Your adventure begins as you arrive from Podgorica or Tirana and converge in Shkodra, the storied gateway to the Albanian Alps. Upon arrival from Tirana, you will check into a centrally located hotel. If time permits before settling in, marvel at the majestic Rozafa Castle, which is perched at the city’s entrance. Its panoramic views promise epic landscapes to come. As dusk falls, immerse yourself in Shkodra’s vibrant pedestrian streets, where Italian-influenced architecture and the bustle of the local bazaar invite you to sample dried fruits and local snacks. Enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by a celebratory toast to the journey ahead.

Highlights of the day:

• Discover Shkodra’s cultural treasures with a visit to Rozafa Castle.
• Savor a delightful dinner that sets the stage for your mountain adventure.

Travel Details: Arrival in Albania and transfer to Shkodra; Expected travel distance: ~90 km; Overnight in Shkodra at a hotel (-/-/D)

Rise early for a scenic drive through the dramatic Drin Gorges en route to Komani Lake—a reservoir carved into steep, rock-walled landscapes reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord. Enjoy a unique boat ride that makes several stops along the way to pick up friendly locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze. Continuing by car, you head into the highlands of Valbona National Park, where you can enjoy a light lunch in Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you’ll explore the Valbona Valley, renowned for its stone tower houses and ancient beech forests. A gentle warm-up trek follows a crystal-clear stream, where the sweetest wild strawberries beckon, and an occasional dip in an ice-cold river or secluded pond refreshes you for the adventures ahead.

Highlights of the day:

• Experience a picturesque boat ride on fjord-like Komani Lake.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~7 km; Time: 4h. Up: +250 m/Down: -50m. Overnight in Valbona area at a guesthouse (B/L/D)

Following a short drive to Cerem, set off on an ancient high route through vibrant flower-carpeted meadows toward the first border triangle. Along the way, feast your eyes on forest fruits and the majestic views of Mt. Kolata (2,534 m). As you reach the rim of a deep river canyon and traverse a conifer forest, notice the dramatic transition between the Western and Eastern Alps. Descend into the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1,750 m), where free-roaming animals and timeless pastoral scenes transport you to a world where nature and tradition coexist in perfect harmony. Spend the night in a simple shepherd’s hut, where a local family prepares hearty meals over a crackling campfire and shares insights into their seasonal way of life.

Highlights of the day:

• Trek through ancient alpine trails with majestic views of Mt. Kolata.
• Experience true mountain hospitality with an overnight stay in a traditional shepherd’s hut in Doberdol.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: 7h. Up: +1250 m/Down: -650m. Overnight in Doberdol at a shepherd’s hut (B/LP/D)

Embrace the call of adventure as you bid farewell to Doberdol and begin your ascent toward Mt. Trekufiri (2,366 m). The path, dotted with wild blueberries, rewards your efforts with sweeping vistas where the borders of Albania, Montenegro, and a neighboring country merge into one breathtaking panorama. Continue along the trail as you cross into Montenegro, where you’ll encounter Bogicevica (2,374 m) before reaching the secluded and legendary Lake Hrid. Set at over 1,900 m, this tranquil lake—with its crystal-clear waters and captivating reflections of the surrounding peaks—offers a refreshing dip before you journey through a dense pine forest toward a hamlet of seasonal huts, where you’ll spend the night in simple yet welcoming mountain accommodations.

Highlights of the day:

• Conquer Mt. Trekufiri (2,366 m) for an unforgettable triple-border summit experience.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~13 km; Time: 7h. Up: +600 m/Down: -600m. Overnight in Montenegro at a mountain guesthouse (B/LP/D).

Today, immerse yourself in one of the Balkans’ most awe-inspiring landscapes—the Grbaja Valley. After a short transfer into a narrow valley framed by the rugged karst towers of Karanfili (2,461 m), begin your ascent through a shaded, fairy-tale beech forest. A final steep climb brings you to the double summit of Mt. Popadija & Mt. Taljanka (2,056 m), where dramatic, almost tangible rock walls frame a panorama that stretches across the border into Albania’s Kelmend region. Choose your pace along a narrow spine that reveals several panoramic viewpoints, then descend to a cozy beer garden on the valley floor where a cold drink awaits to celebrate your achievement. Later, return to your mountain guesthouse in Vusanje, with the nearby waterfall offering a quiet moment of reflection.

Highlights of the day:

• Trek to the twin summits of Mt. Popadija & Mt. Taljanka for unparalleled vistas of the Prokletije.
• Celebrate your adventure with a refreshing pause at a rustic beer garden in the Grbaja Valley.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~12 km; Time: 7h. Up: +950 m/Down: -950m. Overnight in a mountain guesthouse in Vusanje (B/LP/D);

Embark on a journey up the storied Ropojana Valley—a glacier-carved corridor stretching 26 km—where you’ll encounter a unique pupil-shaped karst spring and the birth of an ice-cold mountain river from melting snows. Along this ancient caravan route, a weathered border stone marks the memory of former, tightly sealed frontiers. The trail leads you past a dry lake, scattered shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the very heart of the Albanian Alps. Here, the jagged profile of Mt. Arapi (2,217 m)—the highest wall in the Balkans—looms large. Your guide will assess the possibility of an optional climb on this challenging peak for experienced and sure-footed hikers. Either way, you’ll reach Peja Pass (1,711 m), where a steep, well-trodden caravan path leads you to a local watering hole and a short ride to a guesthouse in the vibrant center of Theth.

Highlights of the day:

• Follow an ancient caravan trail through the glacier-carved Ropojana Valley.
• Optionally challenge yourself with a climb on Mt. Arapi 
• Marvel at the dramatic views from Peja Pass (1,711 m).

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~11 km; Time: 7h. Up: +650 m/Down: -900m. Overnight in Theth (B/LP/D);

Step into Theth, the enchanting heart of the Albanian highlands, where tradition and nature blend seamlessly. A gentle walk through the village’s lush green fields reveals Theth’s iconic church and the ancient “kulla” that once safeguarded those affected by blood feuds—a living reminder of the Kanun, the highland code of honor. Your trek then leads you along water channels ascending to the majestic Grunas Waterfall, cascading 50 m into a deep canyon. Continue along a well-worn bridle path following the Kaprea River to Nderlysaj, where natural stone pools invite you for a refreshing swim under the hot midday sun. Finally, traverse the scenic Thorja Pass (1,630 m) before we hit the wa back to the Lake of Shkodra, where the evening is set aside for celebration and reflection after days of epic trekking.

Highlights of the day:

• Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Theth with visits to its ancient church and protective kulla.
• Marvel at the natural splendor of Grunas Waterfall and enjoy a rejuvenating swim in Nderlysaj’s stone pools.

Travel Details:Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: 5,30 h; Up: +225 m/Down: –500 m; Overnight in Shkodra at a hotel (B/L/D);

On your final day, take a leisurely morning stroll through the historic pedestrian areas of Shkodra. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time for any last-minute souvenir shopping as you reminisce about your transformative journey through the Albanian Alps and Montenegro’s rugged landscapes. When you’re ready, join the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city) for your onward journey. For those with lingering wanderlust, ask about extension nights and discounted combined trips to further explore the vibrant culture and sun-kissed beaches of Albania or Montenegro.

Highlights of the day:

• Savor a peaceful farewell in Shkodra’s charming streets.
• Reflect on an unforgettable trekking adventure that transcends borders and connects you with nature and tradition.

Travel Details: Group transfer to Tirana (airport or city) (2.5 h); Departure at 10:00 AM; (B/–/–).