albania must be received by us at least 35 days before traveling.
• For detailed explanations to the degrees of difficulty please follow this link: Explanation to the degrees of difficulty
• Information about visa and entry regulations, health information and tips for equipment, see this link: Things to know-1
• Please note our information about possible exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuation