Tour Overview
| Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Albania — The Accursed Mountains |
| Price From | $1,080 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Active / Hiking & Trekking |
| Data Source | TourRadar — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Tirana — Transfer to Shkodra
Airport pickup and drive to Shkodra, gateway to the Albanian Alps. Visit Rozafa Castle overlooking Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in Southern Europe. Welcome dinner with lake fish and local wine. Overnight in Shkodra.
Day 2: Valbona Valley Ferry — Theth
Take the spectacular Lake Koman ferry through a fjord-like landscape of towering cliffs. Transfer to Valbona Valley National Park. Afternoon warm-up hike through alpine meadows with views of the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna). Mountain guesthouse dinner. Overnight in Valbona.
Day 3: Valbona Valley Hiking — Full Day
Full day hiking in Valbona. Ascend through beech forests to alpine pastures at 1,800m+. Spectacular views of the 2,694m Jezerce Peak, the highest in the Dinaric Alps. Possible sightings of golden eagles and chamois. Traditional mountain lunch with flija (layered pancake pie). Overnight in Valbona.
Day 4: Valbona Pass to Theth — The Epic Crossing
The legendary hike over Valbona Pass (1,795m), the classic Balkan trekking route. Ascend through wildflower meadows to the pass with jaw-dropping views of both valleys. Descend into the Theth Valley, Albania’s most beautiful mountain village. Arrive at your guesthouse. 7-8 hours hiking, 16km. Overnight in Theth.
Day 5: Theth — Blue Eye & Lock-In Tower
Morning hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning natural pool with a waterfall. Visit the Lock-In Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), a 400-year-old blood feud refuge tower unique to northern Albania. Learn about the Kanun, Albania’s ancient code of honor. Afternoon walk to Grunas Waterfall. Overnight in Theth.
Day 6: Theth to Shkodra
Morning drive over the dramatic Theth Pass. Return to Shkodra. Afternoon free to explore Shkodra’s pedestrian zone or visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, documenting 150 years of Albanian life. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Shkodra.
Day 7: Return to Tirana — Depart
Drive to Tirana. Airport transfer or extend your stay.
Inclusions
- 6 nights (guesthouses, mountain huts, city hotel)
- All meals in the mountains (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
- Experienced mountain guide
- Lake Koman ferry
- All national park fees
- Transfers
Why Hike the Albanian Alps
- Valbona-Theth crossing: the most spectacular day hike in the Balkans
- Theth: rated one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain villages
- Lock-In Towers: a cultural phenomenon found nowhere else
- The Lake Koman ferry: described as one of the world’s great boat journeys
- Still undiscovered — you’ll have trails almost to yourself
