Sondor Travel

Albania Hidden Trekking Trails - 8 Days

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In this tour, we follow some of the least explored trails of Northern Albanian Alps. It is a great tour for experienced travellers who would like to be challenged every day while enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Pastures. Even though we provide blankets and mattresses in the huts, you might feel more comfortable bringing your own sleeping bag.

Highlights

Hike through Sylbice and Doberdol Alpine Pastures Discover the local life and culture of Northern Albanian Alps Stay in the local shepherd's huts Experience the breathtaking views of Valbona and Theth Valleys

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport to Rubik When the group arrives in Albania they will be welcomed by our tour leader and transferred to Rubik. In Rubik, we will be accommodated in the Marubi eco hotel. Depending on the time we can make a 2-hour walk to the nearby village or we can go and enjoy the spectacular view of the 12 century old Rubik Church. Dinner and overnight in Rubik. Day 2: Rubik to Prizren to Gjakova to Tropoje Village In Kosovo, we will make a short visit to Prizren. Prizren is known for its Ottoman architecture, ancient mosques and beautiful churches. During the Ottoman period, it was one of the most important centres of Kosovo. Prizren is one of the few cities in Kosovo to have 3 religious communities cohabiting together, as Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim. In Gjakova we will walk through its old bazaar, one of the longest in the Balkan, itself a beautiful testimony of Ottoman architecture. In the afternoon we will reach the village of Tropoje and be accommodated in the village houses. Day 3: Tropoja village to Sylbice pastures After loading our luggage on the horses, the local guide will lead us up the banks of Tropoja River. The journey will last about 6 hours and at the end, we will arrive in the Sylbice Alpine Pastures. Day 4: Sylbice to Doberdol After breakfast, we will load our luggage on the horses and start walking to Dobërdol. On the way, we will have time to take breaks and enjoy the scenery of the Alps. Day 5: Doberdol to Cerem to Valbonne Today we will walk from Doberdol to Çerem passing through Koshutica and Vranica alpine pastures. Lunch is organized in the village of Çerem. Overnight in Valbonne. Day 6: Valbona to Valbona pass to Theth We need about 2-3 hours depending on the ability of the group to reach the summit of Valbona Pass at the altitude of 1815 m. From there the panorama unveiled of both Valbona and Theth valleys is breathtaking. In the afternoon we will reach Theth and stay the night in a guesthouse. Day 7: Theth to Qafa e T’hores to Boge to Shkoder to Tirana We will ride a minibus from Theth, through T’thore Pass, Boga, Shkoder and finally to Tirana. Shkoder has been a very important city for Albania since antiquity. Lunch will be in the city centre with a beautiful view of the pedestrian street where many coffee shops are situated. Next, we will drive to Tirana and visit the city. We will have a 2 hour guided walk through the city centre. Day 8: Tirana to Mother Theresa Airport Breakfast in Tirana. Free time. Transfer to the Airport where our tour will end.

Includes

7 nights accommodation: Rubik (1 night), Tropoje Village (1 night), Sylbica pastures (1 night), Doberdol (1 night), Valbona (1 night), Theth (1 night), Tirana (1 night) 6 dinners in restaurants or guesthouses, 5 traditional or picnic lunches Folk performance and music in Valbona Valley Tour Guide in the English language for 8 days Local guide for 5 days Luggage transportation by horse for 4 days Transportation by minibus for 4 days Entrance tickets to museums Assistance by the Albanian travel agency