Ladies Albanian Alps Hike
Wonders of the Albanian Alps, pristine unspoilt hiking territory!
The Balkan region is currently becoming one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, Albania is growing fast to accommodate visitors but also staying true to its strong rural culture. From beautiful nature to the more modern urban attractions, there’s so much to discover.
The Albanian Alps are fantastic for hiking, and their peaks are breathtaking from every angle.
On your way through Albania, you’ll constantly see historic monasteries and churches, many built hundreds of years before South Africa was colonialised.
The villages you pass through have been isolated by the mountains and bleak winters for centuries and have retained an unspoilt authenticity. You will often be staying in family houses that have been transformed into guest houses. Almost all the food is produced in these small hamlets, making them self-sufficient.
Immersing yourself in their lives is a great way to go back to basics, revisiting a life style that hasn’t changed much in a thousand years.
Fast Facts
Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Group Size: Min 6, Max 10 Ladies (sharing)
Feel free to book Solo!
Destination: Albanian Alps
Accommodation: Various Guest Houses & Hotels
Includes: All meals, (except Breakfast, Lunch on arrival & Lunch, dinner on departure) Tea, Coffee, Water.
All planned activities, excursions & local transfers.
Excludes: International flights, visas, alcoholic beverages, tips and anything not specified in the itinerary.
Interests: Hiking, Albanian culture, Nature, History, Fantastic Alpine Fauna & Flora
Day of arrival
Arrival at Tirana International Airport
Arrival at the ‘Mother Theresa” Airport followed by a short transfer to Kruja – the historic town of National Hero Skanderbeg, from where he led the legendary resistance to the Ottomans in the XIV Century.
Overnight by the museum fortress and crafts bazaar, dining in a fine restaurant.
Day 2
A Scenic boat ride towards the Alps
Drive North and then enjoy a spectacular boat ride through the Canyon of Lake Koman. Meander through the mountains, followed by a short scenic drive to the heart of the Valbona Valley, and our guesthouse surrounded by jagged peaks. Leisurely walk to stretch the legs from the transfer and discover the surroundings of the village.
After your walk, freshen up and enjoy a cooking class. The food is traditional Albanian fare, simple but delicious.
Day 3
Onwards towards Mount Rosi
Leave on foot towards the hamlet of Kukaj, and into forest trails that climb above the narrow valley. As we gain height we are gifted with great views of Mount Jezerca, the highest peak of the massif.
The grassy meadows at ‘Stani i Rames’ will make for a perfect stop to rest and picnic, facing the majestic peaks of Grykat e Hapura across the valley.
On the way down it is possible to stop in one of the local houses of Kukaj, for a cup of mountain herbal tea or Turkish coffee, before returning to the village for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Hiking across the Valbona Pass
A classic shepherd trail through the Albanian alps will bring us to the adjacent valley of Theth.
Passing through birch forest, cold water springs and alpine meadows, we will reach the saddle of Valbona Pass, and gaze at the fantastic rocky ridges and peaks in the horizon.
From here starts the descent to Theth, in a succession of meadows and forests until reaching the bottom of the valley and accommodating overnight.
Day 5
The ancient Iconic village of Theth
The remote village of Theth has always fascinated travellers for both its landscape and culture. Today we will focus on the exploration of the highlights such as the Church, the Blood Feud lock tower, the Waterfall and the Terraces, dating from the late bronze age.
The walk will end after visiting the turquoise pools of the creek of Kaprea, named The Blue Eye.
Enjoy a meal in the hamlet of Nderlysa, before taking a short transfer back to the village for a second overnight.
Day 6
At the heart of the Accursed Mountains
We hit the trail again hiking towards the limestone dome of Harapit. Our trail zigzags sharply just beside it, over the Peja Pass.
We continue through the barren limestone plateau of Runica. The lunar landscape is the heart of the ‘The Accursed Mountains’ massif, sided by the vertical ‘towers’ of Karanfil.
Once we cross the border into Montenegro, the terrain mellows and a short transfer on a forest road will bring us to relax in the hospitable village of Vuthaj, for dinner and our overnight destination.
Day 7
The majestic ridge of Taljankae
Another short transfer brings us to the secluded valley of Grebaja, Montenegro’s wildest. One could easily think to have been transferred back to the the Italian Dolomites a 100 years ago.
The hike begins in the forest, opening later into broad elevated meadows. The magic begins while approaching the cliffs of Volusnice, and the ridge of Taljanka, from where the domes of Karanfil seem only to be a touch away.
We will perch on the summit and fully appreciate how it was to face the ‘Accursed’ at their greatest might.
Once on the other side, we will be welcomed by mild pastures and a moderate descent, until we reach the village of Lepushe, which marks the end of our trek.
After refreshment, we take a scenic transfer to Shkoder, for dinner and a pleasant evening in Northern Albania’s oldest historic town.
Day 8
Back to Tirana the Albanian Capital
After a relaxed breakfast, we will leave Shkodra headed South, not before visiting the ancient Fortress of Rozafa, that dominates the town and lake, at the entrance of town.
At the rural outskirts of Tirana, we will stop for a guided visit of the Uka Farm – a family run business committed to organic farming and local wine making.
At the end of the visit we will have a feast of traditional food in the restaurant of the farm, and of course, accompanied by a glass of their delicious wine.
The afternoon and evening will be at leisure, to visit on foot the fascinating centre of Tirana, developing fast into one of the most colourful and dynamic capitals of the Western Balkans.
Day of departure
The last minute moments!
After a leisurely breakfast, you have plenty of time in town for that final museum visit or shopping.
You will then be taken by a transfer to the airport and departure. Mirupafshim!
Safe travels & until we meet again!