On this 3-day private trip around the Albanian Alps, we'll experience an unforgettable adventure: we'll sail across Lake Koman, go trekking through the Valbona and Theth national parks, and bathe in the Blue Eye spring. Ideal for the more adventurous!
Tour Details
Day 1
First thing in the morning, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Tirana to begin this 3-day tour of the Albanian Alps. Are you ready to be captivated by the untamed beauty of these mountains? Let's go!
First, we'll head to the famous Lake Koman, a journey that will take us about 3 hours. Once there, we'll go to the pier to take a boat trip along this spectacular artificial reservoir. For 2 hours, you'll feel as if you're crossing a fjord, with mountain walls rising from the turquoise waters of the lake.
We'll stop at lunchtime at one of the local restaurants so you can refuel with a dish of local cuisine. After eating, we'll return to the road towards Bajram Curri, the capital of the Albanian Alps, until we reach the village of Shoshan.
The main tourist attraction in this town is the Shoshan Canyon, a natural wonder shaped by the Valbona River. We'll take a 1 km (0.6 mi) walk, during which you'll enjoy views of the karst cliffs and an ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
Afterwards, we'll follow the course of the Valbona River until we reach the vicinity of Valbona Valley National Park, where we'll find our accommodation for the night. You'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free. See you tomorrow!
Day 2
On the second day of the tour, we'll have an early breakfast to start the day full of energy. It's time to go trekking through Valbona Valley National Park to Theth National Park!
The route crosses the Valbona Pass over 12.7 km (7.8 mi) and is of medium difficulty. The start of the route is flat and rocky, running along the riverbed and gradually ascending along a beautiful path lined with pine trees and alpine vegetation. We'll make stops along the route to refuel. If you want to shorten the hike a little, you'll have the option of taking transport that will reduce the route to 3 hours.
Once at the top of the mountain, we'll enjoy incredible views of both parks: Valbona and Theth. After taking photos, we'll descend towards the village of Theth. The landscape will change from open terrain to dense forest.
As soon as we get to Theth, we'll go to visit the Lock-in Tower, also known as the "The Reconciliation Tower". This is a historic site in the Albanian Alps that served as a safe haven during times of war.
Afterwards, we'll take you to the accommodation so you can leave your things there and rest. You'll have the rest of the afternoon and the night free. During your free time, we recommend taking a stroll through the village, which has a beauitful church.
See you tomorrow!
Day 3
On the last day of our trip, we'll make the absolute most of it! After having breakfast and getting ready, we'll take you to visit a natural oasis in the heart of the Albanian Alps: The Blue Eye, a spring with intense blue waters.
We'll spend around 4 hours here so that you can take a refreshing dip. The water comes from a cave in the mountains and feeds the spring, which flows into the Shala River. However, the water is cold all year round, with an approximate temperature of 10 degrees Celcius (50 degrees Fahrenheit)!
Afterwards, we'll continue the tour heading to the Grunas canyon and waterfall for about a 2-hour walk. The waterfall, which is about 30 m (98.4 ft) high, is one of the most impressive in the country, and falls into a pool of crystal-clear water. The canyon, meanwhile, is a narrow, deep gorge that the river has carved into the limestone rock.
After seeing this natural wonders, we'll begin the journey back, but not without taking a stop so you can take the time to get yourself some lunch. We'll stop at a restaurant on the shores of Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. The perfect ending!
Finally, we'll return to your hotel in Tirana, where we'll arrive between 7 pm and 9 pm, depending on traffic. See you next time!
Accommodation Info
This activity includes 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast in a double room in 3 and 4-star hotels.
Please keep in mind that if you're travelling alone, during the booking process you'll be charge a single supplement.
Benefits of Booking a Private Tour
When you book a private tour, you'll have a guide all to yourselves. There won't be anyone else in the group besides your partner, family, or friends.