10-Day Albania and Montenegro Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Albania And Montenegro tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaAlbania and Montenegro travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Balkans Hiking Itinerary, incl. Albania and Kosovo

  Mountains and culture merge on this 10-day alpine adventure, highlighting Talijanka peak and Theth Valley. The 122 km trail network offers challenging routes, authentic mountain culture, and nights in local guesthouses.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tirana to Albanian Alps

    Your Balkans adventure starts with a 6 AM pickup in Tirana. You'll drive north through Shkoder to Tamarë where the Dinaric Alps begin. The first day includes a gentle acclimatization hike in Lëpushë village with its beautiful meadows. On day 2 you'll climb your first major peak, Maja e Berizhdolit (1,977m). This 6-hour round trip offers stunning views of snow-covered rocks. A recent traveler shared: "The trail is full of beautiful flowers, waterfalls, rivers and mountains. It was hard to keep my eyes on the path!"

    
  • Days 3-4

    Montenegro Border and Theth

    Head to Montenegro to climb Mount Talijanka in the Grbaje Valley. The 6-hour hike shows off Lake Plav before going down to Vuthaj. The next day is an 8-hour trek to Theth village in Albania past the towering Arapi peak (2,217m). Make sure to visit the Lock-in Tower and Old Church but watch your step on the stone paths when wet.

    
  • Day 5

    Theth and the Blue Eye

    The Blue Eye of Theth hike is an 18km round trip with 700m elevation gain. You can save time by taking local transport to Nderlysaj (€5-7 per person) which cuts the hike to 2 hours total. The water stays at 5°C all year if you're brave enough to swim. One hiker mentioned: "Definitely one of the best experiences we ever had. The trails and nature were just perfect."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Valbona Pass and Remote Villages

    The Valbona Pass climb (1,050m elevation gain) is considered the best part of the Peaks of the Balkans trek. It's a challenging 6-8 hour hike but the valley views are worth it. The next day takes you to Cerem village where you'll stay in simple shepherd's huts. There's no electricity or WiFi but the mountain hospitality is incredible.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Kosovo's Highest Peak

    Walk through Montenegro's pine forests to reach Doberdol (1,800m) and visit summer shepherd camps along the way. The next day you'll climb Kosovo's highest peak, Gjeravica. Look for its three alpine lakes including an unusual heart-shaped one. The day ends in Gjakova, known for its historic bazaar.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Tirana

    Take time to see Gjakova's restored Ottoman bazaar and 16th-century Hadum Mosque before heading back to Tirana. Bring enough cash for mountain meals (€12-15 each) since cards aren't accepted in remote areas.

    

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• 10 Day the Balkans Itinerary, incl. Theth and Valbona

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana to Theth

    Begin your trip with a 4-hour drive from Tirana to the traditional village of Theth. Take a short 45-minute walk to Grunas waterfall in the afternoon. Theth's isolation has kept its unique culture intact. Visit the Blood Feud towers and bring Ismail Kadare's "Broken April" to learn about the area's fascinating history.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Theth to Valbona Valley

    Take on the scenic Valbona Pass hike (1,759m). The 6-7 hour trail follows old mule tracks between tribal regions and climbs over 1,000m. Start early and bring trekking poles for steep sections. On Day 3, transfer to Cerem village before hiking to the shepherd community of Doberdol.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kosovo's Remote Mountains

    Enter Kosovo through high alpine landscapes. The main attraction is "Three Border Peak" at the intersection of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Stay in simple mountain huts in Milishevc village with no phone service, so get your offline maps ready. Day 5 offers a challenging but scenic descent to Rugova Canyon.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Peaks and Glacial Lakes

    Scale Hajla Peak (2,403m) for panoramic views across five countries when skies are clear. Look for rare Albanian lilies along the way. Head to Montenegro via Shkodra Pass, an old silver trade route. Stop at pristine glacial lakes to refill your water bottles with safe spring water.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Montenegro to Theth

    Visit the Grbaj Valley, known as former Yugoslavia's most beautiful valley. See the ancient "Great Mother" rock carving before a long hike back to Theth. You'll pass old communist-era military bunkers along the border areas, offering interesting historical context.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Tirana

    Take the morning drive to Shkodër, northern Albania's main city, then continue to Tirana. Plan to arrive late afternoon due to mountain road conditions.

    

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• 9 Day Southern Balkans Itinerary, incl. Dubrovnik and Corfu

  A 9-day cultural mosaic unfolds from Kotor's Bay to Ulcinj's beaches. Highlights include Tirana's Bunk'Art museum, Crystal Bay's waters, and Gjirokaster's Ottoman architecture. Package includes 6 breakfasts and varied accommodation, approx. $160 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Start your adventure in Dubrovnik's Old Town through the Pile Gate. Get to the city walls before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. Walking the full circuit takes about 2 hours. Stop at Buža Bar built into the cliffs outside the walls for great photos. You can spend the afternoon swimming at Banje Beach just a 10-minute walk from Old Town.

    
  • Day 2

    Kotor & Ulcinj, Montenegro

    Take an early bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor (2 hours). The Kotor Fortress climb has 1,350 steps. Start early to beat the heat and pack plenty of water. Drive to Ulcinj (3 hours) for the afternoon. Visit the medieval Old Town on its clifftop perch right before sunset when the limestone walls take on a golden glow.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Tirana, Albania

    The 4-hour drive brings you to Tirana. Visit the Bunk'Art museum in its massive Cold War bunker. Use Skanderbeg Square as your main reference point while exploring the city. Check out the Blloku neighborhood where Albanian elites once lived now full of cool cafes. You can take a quick day trip to Kruja (45 minutes by bus) to explore its castle and old bazaar.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Albanian Riviera - Himare

    The coastal road to Himare has beautiful views but lots of curves. Consider motion sickness medication if needed. Spend a day discovering hidden beaches like Gjipe which you can reach by boat or a 30-minute hike. Book a morning boat tour to Crystal Bay when the water is calmest. Book dinner reservations early as seafood restaurants fill up fast.

    
  • Day 7

    Gjirokaster

    This UNESCO city showcases beautiful Ottoman architecture. Watch your step on the slippery cobblestone streets. Try some traditional stone-cooked coffee in a local home. The castle offers amazing views but requires a steep climb. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense sun.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Saranda & Corfu

    Catch the morning hydrofoil from Saranda to Corfu (30 minutes). The old town gets packed with tourists so explore early or late in the day. Stay in the Liston area for convenient access to both old town and the beach.

    

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