Albania Walking Tour

Our journey begins in the town of Kruja, the former capital of the old Kingdom of Albania. Sandwiched between the slopes of Mount Kruja and the waters of the Ishëm River, the town lay at the centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Turks during the 15th century. This afternoon we visit Kruja’s impressive castle, dramatically perched on the cliffs above the town with views out across the surrounding countryside towards the Adriatic. We also visit the Ethnographic Museum, the Skanderberg Museum and the Dollma tekke (Sufi church) before enjoying dinner at one of the castle’s panoramic restaurants.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Dinner

After breakfast we leave the city and head north, driving towards the mountain village of Thethi deep in the heart of the Albanian Alps. Our journey takes us by way of Shkodër, where we stop to visit the Rozafa Castle and enjoy the views out across the Shkodër Lake towards the mountains of Albania and Montenegro. Continuing on to the picturesque village of Boga, spectacularly situated amongst a ring of 2,000 metre peaks, we then drive over the Qafa e Thores (Diagonal Pass) to our traditional village guesthouse in the centre of the Thethi National Park. We will have shared facilities in here.

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heading out of the village this morning we pay a visit to the church and the Kulla e Ngujimit, an old ‘lock-in tower’ that dates back to a time when blood feuds blighted these Albanian highlands. This region is still isolated enough to provide a haven for wild boar, bear and eagles and, as we head past a waterfall and into the Grunasi Canyon, we pass by the remains of ancient bronze aged terraces. After stopping for lunch in a local house, we then walk through the beautiful alpine landscapes of the Kaprea Valley before heading back to Thethi.

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short drive this morning brings us to the start of our walk from the Thore Pass to Mutton’s Pass. We can enjoy the views which take in the expanse of the Thethi Valley and peaks of the ‘Bjeshket e Naumna’ (Accursed Mountains). We will then re-join our vehicles and drive through the Boga Valley back to Shkodër this afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We drive through western Albania today, towards the waters of the Adriatic and the landscapes of the Llogora National Park. Stopping to visit the Monastery of Ardenica along the way, we head into the coastal city of Vlorë for lunch before heading up into the park. This afternoon we then take a walk through the forest, along a trail that starts just beside our hotel. Following a well trodden path we climb to the Qafa e Thelle (Deep Pass), negotiating our way through dense pine forests towards the wild beauty of the Karaburuni Peninsula.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Following a short drive to the Llogora Pass we begin our morning’s walk up to the Dhjopuri Pass, a 600 metre ascent that provides us with some great views of the mountains and the coast. At the end of the hike we meet up with our bus to drive on to the village of Dhermi, nestling amongst the rocky slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains. Taking in its lovely old houses and orthodox churches, we then head to the beach for the afternoon, before making our way back to the hotel later this evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Our final day sees us heading towards the Albanian capital of Tirana.  This afternoon we then hike up to the Black Cave of Pellumbas, a four hour walk that takes us to a large cave (used also as a prehistoric settlement) lying in the rural hills above Tirana. This evening we enjoy a final dinner in Albania’s lively capital.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included meals: Breakfast