Albanian Magic - Classic Highlights of the Albanian Alps

Albanian Magic Classic Highlights of the Albanian Alps

This tour is designed for travelers who visit the Albanian Alps for the first time and want to combine scenic nature hikes for average fitness levels with the cultural highlights of Northern Albania in an 8 day itinerary.

Overview The itinerary covers Albania from the capital Tirana to much more relaxed Shkoder and two of the most remarkable valleys in the Accursed Mountains: Thethi and Valbona, both dominated by towering mountains and traditional alpine houses. On our way back we will also enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Koman Lake and visit the hilltop town Kruja.

“Albanian Magic” Highlights:     

staggering views of Theth and Valbona National Parks the Blue Eye’s fascinating play of colors experience traditional mountain lifestyle and hospitality first hand on the edge of two magnificent valleys: the hike across the Valbona Pass (1820m) a tranquil ferry ride on fjord-like Lake Koman

Duration: 8 days Group Size: 6-12 (possibility for private departure starting from one person) Accommodation: simple, clean family-run guesthouses and middle-class city hotels Difficulty: 2/4 + one long transfer hike (more details in the FAQ) Walks: 5x | 4:30h average walking time - almost all can be shortened/extended Luggage Transfers: yes, by horse and car

Tour Facts Services included:      

2x accommodation in comfortable hotels, private rooms with en-suite bathroom 5x accommodation in alpine guest houses, shared facilities and rooms with 3-6 beds full board (meals in restaurants and picnics) English, German, Italian or French speaking guide (inquire for others) all transports within Albania incl. transfers from/to airport, ferry trip entrance fees

At your own:   

airfare insurance (compulsory for every participant) tips and personal expenses for drinks or souvenirs

Hikers should bring the following equipment: Hiking boots, gaiters (if hike is in May), light rainwear (90% of rain falls in winter), sun protection (cream, hat, glasses), 25 to 40 liters backpack, 1.5 liters water gear, towel and swimsuit (optional).

Please note that suitcases are not suitable for transport on horses and only one piece of baggage with maximum weight of 15kg is included.

Visitors are expected to respect the wildlife, leave what they find, dispose of their waste properly and to be considerate with locals.

1

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Arrival in Albania and Visit of Shkodra Historic Capital and Gateway to the Alps

Rendezvous at Tirana airport, during the transfer (85km/90min) to the hotel close to Shkoder’s center we gather first impressions and the country is introduced. After check-in and time permitting we can swim in one of the villages at the shores of the Balkans biggest lake, visit the Rozafa Castle to learn about its legend and enjoy fabulous views that excite our curiosity for the days of travel through the Albanian Alps. Back in the city the cafés bust with people that flock for a stroll to the pedestrian area that swells Italian atmosphere and is lined with bourgeoisie town houses, reminder of the cities rich past. We immerse ourselves in the buzz of the bazaar or in Albania’s past captured on film at the Marubi photo library. Time to enjoy an espresso with the locals or meet an artisan before the daylight fades during a carefully crafted traditional dinner. We are wishing each other a good night after an eventful first day in Albania and anticipate the coming highlights.

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Journey into the Accursed Mountains 1st hike in the Theth National Park and Scenic Drive

6km

450m

450m

3:30h

By minibus we travel into the highlands, first along the shore of the lake that is backed by the Montenegrin coastal mountains, through valleys that become narrower until the tops tower high above us when we stop for refreshments in Boga. Your guide will choose a suitable hike in the national park area and you either walk along the ancient bridle path that connected the valley or head to a look-out mountain. Both walks offer memorable views of the highest peaks of the Accursed Mountains, idyllic nature and we can catch a first glimpse on the village far below while enjoying a well-earned picnic lunch. A scenic drive over the astonishing pass road takes us to a family-run farmstead in the village Nderlysa where we enjoy the family environment.

3

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The “Blue Eye”, Karpeja and Nderlysa Walk to a hidden Oasis and Insights into traditional Village Life

12km

325m

325m

3:45h (+1h)

From our guesthouse we walk through a canyon and along water channels into the secluded sidevalley Kapreja for a visit of an almost deserted village where we have a look inside one of the houses. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity and road access busy everyday life seems suddenly far away. At the nearby karst spring the bravest can take a dip into the icy waters while butterflies swirl around us – truly a hidden oasis to relax at. On our way back we examine the bizarre glacial rock formations and your guide points out the best spots for swimming should you decide to come again in the afternoon, a home-cooked lunch already awaits us at the guesthouse.

You can use your free time to sample mulberries, grapes and plums in the garden, harvest corn and milk sheep with the family, learn to cook a typical dish, explore the surrounding or swim. In the afternoon we go for a stroll and talk to the villagers.

4

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Theth – In the Heart of the Albanian Alps Grunas Waterfall & Canyon | Kanun & Blood Feud

9km

375m

100m

3:00h (+2h)

After wishing farewell to our hosts we leave for a walk along the river on a well-worn bridle path upstream to Theth. On a cliff above the river archeologists discovered stone-aged terraces where we rest before reaching the 50m deep Grunas Canyon and ascend the plateau of the famed waterfall at which’s base often a rainbow appears. On a lofty hill we take lunch in the shade of trees enjoying panoramic views. At the lock-in tower we dive again into history. The “kula” offered protection for men threatened by blood feud, the perfect place to elaborate on the highland law code called Kanun, its origins, impact and present day relevance. The building of the deserted Ethnographic Museum and iconic church of Theth are nearby the guesthouse and you can use the free time to relax or explore another neighborhood of the village.

5

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The Grand Crossing: Hike Theth to Valbona On par with the Mountains on Valbona Pass (1811m)

11.75km

1125m

725m

6:30h

Accompanied by mules that carry our load we set out for the transfer hike across Valbona Pass (1815m) – a highlight of each journey. The initial walk through the village reveals its full extent, from the higher terraces the hamlets lie spread below. The fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the sun while we gain height, we pause to take a breath and for the views on meadows and near springs. On the pass the surrounding peaks appear on a par and sweeping views of both valleys fascinate even the seasoned traveler. Weather permitting we take the lunch break ahead of the descent to Rragam where a vehicle will pick us up for the final leg through the mighty dried up riverbed that leads to the guesthouse. When the daylight fades we watch the alpine glow on the rugged peaks over dinner in the idyllic garden. No surprise many Albanian women are named after the beautiful valley.

6

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Valbona – Queen of the Mountains Hamlet Kukaj, colorful Meadows and hospitable Shepherds

10.5km

700m

700m

5:00h (+2h)

Refreshed we start our hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside. The windy path takes us over lush meadows ablaze with the colors of a wide variety of spring flowers to a shepherd hut on 1650m. The building was used as a military barrack in communist period when this was a no-go area. We admire the wild and romantic jagged mountain scenery, can sample fresh milk products and opt to climb higher to an ancient crossing at the Montenegrin border or to stay and enjoy the views. At above 2000m a weathered border pyramid remains as a reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. On a similar path we return to the guesthouse, visiting bunkers that protected the border and catching another glimpse at the Alps highest mountain, Jezerca (2694m).

7

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Lake Koman, Kruja and Tirana Tranquil Ferry Ride, the old and the new Capital

We rise early for the transfer to the ferry dock in Fierze (43km/90min). The picturesque Koman Reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered another highlight of the Albanian Alps. The ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at the Koman Dam (46km/3h). By car we continue back to the coastal plain and the hilltop town Kruja (120km/2:15h). The castle was national hero Skenderbeg’s capital for his cause against the Ottoman invaders, Enver Hoxha’s daughter designed a museum in honor of his legacy. After lunch and visiting bazaar, castle and a museum we continue to the capital Tirana.

From our centrally located hotel we dive into the turmoil of the vibrant city, admire historic buildings of all periods and explore the “blloku” district which once the living quarters of politburo elite turned now into a chic upmarket neighborhood packed with boutique shops and cafes.

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Tirana & Farewell A great Journey in Albania ends

Time permitting we may visit after breakfast the National History Museum, Art Gallery or other sights of the city prior to departure. Our multi-faceted then journey ends with a single timed transfer to the airport (25km/30min) where we wish each other farewell.

During the flight you recall the past week of traveling on a multi-faceted and memorable journey through Albania.

Looking for more? Extend your stay by adding days at the beaches of the Riviera, join a tour in Southern Albania or explore the other Balkans nations on a trip to the neighboring Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo or Macedonia.