NORTH ALBANIA HIKING TOUR

Meet at the airport with our guide and drive for about 1 hour 45 minutes to Shkodra, the most important town in the North of Albania. Shkodra was the capital of an important Illyrian Kingdom in the 3rd century BC, with its center where the Rozafa fortress is situated today, upon entry into the modern city. We will take a walk in the newly renovated pedestrian area, with Italian and Austrian architectural influences, a testimony to the town’s historic links with these countries. Overnight in Shkoder.

After an early breakfast, we drive towards Lake Shkoder in Koplik and then turn to the right through lavender fields before starting to climb through stunning limestone mountains. Once the road reaches the village of Boga, we twist and turn past breathtaking scenery and arrive at the mountain village of Theth, in the middle of Thethi National Park, passing through the neck of Thore. After unloading our discovery equipment, we will take a familiarization tour of the village lasting between 3-5 hours, starting with the Church of Thethi, originally built in 1892, rebuilt and reroofed in 2005. Roughly opposite the church, across a field, is the “Kulla e ngujimit” or “Lock-in Tower,” which can only be seen from the outside. This tower is a testament to a system of rigid and cruel codes for modern visitors but which regulated an isolated lifestyle in these faraway mountains for centuries. Another inaccessible monument inside is the old watermill, situated just below the tower, which was used by the locals to grind corn. We will then walk up the mill, following a footpath leading to the Gerla Bridge, which hangs more than 30 meters above Thethi Canyon, which is only 2 meters wide, providing a spectacular sight. At the wonderful Grunasi waterfall, the waters plunge tens of meters into a deep pool, and its crystal-clear water is so cold that any thoughts of swimming will be quickly dispelled the moment it reaches your ankles. Overnight in Theth.

Walk to Valbona through some of the wildest scenery in the Tropoje District, known as the home of Albanian folk culture. We will walk for about 8 hours through forests and alpine pastures. From Valbona Pass (1950m), we will take a few moments to enjoy the spectacular views of Valbona and Theth Valley. As we pass the Valbona River, we will see some beautiful waterfalls and the quaint village of Rragam. The National Park of Valbona Valley is situated 30 kilometers northwest of the town of Bajram Curri, covering about 8,000 hectares. This park is considered a miracle of the Albanian Alps, offering an amazing diversity in shapes, forms, colors, flora, and fauna. The forests, pastures, rivers, alpine lakes, miscellaneous flowers, characteristic houses, and the hospitality of the inhabitants altogether create a unique place that can be explored on different levels. Our journey today will provide you with plenty of material to satisfy your senses and brag about to friends and family. Luckily, the beauty of Valbona is nowadays available for all to explore and respect. Overnight in Valbona.

An early morning departure to take the Koman Lake ferry. A spectacular boat trip through the artificial lake created by the hydropower stations built on the Drin River. The depth of the lake has given it an opal green color, while the surrounding mountains have created the magnificent effect of a fjord. After the trip ends, we drive toward Tirana. You can enjoy your leisure time for nightlife in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Our day will start in Tirana’s main square, discovering the history and beauties of this town, which was transformed from a big village into a modern capital in the first half of the 20th century. We will visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Museum of National History, walk along the main boulevard “Martyrs of the Nation,” see the Pyramid of Tirana, and more. Transfer to Tirana Airport for your flight back home, bringing back wonderful memories and momentous souvenirs from the North Albania vacation. It is time to count the days until your next experience with Amales Travel DMC.