HIKING TOUR FOR 6 DAYS
A 6-day hiking tour in Albania will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged Albanian Alps to lush valleys, pristine lakes, and coastal areas. Here’s a carefully planned itinerary for a hiking-focused trip
Tips
Renting a car is the best option for this gastronomic tour, giving you the flexibility to visit vineyards, wineries, and remote villages where traditional Albanian dishes are served.
Local Specialties to Try: Byrek, Qebapa, Tavë Kosi, Fërgesë, Sarmale, Flija, Burek, Qofte, and Koc (spicy stews).
The best time for a culinary tour in Albania is from late spring to early autumn (May–October), as the weather is pleasant and many local ingredients are at their freshest.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana and Transfer to Theth
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and meet your guide.
Drive to Theth (approximately 4 hours), a village nestled in the Albanian Alps, known for its incredible scenery.
Afternoon:
Check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch in the area.
Take a short, scenic walk around the village, visiting the Theth Waterfall (about 30 minutes) and the Lock-in Tower, which once served as a refuge during feuds.
Evening:
Dinner at a local guesthouse. Relax and enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere.
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and meet your guide.
Drive to Theth (approximately 4 hours), a village nestled in the Albanian Alps, known for its incredible scenery.
Afternoon:
Check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch in the area.
Take a short, scenic walk around the village, visiting the Theth Waterfall (about 30 minutes) and the Lock-in Tower, which once served as a refuge during feuds.
Evening:
Dinner at a local guesthouse. Relax and enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere.
Day 2: Hike from Theth to Valbona
Morning:
Early breakfast and depart for a full day’s hike from Theth to Valbona (approx. 7-8 hours).
This is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in Albania, passing through dense forests, mountain ridges, and offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps.
The hike goes over the Valbona Pass (1,800 meters), with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Valbona, a remote village nestled in the Valbona Valley National Park.
Enjoy a well-deserved break and a traditional Albanian dinner in the village.
Evening:
Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona, surrounded by the majestic mountains.
Morning:
Early breakfast and depart for a full day’s hike from Theth to Valbona (approx. 7-8 hours).
This is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in Albania, passing through dense forests, mountain ridges, and offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps.
The hike goes over the Valbona Pass (1,800 meters), with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Valbona, a remote village nestled in the Valbona Valley National Park.
Enjoy a well-deserved break and a traditional Albanian dinner in the village.
Evening:
Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona, surrounded by the majestic mountains.
Day 3: Hike to the Valbona River and Explore Valbona Valley
Morning:
After breakfast, head for a shorter hike along the Valbona River, which meanders through lush green valleys and offers stunning mountain vistas.
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest, passing traditional Albanian villages and learning about the area’s unique culture.
Afternoon:
Optional: For more adventure, hike further into the Valbona Valley National Park, exploring more remote trails and valleys.
Relax by the river or take a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
Evening:
Dinner in the guesthouse or local restaurant in Valbona, with typical dishes like tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt) and byrek (savory pie).
Overnight in Valbona.
Morning:
After breakfast, head for a shorter hike along the Valbona River, which meanders through lush green valleys and offers stunning mountain vistas.
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest, passing traditional Albanian villages and learning about the area’s unique culture.
Afternoon:
Optional: For more adventure, hike further into the Valbona Valley National Park, exploring more remote trails and valleys.
Relax by the river or take a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
Evening:
Dinner in the guesthouse or local restaurant in Valbona, with typical dishes like tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt) and byrek (savory pie).
Overnight in Valbona.
Day 4: Valbona to Shkoder
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Shkoder (approximately 2-3 hours).
On arrival, explore the historic city, visiting Rozafa Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding lakes.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a relaxing walk around the beautiful Shkoder Lake or take a boat ride if the weather is good.
Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases Albania’s historical photos and documents.
Evening:
Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant with local specialties, such as fresh fish from Shkoder Lake.
Overnight in Shkoder.
Morning:
After breakfast, drive to Shkoder (approximately 2-3 hours).
On arrival, explore the historic city, visiting Rozafa Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding lakes.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a relaxing walk around the beautiful Shkoder Lake or take a boat ride if the weather is good.
Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases Albania’s historical photos and documents.
Evening:
Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant with local specialties, such as fresh fish from Shkoder Lake.
Overnight in Shkoder.
Day 5: Hike to the Albanian Riviera (Llogara Pass)
Morning:
Early morning drive to the Llogara Pass (approx. 3-4 hours from Shkoder).
The Llogara Pass is one of Albania’s most beautiful hiking destinations, offering views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera.
From the pass, you will hike along the Llogara National Park trails, walking through forests, and reaching the viewpoints with breathtaking vistas of the coast and mountains.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Llogara National Park, where you can relax and enjoy lunch with views of the sea below.
Optional: Continue hiking down towards the Ionian Coast, where you can enjoy the beach or swim in the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Evening:
Head to the nearby coastal town of Vlorë for dinner, sampling seafood dishes.
Overnight in Vlorë.
Morning:
Early morning drive to the Llogara Pass (approx. 3-4 hours from Shkoder).
The Llogara Pass is one of Albania’s most beautiful hiking destinations, offering views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera.
From the pass, you will hike along the Llogara National Park trails, walking through forests, and reaching the viewpoints with breathtaking vistas of the coast and mountains.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Llogara National Park, where you can relax and enjoy lunch with views of the sea below.
Optional: Continue hiking down towards the Ionian Coast, where you can enjoy the beach or swim in the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Evening:
Head to the nearby coastal town of Vlorë for dinner, sampling seafood dishes.
Overnight in Vlorë.
Day 6: Coastal Hike and Departure
Morning:
Start the day with a light coastal hike along the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera, visiting places like Dhermi and Jale Beach. These beaches offer stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Optionally, you can take a short hike to the Monastery of Saint Mary above Dhermi, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Afternoon:
If time allows, explore the Llogara National Park a bit more before heading back to Tirana (approximately 2.5 hours by car).
Evening:
Depending on your flight time, you can either return to Tirana and explore the city more, or head directly to the airport for your departure.
Morning:
Start the day with a light coastal hike along the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera, visiting places like Dhermi and Jale Beach. These beaches offer stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Optionally, you can take a short hike to the Monastery of Saint Mary above Dhermi, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Afternoon:
If time allows, explore the Llogara National Park a bit more before heading back to Tirana (approximately 2.5 hours by car).
Evening:
Depending on your flight time, you can either return to Tirana and explore the city more, or head directly to the airport for your departure.