Albania - Peaks of the Balkans - 11 days

Welcome to the vibrant city of Tirana, the starting point of our journey. We'll transfer you to the historic city of Shkodra, where you'll receive your tour equipment and a briefing. Take a leisurely stroll through the city's pedestrian zone, lined with grand townhouses that speak of its illustrious past. Visit the Marubi photo library to delve into the city's history, or explore the bustling bazaar. Don't miss the chance to visit Rozafa Castle, offering a breathtaking view of the city. As the day winds down, enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for an early start the next day.

Today, you'll tackle one of the longest ascents of the hike. As you wind your way up the mountainside, you'll be rewarded with views of the highest peaks in the Albanian Alps. Reach the treeless alpine valley where the mountains, surrounded by rocks, are all yours. The Persllopi Pass marks the highest point of the day and the border with Montenegro. Continue your journey to the remote village of Cerem, where you'll enjoy warm, home-cooked meals and the hospitality of the hosts.

Today's hike takes you towards the high-altitude border triangle, across carpets of flowers and into the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Kolata and rest at the mountain pastures where you can meet the shepherds over coffee and raki. In the glacial valley of Doberdol, time seems to have frozen. Spend the night in simple shepherd's huts, where you'll be warmly welcomed and treated to home-cooked meals.

A morning transfer takes you to the northern part of the Bjeshket e Namuna National Park. Your hike begins in Reka e Allages, another alpine village on the edge of the country. Ascend through a dense pine forest to the foot of Mt. Hajla. From the base, continue uphill to the highest of the thirteen Rugova villages, Pepaj. At the accommodation, enjoy another delicious dinner while the family prepares the campfire in the garden.

A morning transfer takes you into the Grbaja Valley, one of the most impressive valleys in the Balkans. Ascend through a shady beech forest to an alpine meadow surrounded by several peaks. From the summit of the ridge, a steep descent leads back to the valley. A transfer takes you to the family-run inn in Vusanje. Here, the nearby Grla waterfall invites you to take an evening stroll, but the view of the Enchanted Mountains from the veranda is also wonderful.

From Vusanje, hike up the 26 km long Ropojana Valley, formed by glaciers. At a pupil-shaped karst spring called Oko Skakavice, an ice-cold river of melting snow rises high up in the mountains. Once you have crossed the forest, the view becomes clear and a corridor framed by mountains opens up to a large alpine meadow dotted with shepherds' huts and an abandoned military post. A steep caravan trail leads in serpentines to Theth, the valley in the heart of the Albanian Alps.

Spend the morning exploring Theth. Visit the iconic church and immerse yourself in the history of the 'Kanun' at the sluice tower. The scenic transfer over the Thorja Pass into the Boge Valley and along Lake Shkodra begins at around 2 pm. The journey ends in Tirana, the capital of Albania. End the day with dinner and a drink in the chic 'Bloku' district while you review the past week of travel and toast to an unforgettable journey on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.

If time permits, explore the streets and sights of Tirana. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, watch the hustle and bustle in the morning and choose special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively 'New Bazaar'. Want to learn more about the communist past? 'Bunkart 2' and 'The House of Leaves' provide insights and are only a 5-minute walk from the central 'Skanderbeg Square' in Tirana. Your multifaceted journey in Albania ends with a transfer to the airport. We thank you for embarking on our adventure and hope to see you again in the land of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-drenched beaches.