Albania Walking Discovery (Culture, Villages & The Albanian Alps) 8D7N, Fully Guided

Making your own way from the airport*, your adventure begins at your hotel in Tirana, the ever bustling capital city of Albania enclosed by huge mountains and hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea at a distance.

Settle in your deluxe rooms in the 4-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Tirana. Unwind in your en suite room or indulge in a refreshing drink from the bar. For those in pursue of adventure, just steps away from the hotel is the Main Square. Meander its quaint alleyways filled with an array of cafes, boutique stores and historic landmarks. Explore the Opera House National Theatre and Historical Museum that are nearby for a cultural and historical introduction to spectacular Albania.

Rest in for the night and prepare for the thrilling adventure that abound tomorrow.

*You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately. The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. The tour provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. If you wish to have a private airport transfer, an additional charge is applied (Please contact for a quote).

Level 1, Approx. 2 km (1 mile), 1 hour walking, Elevation gain: 50 m (164 ft), Elevation loss: 50 m (164 ft)

This morning takes you on 2 hour scenic drive to Shkoder as you uncover the castle of Rozafa which also doubles as the city centre and one of the oldest epic landmarks in Albania. It's advisable to seize the opportunity here and shop for supplies, mementos, and snacks because they'll come in handy for the next three days of the adventure as we proceed to remote sites. The journey graduates into the scintillating Albanian Alps and Theth National Park on a 3 hours drive as the rich fauna and greenery of these locations come alive.

Spend some time unwinding in your quaint guesthouse in Theth, your rustic home for the next 2 nights. From here, venture on a mild trek into the valley sandwiched between wondrous peaks. Locals going about their business and agricultural endowments characterise this journey. The next stop is at the 130 years old Roman Catholic Church of Theth, formerly used as a health centre when the communist reigned supreme. Your adventure climaxes as you unearth the vestiges of stone-based shutting or lock-in towers locally christened Kulla that served as a fortress for families in blood feuds.

You’ll stay at the lovely Shpella guesthouse, situated in the heart of the small village of Theth, surrounded by the Albanian Alps. Relax in your cosy rooms with shared bathrooms. This evening, indulge in a dinner affair at the onsite restaurant boasting home cooked local dishes, everything freshly made in the wood oven outside of the house.

Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 400 m (1312 ft), Elevation loss: 680 m (2231 ft)

After breakfast, we move to the vast agricultural endowments of the Theth Valley. More striking, as you'll discover, is the region's unwavering allegiance to mediaeval farming practice, using horse-drawn carts. Forego the vibes of the city for a walk through nature and rural paths down to the entrancing Grunas waterfalls, renowned as a beautiful jewel in the Albanian alps. At over 30 metres high, with the circles revolving around it and the mill of Boja, it's certainly one of the most fascinating sights of Theth. From the waterfalls, the journey proceeds to Nderlyse to meet another captivating natural wonder - the series of natural water pools gracing the base of rock masses, and the rare feature described as the Blue Eye of Kapre. A perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip in its inviting waters.

Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 7 hours walking, Elevation gain: 1056 m (3465 ft), Elevation loss: 720 m (2362 ft)

Explore some of nature's wildest greenery on a trek to the Tropoje district, remarkable as the dwelling place of the rich Albanian folk culture. Climb up the forests and grazing reserves to peak at the 1800 m Valbone pass. Here, spend ample time to soak up the scenic ambiance and stupendous views below Valbone and the Theth Valley. Once you’re ready, continue to the Valbone River with guidance from a trail while ambling through a series of waterfalls cascading and bubbling down the rocks. The final stop is at the outlandish, yet elegant village of Rragram where a minibus awaits our entry as we move back to the hotel. Anticipate Rocky terrains and steep slopes in this journey, especially, the descent down the Valbone pass.

Journey to your hotel, Hotel Rilindja, a secluded accommodation set in the Valbones Valley of Albania, an amazing remote beautiful spot with the most friendly and warm atmosphere. Experience nature in its purest form at the outdoor terrace. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant serving traditional Albanian specialties.

Level 3, Approx. 15 km (9 miles), 5-7 hours walking, Elevation gain: 1067 m (3500 ft), Elevation loss: 833 m (2373 ft)

The expedition crew is guided on this day, through the beech and sleek pine forest down to Rosi peak. From here, your adventure culminates with a move to the iconic White Circle to behold in full glare, the magical beauty of the hills and valleys resting easily on the Albanian Alps. You can promenade the entire length of the white circle at your pace or get as far as its ridge and back down to the valley. For those in pursue of a more relaxed route can amble around the locality, soaking up the culture, or walk the slopes to enjoy the rich taste of a mountain tea. If you're doing the full-length walk of the white circle, the ascent and descent is 1000 m.

Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking

Breakfast this morning is warm and delicious, setting the tone for a great day ahead before an hour-and-a-half drive to Fierza. From there, we take a boat and drive through the mesmerising beauty of Komani lake for 2 hours, enjoying the cool breeze of its natural surroundings. The 2 hours drive gives you the latitude to behold the scintillating views of several cliffs and imposing peaks. The water body here isn't just to marvel at but it is conserved for use as a hydroelectric power station that supplies 70% of the country's electricity. The journey inches further for another 2 and half hours to Kruje, the historic spot where Skanderbeg resisted the 15th-century invasion of the Ottoman empire. You could be lucky to find some vestiges and relics here.

You’ll stay at the Hotel Panorama, a prestigious accommodation set on a hillside overlooking a valley to the ancient castle of Kruje. Unwind with magnificent views from the balcony or take a refreshing dip at the rooftop pool before tantalising on a dinner affair at the hotel's restaurant serving traditional Albanian specialties.

Level 1, Approx. 2 km (1 mile), 1-2 hours walking

On your last full day in this ravishing beauty of a country, this morning you’ll travel to Berat. Venture on a guided tour across the old district of this town beholding the elegant evergreen glory of its white buildings dotting the hills drenched in the pine forest. Discover the ethnographic museum which is also an 18th-century Ottoman building. The next Monument is the King Mosque and then a walk through streets paved with cobblestone takes us to Berat Castle set on the slopes of Mount Tomorr. The view atop this mount is both idyllic and eagle-eyed which is a reward for your ascent. The interior of this castle serves as a residence and also houses the museum of iconography. Spend time exploring other incredible sites in Berator simply immerse in the cafe culture on the promenade.

You’ll stay at a 4 star hotel in Mangalem, the iconic living quarters of Berat, where the castle observes the entire area from its heightened panoramic position. Relax in your ensuite room overlooking the inner courtyard, a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower and countless lovely touches. Delight in the delectable meals from the charming restaurant coupled with soothing drinks from the bar.

Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel.

There is a group departure transfer from Berat for the near two-hour journey to Tirana Airport to coincide with the departure of a chosen flight from London, UK. Please speak to your travel consultant if you wish to join the group airport transfer. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your consultant to arrange an alternative private transfer (An additional charge is applied. Please contact for a quote).

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.