Are the hikes guided or self-guided?

All hikes are self-guided. We will provide you with downloadable trails and necessary instructions.

What is the payment process for the trip?

A 30% prepayment is required to confirm the booking, with the remainder payable upon arrival or via a payment link.

How do I request specific services during my tour?

Feel free to ask us about any additional services or requests you might have, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Would like to know whether it is good to do this in days or more? What is the accommodation like?

Shared accommodation for 6 nights in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse//lodge- style or shepherd's hut with basic bathroom amenities. A typical room accommodates two to five travelers, and it might be necessary for male and female groups to share a room, unless you book a private room.

How do pickups and drop-offs work?

Pickups are coordinated from a designated meeting point. Transportation during hikes is managed by coordinating with drivers.

Is there a discount available for early booking?

Currently, we offer discounts for early bookings. Please check with us for more details.

What are the options for group sizes?

Our self-guided tours usually cater to individual travelers, but there are also confirmed group departures available.

What meals are included during the tour?

Breakfast is provided daily. Lunch and dinner can be purchased at guesthouses or nearby restaurants, and you can request picnic lunches in advance.

What is the policy on cancellations and refunds?

For cancellation policies, it's best to contact us directly through the Ask a Question button.

How can I connect with the tour operator before the trip?

You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button for any inquiries.

From

NZ $1,579 per person

Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days

7 days

•

Start and end in Tirana

5.0

4 traveler reviews

View all
The mountains were stunning, and it was amazing to get to access the gorgeous remote villages.
W
Warwick, traveled in September
5.0
View all

From

NZ $1,579 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Choose Balkans
Hiking & Trekking: Epic trails and breathtaking landscapes await
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 10
Ages 12+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

Experience the freedom of a self-guided tour in the Peaks of the Balkans
Hike through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery Albania, Kosovo, and
Montenegro
Summit Talijanka Peak, and enjoy the views over the Albanian Alps and Prokletije Mountains
Explore the secluded villages of Valbone, Theth, Cerem, and Doberdol

Itinerary

Expand All

Introduction

Day 1 1 Tirana – Shkoder – Tamarë – Lëpushë - Talijanka peak – Vuthaj (Montenegro)
Day 2 Vuthaj – Peja Pass – Theth (Albania)
Day 3 Theth – Valbona Pass – Valbona
Day 4 Valbona – Cerem
Day 5 Cerem – Doberdol
Day 6 Doberdol – Gjeravica (Kosovo) – Gropat e Erenikut –Gjakova
Day 7 Gjakova – Tirana (Albania)

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Additional Services
Transport
Free eSIM
TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

Flights
Guide
Insurance
Meals
Optional
Additional Services

Adventure Type

Choose the type of organized adventure that suits your preferences.

Group Adventures
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
What to expect
- Group of 10 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
Starting at
NZ $1,579 / traveler
Check availability
Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Travel with your own group of min. 1 travelers
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
After requesting a quote, we will get back to you with a price based on your requirements.
Request quote

Customer Photos

Operated by

Choose Balkans

4.9

(511 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

2 to 90 years old

Response time

4 hours

Response rate

100%

Choose Balkans is a leading Incoming Tour Operator offering tourism services...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
5.0
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Transport
Excellent
5.0
Accommodation
Excellent
4.8
Food
Excellent
4.3
Tour Operator
Choose Balkans
4.9

Kwinte
· July 11th, 2025
Automatically translated. View in English Rate this translation
Automatic translation available in English. View in English
What a fantastic trip! We started our journey in Tirana where we were picked up by a friendly driver. After a 4h drive, we could then begin our adventure. Six days full of blissful guesthouses, beautiful views, fun encounters and tough but wonderful hikes. We did the stages: Lepushe-Visanje-Teth-Valbona-Cerem-Doberdöl-Gjerevica. After these adventures to another world (less sounds and comforts, but beautiful nature and peace) we were able to rest in Gjakova. A small but charming town in Kosovo with a cozy bazaar. We would recommend Brikena's help to anyone! She made sure that everything was always arranged smoothly and her advice made the trip even better. In addition, she regularly polled if everything was going well with us. That was also nice. So we would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to make beautiful (sometimes strenuous) walks in these beautiful countries and get to know friendly people. ☺️☺️
Show more
Choose Balkans commented on this review
Dear Kwinte, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Trip date: July 2025
W
Warwick
· September 23rd, 2024
This hike was incredible and truly a highlight...
Show more
Choose Balkans commented on this review
Hello Warwick, it was such a pleasure to have been part of your amazing memories during your adventure in the northern hemisphere! The untouched mountains and rural villages sure are spectacular, and we are proud of you for completing the 7 day hiking... Show more
Trip date: September 2024
R
· August 25th, 2024
The tour was absolutely lovely, yet sometimes a...
Show more
Choose Balkans commented on this review
Thank you very much for your feedback Rutger, it was a pleasure welcoming you to Albania and supporting you every step of the way! Although a little physically challenging, we are glad you completed the amazing trek through the Peaks of the Balkans and... Show more
Trip date: August 2024
Kiara
· July 28th, 2023
We had a great time! Many thanks to the girls,...
Show more
Choose Balkans commented on this review
Hello Kiara, Thank you for your positive feedback and kind words. We are so glad that you enjoyed the experience with us. You are always welcome to explore more. Warm Regards. Choose Balkans Team
Trip date: March 2023

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 5 Aug, 2025

Instant Confirmation
From Monday
4 Aug, 2025
To Sunday
10 Aug, 2025
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
NZ $1,579 per person
Multiple Room Types
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From Tuesday
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To Monday
11 Aug, 2025
English
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From Wednesday
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To Tuesday
12 Aug, 2025
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From Thursday
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To Wednesday
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From Friday
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To Thursday
14 Aug, 2025
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From Saturday
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To Friday
15 Aug, 2025
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
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From Sunday
10 Aug, 2025
To Saturday
16 Aug, 2025
English
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Guaranteed departure
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Instant Confirmation
From Monday
11 Aug, 2025
To Sunday
17 Aug, 2025
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
NZ $1,579 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Tuesday
12 Aug, 2025
To Monday
18 Aug, 2025
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
NZ $1,579 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
13 Aug, 2025
To Tuesday
19 Aug, 2025
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
NZ $1,579 per person
Multiple Room Types

Why book with TourRadar?

Trusted and vetted operators
Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Earn $50 in travel credits
Free eSim with every purchase

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

M
Martine
Asked on February 1st, 2025
Are the hikes guided or self-guided?
Tour Details
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written February 2025
  All hikes are self-guided. We will provide you with downloadable trails and necessary instructions.
A
Anke
Asked on December 11th, 2024
What is the payment process for the trip?
Payments
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written December 2024
  A 30% prepayment is required to confirm the booking, with the remainder payable upon arrival or via a payment link.
M
Michel
Asked on December 9th, 2024
How do I request specific services during my tour?
Travel Support
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written December 2024
  Feel free to ask us about any additional services or requests you might have, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
A
Annette
Asked on December 2nd, 2024
Would like to know whether it is good to do this in days or more? What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written December 2024
  Shared accommodation for 6 nights in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse//lodge- style or shepherd's hut with basic bathroom amenities. A typical room accommodates two to five travelers, and it might be necessary for male and female groups to share a room, unless you book a private room.
F
Fatima
Asked on November 3rd, 2024
How do pickups and drop-offs work?
Transport
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written November 2024
  Pickups are coordinated from a designated meeting point. Transportation during hikes is managed by coordinating with drivers.
N
Natasha
Asked on October 16th, 2024
Is there a discount available for early booking?
Price / Availability
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written October 2024
  Currently, we offer discounts for early bookings. Please check with us for more details.
T
Thorsten
Asked on August 26th, 2024
What are the options for group sizes?
Group size
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written August 2024
  Our self-guided tours usually cater to individual travelers, but there are also confirmed group departures available.
G
Graciela
Asked on July 26th, 2024
What meals are included during the tour?
Meals
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written July 2024
  Breakfast is provided daily. Lunch and dinner can be purchased at guesthouses or nearby restaurants, and you can request picnic lunches in advance.
R
Rocio
Asked on June 28th, 2024
What is the policy on cancellations and refunds?
Payments
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written June 2024
  For cancellation policies, it's best to contact us directly through the Ask a Question button.
M
Molly
Asked on May 17th, 2024
How can I connect with the tour operator before the trip?
Operator
Travel Support
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written May 2024
  You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button for any inquiries.

From

NZ $1,579 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 240860

Currencies
L
Lek
Albania
€
Euro
Kosovo
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.
Type C
Albania and Kosovo
Type E
Albania and Kosovo
Type F
Albania and Kosovo
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 6 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before October 7th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 7th, 2025, a minimum payment of 50% is required to confirm your booking with Choose Balkans. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 67 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Choose Balkans will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Choose Balkans" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Choose Balkans. Please familiarize yourself with the Choose Balkans payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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