Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days

Welcome to Albania, the land of Eagles! Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by our professional driver. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore the surroundings. We'll have a meet and greet at our office, where our team will provide you with all the necessary information for the tour. Overnight stay will be in Tirana.

Your journey towards the Albanian Alps begins early in the morning. As you drive towards Northern Albania, you'll be amazed by the beautiful landscapes, wild fields, rivers, and Shkodra Lake. From Shkoder, you'll experience local transport and head towards Theth. You'll hike towards the Blue Eye, a stunning natural phenomenon formed by the erosion of water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. After a day full of exploration, you'll return to the village center and visit the Old Church and the 'Lock in' Tower. Overnight stay will be in a guesthouse in Theth.

Today, you'll trek from Theth to Valbona, a journey that takes about 6 to 8 hours in a remote terrain. The route used to be an old mule trail and goes through a landscape full of impressive mountains. At one point, you'll see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass also offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and the Accursed Mountains. Overnight stay will be in a guesthouse in Valbona.

Your next destination on Peaks of the Balkans tour is Cerem. On your hike, you'll pass through forests and meadows, and arrive in an area that looks like a canyon. You'll have the option to hike to the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolate peak, which will add another 3 hours of hiking. You'll arrive at the shepherd's huts in Cerem, which is located high in the mountains, 1300m above sea level. Overnight stay will be in a shepherd's hut in Cerem.

From Cerem, you'll hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On your way, you'll cross the border to Montenegro for about two hours. The hike brings us through pine forests and you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries (depending on the season). You'll also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans. Overnight stay will be in a shepherd's hut in Doberdol.

This day hike begins with a big climb up Tromedja Mountain. This peak is very unique because while summiting the top, at a particular point, you stand in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo at the same time. After reaching this peak, you'll continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. This hike includes beautiful views of endless meadows and Bogicevica National Park. Once crossing the border into Kosovo, you'll continue on the trail winding through the mountains. Overnight stay will be in a local guesthouse in Roshkodol.

After waking up in the wild beauty of Kosovo's Nature and enjoying your breakfast, you'll continue your hike to Babino Polje, Montenegro. Babino Polje is set in a picturesque and mountainous region of Montenegro, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Durmitor National Park. The region is rich in biodiversity, and hikers may have the opportunity to spot various plant and animal species. Overnight stay will be in a traditional guesthouse in Babino Polje.

Embarking on the hike from Babino Polje to Plav is an extraordinary journey through nature's breathtaking beauty. This trail goes through untouched forests and the most beautiful lake in all of Montenegro, Lake Hrid. Local legend says that swimming in this alpine lake brings good health and good luck in marriage. As you reach the summit, the view of Plav unfolds in front of you like a postcard brought to life. Overnight stay will be in Plav.

After enjoying a very local breakfast at the guesthouse, you'll continue your adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. This trail unfolds like a tapestry of wonder, leading you through landscapes that seem almost surreal in their beauty. Approaching Vusanje, the landscape opens up to reveal a valley of unparalleled beauty. Nestled between mountains, the quaint village is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human settlement and the natural world. Overnight stay will be in Vusanje.

Your destination for today is Talijanka peak. Here you'll cross the border from Montenegro to Albania. Mount Talijanka itself is located in Grbaje Valley in Montenegro. This valley is U-shaped and surrounded by the grey sharp mountain peaks. The Talijanka peak is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the Balkan Peaks. From this peak, you can also see Lepushe Village in Albania and Lake Plav in Montenegro. After enjoying the spectacular views of the Accursed Mountains, you'll continue the hike back to Vuthaj. Overnight stay will be in a guest house in Vuthaj.

From Vuthaj, you'll head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, you'll visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if you don't know the exact location. You'll also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m above sea level) next to Jezerca Peak (2694 m above sea level). Overnight stay will be in a guest house in Theth.

Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer. You'll have some free time to enjoy the wild beauty of the Accursed Mountains. Later during the day, you'll drive back through a steep sneaky hillside reaching Qafa e Thores. The elaborated zig-zags road through the mountainous terrain smoothens down little by little taking us towards Shkoder or Tirana. You'll return home full of the wonders of Albania with a new sense of self excitement to share with those around you.