Current as of: December 25, 2024 - 22:22
Walking in Albania Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Albania
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TVZ
- Carbon Footprint: 26kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Trek in the Albanian Alps and soak up culture as you visit historic landmarks
This fascinating, lesser-known Mediterranean country has a pristine, rugged and wild landscape. Our trek is focussed in the Albanian Alps in the north, where the past is marked by blood feuds and folklore. We explore the pristine wilderness of the remote regions of Theth and Valbonë on foot, where agricultural life has remained unchanged for centuries, offering an authentic and less crowded experience. We then have time to discover the historic towns of Berat (a World Heritage Site) and Krujë and delve into the captivating history of this hospitable country.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 6 Classic nights (4 hotel, 2 guesthouse)
- Three full-day walks; two shorter walks
- Altitude maximum: 5,905ft (1,800m); average: 4,100ft (1,250m)
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader(s). Minimum age: 16
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Explore the picturesque regions of Theth and Valbone
- Discover the lock-in tower of Theth
- Visit Unesco World Heritage sites
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip focuses on the north and central regions of Albania and is a balance of walking, culture and sightseeing. During the first half of the week, we trek in the remote Albanian Alps in the north. For the second half, we visit the historic towns of Berat and Krujë.
Walking difficulty: This trekking trip is suitable for the average walker who is prepared to put in some physical preparation. For the most part, our walks follow good trails yet the terrain can be very rocky and slippery in parts, particularly in the Theth and Valbonë regions. We encounter sustained steep ascents/descents (sometimes with gravel slopes) and you should be confident in your ability to deal with heights.
Over the course of the week, we enjoy five walks of varying length. There are three spectacular full-day walks of up to about seven hours of walking per day, and two shorter walks each of roughly one to three hours (including stops). Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. The remainder of our time is spent sightseeing in Berat and Krujë.
Driving: There are some long drives (approximately four hours in total on Day 6 plus a two-hour boat journey), which are unavoidable in order to see as much as possible. Certain areas are still relatively undeveloped, so some drives are on windy and quite bumpy roads. Some roads are full of potholes and of a much lower standard to what is mostly expected in Europe. Still, we are rewarded with spectacular, wild scenery throughout. There may be some very short off-road journeys where seatbelts cannot be guaranteed in the 4×4 vehicles used.
Baggage: Luggage is transferred by horses during the trek. Hard suitcases are therefore not suitable.
Group
There will be a local leader, driver, plus a second support guide and horsemen during the trek (to help with luggage transportation from one village to the next, although their English may not be as good as the leader’s). Our local partner, Dorien, was born and raised in the Albanian Alps and has been walking in the region since he was a child.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Tirana
- End City: Berat
Land Only Itinerary
Start Tirana
The tour starts at our centrally located hotel in Tirana, the trendy capital of Albania. Settle into the hotel and relax, we rise early tomorrow.
Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)
Drive via Shkodër and Rozafa Castle to Theth; short walk around the village
We have an early start this morning and drive to Shkodër (approximately three hours), where we visit the Rozafa Castle and the city centre of one of the oldest places in Albania. Our journey continues into the breath-taking Albanian Alps and Theth National Park (approximately three hours), an area admired for its flora and fauna. After checking into our quaint guesthouse in Theth, we set off on a gentle walk through the valley nestled between wonderful peaks, gaining an insight into agricultural life as we pass local people going about their day. We continue to the Roman Catholic Church of Theth, built in 1892, which was used as a health centre during the Communist regime. The highlight, however, is a visit to the shutting tower (or lock-in tower) of Theth, known locally as Kulla. These historic stone lock-in towers protected families involved in blood feuds and this is one of the few that remain.
Accommodation: Shpella Guesthouse (or similar)
Walk to Theth waterfall, Nderlyse and the Blue Eye of Kapre
Theth Valley is predominantly an agricultural region, where age-old farming practices and horse-drawn carts are still used today. We observe rural life as we begin walking to Theth Waterfall. From here, we continue to Nderlyse, where we find a string of natural pools and a feature known as the Blue Eye of Kapre. There is an opportunity to swim here, so don’t forget your swimming costume and towel.
Accommodation: Shpella Guesthouse (or similar)
Trek over Valbonë Pass to Rragam village; transfer to Valbonë, home of Albanian folk culture
We walk through some of the wildest scenery around into the Tropojë District, known as the home of Albanian folk culture. First, we ascend through forests and alpine pastures to reach the Valbonë Pass (5,905ft/1,800m), where we take a few moments to enjoy spectacular views down Valbonë and Theth valleys. This is the highest point of the trek and a major highlight. It is also a popular spot for taking photos and soaking in the magnificent scenery. We then follow a trail that brings us alongside the Valbonë River, known for its crystal-clear, blue-green waters. We finish at the quaint village of Rragam, where the minibus is waiting to transport us to our hotel. Expect some rocky mountainous terrain today, particularly as we descend.
Accommodation: Hotel Breezy/Hotel Margjeka (or similar)
Follow a route below Rosi Peak, passing through forest to the White Circle
Our route takes us through beech and pine forests down Rosi Peak and leads us onto the White Circle, where we enjoy panoramic views of the peaks and valleys of the Albanian Alps. We may walk the full length of the White Circle and then back down the valley but note that how far the group walks up into the valley is dependent upon weather conditions, timings, and the condition of the group – the decision is taken by the local guide who walks with us in the national park. For those who wish to opt out of the White Circle walk, you can instead walk independently in the area. Please note, the total ascent/descent is 3,280ft (1,000m) if doing the full length.
Accommodation: Hotel Breezy/Hotel Margjeka (or similar)
We take a boat on Koman Lake; continue to Kruje
After breakfast, we drive to Fierza (approximately 1hr 30min). We then take a boat across the beautiful Koman Lake (which takes approximately two hours). The boat journey allows us to take in the spectacular scenery as we wind between high cliffs and towering peaks. Three hydroelectric power plants have been built here at the lake, which produce approximately 70 percent of Albania’s electricity. We then drive for another 2hr 30min to Kruje, the centre of Skanderbeg’s resistance to the Ottoman invasion in the 15th century. On arrival we will visit Kruja Castle which is a symbol of Albanian defiance and pride, offering an immersive historical experience. It also offers offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Aftewards we will edn the day by visiting the old bazaar of Kruja. The bazaar has many shops selling an array of traditional Albanian handicrafts, including handwoven textiles, intricate wood carvings, and unique souvenirs like qeleshe (traditional felt hats).
Accommodation: Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the King Mosque in Berat
This morning we travel to Berat. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour around the old district, where pretty white buildings are perched on the hill amid pine forests. Our tour includes a visit to the Ethnographic Museum (an 18th-century Ottoman house) and the King Mosque. We walk through the narrow, cobbled streets to reach Berat Castle, where we are rewarded with breath-taking views of Mount Tomorr. Within the castle walls are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum (Museum of Iconography). There is free time to enjoy the other sites of Berat or to perhaps absorb the relaxed cafe culture on the promenade. Our hotel is in Mangalem, the historic quarter of Berat, where the castle peers down upon the area from its hilltop.
Accommodation: Hotel Mangalemi/Hotel Belgrad Mangalem (or similar)
End Berat
The tour ends today. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay in this fascinating city or to join the group transfer to Tirana Airport (approximately two hours).
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Mountain guesthouse and hotels
On this walking adventure in Albania, we spend two nights in a mountain guesthouse, two nights in alpine hotels and two nights in three-star hotels (locally rated).
Tirana: Sky 2 Hotel (night 1)
The adventure begins at the 43-room Sky 2, a well-located spot in the heart of Tirana, just a 10-minute walk from the main plaza, Skanderbeg Square. There are restaurants, bars and shops nearby, while the hotel itself serves coffee, orange juice from the Albanian coast, and cold drinks.
Theth: Shpella Guesthouse (nights 2-3)
Enjoy a warm welcome at Shpella, a quaint guesthouse in the Albanian Alps. It’s ideally located to explore Theth National Park, with walks starting from the front door. Rooms have a mountain lodge feel, while the food is traditional local fare with ingredients plucked from the garden. Our groups often eat outside, allowing you to dine with views over soaring mountain peaks.
Valbonë: Hotel Breezy/Hotel Margjeka (nights 4-5)
In mountainous Valbonë, we stay at either Hotel Breezy or Hotel Margjeka (above), depending on availability. Breezy has 11 modern rooms with mountain views, plus a restaurant, bar and garden. The more traditionally styled Margjeka also has mountain-view rooms, plus a restaurant serving Albanian cuisine made from locally grown produce.
Kruje: Hotel Panorama (night 6)
Enjoy views over red rooftops to Krujë Castle and the bazaar with our stay at Hotel Panorama. The rooms, which are traditionally styled, also have vistas over the castle and old town. There’s also a casual restaurant, serving local and international cuisine, with mountain and sea views from the balcony.
Berat: Hotel Mangalemi/Hotel Belgrad Mangalem
In Mangalem, the historic quarter of Berat, our hotel is either Mangalemi (above) or Belgrad Mangalem, depending on availability. The former was the first hotel to open in Berat after the fall of communism in Albania and is built on the ruins of a mansion. It now offers traditional rooms, a stone courtyard and a restaurant-bar. The latter occupies two historic buildings, with traditional rooms and bar.
Worth knowing
- It is possible to book additional accommodation in Tirana before and after the tour. For anyone looking to extend their stay, additional nights can also be arranged in Berat. Contact your sales representative if you wish to extend your trip.
- Single rooms are only available in Tirana, Valbonë, Kruje and Berat due to a limited number of rooms. Single rooms are not available during the two nights in Theth. Our two nights in the guesthouse at Theth are in double, triple and quadruple rooms, with shared bathrooms (rooms are not mixed sex).
Single supplement from £ 170
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included.
Three of these lunches are packed lunches. In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on each day.
Under the leadership of Enver Hoxha (the communist leader of Albania from 1944 to 1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to the world. With fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, Albania still has a subsistence culture and shows very little signs of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to have been grown not too far from your plate.
Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly Mediterranean, which combines Turkish and European tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Meals are reasonably priced at around 550-750 leks (€5-€7) per dish for traditional dishes such as baked rice, casseroles, stuffed aubergine and jani meat (beef or lamb sautéed with onions, garlic and spices). Fresh fish is also plentiful, from the sea or lakes, and is an important ingredient in many dishes. Dishes that must be sampled are Tirana stew, Elbasan yoghurt and baked phyllo pie. For dessert, there are the classic cookies and puddings but most importantly the baklava is very popular. Drinks are reasonably priced with a bottle of local beer costing around 250 leks (€2.40) yet traditional drinks need to be tried as well, raki and Skenderbeu cognac for example (noted for its unique flavour and aroma).
Your leader will recommend restaurants for each evening. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Albania as long as the hotels are advised in advance – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. If you follow a vegan diet, the variety of food may be limited on this trip. This diet is relatively uncommon in this region and we cannot guarantee the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety.
Transport
For this trip, we use private buses. One transfer includes a short off-road section, for this journey we use local transport which will likely not have seatbelts.
Weather & Seasonality
Albania generally has a Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures at 25C (77F) on average in the day; the warmest months are July and August, when temperatures can exceed 30C (86F). It becomes cooler further inland towards Korca during these months, especially in the evenings with high temperatures around 25C (77F). There is always the small chance of rain in the mountains yet we aim not to travel in the coldest and wettest months between November and January. Berat also has a Mediterranean climate but thanks to its location in the shadow of Mount Tomorr, summers are much warmer than expected for the Mediterranean.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Sky 2 Hotel, Rruga Reshit Çollaku 38, Tirana
Phone: +355 4 225 3781
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tirana Airport (TIA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer from Berat for the near two-hour journey to Tirana Airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tirana
Location end: Berat
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Small rucksack (20 litres for water bottle, camera etc)
- Lightweight walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
- Water bottle
- Sandals or comfortable shoes for the sightseeing days
- Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper
- Warm jumper or fleece for evenings
- Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
Please note: Luggage is transferred by horses during the trek. Hard suitcases are therefore not suitable but it is possible to leave them in Tirana at the start of your trip.
Environmental considerations: We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Exodus kitbag: If you book this trip, we provide a free Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
- Swimwear
- Towel
Reading List
The most accurate maps are Huber Verlag Hiking maps (created with Albanian Association of Climbers), which cover the national parks we visit in the Albanian Alps.
Vermoshi – Tamare – Razma – Thethi (1:50,000 – Sheet 1).
Tropoja – B. Curri – Valbona (1:50,000 – Sheet 2).
Practical Information
Visa
Albania
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Albania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
The following establishments provide visa advice for citizens of the named country,
- Australia: Smartraveller
- Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories, Government of Canada
- United Kingdom: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- USA: Bureau of Consular Affairs
Vaccinations and Health
Albania
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
You will, however, require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
Local Time
Albania's time zone: Europe/Tirane (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Albania's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Albania's currency: Albanian lek (ALL)
ATM Availability
Albania has a good network of cash machines, which can be used to retrieve lek; however, the money exchange offices offer a better conversion rate. Major credit cards are accepted in shops for larger purchases and restaurants, but cash is usually easier. Euros are normally accepted but the exchange rate is generally unfavourable, therefore it is best to pay in lek.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
There are no restrictions on the import of Albanian currency, though local exchange rates are often good. The exchange rate does fluctuate considerably, so it is best to check just before departure. We recommend you change a small amount of money on arrival day in Tirana for water, snacks and drinks; otherwise, you may not get the chance to change money until you reach Shkoder the following day. A budget of 10,465-13,080 leks (€101-€126) for lunches and evening meals (excluding drinks) should be plenty.
Approximate drink prices in restaurants:
- Beer, water and soft drinks: 200 – 400 leks (€2-€4)
- Bottle of wine: 1500 leks (€14.50)
Allow 1,960 leks (€19) for entrance fees to other historical sites mentioned as optional against the itinerary and extra for souvenirs etc.
Tipping
Tipping of leaders is entirely at your own discretion. Our local leaders are paid well and fairly for their work. If you wish to show your appreciation, a tip around 270-490 leks (€2.60-€4.70) per person per day would be appreciated. By definition, gratuities are not something that can be included in the tour price.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.