High Trails of the Balkans
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey across the breathtaking landscapes of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and outdoor adventure. Traverse the rugged Prokletije Mountains, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and uncover the secrets of ancient settlements. From the serene glacial lakes of Kosovo to the highest waterfall in Albania, and the charming towns nestled in the valleys, every day brings a new discovery. Whether you're hiking through picturesque trails, enjoying local cuisine, or soaking in the rich history of the region, this tour promises an experience like no other.
Included
4 nights in 1-4 star hotels on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities, 3 nights in simple guesthouses in quadshare rooms with shared bathroom
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (packed lunches or lunch with local families), 7 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
Boat rides on Lake Koman (Drin River) and Lake Skadar
Entrance fees for sights and National Parks
Administration of border crossing permits
Local English speaking mountain guide
Luggage transfer with jeeps or packhorses. 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Private group transfers throughout
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Prishtina to Peja
Day 1: Prishtina to Peja
Kick off your adventure with a transfer from Prishtina airport to the historic city of Peja, nestled in the foothills of the Prokletije Mountains. Embark on a walking tour to explore the city's rich history, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orthodox monastery of Decani. This architectural marvel, built between 1327 and 1335, showcases a stunning fusion of Byzantine and Western medieval traditions. End your day with a comfortable stay near the Montenegrin border.
Day 2 – Day 2: Peja to Gusinje
- Plav
- Gusinje
- More
Start your day with a scenic hike from your accommodation, passing by picturesque glacial lakes. Reach the Jelenek pass, offering panoramic views of the Kosovo-Montenegro border. Descend through the Ravna pass to Babino Polje, the first Montenegrin settlement. After a refreshing break at a local house, travel by jeep to Gusinje for your overnight stay. Enjoy a delightful dinner in a restaurant by a bubbling spring.
Day 3 – Day 3: Gusinje to Theth
Day 3: Gusinje to Theth
- Grebaje Valley
- More
Today's journey takes you in the footsteps of British traveller Edith Durham. Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike across the green border between Montenegro and Albania, with packhorses carrying your luggage. Descend into the Theth valley, where jeeps will transport you to your guesthouse. Enjoy a homemade dinner as part of your authentic Albanian experience.
Day 4 – Day 4: Theth to Nyderlysa
Day 4: Theth to Nyderlysa
- Valbona Valley National Park
- More
Spend a leisurely morning enjoying breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Theth valley. Take a gentle walk to explore the valley, visiting Albania's highest waterfall and remnants of Bronze Age settlements. Continue to the village of Nyderlysa, where you can swim in the pristine river before enjoying a garden lunch prepared by a local family.
Day 5 – Day 5: Theth to Bajram Curri
Day 5: Theth to Bajram Curri
- Valbona Valley National Park
- More
Today, walk from the Theth valley to the Valbona Valley, with packhorses carrying your luggage. Upon arrival in Valbona, transfer to the small town of Bajram Curri for your overnight stay. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner in a local restaurant run by two charming sisters.
Day 6 – Day 6: Bajram Curri to Virpazar
- Shkodër
- Virpazar
- More
- Marubi" National Museum of Photography
- More
Start your day early with a transfer to Lake Koman for a 2-hour boat ride through narrow passages and remote settlements. After the boat trip, transfer to Shkodra, Albania's second-largest city. After lunch, embark on a city walk to explore notable sites including the Marubi photo collection and the Castle of Shkodra. Continue into Montenegro for an overnight stay in the village of Virpazar.
Day 7 – Day 7: Virpazar to Kotor
- Virpazar
- Rijeka Crnojevića
- Old Royal Capital Cetinje
- Kotor
- More
- Long Beach
- Ramparts Of Onogošt
- More
Begin your day with a boat journey from Virpazar on Lake Skadar to the village of Rijeka Crnojevica. Transfer to Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro, for a city walk. Then, take a short ride to the starting point of your final walk in the Bay of Kotor. This trail once connected the port of Kotor with Montenegro's mountainous interior. Enjoy fantastic views over the bay before checking into your hotel in the old town of Kotor. End the day with a group farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Kotor
- Kotor
- Dubrovnik
- Podgorica
- Tivat - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, we will transfer you to either Dubrovnik, Podgorica, or Tivat for your onward journey. As you depart, carry with you the unforgettable memories of the past week's adventures.
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