What should I expect to spend on meals during the tour?

You can expect to spend approximately 12 to 15 Euro per meal, depending on your choices and location.

What should we do if we carry too much luggage?

We suggest packing light to avoid carrying excess luggage during hikes. Hiring a horse is an option for additional luggage.

What happens if no one else books for the tour?

The tour will still proceed as planned; you'll be refunded part of the single supplement if others join later.

Me and my 18 year old son are planning a trip to Albania from 26:th to 3:rd of October. We are looking for an active guided tour with both hiking and cultural insights. Do you have any suitable tour for us during that time? We would be pleased to join a group, preferable with mixed ages.

We at Choose Balkans are specialized in offering tour programs and tourism services in Albania and neighboring countries. We are happy to inform you that we can organize a tour for you. We have two options: Pearls of Albania Tour in 8 Days (3 UNESCO Sites) and Hiking Tour of Theth, Valbona Valley, Koman Lake & Shala River in 6 Days.

What type of breakfast is provided during the tour?

Breakfast at the guesthouses includes freshly prepared local items such as bread, butter, eggs, cheese, and fruits, served on large plates.

Is luggage support provided during hikes?

Participants must carry their own luggage, but hiring a horse for luggage transport is available at an additional cost.

Is there a single supplement charge for solo travelers?

Yes, a single supplement fee applies for solo travelers, ensuring that even one participant can join the tour.

How much luggage should we pack for the hikes?

We recommend packing no more than 12 kg in your backpack, as you will need to carry it during the hiking days.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour price typically covers accommodations, some meals, and activities; please inquire for specifics.

Can we store our extra luggage during the tour?

Yes, excess luggage can be stored in a luggage store in Tirana, which you can collect after the tour.

From

US $1,859 per person

Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days

12 days

•

Start and end in Tirana

5.0

13 reviews

View all
We tasted a lot of really delicious traditional food and I love Albania as sure for one great reason, its warm weather.
CoCo, traveled in April
5.0
View all

From

US $1,859 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

Replies within 5 hours •100% response rate

Platinum Operator: Choose Balkans
Hiking & Trekking: Epic trails and breathtaking landscapes await
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Self-guided: Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
High Intensity: Travelers should be in very good physical condition and expect continuous demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 10
Ages 12+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Tirana
Start point
Rruga Perlat Rexhepi 15, 1000 Tiranë, Albania (Choose Balkans Office, 14:00)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore surrounding area independently
Day 2
Tirana to Theth
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Blue Eye spring
- Visit Old Church in Theth
- Visit Lock-in Tower in Theth
Optional Activities
- Local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj (5-7 EUR per person, shortens hike to 1 hour each way)
Landmarks
Blue Eye
Qafa e Thores
Old Church in Theth
Lock-in Tower (Theth)
Day 3
Theth to Valbona
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trekking from Theth to Valbona Pass and descent to Valbona Valley
Landmarks
Valbona Pass
Valbona Valley
Day 4
Valbona to Cerem
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike through forests and meadows to Cerem
Optional Activities
- Hike to Zla Kolate (highest peak of Montenegro, adds 3 hours)
Landmarks
Zla Kolate
Day 5
Cerem to Doberdol
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Cerem to Doberdol through forest and national reserve
Optional Activities
- Stop for coffee or refreshment at shepherd's hut villages
Landmarks
Albanian National Reserve (with brown bears and lynx population)
Day 6
Doberdol to Roshkodol
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Tromedja Peak at three-borders point
- Trek along Kosovo-Montenegro border
Landmarks
Tromedja Peak (Three Borders Point)
Bogicevica National Park
Day 7
Roshkodol to Babino Polje
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Roshkodol to Babino Polje
Optional Activities
- Try Raki, traditional local alcoholic drink
Landmarks
Durmitor National Park
Day 8
Babino Polje to Plav
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Lake Hrid
- Trek from Babino Polje to Plav
Optional Activities
- Swim in Lake Hrid
Landmarks
Lake Hrid
Prokletije Mountains
Day 9
Plav to Vusanje
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Plav to Vusanje through forests and alpine meadows
Landmarks
Vusanje
Day 10
Vusanje
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Loop hike to Talijanka Peak with border crossing Albania-Montenegro
Optional Activities
- Visit Ali Pasha springs (approximately 40 minutes walk from guesthouse)
Landmarks
Talijanka Peak (Maja e Vajushes)
Grbaje Valley
Lake Plav
Lepushe Village
Ali Pasha springs
Day 11
Vuthaj to Theth
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike from Vuthaj to Theth
- Visit hidden waterfall
- Pass by Arapi and Jezerca peaks
Landmarks
Arapi Peak
Jezerca Peak
Day 12
Theth to Tirana
End point
Rruga Asim Vokshi, 1000 Tiranë, Albania (Drop off at Tirana Bus Terminal , 19:00 - 20:00)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Theth in the morning

Landmarks
Blue Eye
Qafa e Thores
Old Church in Theth
Lock-in Tower (Theth)

Landmarks
Valbona Pass
Valbona Valley

Landmarks
Zla Kolate

Landmarks
Albanian National Reserve (with brown bears and lynx population)

Landmarks
Tromedja Peak (Three Borders Point)
Bogicevica National Park

Landmarks
Durmitor National Park

Landmarks
Lake Hrid
Prokletije Mountains

Landmarks
Vusanje

Landmarks
Talijanka Peak (Maja e Vajushes)
Grbaje Valley
Lake Plav
Lepushe Village
Ali Pasha springs

Landmarks
Arapi Peak
Jezerca Peak

What's Included

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Accommodation
Additional Services
Transport

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
US $1,859 / traveler
Check availability
Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Travel with your own group of min. 2 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

Operated by

Choose Balkans

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.9(582 reviews)
Response time: 5 hours
Response rate: 100%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 13 Reviews

Itinerary
4.8
Transport
4.8
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.5
Food
4.5
Tour Operator
4.9

Mark
September 27th, 2025
The 7 day self guided tour was a great experience. The hiking trails were easy to follow and had a nice difficulty...
The 7 day self guided tour was a great experience. The hiking trails were easy to follow and had a nice difficulty for beginner and experienced hikers alike. We had spectacular views thanks to the good weather. The accomodations were welcoming and clean, the food decent. Above all we appreciated the good contact we had with Brikena from the choosebalkans staff that checked whether we were safe and was flexible in adjusting the tour. Would definitely recommend!Show more
Traveled in September 2025
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We look forward to welcoming you again in our tours. Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Show more
Roberta
September 28th, 2023
My guide was great and one problem was solved most satisfactorily by the office. And certainly the scenery was...
My guide was great and one problem was solved most satisfactorily by the office. And certainly the scenery was spectacular. However, prior to the hiking trip I was on a 10 day bike tour that cost the same but on it all three superior meals were included plus the occasional coffee stop and a couple of excursions such as a visit to a hot springs pool. In other words, the value for the cost was not good. The breakfasts at the Valbona Valley guesthouse were very satisfactory but at the other two places they were totally inadequate. Also the first stop should be eliminated--that atmosphere and all the loud thumping "music" are not what most people doing this trip enjoy. An extra day in the Valbona Valley would be better. Am totally glad I did the trip and had many memorable experiences but I feel much could be improved.Show more
Traveled in September 2023
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Roberta, 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
Show more
CoCo
April 28th, 2022
We tasted a lot of really delicious traditional food and Edlira our guide-friend showed us many "secret" tips,...
We tasted a lot of really delicious traditional food and Edlira our guide-friend showed us many "secret" tips, regular tourists might not now about. 10/10 would recommend! I am a person who likes to stop a lot for photos and that proved to be very convenient for me. I love Albania as sure for one great reason,its warm weather and i would definately reccomend to not hesitate and visit it.I give a special greeting to all the team of Choose Balkans. See you next time!!!Show more
Traveled in June 2021
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Coco, 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.
Show more
Olivia
June 30th, 2021
I was so pleased with the trip. Our guide and driver were outstanding : knowledgeable, friendly, safety-conscious,...
Show more
Traveled in June 2021
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Olivia Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure organising this tour for you and we are happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Best regards, Choose Balkans team
Show more
Daria
June 25th, 2021
The programme is well balanced, great organisatuon (everything went smoothly and I didn't need to worry about...
Show more
Traveled in June 2021
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Daria, Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure organising this tour for you and we are happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Best regards, Choose Balkans team
Show more
R
RiccardoDeGregoris
March 6th, 2020
This is a wonderful hiking tour.
Traveled in March 2020
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Riccardo, thank you for your kind review. Great to hear that you enjoyed the North of Albania! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Show more
R
Rezi
January 3rd, 2020
Albania is a hidden gem and we were thrilled to explore it. The green colour of Komani lake and the mesmerising...
Show more
Traveled in July 2019
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Rezi, thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to organise this tour for you. We hope to see you back again. Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Show more
K
Kuzgin
December 29th, 2019
Was our first time in Albania, as a couple we are more interested in nature and national parks. We contacted with...
Was our first time in Albania, as a couple we are more interested in nature and national parks. We contacted with Choose Balkans and they very fast with email responses. This tour had everything we were looking for. Valbona and Theth have breathtaking views. And trek from Valbona to Theth is definitely a must. Thank you Choose Balkans Team for this experience Balkans. We hiked through Albanian Alps and experienced real adventure. Thank you for this experience.Show more
Traveled in July 2019
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Kuzgin, thank you for another kind review! It was our pleasure to have you being part of our tours. Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Show more
Chainarin
September 3rd, 2019
I'm glad I chose to go on this adventure. I went with no expectation, and was pleasantly surprised! Local food was...
I'm glad I chose to go on this adventure. I went with no expectation, and was pleasantly surprised! Local food was home grown and fresh! Komani Lake was beautiful, and the view from the hike from Valbonë to Theth was absolutely breath taking!Show more
Traveled in August 2019
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Chainarin, thank you for your review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in North Albania. It was a pleasure to organise this tour for you. Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Show more
Don
June 17th, 2019
This was an excellent tour to experience some of the best highlights of North Albania, Koman Lake, the valleys and...
This was an excellent tour to experience some of the best highlights of North Albania, Koman Lake, the valleys and villages of Valbona and Theth and the experience of doing some scenic hikes in the mountains of North Albania. Being nearly 70 years old, I will confirm that some of the hikes were quite challenging and not easy. But the constant guidance and support of our tour guide Mirjan was so beneficial in allowing us to complete these challenging hikes. He was constantly watching our progress and making sure that we were doing OK and allowing sufficient rest stops to allow us to continue the hikes safely and make continued progress. I give him high marks for his guidance and care of his hikers. The boat ride on Koman Lake was spectacular, as the weather was very good on the day we cruised. The guesthouses in Valbona and Theth were both very good with their basic accomodations and the food provided, as well as the friendliness of the guesthouse owners and families. They really made us feel at home. Mirjan took us on several guided walks in the villages of Valbona and Theth and this gave us the opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery and some history and culture related to each village. The Lock Tower in Theth was a great example of this. Transportation was often bumpy and a bit uncomfortable, but still safe. One has to remember that the valleys of Valbona and Theth are quite remote. To see some of the highlights in these valleys, it takes a bit of acceptance that transport will be rough at times. But the end result makes it worth a bit of discomfort. All in all, it was an excellent tour and despite being challenging at times, it was very much worth it.Show more
Traveled in June 2019
Reply from: Choose Balkans
Hello Donald, thank you for your kind review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in North Albania. It was a pleasure to organise this tour for you. Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Instant Confirmation
From Monday
1 Jun, 2026
To Friday
12 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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Multiple Room Types
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From Tuesday
2 Jun, 2026
To Saturday
13 Jun, 2026
English
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Multiple Room Types
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From Wednesday
3 Jun, 2026
To Sunday
14 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
4 Jun, 2026
To Monday
15 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
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From Friday
5 Jun, 2026
To Tuesday
16 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,859 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
6 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
17 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
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Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
7 Jun, 2026
To Thursday
18 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,859 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Monday
8 Jun, 2026
To Friday
19 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
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Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Tuesday
9 Jun, 2026
To Saturday
20 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
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US $1,859 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
10 Jun, 2026
To Sunday
21 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
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Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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C
Cristian
Asked on December 28th, 2024
What should I expect to spend on meals during the tour?
Meals
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written December 2024
  You can expect to spend approximately 12 to 15 Euro per meal, depending on your choices and location.
M
Marina
Asked on October 16th, 2024
What should we do if we carry too much luggage?
Transport
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written October 2024
  We suggest packing light to avoid carrying excess luggage during hikes. Hiring a horse is an option for additional luggage.
B
Benjamin
Asked on September 13th, 2024
What happens if no one else books for the tour?
Group size
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written September 2024
  The tour will still proceed as planned; you'll be refunded part of the single supplement if others join later.
N
Nina
Asked on September 12th, 2024
Me and my 18 year old son are planning a trip to Albania from 26:th to 3:rd of October. We are looking for an active guided tour with both hiking and cultural insights. Do you have any suitable tour for us during that time? We would be pleased to join a group, preferable with mixed ages.
Age Range
Group size
Tour Details
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written September 2024
  We at Choose Balkans are specialized in offering tour programs and tourism services in Albania and neighboring countries. We are happy to inform you that we can organize a tour for you. We have two options: Pearls of Albania Tour in 8 Days (3 UNESCO Sites) and Hiking Tour of Theth, Valbona Valley, Koman Lake & Shala River in 6 Days.
S
Stéphane
Asked on July 30th, 2024
What type of breakfast is provided during the tour?
Meals
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written July 2024
  Breakfast at the guesthouses includes freshly prepared local items such as bread, butter, eggs, cheese, and fruits, served on large plates.
T
Tracy
Asked on July 27th, 2024
Is luggage support provided during hikes?
Transport
Travel Support
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written July 2024
  Participants must carry their own luggage, but hiring a horse for luggage transport is available at an additional cost.
S
Selina
Asked on July 7th, 2024
Is there a single supplement charge for solo travelers?
Single supplement
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written July 2024
  Yes, a single supplement fee applies for solo travelers, ensuring that even one participant can join the tour.
U
Udo
Asked on April 16th, 2024
How much luggage should we pack for the hikes?
Other
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written April 2024
  We recommend packing no more than 12 kg in your backpack, as you will need to carry it during the hiking days.
M
Marcelo Oscar
Asked on December 10th, 2023
What is included in the tour price?
Price / Availability
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written December 2023
  The tour price typically covers accommodations, some meals, and activities; please inquire for specifics.
S
Sally
Asked on August 18th, 2023
Can we store our extra luggage during the tour?
Travel Support
- Choose BalkansOperator•Written August 2023
  Yes, excess luggage can be stored in a luggage store in Tirana, which you can collect after the tour.

From

US $1,859 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

Replies within 5 hours •100% response rate

Good to Know

Tour ID: 130054

Currencies
L
Lek
Albania
€
Euro
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.
Type C
Albania and Montenegro
Type E
Albania and Montenegro
Type F
Albania and Montenegro
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.Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania.Montenegro. 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 July 12th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 12th, 2026, 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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Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Adventure Type

Traveler Moments

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Dates & Availability

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