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

12 days
Start and end in Tirana
5.0
12 traveler reviews
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Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days - Choose Balkans
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Price based on per person in Price: Group 8+ travelers for departure 01 June 2025

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Plan your adventure:
Self-guided
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 10
Age range 12 to 90
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Experience the freedom of a self-guided tour in the Peaks of the Balkans
  • Trek Valbona Pass, connecting breathtaking Theth National Park with Valbona Valley
  • Continue your exploration as you trek from Valbona to the remote villages of Cerem, Doberdol,
  • Babino Polje and Plav
  • Cross Three Borders Point, where Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo meet
  • Trek to the tranquil Hrid Lake, a hidden gem en route to Plav.

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Arrival in Tirana (meet and greet)
  2. Day 2 Tirane – Theth National Park - Blue Eye – Theth
  3. Day 3 Theth – Valbona Pass – Valbona
  4. Day 4 Valbone to Cerem
  5. Day 5 Cerem – Doberdol
  6. Day 6 Doberdol (Albania) – Three borders Point (Albania, Montenegro & Kosovo)/ Tromedja 2366 m– Roshkodol (Kosovo)
  7. Day 7 Roshkodol (Kosovo) to Babino Polje (Montenegro)
  8. Day 8 Babino Polje to Plav via Hrid Lake
  9. Day 9 Plav to Vusanje
  10. Day 10 Vusanje (Montenegro) – Tajlanka Peak (Albania) – Vusanje (Montenegro)
  11. Day 11 Vuthaj (Montenegro) to Theth (Albania)
  12. Day 12 Theth – transfer day to Tirana/Shkoder
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Meals
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by

Choose Balkans

Number of tours

91

Age Range

2 to 90 years old

Response time

5 hours

Response rate

100%

Choose Balkans is a leading Incoming Tour Operator offering tourism services in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro and N. Macedonia. Since 2009 we have been delivering high standard services for our Global partners and end customers coming from every corner of the...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.5
  • 4.9
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 1
    · September 28th, 2023
    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
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: September 2023
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 2
    · April 28th, 2022
    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!!!
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    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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.
    Trip date: June 2021
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 3
    · June 30th, 2021
    I was so pleased with the trip. Our guide and driver were outstanding : knowledgeable, friendly, safety-conscious, and had great sense of humor. I will highly recommend your company to those who inquire as you exceeded all expectations.
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: June 2021
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 4
    · June 25th, 2021
    The programme is well balanced, great organisatuon (everything went smoothly and I didn't need to worry about anything). My guide, Ergi, has a very good knowledge of the region and my trip very comfortable, full of information and showed great beauty of the region. Bid thank you! Now Albania is definitely in my list for future trips!
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: June 2021
  • R
    · March 6th, 2020
    This is a wonderful hiking tour.
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Hello Riccardo, thank you for your kind review. Great to hear that you enjoyed the North of Albania! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: March 2020
  • R
    · January 3rd, 2020
    Albania is a hidden gem and we were thrilled to explore it. The green colour of Komani lake and the mesmerising landscapes of Valbona Valley are priceless. We enjoyed every second of this tour and will definitely try other tours with choose Balkans.
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: July 2019
  • K
    · December 30th, 2019
    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
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: July 2019
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 8
    · 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 home grown and fresh! Komani Lake was beautiful, and the view from the hike from Valbonë to Theth was absolutely breath taking!
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days customer review photo 1Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days customer review photo 2Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days customer review photo 3Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days customer review photo 4Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days customer review photo 5Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days customer review photo 6
    Trip date: August 2019
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 9
    · June 17th, 2019
    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
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: June 2019
  • Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 12 days reviewer 10
    · May 30th, 2019
    The 5 tour day package was well organized and the places we visited were so beautiful. Highly reccomend.
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Hello Alban, thank you for your review. Great to hear that you enjoyed your time in North Albania. It was a pleasure organising the tour for you. Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: April 2019

Dates & Availability

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

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What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • 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.

    • How do you ensure good weather for hiking?

      The weather is generally good in July for hiking, but always be prepared for changes due to global warming.

    • 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.

    • What is included in the tour price?

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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Can I join the tour as a solo traveler?

      Yes, solo travelers are welcome, and the tour will run even if it’s just one participant.

    • Is there any hiking on the last days of the tour?

      On the last two days of the tour, there is no hiking involved. One day includes a drive and boat ride for sightseeing.

    • 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.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Choose Balkans with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.

    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 and Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania and 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 February 23rd, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after February 23rd, 2025, 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 60 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.
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