Peaks of Balkan - Mountain Hiking at its Best with Ascent of Trekufiri (2366 m)

Your Balkan adventure begins in the vibrant city of Tirana. A shared transfer will take you to the northern Albanian city of Shkodra, known for its Italian-style city center. Here, you'll meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a tour briefing. Spend the evening exploring the pedestrian zone and sampling local delicacies. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shkodra.

Rise early for a scenic drive through the Drin Gorge to Lake Komani, a picturesque reservoir nestled among steep cliffs. A boat ride will take you to Fierze, from where you'll drive to the mountains of Valbona National Park. Spend the afternoon hiking through beech forests and along a crystal-clear river. If you're brave enough, take a dip in the ice-cold water. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

A short drive takes you to the village of Cerem. From here, hike across mountain flower meadows towards the border triangle, where you might encounter shepherds on the mountain pastures. Enjoy a coffee and raki break before continuing to the valley of Doberdol, a place where time seems to stand still. Spend the night in simple shepherd's huts, enjoying a grounding experience under the starry sky.

From Doberdol, climb up to Mount Trekufiri, where the borders of three countries meet. Enjoy the panoramic views before descending along a blueberry-covered border path to Montenegro. Take a refreshing swim in the Mountain Lake Hrid, then continue your descent through dense pine forests to the settlement of Babino Polje. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

After a picturesque drive, you'll reach the Grbaja Valley, one of the most impressive in the Balkans. A steep climb takes you to the twin peaks of Popadija and Taljanka. Enjoy the spectacular views before descending to the valley, where you can relax with a blueberry juice or beer. If you wish, take a short walk to the Grla waterfall in the evening. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Vusanje.

Drive through the Ropojana Valley, stopping at a karst spring with ice-cold water. Continue to Thethi National Park, where Mount Arapi towers above. Depending on the conditions, you might have the chance to conquer the summit. After a challenging hike, descend to the lively village of Theth. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

In Theth, visit the local church and the fortified tower, where you'll learn about the history and traditions of the area. Hike to the Grunas waterfall and the colorful karst spring, Blue Eye. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the water-filled natural pools. In the late afternoon, drive back to Shkodra, where you'll celebrate the last days of your trek. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast, a shared transfer will take you back to Tirana. This marks the end of your Balkan adventure. You can choose to extend your stay in Tirana or continue your journey to your next destination.