Albania Walking Holiday

Depending on the time of arrival, you can visit the Kruja Bazar and the Kruja castle, the centre of the legendary 
Albanian resistance to the Ottomans led by Scanderbeg in the 14th century.

Accommodation and overnight / hotel 4* in KRUJA 
Dinner included local restaurant or hotel

After breakfast and check-out, we travel to Kruja and begin a steady hike on Mount Tumenisht (known as Sarisalltik during the Ottoman era). The route involves a gradual ascent through rocky and forested terrain to reach the Bektashi Teqe at around 1,000m. The sanctuary is modest in size and holds cultural and spiritual significance within the Bektashi community. After time to look around the site, we descend on the same trail.

From here, the journey continues north toward Shkoder. Along the way, we stop at the holy tree in Fushë-Kruja and for lunch at a simple roadside restaurant or local eatery.

On arrival in Shkoder, we visit Rozafa Castle, which sits above the city and provides a clear vantage point over Shkoder Lake, the plains, and nearby mountains. The visit includes castle ruins and open viewpoints rather than extensive indoor displays.

The evening is unstructured. Travellers can walk by the lakeside or through the centre of Shkoder, where cafés and small shops are located.

Hike: approx. 600m ascent/descent; 2.5km; around 3 hours
Transfer: approx. 85km / 1 hr 30 min
Overnight: 4★ hotel in Shkoder; dinner included

After breakfast, we check out and drive toward Koman. The final section of road is narrow and can be uneven, which may slow travel. From Koman, we board a ferry that crosses the reservoir created during the 1970s hydroelectric development.

The ferry journey is unhurried, passing through narrow gorges and wider stretches. Scenery includes steep rocky slopes, scattered woodland, and occasional small settlements near the shoreline. The water is generally calm, and the route offers extended periods of quiet with few commercial facilities on board.

Upon disembarking in Fierzë, we drive to Valbona village. Accommodation is arranged in a guesthouse or small hotel. Facilities are simple but comfortable, reflecting the rural setting. Dinner may be served at the accommodation or a nearby local venue.

Transfer & ferry: approx. 82km total distance; about 6 hours including travel and crossing
Overnight: Guesthouse or 3★ hotel in Valbona

Today’s hike focuses on the natural features of Valbona National Park. The route covers mixed terrain including pine forest, open pasture, and limestone areas typical of the region.

We visit Valbona Waterfall and the spring, where water emerges from the limestone rock. The walk is moderately challenging, with steady ascents and descents and some uneven ground. The landscape is largely undeveloped, with few facilities along the way, and the emphasis is on time outdoors rather than specific landmarks.

After the hike, the remainder of the afternoon can be spent resting at the accommodation or taking short independent walks on marked paths in the surrounding area.

Hike: approx. 650m ascent/descent; around 6 hours
Overnight: Guesthouse or 3★ hotel in Valbona; dinner included

After breakfast, luggage is transported by packhorse, allowing for a more manageable ascent. The trail begins with a steep forest section before opening into wider alpine pasture. Large glacial rocks dot the landscape, and the path narrows as it approaches the pass.

At the top, the Valbona Pass provides a central viewpoint in the Albanian Alps. On clear days, the surrounding peaks and valleys can be seen from the ridge, although weather conditions can affect visibility.

The descent into Theth is gradual in places but includes steeper sections through fir and beech forest. The total walk is long and requires good pacing.

Theth village consists of traditional stone houses and agricultural land. Accommodation is in a local guesthouse with a home-cooked meal, offering a straightforward introduction to local food and customs.

Hike: approx. 1,050m ascent / 1,300m descent; 9km; around 7 hours
Overnight: Guesthouse in Theth; dinner included

Today’s circular walk explores the key sites of Theth. The trail is mostly gentle and connects several places of interest, including:

Theth Church — a simple building set in open pasture.

Kulla e Ngujimit — a historic tower linked to traditional customs of refuge and conflict resolution.

Theth Waterfall and Grunasi Canyon — viewpoints reached by marked paths.

Stone terraces dating to the late Bronze Age — visible remains showing earlier agricultural activity.

The day combines natural and cultural points without long continuous ascents. Surfaces vary from village roads to paths with rocks and roots.

Hike: approx. 200m ascent/descent; 11km; around 5 hours
Overnight: Guesthouse in Theth; dinner included

We leave Theth on foot via Shtegu i Dheneve, known as the Path of the Sheep. The route crosses open mountain terrain beneath Radohima Mountain. It is a recognised local trail with steady climbs and descents and limited shelter along the way.

On reaching Boga, there is time for a break before continuing by vehicle down the valley toward Shkoder.

Those who prefer not to hike this section can choose an optional 4x4 transfer directly from Theth to Shkoder (not included).

Hike: approx. 900m ascent / 1,100m descent; 17km; 6–7 hours
Overnight: 4★ hotel in Shkoder

After breakfast, we drive from Shkoder to Tirana. Based on departure time, there may be an opportunity to walk through central areas including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, and the exterior of historical buildings such as parts of Justinian’s fortress.

Museums and galleries may be possible if time permits. After the city visit, we continue to Tirana airport for departure.