Peaks of the Balkans - Albania & Montenegro Hiking Tour
A hiking & cultural adventure through Montenegro and Albania including trekking on an international peace trail in the Dinaric Alps.
Get off the beaten track on this adventurous hiking and cultural expedition through Montenegro and Albania, including a trek along an international peace trail in the breathtaking Dinaric Alps. This Europe hiking tour, Peaks of the Balkans, leads us to the magnificent border triangle of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, where a new International Peace Park is waiting to be discovered.
Montenegro and Albania are home to wild landscapes, pristine forests, and rugged rivers, all enriched by a vibrant cultural history. The towering mountains stand juxtaposed against verdant valleys and the shimmering blue waters of the Adriatic, where steep cliffs descend to pebble-strewn beaches. Following centuries of Ottoman rule, these areas showcase a captivating mix of European and Eastern traditions.
While this Balkans hiking tour through the Dinaric Alps offers plenty of rewards, it is also challenging, making it important that participants are in good physical condition and have some hiking experience. The good news is that your luggage will be carried by local pack animals or vehicles, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning mountain vistas encountered along the way. As we navigate this beautiful terrain, we’ll meet communities that have thrived as shepherds and farmers for generations, adding another layer to the experience.
This Albania and Montenegro hiking tour promotes sustainable tourism, providing genuine economic support to local residents and families. Each evening, we’ll unwind in atmospheric inns or guesthouses, where local hosts will prepare meals using fresh, traditional ingredients.
This trip combines perfectly with our Albania Discovery kayaking trip, making for an unforgettable experience in the southern Balkans.
ROW Adventures' ran a pioneering trip on this trail in 2012, supporting local partners and helping to introduce the concept and region to the adventure travel market. It is with great pleasure that we bring this exceptional adventure to you.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Tirana, Albania
Upon your arrival in Tirana, the capital of Albania, we will warmly welcome you at the airport and take you on a scenic drive north to Shkoder, which will take about an hour and a half. In the early evening, we will convene for an orientation meeting about your Balkans hiking tour, followed by dinner at a traditional local restaurant where you can enjoy the flavors of Albanian cuisine. Shaped by over 400 years of Ottoman influence, Albanian cuisine features simple, fresh, and healthy dishes that reflect the country's rich history.
Please note that if guests arrive on different flights, we will wait until everyone is present before heading to Shkoder.
Day 2
Begin Trekking the Peaks of the Balkans
Begin the day by traveling north along the Montenegro border for about two hours until we arrive in Vermosh, the starting point for our Albania walking tour. The trail leads us through forested valleys, with the stunning Dinaric Alps providing a majestic backdrop. After a tough climb, we will reach Gerben Peak (the highest point of today’s hike), followed by a descent for the remainder of the day. This is a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the rich natural and cultural heritage of this intriguing region, with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. By the end of the day, we will reach our charming guesthouse close to Lepushe.
- Distance and Altitude: 10 km (6.3 miles) +750 meters (2460’) and – 440 meters (1443’). Highest point: 1840 meters (6036’).
Day 3
Hike Albania to Montenegro: Limestone Peaks and Scenic Descents
We’ll kick off the day with a hearty mountain breakfast before hitting the trail on the second section of our Montenegro hiking tour. Today's hike involves more downhill than uphill as we make our way from Albania into Montenegro. We’ll be trekking high above the tree line, enveloped by stunning limestone karst formations - the scenery is truly spectacular!
Our path leads us to Vajusha (Talijanka) Peak before descending into Grebaje Village. Afterward, a brief transfer will take us to a guesthouse in Vuthaj, where we can relax and savor another delightful local meal.
Distance and Altitude: 10 km (6.3 miles) +580 (1902’) and – 790 meters (2592’). Highest point: 1931 meters (6335’)
Day 4
Peja Pass Summit: Alpine Views, Bunkers, and Thethi Village
This morning, we’ll embark on a short drive to the nearby border, where we’ll kick off one of the most picturesque trails of our Balkans hiking tour. Today’s hike is a bit longer but the gentle climb through the Ropojana Valley is incredibly rewarding.
After crossing a dry lake bed, we’ll arrive at the Montenegro-Albania border where our luggage will be transferred between two sets of pack horses. As we near the summit, the path steepens and we’ll pass remnants of bunkers from President Hoxha’s era, built to protect Albania from potential threats.
Upon reaching Peja Pass, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valley of Theth below. A steep descent from the summit leads us to Thethi, one of Albania's most famous alpine villages, which is renowned for its traditional stone houses with wooden-tiled roofs.
This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a cozy guesthouse with shared rooms, where our hosts will share their family’s history and talk about the positive effects the new Peaks of the Balkans Trail has brought to the local community.
- Distance and Altitude: 15 km (9.3 miles) +845 meters (2772’) and – 660 meters (2165’). Highest point: 1721 meters (5646’).
- Time: 8 hours. Rating: Difficult.
*Please note: Today’s hike features a steep descent that may be tough on the knees. The trail is uneven, with loose rocks and gravel that can make it uncomfortable underfoot. For those who would rather ride, a horse can be arranged in advance. After we descend to the valley floor, there will be an optional jeep transfer for anyone looking to skip the last stretch to our accommodations, which involves an extra climb of 200 meters (600').
Day 5
Discover Thethi Valley: History, Waterfalls, and Scenic Hikes
Exploring the Thethi Valley is a unique experience as its remote setting has ensured it remains largely untouched by the outside world. In 1908, the English traveler Edith Durham captured the essence of Thethi in her book High Albania, stating: “Life at Thethi was of absorbing interest... I forgot all about the rest of the world, and... there seemed no reason why I should ever return."
Since her visit, the valley has seen minimal changes, with the addition of electricity and running water being the most significant. We will spend a full day of our Albania walking tour discovering the area, taking in the picturesque wooden and stone homes, and learning about the local history on a four-mile hike to Grunas Waterfall and Nderlysa. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can also choose to explore on your own.
- Distance and Altitude: 7 km (4.3 miles) +600 meters (1970’) and – 240 meters (787’).
- Time: 4 hours. Rating: Easy to moderate (Jeep ride back to start).
Day 6
Hike to Valbona: Steep Climbs, Scenic Views, and Cultural Exploration
After breakfast, we’ll depart from our lodge and make our way to Valbona, embarking on another day of challenging hiking amidst the stunning landscapes of the Balkans. Thankfully, horses and mules will assist us by carrying our luggage, allowing us to hike completely unburdened.
The morning section of this Montenegro hiking tour involves a steady climb - this is the steepest ascent we’ve faced so far - as we navigate through a majestic ancient forest. We’ll continue our ascent until we reach the pass, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Valbona, our next destination. The descent will take us down a rocky path with many switchbacks.
Following our hike, we’ll enjoy an hour-long drive to the picturesque town of Bajram Curri, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel.
- Distance and Altitude: 13 km (8 miles) +980 meters (3215’) and – 770 meters (2526’). Highpoint: 1860 meters (6102’)
- Time: 7 hours. Rating: Difficult
Day 7
Explore Lake Drin, Shkodra, and Kruje: Historic Sights and Scenic Boat Ride
The final day of our Balkans hiking tour begins bright and early with breakfast before embarking on an hour-long drive to Lake Drin. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a serene two-and-a-half-hour boat ride through a breathtaking gorge. After this leisurely experience, we'll transfer two hours to Shkodra, Albania's second-largest city, where we may have time to visit the historic Rozafa Castle either before or after lunch.
Our adventure continues with a three-hour drive to the picturesque town of Kruje, a significant site of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Within the castle walls are a bazaar, a historical museum, and an ethnographic museum.
We'll spend the night at a local hotel with wonderful views, and if time allows, a staff member from the local history museum may join us before dinner to share deeper insights into Albania's past.
Day 8
Depart from Tirana or Continue on Kayaking
This morning, we will travel to Tirana Airport for your departure flights. Alternatively, you can continue with our Albania Discovery - Kayaking & Walking Tour!
*Please note: This trip includes several days of challenging hiking, so it's important to be physically prepared beforehand. While the altitude isn't excessively high, you'll encounter considerable elevation changes throughout this Europe hiking tour. The downhill sections can be hard on your knees and joints, so using walking poles is highly recommended. You should also be aware that the trails may have loose limestone, which can be slippery in wet conditions.
If you have any doubts about your ability to participate, please reach out to our office. For groups, we can modify the itinerary to include easier hikes, which may also alter the sequence of destinations.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Prices above reflect the lowest tiered price.
4-5 guests = $2590
6-12 guests = $2290
Tiered Pricing Explained
Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price. Because of numerousfixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group. Therefore, on some of our trips, in order to avoid having to cancel a trip, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups. We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled. Thus, you will note on our trip prices there may be different price for 6-8 people versus 9-10, versus 11-12, etc...
We may initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size. Trip costs quoted are based on foreign exchange rates current at the time of this printing. We reserve the right to raise the trip fee if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control.
Includes: Accommodations as noted. All meals as indicated. Professional, local guides including a Montenegrin lead guide from day 1 until day 7 and an additional Albanian guide from the border on. All transfers and transportation as indicated.
Does not Include: Airfare; personal expenses such as alcohol, laundry, etc.; gratuities for guides.
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