Albania - Peaks of the Balkans - 8 days

Start your day early with a picturesque ride through the Drin Gorge to Lake Komani. Take a unique ferry ride, stopping at remote villages before docking in Fierze. Continue by car to the highlands of Valbona National Park, stopping for a light lunch in Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, reach the Valbona Valley, known for its stone residential towers. Enjoy a warm-up hike through ancient beech forests, dotted with wild strawberries. Spend the night in the valley, indulging in a hearty dinner after a day of exploration.

A short drive takes you to the remote village of Cerem. From here, hike across flower-filled meadows to the first border crossing, enjoying forest fruits and breathtaking views of Mount Kolata. Follow the high trail through the coniferous forest of the nature park to the glacial valley of Doberdol. Experience the simple life of the locals in this archaic place, where time seems to have stood still. Spend the night in simple shepherd's huts, enjoying warm hospitality and a homemade dinner.

Bid farewell to your hosts and begin a steep climb to Mount Trekufiri. The summit offers a panoramic view over the border area, where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet. Continue your journey to the tranquil Lake Hrid, shrouded in legend and offering a refreshing dip. The trail then takes you through dense pine forests to the hamlet of Babino Polje. Spend the night in simple but inviting mountain huts, where you'll be introduced to traditional Montenegrin home cooking.

A morning transfer takes you to 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. Enjoy the stunning views from the highest peaks, Popadija and Taljanka. Descend back to the valley and enjoy a cool drink in one of the beer gardens. A transfer takes you to the family-run inn in Vusanje, where you can take an evening stroll to the nearby Grla waterfall.

From Vusanje, hike up the 26 km long Ropojana Valley, formed by glaciers. At Lake Gjeshtare, only a weathered boundary stone remains as a reminder of the once strictly sealed borders of former communist Albania. Reach the highest point of the route, the Peja Pass, named after a town in Kosovo. A steep trail leads to Theth, the valley in the heart of the Albanian Alps. Once you reach the bottom of the valley, you can ask the owner for a lift to your guesthouse at a local watering hole.

Explore the village of Theth and its lush green fields. Visit the iconic church and learn about the history of the 'Kanun' at the sluice tower. The trail to Nderlysaj takes you along water channels, up to the Grunas waterfall, and down to a cliff above the river and the deep Grunas Gorge. In the afternoon, a scenic transfer takes you over the Thorja Pass into the Boge Valley and along Lake Shkodra to Tirana. End the day with dinner and a drink in the chic 'Bloku' district.

Spend your last day exploring the streets and sights of Tirana. Enjoy an espresso in one of the charming bars, watch the morning hustle and bustle, and pick up edible souvenirs at the lively 'New Bazaar'. Visit 'Bunkart 2' and 'The House of Leaves' to learn more about the communist past. Your journey in Albania ends with a transfer to the airport. We thank you for joining our adventure and hope to see you again in the land of warm hospitality, countless mountains, and sun-drenched beaches.