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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• 10 Days in the Balkans, incl. Albania and Kosovo

  The mountains call on this 10-day, 124km adventure through 7 destinations including Theth, Valbona Valley, and Talijanka peak. Nights spent in traditional guesthouses and shepherd huts showcase local hospitality.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana to Lëpushë

    Your journey starts with a 4-hour drive from Tirana or Shkoder to Lëpushë village in the Albanian Alps. Bring layers since mountain temperatures can change quickly even during summer. Take an easy 2-hour walk through local meadows to get used to the altitude. The local mountain cheese and slow-cooked lamb are regional specialties you won't want to miss.

    
  • Day 2

    Maja e Berizhdolit Loop (1,977m)

    Set out by 8 AM for a tough 6-hour loop hike with 900m elevation gain. You'll walk across patches of snow and bare rock faces. Bring at least 2L of water since mountain springs aren't always reliable. Night at Lëpushë guesthouse.

    
  • Day 3

    Talijanka Peak to Vuthaj

    One of the most scenic sections as you cross from Albania into Montenegro. The U-shaped Grbaje Valley shows off impressive jagged peaks. Plan for 6 hours to cover 12km with 1,100m elevation gain. A short transfer takes you to Vuthaj. If you still have energy, walk 40 minutes to see Ali Pasha springs.

    
  • Day 4

    Vuthaj to Theth via Arapi Peak

    An 8-hour day crossing back to Albania. The path winds past hidden waterfalls and old shepherd huts under 2,217m Arapi peak. Bring a headlamp for the darker forest sections. This 21km day with 1,150m gain is quite demanding. In the evening, visit Theth's historic church and 'Lock-in' tower.

    
  • Day 5

    Blue Eye of Theth

    A gentler day with a 6-hour round trip to the Blue Eye spring. The trail is 18km with 700m elevation gain. Local tip: local transport (€5-7) cuts hiking time to 2 hours. The water stays around 8°C so keep swims short.

    
  • Day 6

    Theth to Valbona Pass

    The highlight of your trek: 6-8 hours crossing Valbona Pass with 1,050m gain. Leave by 7 AM to avoid afternoon storms. The views of both valleys from the pass are incredible. Trekking poles will help with the steep descent. Spend the night at a traditional Valbona guesthouse.

    
  • Day 7

    Valbona to Cerem

    A 7.5-hour hike through forests and meadows to remote Cerem at 1,300m. You can take a 3-hour side trip to Zla Kolate peak. The shepherd's huts are basic with no electricity or Wi-Fi but offer amazing homemade cheese and fresh bread.

    
  • Day 8

    Cerem to Doberdol

    The trail passes through Montenegro's pine forests full of wild berries in summer. You'll walk through Albania's only brown bear reserve. It's a 6.5-hour hike with 1,025m gain reaching 2,100m at its highest point. Sleep in basic shepherd's huts at 1,800m in Doberdol.

    
  • Day 9

    Doberdol to Gjakova

    Hike to Kosovo's highest peak, Gjeravica. You'll pass three alpine lakes including a unique heart-shaped one. A 6-hour hike with 700m gain before a 4x4 takes you to Gjakova where you can finally enjoy a proper shower.

    
  • Day 10

    Gjakova to Tirana

    Explore Gjakova's historic bazaar in the morning. It's Kosovo's largest. Get breakfast for the 5-6 hour bus ride back to Tirana. Keep taxi money ready for the final trip from the bus station to your hotel.

    

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