Walking in Albania

Begin your adventure in Tirana, the trendy capital of Albania. Around 6pm, say përshëndetje (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers at our hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. After, we get straight into the action with an orientation tour around the centre of Tirana, which provides a fascinating insight into the Ottoman, fascist, and Communist past of the city, and its modern transformation. The tour takes in Skanderbeg Square, the lively Toptani Street, and, if the group would like to explore a little more, the trendy Blloku district, which was once an exclusive area for Communist Party leaders. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want to explore Tirana further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Bid farewell to Tirana, leaving the hotel around 8am for a scenic drive through Albania and into Kosovo. Our destination is Prizren, an Ottoman-influenced city known for its well-preserved mosques, churches and fortresses, where we spend an hour exploring the old town with time after to grab a coffee or lunch at one of the many cafes along Shadervan Square. Crossing back into Albania via the Morinë checkpoint, we transfer to the Valbona Valley, where the raw beauty of the Albanian Alps is in full show with towering peaks, alpine meadows and dense forests. In the afternoon, after checking into our hotel in Valbonë village, embark on a 1hr 30min circular hike through the traditional villages and surrounding landscapes. It takes us up to 3,280ft (1,000m) above sea level, offering views of the Valbona Valley’s traditional stone houses, farmsteads and dramatic mountain scenery, while our tour leader complements the views by sharing the history and culture of the region.

After a hearty breakfast, depart the hotel at approximately 8.30am to begin today’s hike to Rama Hut. This trail offers an easy yet rewarding trail through the majestic landscapes of Valbona Valley National Park, making it suitable for those in good physical condition and with a love for the outdoors. Traverse a variety of landscapes along the way, from Alpine meadows to rugged mountain passes. As we get higher, stunning panoramic views of the Albanian Alps unfold, making for excellent photo opportunities. The trail winds through peaceful forests, open fields and past old shepherd huts, adding a cultural touch to the natural beauty. After approximately three hours, we reach Stani i Rames, a remote mountain area with views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, where we rest, enjoy a packed lunch (provided by the hotel), and take in the pristine environment, before retracing our steps back to Valbonë. After the exertions, we enjoy a delicious traditional dinner, unwinding and sharing stories from the day’s hike.

We leave Valbonë around 8am, taking a one-hour transfer to the village of Çerem – the start point of our next hike. Following the white-red-white trail markings, we start with a moderate climb, taking us through a mix of forested paths and meadows. After about 4mi (6km), the trail leads to an old military memorial and a small bar, where there is a stone with inscriptions marking the border with Montenegro. Following the signs toward Montenegro, trek through forest paths, occasionally interrupted by meadows that offer a chance to rest and enjoy the scenery. The trail continues through a forested area, leading to a small hut where we can refill water bottles and enjoy drinks. After, we continue to Doberdol, a remote Alpine village set against a backdrop of towering mountains. It’s also our home for the night and you can explore additional trails or simply relax in the serene environment. Our accommodation is basic, with shared outdoor facilities, but offers an immersive experience in this beautiful village.

Starting from Doberdol, we hike to the remote village of Sylbice. Shortly after starting the hike, we visit Dashi Lake, a serene glacial lake nestled among the peaks, and we take a short break to take in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains. After, the trail climbs towards the highest point of the day at 6,695ft (2,040m). This section is more challenging, with a steady ascent that rewards with panoramic views. The pass marks the transition point before descending into the Sylbice valley. Upon arrival in Sylbice, we have lunch, before taking a transfer (two hours) to the town of Bajram Curri, a gateway to the Albanian Alps.

After a one-hour transfer, enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the beautiful Koman Lake (which takes approximately two hours). The journey allows us to take in the spectacular scenery as we wind between high cliffs and towering peaks. Three hydroelectric powerplants were built at the lake, which produce approximately 70 percent of Albania’s electricity. We then drive (2hr 30min) to Kruje, the centre of Skanderbeg’s resistance to the Ottoman invasion in the 15th century. Depending on our arrival time, you may have enough free time to visit the Skanderbeg Museum inside Kruja Castle or simply stroll through the old town and soak up the atmosphere.

We travel (2hr 15min) to Berat, which is known for its distinct Ottoman-era architecture. Here, we join our tour leader for an exploration of the landmarks. It starts at the imposing Berat Castle, where we walk through cobblestone streets, finding traditional homes and churches. We then visit the Dollani House, a traditional Albanian house from the second half of the 19th century, which provides a fascinating insight into the region’s cultural history and architectural heritage. Finally, we explore Berat’s two most famous quarters: Mangalem and Gorica. Mangalem, on the northern bank of the Osum river, is renowned for its Ottoman-style houses that appear stacked on top of each other. While, across the river, Gorica has distinctive architecture and narrow streets.