[2025Version] Peaks of The Balkans Elite Version 8D

Duration8 Days
Difficulty 3 stars
  • Program Outline
  1. D1: China - Tirana

    Upon arrival at Tirana airport,the driver will pick you up for the transfer to the hotel in downtown Tirana.

    From Ottoman relics to Italian architecture and communist-era landmarks,the city's streets weave a fascinating narrative of its journey through time.

    For those arriving early,a cable car ride to Dajti Mountain offers panoramic views and a peaceful escape above the bustling city.

    Before dinner you will meet your guide to discuss the program of the coming days and answer the questions you may have about the tour.

    End your day inthe spirited "Blloku"district,where trendy cafes and bars have transformed this former closed-off enclave into the ciy's most vibrant quarter.

     

    Transport : Minibus (1-1.5 hours)

    Accommodation : Metro Hotel Tirana (or similar)

    Meal : Supper (Feature Dinner)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  2. D2: Tirana - Krujë - Shkoder

    After breakfast you will meet your guide and group for the transfer to Krujë ,the hike's starting point.It follows a cobblestone path to the Sari Salltik Summit,a sacred Bektashi site with stunning views extending to Montenegro.

    After some free time at the summit to take in the view ,we will hike back down to Krujë,a city perched 600 meters above sea level,We will wander through the historic Krujë Castle for breath-taking vistas,enjoy a trabitional lunch featuring local delicacies and stroll through the 400-year-old handicrafts market to experience the ciy's rich heritage.

    After lunch in Kruja,the journey continues in the direction of Shkodra,It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Albania with a 2400-year -old history of urban civilization.Numerous people,coumtries and cultures have left their traces on the city.Many sights,monuments,memorials and ruins bear witness of its eventful history.

    In the afternoon some free time is planned to enjoy the city on your own,Scrolling through the pedestrian zone,enjoying a coffee in one of the numerous bars,meeting hospitable people,are special experiences in a joyful city like Shkodra.Dinner and accommodation in Ahkodra.

    Transport : Minibus (1-1.5 hours)

    Accommodation : Hotel in Shkoder

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Hotel Restaurant)

    Trekking Distance : 5 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 2-3 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : +600/-600 meters

  3. D3: Shkoder - Theth

    After breakfast,we will start the journey towards the Theth National Park.We will start the day with the hike to Ndërlysaj offer a unique spectacle of nature The water of the Black River squeezes through a narrow approach that has arisen over the millennia.Rounded and sharp rocks,half dipped into the shimmering colours of water and all-around green vegetation will surround our path.We will hike to the" Blue Eye of Kaprre",a spellbinding natural pool with amazingly blue water in a jungle-like environment.After a short break,we will hike back to Ndërlysaj,where lunch is planned.

    Then,the hike continues towards the waterfall and gorge of Grunas.The canyon is 30m high and one meter wide,and the waterfall is a Nature Monument.

    The return in Thethi is planned in the afternoon.After a short break we will visit the Isolation tower.During the visit you will become acquainted with the "Kanun" and its regulations.The Kanun is a set of traditional Albanian laws. It was primarily oral and was published in wrting only in the 20th century. It has been used mostly in northern and central Albania and in the surrounding areas where there is a large ethnic Albanian population. It was first codified in the 15th century but the use of it has been outspread much earlier in time.It was used under that form until the 20th century.It is not just a set of laws,but a way of life,a totally new reality worth exploring.Dinner and accommodation in the guesthouse in Theth.

    Transport : Minibus (1-1.5 hours)

    Accommodation : ThethFamily Inn

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Home-cooked Cuisine)

    Trekking Distance : 16 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : +600/-600 meters

  4. D4: Theth - Valbonë

    The hike of the day begins from the guesthouse.The well-marked trail starts gently,winding through serene woodlands before climbing more steeply to reach the Pass of Valbonë ,At 1812 meters above sea level,you'll be rewrded with breathtaking views of the Valbonë and Theth valleys.

    The descent into Valbonë starts rocky but gradually softens as you approach the valley floor. Following the river through the picturesque Valbonë Valley,we'll arrive at the village,where a hearty dinner and a comfortable hotel accmmodation awaits.

    Accommodation : Hotel in Valbonë

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Feature Dinner)

    Trekking Distance : 17 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : +1100/-900 meters

  5. D5: Valbonë

    The day starts with a short local transfer to the village of Cerem.It is a village surrounded by forest,which is only inhabited in summer.Today's trail will lead us right to the border with Montenegro,from where you can enjoy views over both countries.

    Starting from Cerem,we will start the hike on a trail that leads through scree and meadows into a beech forest.The forest ends at an altitude of about 1700m and the path continues on scree up to the Prosllopi pass.From there,the path descends the Prosllopi Gorge,at first through scree,then through meadows and at the end through a dense forest to Valbona.

    Dinner and accommodation planned in the same guesthouse.

    Transport : Minibus (0.5-1 hour)

    Accommodation : Hotel in Valbonë

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic)

    Trekking Distance : 15 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : +950/-1200 meters

  6. D6: Valbonë

    After breakfast we will start hiking towards the hanging glacial valley of Kukaj. The trail runs path follows the right  side of the valley up to a small grassy plateau with a mountain hut,where we will have a lunch break.

    After some time to enjoy the company of the local shephrds,we will hike down to the guest house in the vallev.

    In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax in the village.Dinner is planned at the guest house.

     

     

    Accommodation : Hotel in Valbonë

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Hotel Restaurant)

    Trekking Distance : 12 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : +750/-750 meters

  7. D7: Valbonë - Tirana

    Those of you who haven't had enough and would like to hike a bit more,will have an early breakfast. Then,we will start hiking a well-maintained trail to the hills above the valley. Today we will not gain a lot of altitude,but the views will be amazing none the less. After reaching the highest point of the trail,we will descend at first towrds"Kukaj",and then down to the guesthouse in the valley.

    Then we will take the transfer to Fierza where we will board the ferry for a tour along the Koman lake. The Koman Lake winds its way between high cliffs and towering peaks like a Norwegian fjord.After arriving at the at the terminal in Koman, we will be transferred to the village of Fishtë. There,we will have a special farewell dinner at a slow food,farm-restaurant.It is known throughout Albania for the traditional home-made dishes and its organic products.

    Accommodation in a hotel in Tirana.

     

    Transport : Minibus (0.5 hour)

    Accommodation : Metro Hotel Tirana (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Farewell Dinner)

    Trekking Distance : 7 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 2-3 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : +400/-400 meters

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  8. D8: Tirana; Departure or Extension Program

    Following breakfast,it's time to part ways with Albania,leaving behind its enchanting scenery and heartfelt stories but taking the memories with you.

    Accommodation : Own arrangement

    Meal : Breakfast

Route Type Trekking

Route Code7FA-303-BPT0

Independent Group
Customized Itinerary
Family Tour

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