Amazing Albania - Hiking Adventure

Hike through picturesque mountains and valleys, visit the wonderful Valbona national park and the enchanting village of Thethi. Gaze at the Blue Eye Spring and the magnificent Grunasi canyon. Stay with locals in countryside guest houses, enjoy local cuisine and get an insight into Albanian culture; end the trip with a fascinating tour around the capital – Tirana.

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION WITH PICTURES OF THE TRIP CLICK HERE 

Fly into Tirana Saturday, September 14th. Recommended hotel: http://www.villatafaj.com

The above hotel stay is not included in the trip package

Day 1, September 15th:  KRUJA & SHKODER    

From the Airport we transfer to Kruja a charming medieval village, beautifully situated among mountainous peaks and green valleys stretching all the way down to the Adriatic coast. Kruja was once inhabited by the ancient tribe of Illyrians and boasts an enormous historical importance. 

Here we will visit the Old Bazaar, the Castle, the Ethnographic Museum and the Gjergj Kastrioti Museum. Lunch with traditional food. From there continue towards Shkoder. We’ll check in at the hotel and visit the city of Shkoder as well as the Marubi Photographic Museum. Dinner with traditional food and local musicians playing Cifteli (a typical Albanian instrument)

Day 2, September 16th:  KOMANI LAKE BOAT RIDE & VALBONA VILLAGE VISIT   

Early morning, we’ll hop on the van headed towards Komani Lake. From there we’ll jump on a small ferry and cross the fjord-like lake of Komani. 

Upon arriving in Fierza, we’ll continue with a van towards the Valbona Valley. There we’ll stay in a guesthouse. In the afternoon we’ll explore the village of Valbona. Traditional dinner in the Guesthouse.

Day 3, September 17th:  ROSI PASS HIKE (Approx 12 km)

Today we’ll head towards Rosi pass, crossing the Kukaj village and the Rama Shepherd's Hut. We’ll reach Rosi Pass after approximately 6 km (12 km both ways) and a1000 m climb, to an altitude of 2000m asl (above sea level) where we’ll have a picnic lunch whilst enjoying the view of the Valbona Valley.  

With an area of 8,000 hectares, Valbona Valley National Park is one of the main gems of the Albanian Alps. Valbona is the name of the river which flows through the Valbona Valley and the village bearing the same name located in the Tropoja District of Northern Albania.

If time allows we’ll continue towards the Rosi Peaks at approx. 2400m a.s.l and from there we’ll head back towards the guesthouse in Valbona. Dinner in the guesthouse.

Day 4, September 18th: THE VALBONA PASS HIKE  (Approx 16 km  6-7 hours)

Today we’ll participate in one of the most famous hikes in Albania, the one between Valbona and Thethi Village. Our hike starts near the Valbona pass from an elevation of 990 m. We’ll continue towards the Valbona Pass at an elevation of 1800m. There we’ll have a short break to admire the view and then head down on the other side towards Thethi. 

On the way, we’ll stop at a small "bar" to have our picnic lunch and continue towards Thethi, which lies at an elevation of 750m a.s.l. 

We’ll have dinner at the guesthouse in Thethi, a wonderful village sprawling along the valley floor amid an amphitheatre of distant mountains and a national park containing stunning landscapes and excellent hiking routes. 

Day 5, September 19th:   GRUNASI CANYON  &  BLUE EYE SPRING  HIKE   (14 km)

Today we’ll head towards the Village of Nderlysaj to visit the Blue Eye Spring. But first, we’ll visit the Blood Feud Tower, the Grunasi Waterfall as well as the Grunasi Canyon. Upon arriving in Nderlysaj, we’ll have our picnic lunch near the so-called swimming pools (naturally carved by water in the soil, they are similar to swimming pools). 

From there we’ll make our final stretch towards the Blue Eye. There we’ll spend some time to rest and have a drink before we head back to Nderlysaj, where we’ll spend the night in the guesthouse.

The Grunasi Canyon is a natural monument and is found on the south side of the Thethi park. The canyon has vast carbon formations and is around 2 km long and 60 metres deep, and varies from 2-3 metres to 30-40 metres in width. The water of the Thethi River is crystal clear at any time of the year and very cold.

Day 6, September 20th:  THORE PASS HIKE (Approx 8 km)

From Nderlysaj we hike towards Thore Pass, through Gimaj Kapre. We’ll climb from a level of 500 m to 1650 m.  Upon arrival in Thore Pass, we’ll have a van waiting for us with our luggage already loaded. From there we’ll continue towards Tirana. 

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the city of Tirana as well as the National History Museum. Dinner will be served at a traditional restaurant.  O/N in a hotel in Tirana.

Tirana, the heart and capital of Albania, like all other European metropolises has never-ending movement and energy. It is known for its colourful Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet-era architecture. With its clubs, bars, cafes, and taverns, Tirana is worth discovering by both day and night.  

Day 7, September 21st:

Transfer to the airport and departure.

Prices:

£595 (for full payment up to January 28th 2019)

£695 (for full payment up to June 28th 2019)

£795 (for full payment after June 28th 2019)

If it`s more convenient for you, we also accept bank transfers. Contact us for details.

Recommended flights:

14 September 2019, British Airways 19:15 - 23:10, LGW London Gatwick - TIA Tirana

22 September 2019, British Airways 00:10 - 02:10, TIA Tirana - LGW London Gatwick

What's included:

• Professional English Speaking Guide
• Accommodation in mid-class hotel twin share on Day 1 and 6
• Accommodation in Guesthouses with up to 6 pax per room from  Day 2 to 5
• Breakfast,  Lunch & Dinner on all days  (Full Board)
• Picnic lunch pack from Day 3 to Day 6
• All museum and attraction entrance fees, as per itinerary
• Transportation as per itinerary based on private and public transportation
• Ferry ride from Komani to Fierza
• Luggage transfer based on Horses / Mules or Vehicles during the tour (bring duffel bags, not hard luggage)
• Airport drop off

What's not included:

• Drinks
• Snacks
• Guide tipping
• Anything else not mentioned in the "Included" section

Cancellations:

Please note that unless the trip is cancelled the payments are non-refundable as the costs need to be paid in advance. However, you may be able to sell your place to your friends or other group members.