This journey into the Albanian Alps and the Accursed Mountains is a real treat for mountain lovers. The scenery is spectacular and reminiscent of the limestone peaks of the Dolomites but much less travelled. The mountains are imposing, rough in places, tranquil and splendid.

On our trip, we also take time to visit the historic town of Kruja, the city of Shkodra and the capital, Tirana enabling us to obtain a wider view of the country as a whole. We will have a local English speaking guide along with a representative from Her on a Hill for the trip.

Itinerary: (subject to change)

Day 1 Arrival
Arrive at Tirana airport and take the private transfer to Kruja (approx 45 minutes). Depending on arrival time, there may be time to explore the town on foot. Holiday briefing followed by evening meal.

Day 2 Shkoder
Today we will hike up the holy mountain of Tumenisht, and visit the Bectasci Teqe (Sufi Dervishes Sanctuary) located at 1000m. After the descent, we will start driving north to Shkoder, the largest city of Northern Albania. We will visit the holy tree in Fushe Kruja, and have lunch on the way. In the afternoon, we will visit Rozafa Castle and admire the superb view of the Shkoder Lake surrounded by mountains. In the evening, we will relax at the Shkodra Lake and take a stroll around town. Distance 3 miles 600m ascent/ descent

Day 3 Lake Koman and Dring Canyon
In the early morning, we will drive to the ferry of Koman, which goes through the spectacular canyon of the river Drin. The journey will continue by minibus through the beautiful valley of Valbona, until we reach a traditional family guesthouse where we will stay overnight.

Day 4 Mount Rosit
Today we start our trek to heading first to the village of Kukaj (900m). From here, a shepherd’s path will bring us to remote landscapes of the eastern Alps of Albania until reaching Qafa e Rosit (2000m). The path climbs smoothly in the middle of green meadows, with gorgeous views of the Jezerca Mountain and Rrethi i Bardhë – The White Circle. At the end of the day, we will arrive in the village Rrogam, where we will check in to our accommodation.
Distance 11.5 miles Ascent 1100m / 950m descent

Day 5 Valbona Pass
Today we will hike the classic pass of the Albanian Alps. For centuries, it has linked the two most well-known valleys of the area, Valbona and Thethi. We will use horses to carry the luggage to the next accommodation. Highlanders from late spring use the path daily, until the first snow of winter. Several springs of water will make for pleasant and refreshing rest stops to admire the steep and jagged surrounding peaks of Jezerca and Radohima.
We will descend from the high pass towards the village of Thethi (850m), where we will stay overnight. Thethi is the best-preserved Alpine village in Albania. It has typical houses roofed with wooden tiles and its mountain valley location is spectacular. Distance 9 miles Ascent 1150m / 900m descent

Day 6 Thethi
Today we will explore Thethi, one of the best known villages of northern Albania, because of its charm, stunning nature and traditional wooden-tiled houses.
We will start walking downhill from the house (850m), and visit the attractions in and around the village, including the Church, the Kulla e Ngujimit (a tower house), the Thethi waterfall, Grunasi Canyon, and a recent 2007 discovery: a cyclopean stone walled terrace dating from the late bronze era. We will overnight at the same house as the night before. Distance 7 miles ascent / descent 200m

Day 7 Valley of Boga
Today we will walk along Shtegu i Dheneve – the Path of the Sheep, which is another classic path in the Albanian Alps that connects the villages of Thethi and Boga. We will walk below the peaks of Radohima mountain before reaching the valley of Boga, then stop for a break in the village. We will have lunch in a lovely setting upon arrival in Shkoder and then continue by minibus to Tirana. Distance 4 miles 440m ascent / 440m descent

Day 8 Tirana Depending on your return flight, there may be time to spend in Tirana where you can take a walk, passing the important buildings of the capital – the Italian buildings, The Mosque of Ethem Bej and/or the National Museum of History.

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

Single Ensuite £1465 Twin Shared Ensuite £150 per person discount Price includes: 3 nights' hotel; 4 nights' guesthouse; breakfast; ferry on Lake Koman; all transport; luggage transfer; English speaking guide; entrance fees for tours Not included: Travel to Tirana; lunch and dinner - these will be organised by your guide; insurance; personal expenses

There is a mixture of walking days on the holiday including some easier ones. However, some of the days are long with a lot of ascent and descent so a good level of mountain walking fitness is required as we will be in a remote location.

We will stay in a 3 * hotel in Tirana and Kruja and a 2/3* hotel in Shkodra. The other nights are spent in local guesthouses in the mountain villages.

The holiday will be led by an experienced, English speaking Albanian guide. There will also be a representative from Her on a Hill on the holiday, most likely Clare Kelly. Clare last visited Albania in 2014 and is keen to return.

There will be a private transfer meeting certain flights arriving into and departing from Tirana. Flights to be announced when the balance payments have been received in March 2026.