Peaks of the Balkans Highlights (8 Days, Guided)
Peaks of the Balkans Highlights (8 Days, Guided)
Peaks of the Balkans Highlights (8 Days, Guided)
8 Days Starting in Tirana, Albania and ending in Shkodër, Albania
Visiting: Shkodër, Valbona Valley National Park, Çerem, Babino Polje, Vusanje, Theth
Tour operator:
Tour code:
382
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day guided adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Albania and Montenegro with the "Peaks of the Balkans Highlights" tour. This journey offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, starting in the historic town of Shkodër. Cruise the serene waters of Komani Lake, visit remote villages, and hike through the ancient beech forests of Valbona Valley National Park. Experience the traditional shepherding lifestyle in Dobërdol and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Trekufiri, where three countries converge. Discover the stunning karst towers of Karanfili in Grebaje Valley and the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring in Theth National Park. With comfortable accommodations ranging from guesthouses to a shepherd hut, and traditional meals included, this tour promises an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Albania – Shkodër
Location: Shkodër
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Shkodër
Meals Included: Dinner
Join a group transfer from Tirana to Shkodër (2h). Depending on arrival time, there is an opportunity to explore the town. In the evening, the group gathers for an introduction meeting and tour briefing at the accommodation, followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 2 : Komani Lake – Valbona Valley National Park 7Km
Location: Valbona Valley National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Valbonë
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning transfer to Komani Lake (1h 30mins) to board a boat which stops several times at remote villages along the way to Fierzë (46km, 3h). After lunch, travel by car into Valbona Valley National Park’s highlands. Follow a stream through ancient beech forests, with opportunities to swim in the Valbona River or small lakes. The walk ends at a guesthouse in Valbonë.
Day 3 : Cerem – Dobërdol 16Km
Location: Çerem
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in a Shepherd hut in Dobërdol
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a 45min drive to Cerem, walk across fields of flowers towards the remote border triangle. Reaching the rim of the deep-cut river canyon formed by Gashi River, follow the high route through the conifer forest. In the glacial-shaped valley of Dobërdol (1,750 m), where herds of cows and flocks of sheep roam freely. Acomadaton in a simple shepherd hut. After a home-cooked dinner, relax by the bonfire and learn more about the region’s shepherding lifestyle.
Day 4 : Dobërdol – Babino Polje
Location: Babino Polje
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Babino Polje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb out of the valley towards Mount Trekufiri (2,366m). At the top, a panoramic view of where the borders of three countries merge. The border trail leads into Montenegro, around Bogicevica (2,374m) and Hrid Lake. Continue on the trail through a dense pine forest towards the scattered settlement of Babino Polje at the edge of the national park. Your guide may also choose an alternative, longer trail along the border ridge.
Day 5 : Grebaje Valley – Vusanje
Location: Vusanje
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Vusanje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day starts with an hour’s transfer past Lake Plav, leading into a narrow valley wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2,461m). After ascending through a beech forest, a last steep climb reaches the double peak of Mount Popadija and Mount Talijanka (2,056m). Your guide will choose the most suitable route, traversing the narrow spine to a series of panoramic viewpoints back onto the forest path. The day ends at a beer garden on the valley floor before travelling to the guesthouse in Vusanje. There is an option to choose between two hikes or use the remainder of the day for rest.
Day 6 : Vusanje – Theth
Location: Theth
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Theth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travelling up Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26km long glacier, stop at a pupil-shaped karst spring where an ice-cold river emerges from the melting snow high up in the mountains. Maja Harapit (2,217m) towers over Theth National Park. At Peja Pass (1,711m), the guide will decide if the summit can be tackled. Those who opt out of this section, meant for experienced and sure-footed hikers, can descend with the horsemen. Afterwards, a short transfer to the guesthouse in Theth.
Day 7 : Theth – Shkodër
Location: Shkodër
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Shkodër
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, climb to Grunas Waterfall and descend along a well-worn bridle path to the village of Nderlysa for lunch. Continue the hike to a karst spring called Blue Eye, or spend the afternoon swimming in the glacier-shaped rock formations. In the late afternoon, transfer to Terthorja Pass (1,630m) back to Shkodër (3h), returning to the hotel from the first night.
Day 8 : Departure
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, an airport transfer is arranged, or onward travel plans accommodated.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner on most days.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in various locations including Shkodër, Valbonë, Dobërdol, Babino Polje, Vusanje, and Theth.
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Transfers
Group transfers are included from Tirana to Shkodër and for various segments of the tour.
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Guided Tours
The tour includes guided walks and hikes through various national parks and scenic locations.
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Airport Transfer
An airport transfer is arranged on the day of departure.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes group transfers from Tirana to Shkodër, boat rides on Komani Lake, and various car transfers to key locations. Enjoy scenic drives and convenient transportation to enhance your exploration of the Balkans.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations, from guesthouses in Valbonë and Vusanje to a simple shepherd hut in Dobërdol, offering a unique glimpse into the local lifestyle. Enjoy traditional meals and relax in comfortable settings after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will experience a variety of accommodations, including guesthouses in Valbonë and Vusanje, as well as a simple shepherd hut in Dobërdol. These accommodations offer a unique glimpse into the local lifestyle, with traditional meals and comfortable settings to relax after a day of exploration.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner on most days, allowing you to enjoy traditional meals throughout your journey.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes group transfers from Tirana to Shkodër, boat rides on Komani Lake, and various car transfers to key locations. These scenic drives and convenient transportation options enhance your exploration of the Balkans.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, an airport transfer is arranged on the day of departure to accommodate your onward travel plans.
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What activities are included in the guided tours?
The guided tours include walks and hikes through various national parks and scenic locations, such as Valbona Valley National Park, the glacial-shaped valley of Dobërdol, and Theth National Park, among others.
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What is the experience like in Dobërdol?
In Dobërdol, you will experience the shepherding lifestyle firsthand in a glacial-shaped valley where herds of cows and flocks of sheep roam freely. Accommodation is in a simple shepherd hut, and you can enjoy a home-cooked dinner followed by relaxation by the bonfire.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.