Via Dinarica Tour - Albania, Montenegro And Kosovo

Itinerary

Day 1: Driving from Tirana to Theth

Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
Leaving Tirana we will head toward the North of Albania with the village of Theth as our final destination. In 2 hours comfortable drive we will reach the city of Shkodera. With more than 2000 years of history, Shkodra is the largest city in Northern Albania. Called also as the capital of North Albania, it has been a cultural, economical and political center in centuries.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Theth, Theth, Shkoder County
It is in Shkoder where we change our vehicle. We will jump to a more suitable public transport van to share this driving experience with some locals.
Driving through the Valley of Boga, a course scenery will open in front of us. Driving on a windy road, the view gets even better. Int the end of this bumpy ride, we will find Theth. It will amaze us with its unique nature, history, and traditions including the village’s symbol, the Lock-In Tower. After the Lunch at the Guesthouse, the next destination will the Grunasi waterfall not far from the center of the village.
The last station will be "The Lock inn Tower", the most iconic building on Theth. Mentioned also at the Edit Durham Journal, it is the symbol of the blood feuds in Albania. Short Presentation of a symbolic process where 2 families were agreeing on peace. We will spend the first night on Theth.

Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Theth

Day 2: Exploration of the Natural Park of Theth and Blue Eye

Stop At: Theth National Park, Rruga Nikgjonaj Rruga Nikgjonaj, Nr.18, Theth 4009 Albania
Theth is indeed one of the best examples of Alpine Villages in Albania. The second day is planned to be organized as a full-day round trip in a deep exploration of the area and the Blue Eye.
Situated around 10 km from the center of Theth, this natural water pool is the main destination of the third day. With a deep of 5 m and icy waters (5°C), the Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of rock by the water that descends from the mountains. Picnic lunch at the Blue Eye and return at the guesthouse in Theth by the afternoon.
In addition, the second night will be spent in Theth.

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Theth

Day 3: Hiking From Theth to Valbona

Stop At: Valbona, Valbona, Kukes County
We now set off on the thrilling hike from Theth to Valbona following the ancient path that the locals have been using for years. Back in the days, it was only possible to travel from Valbona to Shkoder on foot taking two full days of walking! Walking on this path we will pass through the oldest part of the village where people are still living in their more than 100-year-old stone houses that are remarkable remnants of the past.
The 20-km trek offers spectacular views of long rocky valleys and lush green forests. We stop for lunch at one of the traditional cafés along the way but do stock up on snacks just in case.
Dinner and Overnight in Valbona.

Hiking Trail: 19 Km
Elevation gain: 1043 m
Elevation Loss: 764 m


Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Valbona

Day 4: Hiking from Valbona to Cerem through "Lugu i Persllopit"

Stop At: Cerem, Cerem, Kukes County
The day starts early, to continue further in this Via Dinarica itinerary. We leave the Valbona Valley to head toward a more remote village, hidden in between the mountains. Cerem is well known among the accursed mountains for its blackberries.
The trail meanders along with the pine forests in a very remote area. In a few hours of hike we will reach the highest peak of the trail 2030m. Could it be a better place for a picnic lunch?
We continue our trip by entering the Montenegrian border and hiking for a few kilometers in the sides of Zla Kolata. At the same time, this rocky doom is the highest peak of Montenegro. Re-entering the Albanian border and through the Bori Pass, we will reach the village of Cerem where we will spend the night.

Hiking Trail: 13 Km
Elevation gain: 1089 m
Elevation Loss: 870 m
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in the village of CeremAccommodation included: Overnight in the village of Cerem

Day 5: Hiking from Cerem to Doberdol, the heart of Accursed Mountains

Stop At: Doberdol, Doberdol
Located in-between high peaks Doberdol has been for centuries a Sheppard summer camp. It is where they bring their cattle for 4-5 months per year.
Today's hike is relatively easier, mainly in the forests. We leave the rocky massif of Kollata and make our way in the forest for a few hours. We are briefly crossing the border to Montenegro, to return again in the Albanian side, walking on the side of a former military base. Picnic lunch and coffee break in a remote Bar.
In the next kilometers to Doberdol, the terrain is mainly flat and through the patches of the beech forest.
Dinner and Overnight in a basic guesthouse in Doberdol.

Hiking Trail: 15 Km
Elevation gain: 890m
Elevation Loss: 440m
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guesthouse in Doberdol

Day 6: The Three Borders Peak - Hiking from Doberdol to "Zalli Rupes" in Kosovo

Stop At: Kosovo, Kosovo
We leave the stunning Doberdol to head toward the Three Borders Peak. The trail is amazingly scenic and symbolic. We will have in our spectrum the Peak of Gjeravica, as the Highest peak of Kosovo. The second one is the Zla Kolata, that we have also left it behind days ago. In addition, in the further horizon the massif of rocky Jezerca, the second peak of Albania.
An additional walk will lead u toward the Peak of Three borders.
The end of our journey will be soon, after passing the Kosovo border, walking into a fir forest. From there we will take a transfer toward the historical city of Prizren.
Dinner and Overnight in Prizren.

Hiking Trail: 6 Km
Elevation gain: 630 m
Elevation Loss: 840 m
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Prizren

Day 7: City Tour of Prizren and departure to Pristina / Tirana

Stop At: Prizren, Prizren
Famous for its unique style and culture, Prizren is one of the most important cities in the History of Kosovo. It is the city where Ancient History gets fused with Medieval times, Ottoman invasion and plenty of Balkans wars.

Lied on both sides of “Lumbardhi” River (White River) and above the Prizreni’s castle, this Noble city is the place when different ethnicities and religions are living in harmony with each other for centuries. Prizren is the city that everyone falls in love with!
City tour of Prizren and visits at "League of Prizren"
After the tour of Prizren, tours terminates with return in Tirana or transfer to Pristina.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.