Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

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9 Days From

$1999

Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

9 Days Starting in Tirana, Albania and ending in Shkodër, Albania

Visiting: Shkodër, Theth, Valbonë, Dobërdoll, Miliševac, Rekë e Allagës, Babino Polje

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26293

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

4 - Demanding

Age range:

12-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

4WD, Hiking

From: $1999

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the breathtaking mountain wilderness of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro with our "Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro" tour. This small group journey offers an immersive experience, trekking through the stunning Valbona Valley and exploring the majestic Rugova Canyon by 4x4. Discover the charm of Peja's old town and traditional bazaar, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local guesthouses. With all meals included during the hikes, you'll savor the flavors of the region while traversing diverse terrains, from lush meadows to rocky mountain paths. This active and adventurous tour promises unforgettable vistas and cultural encounters, all while traveling in comfort with private and 4x4 vehicles. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the Balkans.

Highlights

  • Hike through the stunning mountain wilderness of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

  • Trek through the picturesque Valbona Valley in the Albanian Alps.

  • Explore Rugova Canyon and White Drini Natural Park in Kosovo by 4x4.

  • Visit the charming old town and traditional bazaar in Peja, Kosovo.

  • Experience the breathtaking views of the Accursed Mountains and Rugova Valley.

  • Discover the crystal-clear Liqenati Lakes and the scenic Ropojana Valley.

  • Cross the tri-border area of Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tirana/Shkodër

Location: Shkodër

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Albania! You will be met outside the customs and immigration area in the Tirana airport before transferring with your fellow group mates to the city of Shkoder. After an evening welcome briefing with your CEO, enjoy a traditional dinner showcasing local flavours to start you off on the right foot.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2: Shkodër/Theth

Location: Theth

Accommodation Name: Valbona guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fill up on breakfast before lacing up your hiking boots and transferring to Theth where you’ll begin the hike toward Valbona Valley. Enjoy views of the towering mountain peaks and work up a sweat climbing to Valbona Pass, stopping for a picnic lunch, before arriving at the Valbona guesthouse. Stretch your muscles and relax for the rest of the evening, while reminiscing about the day’s activities and day dreaming about what tomorrow has in store.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy this epic hike from Thethi to Valbona Pass at 1759m of elevation, with unrestricted views of stunning mountain peaks. The trail is well marked, with varying terrain from flat to steep and gravelly. Wander through meadows and woodlands before leaving the tree line behind and entering into spectacular views and a rockier path.

Day 3: Valbonë/Dobërdoll

Location: Valbonë

Accommodation Name: Doberdol Valley guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse, then transfer from Valbona to Qerrem by 4x4 vehicles before putting boots to the ground, heading towards the village of Doberdol. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Trokuz, then continue hiking the scenic trail along the Montenegro border until you arrive at the Doberdol Valley guesthouse. Connect with your tour mates over dinner then get some rest before tomorrow’s hike.

ACTIVITY: Transfer for approximately 1 hour by 4x4, from Valbona Valley to Qerrem mountain village. Upon arrival, begin the hike toward Doberdol village along the border of Montenegro. This moderate walk gains approximately 1030m in elevation and loses approximately 440m throughout the day.

Day 4: Dobërdoll/Miliševac

Location: Dobërdoll

Accommodation Name: Milishec Mountain guest house

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the trail head before setting off on foot from Doberdol mountain. Pass from Albania to Kosovo along the way to Milishec Mountain, once again enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Continue on to the Milishec Mountain guest house for another tasty dinner and easy evening.

ACTIVITY: Begin today's hike with the only steep incline of the day. Upon reaching the peak, find yourself standing at the border of three countries at once. Continue along the border of Kosovo and Montenegro, revelling in the views of Kosovo's tallest mountain. Following mostly soft dirt and gravel, cross the border into Kosovo before moving on to reach Milishec Village. This moderate hike gains approximately 540m and looses approximately 380m.

Day 5: Miliševac/Rekë E Allagës

Location: Miliševac

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a bit more of a leisurely day to do some sightseeing of some of the area's most spectacular natural landscapes. Transfer from the guesthouse with a 4x4 through Rugova Canyon, a top attraction in Kosovo. Continue towards White Drini Nature Park for a short hike to witness the largest waterfall and spring in the area, alongside the Sleeping Beauty cave. Tuck in for lunch at a local restaurant famous for local trout and other traditional dishes. Transfer to Peja, a charming old town home to a popular bazaar where you can sight see and explore the town. Spend the evening how you see fit with free time.

ACTIVITY: Rugova Canyon is said to be one of the largest and deepest canyons in Europe, popular to outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, mountain biking, caving, and sight seeing. Take a short walk and enjoy the scenery.

ACTIVITY: Explore Peja, a charming town with a historic old town and traditional bazaar. Visitors can wander narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and local artisans selling handmade crafts and products. The dairy market is a must visit, as is the Old Hamam building from 1478, and the Etnological and Archaeological Museum.

Day 6: Rekë E Allagës/Drelaj

Location: Rekë e Allagës

Accommodation Name: Drelaj guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer after breakfast to the village of Pepaj, where today’s hike of the Hajla mountain begins. The panoramic views of the Accursed mountains peaks and Rugova valley will leave you breathless (if the hike hasn’t done that already), and once again, enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness. Continue on to the Drelaj guesthouse for dinner and a relaxing evening with your tour mates.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy panoramic views of the Accursed mountain peaks and Rugova valley during this hike. Walk through a pine forest and through open mountainous terrain toward Drelaj mountain village. This moderate walk gains 530m in elevation and loses 710m, finishing at a guesthouse with views of Red Rock peak. Upon completion, opt to continue hiking to the top of Hajla mountain, an additional 2h 30mins and 500m in elevation gain.

Day 7: Drelaj/Babino Polje

Location: Babino Polje

Accommodation Name: guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the trailhead and set off on foot toward the Liqenati Lakes - crystal clear, glacial lakes surround by lush greenery and stunning mountains, the perfect backdrop for a beautiful hike. Continue over the pass straddling the border of Kosovo and Montenegro, and end the day with a tasty dinner at the guesthouse with your hiking mates.

ACTIVITY: Hike past two sparkling Liqenati mountain lakes and Shkodra overpass. Pass from Kosovo to Montenegro, through the blueberry fields of Jelenku mountain ridge, before settling in the the evening at Babino Polje (Grandma's Field), located beside Temnjacka stream and near the city of Plav. This moderate hike gains 1150m in elevation and loses 1110m.

Day 8: Babino Polje/Shkodër

Location: Shkodër

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lace up your hiking boots for a final day of hiking today. Walk through the picturesque Ropojana Valley, considered to be a natural wonder in Montenegro, that’ll leave you breathless. This valley was carved into the earth by an ancient glacier, leaving behind jagged peaks and natural waterfalls. Close out this stunning hike at Theth, a traditional farming village found at the base of the mountain road. Transfer from Theth to the hotel in Shkodër and enjoy a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.

ACTIVITY: Travel for approximately 1 hour to the trail head before hiking through the Ropojana valley with stunning views on both sides. Pass from Montenegro to Albania by Gshtarsi Lake. Pass by old bunkers and border posts on what used to be a border patrol path, then arrive at the charming Thethi village. This moderate walk gains 1110m in elevation and loses 1440m.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Day 9: Shkodër

Location: Shkodër

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart at any time.

Additional Information: The Tirana airport can be reached by shared transport departing frequently from Shkodër and taxis area also widely available. Speak to your CEO for assistance in any departure arrangements to connect with your international flight.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

What's Included

  • Welcome Moment

    Your Welcome Moment includes meeting your CEO and group.

  • Hiking Experience

    Enjoy 6 days of hiking through the mountains and traditional villages of the Balkans.

  • Valbona Valley Trek

    Trek from Theth through the Valbona Valley in the Albanian Alps.

  • Tri-border Hike

    Hike to the tri-border area of Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

  • Rugova Canyon Visit

    Visit Rugova Canyon and White Drini Natural Park in Kosovo.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer between guesthouses is included.

  • Transport

    All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as drinks, shopping, and tipping are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Private vehicle, 4x4 vehicle, walking.

Accommodation

Hotels (2 nts), guesthouses (6 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people per room)

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

Group Size

Max 16, avg 12.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Important Notes

1. YOUR CEO

It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.



2. LUGGAGE

In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. We highly recommend travelling with a backpack or duffel bag over any wheeled luggage options.

Group Leader

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officer's (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.



Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.



For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

About Accommodation

It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.



On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.



Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you will stay in hotels for 2 nights and in local guesthouses for 6 nights. The guesthouses are multi-share accommodations with 4-6 people per room.

  • Are meals included during the hiking days?

    Yes, all meals are included while hiking. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a combination of private vehicles, 4x4 vehicles, and walking for transportation between destinations and activities.

  • Is luggage transfer provided between guesthouses?

    Yes, luggage transfer between guesthouses is included in the tour.

  • What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) during the tour?

    The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) accompanies the group to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. They provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited.

  • What should I consider when packing for this tour?

    It is essential to pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight, as you will need to carry it from platform to platform and possibly up several flights of stairs. A backpack or duffel bag is recommended over wheeled luggage.

  • What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

    The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. Minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old must be at least 12 years old.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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