The Albanian Alps and Fjords of the Balkan Peninsula FOREIGN TRIP

This is our only date we could secure in 2025, if by the time you read this the trip is full, our 2026 trip is now live and bookable: LINK

Step back in time and discover Albania - stretching to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian sea, it boasts a unique blend of virgin nature, Alpine mountains and rich cultural traditions. One of the world’s most mountainous countries and one of Europe's least visited - Albania offers magnificent tranquillity and unspoilt beauty. Famous for Europe’s oldest lake, this is also the homeland to Mother Teresa.

Explore the highlights of northern Albania and admire its enchanting Accursed Mountains and timeless mountain villages on this week long trip. Hike the most stunning section of the "Peaks of the Balkans" trail, visit deep canyons and a bright blue lake with an overhanging waterfall. Venture into a scenic fjord ride which will leave you awestruck by the surrounding steep mountains carpeted from the water to the peaks in ancient forests. Stay at frozen-in-time mountain villages to get a close glimpse of a different pace of life and enjoy the famous Albanian hospitality and local traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike an iconic section of the 192km long "Peaks of the Balkans" trail originally set to bond Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
• Enjoy a scenic fjord ferry ride through the heart of the Albanian Alps
• Conquer The Pyramid (2039m) located on the Montenegro border
• Visit the ancient Rozafa Castle - dating back to Roman and Ottoman times
• Admire the crystal waters of the Blue Eye Lake and its majestic waterfall
• Stay in one of the oldest and most significant towns in Albania - Shkoder
• Visit the vibrant capital Tirana
• English speaking local Albanian Mountain Guide
Video - LINK

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION

Nestled between the turquoise waters of Italy and northern Greece, Albania is on the rise as a top hiking destination. From sandy Mediterranean beaches to rugged snow capped mountains, it offers a tranquil and diverse experience in nature. Charming with the simplicity of its countryside, the sounds of cowbells and the smiles of the friendly locals, Albania is the perfect place for the curious traveller.

On our week long trip we go deep in the heart of the Albanian Alps also known as the Accursed Mountains due to their craggy tops, untamed terrain and breathtaking vistas. We admire their lyrical beauty and pass through deep green valleys and thick wild forests to visit places where traditions hold strong. We hike the most famous part of the "Peaks of the Balkan" trail (Theth-Valbona) and also conquer one of the highest peaks in the area that lies on the border with Montenegro - The Pyramid. Our trails also lead us to deep narrow canyons, bright blue lakes with roaring waterfalls and two ancient castles dating back to Roman and Ottoman times. We enjoy a breathtaking ferry ride through a deep fjord admiring the crystal waters of the Komani Lake and the rugged mountain walls all around.

Important Notes

Although this trip is designed as a mixture of varied hiking and sightseeing, some of the hikes involve tough and long uphill/downhill sections. Hiking boots ideally with ankle protection are essential due to the uneven and rocky terrain on some hikes.

ITINERARY

Friday

Pick up from Tirana airport and transfer to Shkoder. We stop to enjoy some lunch on the way before we continue our journey through the countryside to Shkoder - once the capital and one of the oldest and largest towns in Albania. We also visit the ancient Rozafa Castle - rising imposingly on a rocky hill and guarded by rivers, the castle is steeped in legend and history predating Roman times with breath taking panoramic views.

Saturday

Hike: The Field of Denelli
Distance: 8 miles (12km)
Grading: Challenging/Mountain
Ascent: Approx 960m
Descent: Approx 960m, a steep downhill section
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

We are transferred to Theth National Park for our hike through the scenic Boga Valley.
We hike the famous Field of Denelli trail that takes up the mountain to 1570m altitude and reveals breathtaking views. We spend the night in the remote and idyllic village of Theth.

Sunday

Hike: Grunas Waterfall and Canyon, Blue Eye Lake
Distance: 14 to 18km
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: Approx 400m
Hiking time: 6 hours

We’ve planned a day of discovery hiking to the most remarkable places in Theth National Park. Our first stop is the impressive 30m high Grunas Waterfall and the popular canyon admiring its fairytale like beauty and vast carbon formations. Our path then follows the crystal clear river and brings us to curious naturally formed stone tubs with pools of lucent waters. We enjoy lunch at the famous Blue Eye Lake - fed by a waterfall, it captivates with its turquoise waters and untamed allure.

Monday

Hike: Theth-Valbona
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Grading: Challenging/Mountain
Ascent: 1000m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

This is one of the most popular trails in Albania and a key section of the 192km long "Peaks of the Balkans" trail. Our transverse hike passes through colourful alpine meadows into the heart of the Accursed Mountains revealing far reaching panoramic views over the stunning mountain peaks and lush valleys. This famous trail follows an ancient mule path linking two tribal regions. After our ascent we gently descend to the village of Valbona where we stay for the night, while our luggage is transferred by donkey.

Tuesday

Hike: The Pyramid (2039m)
Distance: 8-9 miles (12-14km)
Grading: Challenging/Mountain - LINK
Ascent: 1092m
Hiking time: Approx 5 to 6 hours

Today we conquer the Pyramid (2039m), which is on the border with Montenegro. We hike through lush green beech and pine forests following the right side of the valley. Reaching the top we are rewarded with broad awe inspiring views of two countries - Albania on one side and Montenegro on the other.
Please note, this hike is tough, for anyone who doesn't want to do all of it, there is an option to stay at the mountain hut (if open) at 1670m and wait for the group to return.

Wednesday

We have planned a special treat - a scenic ferry ride through a deep fjord along the mesmerising Komani Lake. We enjoy a leisurely journey on the serene Komani Lake waters and indulge the magical landscapes of the Albanian Alps before returning to Tirana where we spend the night.

Thursday

Breakfast marks the end of our adventure. You are welcome to stay on to discover Tirana or catch the local bus/taxi to the airport to depart

COST & PAYMENT

£679 EARLY BOOKING price for the first 8 sign ups.
£732 standard price or £679 early booking discount for the first 8 sign ups. Click “Attend” to pay the £200 deposit by PayPal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 15th June, we’ll email payment details 1 week before.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

START AND END TIME

Times are local time i.e. the times for Albania are in Albanian time.

We suggest the inbound group flights below, for anyone on these flights or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 1:20pm. If you arrive later you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (we wait for the suggested flights if delayed).

Inbound flight 12.09.2025

1. Wizzair 5:55am from London Luton (LTN) to Tirana (TIA) landing at 10:00pm
Flight: W95002

2. Ryanair 9:00am from London Stansted (STN) to Tirana (TIA) landing at 12:55pm
Flight: FR8288

RETURN

Trip ends in Tirana city on day 7. The trip ends after breakfast and you are welcome to make your own arrangements to the airport or if holiday permits you can extend your stay for a night and explore this city.

FOOD

Breakfast and dinner will be provided each of the hiking days, as well as lunch at the Blue Eye Lake. You are welcome to explore the local cuisine for lunch each day and choose your own preference. The local cuisine is Mediterranean with influences from Italian, Greek and Turkish cooking. Vegetarian and vegan food can be catered for, but will be a more limited choice. Some dietary requirements such as lactose free, nut free, gluten free cannot be catered for.

We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us first to check if they can be catered for: [info@outdooraholics.co.uk](mailto:info@outdooraholics.co.uk)

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 6 nights accommodation in twin ensuite rooms - a mixture of guest houses and hotels.
• Breakfast each day
• Dinner each day except the final night
• Lunch at the Blue Eye Lake
• Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option and also the return trip to Tirana
• Luggage transfer by horses/mules between Theth and Valbona
• Ferry ticket across the Komani Lake
• Hikes by trained guides
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Flights
• Lunch at a well known traditional restaurant upon arrival - €14-20 per person
• Meals other than the above mentioned (a typical lunch can be had for approximately €6-€9)
• Rozafa Castle entrance fee (~ €2.5)

INSURANCE

It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of hiking (up to 2100m in this case). It is also recommended that this covers illness, cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.

There are lots of insurers who cover hiking, for example the BMC: LINK

You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one.

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

Instagram 📸
Foreign trips 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group

TERMS AND CONDITIONS - By signing up or attending you agree to these

© Outdooraholics Ltd 2025 E & OE