Day 1 – Arrival 
After landing in Montenegro, we’ll travel directly to Lëpushë, just over the border into Albania, swimming in a lovely natural river pool en-route! Overnight at Bujtina Lëpushë or similar

Day 2 – Shepherd’s trails in Lëpushë
A unique chance to explore the beautiful surrounding areas of Lepushë together with your local guide, Fonsi. He will take you off the beaten track and give you a shepherd’s insight into the landscape. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to meet other local shepherds in their summer encampments (“stans”), drink coffee with them, try their exceptional dairy products and get an authentic glimpse into their way of living. Overnight at Bujtina Lëpushë or similar. Hiking details: 7km, no ascent. Grade: easy.

There is also the option to travel on horseback for an additional fee of €50 (per person/per horse).

Day 3 – Prokletije – 3 Peaks in One Tour
“Prokletije” literally translated means “accursed mountains” – a remote and wondrous location that nevertheless can provide fun for young hikers of all sizes! According to local legend, the Prokletije allows only the chosen ones – experienced and brave alpinists, to reach its peaks – but the mountain also left some easier trails for those who don’t want to risk quite that much but still want to see and feel all the beauty of its rocky kingdom. Our trail connects three moderate summits – Volušnica (1,859m), Talijanka (2,056m) and Popadija (2,057m) and is one of the most photogenic and beautiful hikes Montenegro has to offer. Look out for wild blueberries on the way! Overnight at Eko Katun Rosi or similar. Hiking details: 9km, 1,000m ascent. Grade: moderate/challenging.

Day 4 – Crossing the Border – Ropojana to Theth
Be ready for a very special day as we complete one of the top treks in the whole of the Balkans! We’ll be surrounded by the astonishing peaks of the Prokletije Mountains, passing through beautiful valleys and forests. The first section is more or less flat or ascending, but when we hit Qafa e Pejes, the highest point of this trail, we’ll descend for the rest of our walk, staring at the beautiful valley of Theth and surrounding peaks. At the entrance of the valley, we’ll stop at a local café to have some fresh drinks and to decide whether to continue to our lodgings by foot or 4×4. Overnight at Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse, Theth (or similar). Hiking details: 17-23km (depending on the last section), ascent 500m. Grade: moderate.

Day 5 – Blue Eye and Nderlyse pools
After two quite demanding days, a gentler one! After a 20 minute 4×4 ride, we will walk 90 minutes to the justly renowned “Blue Eye Syri i Kaltër” of Theth National Park, a stunning turquoise fresh-water pool that will have you just begging to dive in (but be warned, the water is less than 10C!). On the way back to our start point, we pass the rocky streams of the Zi river, which converge at a lovely spot where you can leap in and out of refreshing rock pools (add another 5-10 celsius to the water temperature, it’s wonderfully refreshing). Overnight back at Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse or similar. Hiking details: 5km. No ascent. Grade: easy

Day 6 – Theth to Valbona
This is a justly famous hike, with the scenery-o-meter ramped up to “staggering”. Even though the two places are really close – divided only by one ridge of the Prokletije – travelling by car takes about 8 hours, literally the same time that it takes to walk between these two Albanian National Parks. With trusty mules carrying our bags, the trail goes steeply up from Theth to the pass, giving us stunning views of the valley and surrounding high rocky walls. From this point we’ll have about 2.5 hours of descent, enjoying the pure natural beauty and shaded forest. Coming down to Valbona Valley, you’ll see that despite the differences in landscape, there’s always one constant – the traditional hospitality of the Albanian people. Overnight at Kol Gjoni Hotel (or similar). Hiking details: 17-20km depending on the group, ascent 1000m. Grade: moderate/challenging.

Day 7 – Komani Lake to Shkoder
The active part of the tour is completed but it’s not the end of our adventure! Our journey will start with a 1.5-hour long journey from Valbona to Fierzë by bus. There we’ll take a 2-hour ferry trip on Komani Lake. It will feel like a cruise travelling through the impossibly beautiful canyons before the second half of our bus ride to Shkoder. This charming North Albanian city lends its name to the huge lake on whose shores it sits. Shkoder is always inspiring; its long and turbulent history visible at every step. After a walking tour through the city centre with the chance to buy local souvenirs such as handcrafted fabrics, we’ll finish our day in the traditional luxury of the Tradita Hotel, a gorgeous Ottoman-era house dating back to the 16th century, complete with ethnographic museum and friendly cats.

Day 8 – Return to Podgorica airport

Please note, accommodation is clean, characterful and basic – in such remote areas, do not expect luxury! If for any reason the first choice accommodation is not available, we will let you know about the alternatives well in advance of your holiday.

BUJTINA LËPUSHË, LËPUSHË

ECO KATUN ROSI, VUSANJE

MARASH RRGALLA, THETH

KOL GJONI GUESTHOUSE, VALBONË

HOTEL TRADITA, SHKODER