7 Day North Albania Activity Holiday

“Fantastic holiday [in Albania]…we would highly recommend it. We were a party of 6 with 2 adults, 3 teenagers and a 10 year old. All the activities were really good fun and well organised and nothing was too much trouble for our guide, Aldo, who really made the trip. The scenery was amazing and the accommodation/ food was perfect. This is our second holiday with Undiscovered Balkans and we would love to do another one.” Anna Robinson, August 2024

A woman with blonde hair swimming in a bright blue natural pool with waterfall on an Albania adventure holiday

2025 departure dates: May-October (Sunday to Sunday)

Discover the wild beauty of North Albania on this brilliant guided week of adventures. We’ve created this small group holiday for anyone who prefers to minimise time in the car and maximise adventure.

Leave the beach crowds behind and swap them for North Albania’s magical world of incredible lakes, mighty mountains, fairy-tale castles and warm, mystical culture! You’ll be expertly guided all week by our local adventure leader.

Accommodation is all locally owned and run, ranging from glamping in bell tents by Southern Europe’s largest lake to homestays with friendly locals, and 3-4 star guesthouses with incredible views.

Highlights

Hike the iconic Theth to Valbona pass
SUP on Lake Shkodra, southern Europe’s largest lake
Wild swim in pristine rivers and lakes
Meet artisanal carpet weavers in Zogaj village
Rakija-making or cookery class with the locals
Hometay in a traditional farmhouse in Theth

Is this trip for you?

Our recommended age for this holiday is anywhere between 7 and 70 with a reasonable level of fitness, but we can make exceptions for exceptional kids or silver adventurers! Please don’t hesitate to check with us if you think you or one of your party falls into this category. Click here to read more about our activity levels.

Book to Give Back – every booking sparks a donation to our chosen local environmental and community causes.

All transport, accommodation and most meals are included, as well as a 24/7 adventure leader.

Your Country Expert: Aurora is a native of Shkoder in North Albania who has over twenty years of experience guiding guests around her favourite places in the region. A qualified biologist, she is actively involved in many different wildlife conservation efforts and intimately knows the mountains of the Prokletije in both Albania and Montenegro. She speaks superb English, as well as her native Albanian.

Alfi’s enthusiasm for Albania is infectious! He has been working as a licenced guide in Albania since 2015, and is never happier than when exploring his country, in particular his home region of Tamarë. Outdoor adventure is his passion, and it shows with every guest! Alfi speaks fluent English, as well as Albanian.

Read what our adventurers have to say

Nicola & family21/07/25
				North Albania Activity holiday Thank you so much for everything this last week. We had an amazing time. 

We loved the mountain hikes, the cycle, the swimming, the extraordinary Mrizi i zanave restaurant, the mask museum, the photography museum and learning about Albania's culture, history and nature. Aurora was such an excellent host.
read moreread less
Claire13/07/25
				7 Day Multi Actiivty Holiday in Albania This was a fabulous and well organised holiday across 3 locations in Albania. We swam, walked, paddle boarded  and river hiked through some breathtaking scenery with our incredible guide for the week - Alfi.  We learnt so much about the history of the country from Alfi  during our week, leaving us all wanting to read more on our return. I remember one day in particular after a hot walk up to the incredible 'Blue Eye' pool we returned to the nearby village of Theth where we sat in the shade of a tree by the church and learnt all about the local blood feuds.  Fascinating !  Since my return to the UK I have been recommending this holiday and Undiscovered Balkans to all my friends and family.
read moreread less
Simon & Marie Rowlands07/07/25
				North Albania 7day Activity Holiday July 2025 Well where to start & what to say: SIMPLY AMAZING! 🤩 

BEN @ Undiscovered Balkans (UB) handled our booking so well & our Guide ALFIE was a legend 💫 👏

We had so much fun, enjoyed stunning nature & outdoor activities we wouldn’t normally do such as ; Wild river swimming, epic hiking trails (Theth to Valbona) & SUP (paddle boarding) on lake Shkodar & rivers.

The accommodation, personally selected by Ben / Emma of UB was amazing, so varied, the cuisine was a delight & the hospitality & warmth from local people was wonderful.

We learnt such a lot about history, culture & nature in this hidden gem in the Balkans 🇦🇱.

Will definitely be returning & can’t wait for our next adventure with UB 🤩

Very Best Wishes,

Simon & Marie (Spain / UK)
read moreread less
Anna Robinson19/08/24
				Fantastic holiday with Undiscovered Balkans.  We did the Northen Albania Activity holiday and would highly recommend it.  We were a party of 6 with 2 adults, 3 teenagers and a 10 year old.  All the activities were really good fun and well organised and nothing was too much trouble for our guide - Aldo who really made the trip.  The scenery was amazing and the accommodation/ food was perfect. This is our second holiday with Undiscovered Balkans and we would love to do another one.
read moreread less
Dawn27/06/24
				7 Day North Albania Activity Holiday - AMAZING! Having the opportunity to explore north Albania with Undiscovered Balkans was absolutely brilliant. It is such a stunningly beautiful country whose views will leave you speechless, and I recommend exploring it with this company - they are committed to making each of their trips truly memorable. 



Our guide Aldo was excellent - he was friendly, fun and shared his passion for Albania with us while motivating us up mountains and not to fall off paddleboards! Eni was our wonderful guide for Kruje, generously sharing her knowledge and personal insight into Albania's history. Throughout the trip we learnt so much by immersing ourselves with local families staying in their homes, watching them work and learning about traditions, old and current. 



I am a big fan of the holidays Undiscovered Balkans offer, they offer a varied mix of activities that allow you to get to know the locals and experience the country beyond the tourist trail. This was a fantastic holiday,  I can't recommend it enough!
read moreread less

Watch our video!

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive at Tirana or Podgorica and transfer to the idyllic Lake Shkodra Resort in Shkodër. Here, you’ll spend two nights glamping by the side of Southern Europe’s largest lake and enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our expert local adventure leader.

Dinner & overnight in Shkodër.

Day 2 – SUP trip on Lake Shkodra and visit to Rozafa Castle
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shkidra Lake with a stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) trip. Explore the wild nature and enchanting lily-covered waters full of birdlife—including the Dalmatian Pelican. Later, visit the historic ruins of the Rozafa Castle, where panoramic views of Shkodër await, before a sunset swim back at the glamping site. Our local partners are the experts in watersports here and will give you basic paddling instructions and a full safety briefing. Lunch will be snacks from a local bakery and fresh fruit from the region.

Dinner & overnight in Shkodër.

Day 3 – Theth highland adventure
A journey to the astonishingly beautiful Albanian Alps. Experience a homestay in a traditional stone highlander cottage, perched high above Theth. Hike to the Blue Eye—Syri i Kalter, marvel at the deep turquoise water and rejuvenate in the Nderlyse stone river baths on your way back. Connect with our local hosts over a home-cooked meal and witness the traditions of mountain life, or even lend a hand rounding up the chickens.

Dinner and overnight in Theth.

Days 4 & 5 – Option 1: Active, Theth to Valbona hike (from June)
If your adventure falls between June and October and you would like to challenge yourself with an iconic day hike following the high mountain pass to Valbona, now’s your chance. After six blissful, thigh-stretching hours of hiking through lush pine forest and magnificent karst rock scenery, we overnight in a traditional mountain guesthouse in Valbona. Our return to Shkodër the next day is via an epic ferry ride on stunning Lake Koman.

Dinner & overnight in Valbona on Day 4.

Dinner and overnight in Shkodër on Day 5.

Days 4 & 5 – Option 2: Relaxing, exploring Shkodër and wild swimming
Return to Shkodër and our glamping site after a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day is free to unwind by the lake or visit a nearby beach on the Adriatic Sea. The following day we take a walking tour of Shkodër, before driving to the mountains for a wild swim adventure and picnic at a secret spot in the Kiri River, passing the historic, Ottoman-era Mesi Bridge.

Dinner and overnight for both days is in Shkodër.

Day 6 – Lake Shkodër cycling / boat Trip
In the morning, we will collect our bicycles and set off on a 25km cycle ride from Shkodër along the shores of the lake towards the old abandoned border with Montenegro. Don’t worry, there are no hills—even young kids will find it a breeze. There’s plenty of swimming opportunities at two lovely lake beaches on the way. In the charming town of Zogaj, right near the border, we will have lunch and visit and local carpet weaver’s house before heading back. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Krujë, our final destination. En route, we stop for an incredible early dinner at the award-winning Mrizi i Zanave agrotourism. Free evening.

Overnight in Krujë.

Day 7 – Meeting Artisans in Krujë old town
Discover Krujë’s historical castle, the Skenderbeg museum, and traditional cobbled streets, and learn how to make the traditional Albanian Qelese skullcap with local artisans. Shop for handmade treasures at the bustling Ottoman-era market and relax.

Dinner & overnight in Krujë.

Day 8 – Transfer to airport or onward travel

Your North Albania adventure concludes here. Transfers back to Tirana are included, otherwise we will happily help you arrange your transfer to your next travel point.

Prices are £ Sterling per person and include all transport, all activities, all accommodation, all breakfasts and lunches and 6 evening meals, all guiding and a book-to-give-back donation (drinks not included). Transfers included only to/from Tirana.

HOLIDAY	APRIL/OCTOBER	MAY/JUNE/SEPTEMBER	JULY/AUGUST
North Albania Activity week 7 nights	£1145	£1195	£1,245

Get a £100pp discount for September departures – use code UBLASTMINUTE100

Please note, on this holiday, accommodation is quirky, characterful and always locally-owned and operated – do not expect luxury! If for any reason the first-choice accommodation is not available, we will let you know about the alternatives of a similar standard, well in advance of your holiday.

LAKE SHKODRA RESORT