Trekking in Albania and North Montenegro
Trekking in Albania and North Montenegro
Trekking in Albania and North Montenegro
11 Days Starting in Shkodra, Albania and ending in Zabljak, Montenegro
Visiting: Shkodra, Valbona National Park, Prokletije, Valbona Pass, Shkoder, Kolasin, Bjelasica Mountain, Bjelasica, Biogradska Gora National Park, Durmitor National Park, Podgorica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
70
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Albania and North Montenegro. This tour takes you from the vibrant city of Shkodra to the serene beauty of Zabljak, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders. Traverse the majestic Accursed Mountains, hike through the pristine Valbona National Park, and cross the stunning Valbona Pass. Experience the rustic charm of traditional shepherds' huts in Bjelasica Mountain and explore the ancient forests of Biogradska Gora National Park. Delight in the tranquil beauty of Durmitor's three lakes and enjoy cozy accommodations in hand-picked hotels and guesthouses. With all internal ground transfers and daily luggage transport included, this tour promises a seamless and enriching journey through some of the most picturesque regions of the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Albania And Visit Of Shkodra
Location: Shkodra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your driver will welcome you at the airport in Tirana or Podgorica. During the transfer to the hotel close to Shkodra’s centre, (90 minutes) you can gather first impressions. If the weather allows it you have the choice to swim at the Balkans' biggest lake or visit the Rozafa Castle. In the city, the cafés burst with people who flock for a stroll on the pedestrian area. Lined with bourgeoisie townhouses, a reminder of the city's rich past, it has a certain Italian atmosphere to it. When daylight fades you can choose between restaurants that offer carefully crafted traditional meals.
Day 2 : Journey Into The Accursed Mountains
Location: Valbona National Park
Accommodation Name: cosy accommodation in a small hamlet
Meals Included: Breakfast
You rise early for the transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam (55 km/1:30 h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Alps. The custom-made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3 h). After lunch, you travel by minibus past traditional villages, composed of wooden shingle-covered stone houses, into the highlands and the Valbona National Park (35 km/1:15 h). On a first warm-up walk, you continue on foot along the crystal clean stream and on quiet berry-lined trails through the forest to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at your cosy accommodation in a small hamlet.
Walking for the day: 3 hours, 7 km ?250m ?50m
Day 3 : Valbona
Location: Prokletije
Accommodation Name: another guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
You start your hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside, below bunkers that once protected the border and are now scattered in the riverbed. At 2,040 m a weathered border pyramid is a reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching the last glimpse at the Alps highest Mount Jezerca (2,694m) you descend on a different path to another guesthouse.
Walking for the day: 5-6 hours, 12 km ?750m ?700m
Day 4 : The Grand Crossing: Valbona To Theth
Location: Valbona Pass
Accommodation Name: another inviting guesthouse in the centre of the village
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accompanied by a local and a mule that carries your load you set out for the transfer hike across Valbona Pass (1,811m) – another highlight and the highest point of your journey. After passing the village Rragam few steep segments need to be tackled. You can pause regularly near springs and on colourful meadows to enjoy the splendid views. Enjoy the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth. The fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the sun in the afternoon for you. By the time the woods thin out Mount Arapi (2,217m) is visible and soon the houses of the village are reached. Spread below are the different hamlets. On a broad path, you enter another inviting guesthouse in the centre of the village.
Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 15 km ?750m ?1,125m
Day 5 : From Theth To Nderlysa And Back To Shkoder
Location: Shkoder
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Shkoder
Meals Included: Breakfast
The short trail downstream follows an ancient bridle path that connected Theth with the lower villages of the Shala region. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity, and road access busy everyday life seems completely forgotten. After a meal at a guesthouse the minibus takes you to the Edith Durham Memorial, over a scenic pass road to the Boga Valley and Shkoder (3 hours). Overnight in Shkoder.
Walking for the day: 3-4 hours, 9 km ?150m ?300m
Day 6 : Transfer Shkoder (Albania) - Kolasin (Montenegro)
Location: Kolasin
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Kolasin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Private car transfer from Shkoder to Kolasin (130 km / 3 hours). On the way to Kolasin you will pass through the impressive Moraca Canyon where you can take a break and visit the 13th century Moraca Monastery. The Moraca Monastery is one of the best preserved Serbian medieval orthodox monasteries. Overnight in Kolasin.
Day 7 : Bjelasica Mountain
Location: Bjelasica Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, after breakfast, you will start your walking. The path leads you to the heart of the Bjelasica Mountain. The hiking is mostly uphill and on pastures and grassland. At the end of your invigorating first hike, you’ll arrive at the Katuns or Shepherds' huts, which are traditional mountain houses found all over Northern Montenegro.Traditionally, rural farming families close their village homes and move to these simple cottages during the summer months. Life in the katuns is rustic and simple and you will have a chance to feel the real rural life of the Montenegrins.
Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 16 km ?950m ?250m
Day 8 : Crna Glava Summit
Location: Bjelasica
Meals Included: Breakfast
During this day's walk, you will hike the gentle green slopes and summits of Bjelasica. This is a circular walk heading to Crna Glava, the peak of Bjelasica, passing by two lovely mountain lakes. There are excellent views to the shepherds' villages below your trail as well as to the surrounding mountains. On the way back you will have time to take a short break and taste the crystal clear water from the spring of the Biogradska river which is the main water supply for Biogradsko lake.
Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 16 km ?700m ?750m
Day 9 : Biogradska Gora National Park And Biogradsko Lake
Location: Biogradska Gora National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first part of today’s hike passes through the highlands of Lica mountain – heading to the hidden shepherd’s village of Goles Katun where you can stop for lunch or try a selection of home-made products. The forests are the most important natural feature of the park, as the 1,600-hectare woods are one of the last three primaeval forests in Europe so that you will be passing by 400 to 500 years old trees. On arrival to Biogradsko Lake, you will have plenty of time to relax and take a walk around the lake. We will then transfer you to Durmitor National Park through the canyon of the river Tara. Before you arrive in Zabljak, which is located in the heart of Durmitor National Park, you will be able to view one of the most beautiful bridges in this part of the world – Djurdjevica Tara bridge.
Walking for the day: 5 hours, 12 km ?350m ?950m
Day 10 : The Three Lakes Tour
Location: Durmitor National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
The last circular walk by the three Durmitor lakes is a relaxing one, with an optional rest/swim in Crno Jezero (the Black Lake). The terrain is flat, and a path leads through a fir and pine forest. During this hike you are going to see Barno, Zminje and Crno lakes, Barno being the smallest and Crno the biggest. Return to your accommodation.
Walking for the day: 4-5 hours, 12 km ?150m ?150m
Day 11 : Departure Or Onward Travel
Location: Podgorica
(optional private transfer to Dubrovnik or Podgorica Airport)
What's Included
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Pre-departure Information Pack
A detailed pre-departure holiday information pack is included, featuring GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes, detailed maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked, a visual day-by-day photo guide, daily distances and approximate walking times, daily vertical profiles and elevation gains, transfer information, travel connection schedules for public transport, hotel locations and contact data, and destination information and background guide to the destination’s history, culture, and cuisine.
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Accommodation
Accommodation for 7 nights in hand-picked 2 to 4 star hotels or family-run guesthouses is included as listed in the itinerary.
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Meals
7 breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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Luggage Transport
Daily luggage transport to the next hotel for one bag up to 25 kg per person is included.
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Internal Ground Transfers
All internal ground transfers as listed in the itinerary are included.
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24/7 Assistance
24/7 assistance by phone is included for the duration of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights and Transfers
Flights and connecting land transfers to the first and from the last accommodation are not included.
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Meals and Drinks
Lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
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Unspecified Items
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program are not included.
Mode of Transport
All internal ground transfers are included as listed in the itinerary, with daily luggage transport to the next hotel for one bag up to 25 kg per person.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in hand-picked 2 to 4 star hotels or family-run guesthouses, offering a cozy and authentic experience as listed in the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 7 nights in hand-picked 2 to 4 star hotels or family-run guesthouses, offering a cozy and authentic experience as listed in the itinerary.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, but lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks are not included.
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Is luggage transport provided during the tour?
Yes, daily luggage transport to the next hotel is provided for one bag up to 25 kg per person.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
24/7 assistance by phone is available throughout the tour.
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What is the highest point we will reach during the trek?
The highest point of the journey is Valbona Pass at 1,811 meters.
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Will there be opportunities to swim during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to swim, such as at the Balkans' biggest lake near Shkodra and at Xhemes Lake during the hike in Valbona National Park.
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What is the main focus of the tour?
The tour focuses on walking, hiking, and trekking through scenic landscapes in Albania and North Montenegro, including national parks and mountain ranges.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.