Duration: 5 days
Age Requirement: 16+ recommended
Private Tours: Available with 2 guests minimum
Travel Style: Hiking, culture, food, local exploration
Accommodation: Guesthouses
Transport: Included
Languages: English
Season: May–October recommended
This 5-day journey links Tirana, Kruja, Shkodra, Valbona, and Theth, with a combination of cultural stops and full hiking days. Early in the trip you explore important historical sites before travelling north to the dramatic landscapes of Koman Lake and the Valbona Valley. The main hiking day crosses the well-known Valbona Pass, a route used by local highlanders for generations and now considered one of the region’s most scenic mountain trails.
Accommodation is in small guesthouses that serve homemade food and give you a closer look at rural life in the Alps. Your luggage is transported as needed, leaving you free to enjoy each day with just your essentials. The final day includes time by Shkodra Lake before returning to Tirana to finish the trip.
This route covers the northern part of Albania, known for steep mountain ridges, villages accessible only by footpaths, and national parks that protect wildlife and traditional rural landscapes. Valbona and Theth sit within protected areas where agriculture is small-scale and guesthouses blend into the natural surroundings.
The journey via Kruja and Shkodra gives you a broader picture of the region’s history. Kruja is closely tied to the country’s resistance legacy, while Shkodra is known for its arts, lakefront, and Illyrian heritage. Travel between each location is by private vehicle arranged for the group.
This trip is designed for travellers in good overall fitness who enjoy consecutive days of hiking. The distances are moderate, but the Valbona–Theth crossing involves elevation gain and uneven surfaces. Previous hiking experience is recommended, especially for the longer day.
Participants should bring suitable boots, a backpack, wet-weather clothing, layers for temperature changes, and sun protection. If you’re unsure about equipment, the guide can advise before departure. Luggage transfers are arranged, but you must still be comfortable carrying your own day pack for several hours.
Routes are designed based on years of guiding experience in the Alps of Albania, ensuring you follow safe, well-tested paths that show the best of each valley. Guesthouses are selected for reliability, local food, and warm hospitality, giving you an authentic and comfortable experience throughout the trip.
Transport, logistics, and timing are handled for you, making this a straightforward option for travellers who want a well-organised multi-day hike without worrying about the details. Flexible departure dates, clear communication, and a balance of culture and hiking make this itinerary ideal for those wanting to explore Albania’s mountains in a structured yet enjoyable way.
About the centre
Tirana
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Dalcross, Inverness
From £1245
Cheshire, United Kingdom
From £499
Bra_ov and Southern Carpathians, Romania
From €1216
