Northern Albania: Culture, Nature and Alpine Trails

Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in central Tirana. After settling in and taking time to rest from your journey, we enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant near the city center, savoring authentic Albanian flavors and hospitality. Overnight in Tirana. 

After breakfast, your guide meets you at the hotel reception and we begin our journey north to Krujë, a historic town perched on a mountainside just 35 km from Tirana. We explore the Krujë Old Bazaar, a charming marketplace filled with handcrafted souvenirs, traditional textiles, and local artisans at work. Next, we visit Krujë Castle, the legendary stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, where history comes alive through its museum and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch at a restaurant inside the castle, immersing ourselves in the region’s culinary heritage. In the afternoon, we continue our drive to Shkodër, 95 km away, a vibrant city known for its cultural richness and scenic beauty. After checking in at the hotel, the afternoon is at leisure to stroll along the Shkodër promenade and discover the city’s charming cafés and local atmosphere. Free time for dinner and overnight in Shkodër. 

We start the day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting our guide at the reception. From here, we embark on a scenic 75 km journey through the Albanian Alps to Theth, a remote mountain village that feels like stepping back in time. Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel and prepare for an adventure, collecting our packed lunch before setting out on a soft trek. The approximately 10 km loop trail takes us to the breathtaking Grunas Waterfall and through the dramatic landscapes of Theth Canyon, with around 600 meters of ascent and descent along the way. The route offers stunning alpine views, wildflower meadows, and the peaceful sounds of nature. We return to the hotel in the evening for a relaxing atmosphere, with free time for dinner and to enjoy the tranquil mountain surroundings. Overnight in Theth. 

Following breakfast at the hotel, we embark on another soft trek, this time to the stunning Blue Eye of Theth. This 10 km round-trip walk brings us to a natural spring of crystal-clear turquoise water, nestled in the heart of the mountains. With an elevation gain of approximately 400 meters, the trail offers magnificent views and a sense of serenity. We pause for a picnic lunch amidst the pristine alpine scenery, surrounded by towering peaks and unspoiled nature. On our return, we visit the Lock-in Tower in Theth, a historic stone structure that tells the story of Albania’s ancient blood feud traditions and offers insight into the region’s unique cultural heritage. Back at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy dinner at your leisure, and soak in the beauty of the surrounding nature. Overnight in Theth. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Theth and make our way back to Shkodër, a 75 km journey through mountain scenery. Upon arrival, we visit Rozafa Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of Shkodër Lake and the surrounding valleys. The castle’s legends and history bring Albania’s past to life. We also take time to appreciate the beauty of Shkodër Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans, before continuing our journey. Our next stop is Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism, located 30 km away, where we experience authentic Albanian farm life and cuisine. Here, we enjoy a culinary journey featuring organic, farm-to-table dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients, and tour the property to learn about traditional agricultural practices. In the afternoon, we transfer to Tirana and check in at our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the vibrant Blloku area, a lively neighborhood filled with trendy cafés, bars, and street food vendors, perfect for an evening of drinks or dinner. Overnight in Tirana. 

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before your private transfer to Tirana International Airport, scheduled according to your flight details.