7 Day North Albania Activity Holiday – NEW FOR 2024!

“Tourism’s touch is barely felt at northern Albania’s lake Shkodër, save for the odd restaurant tucked along the shore lined with pontoons and fishing boats.” Camilla Bell-Davies, Financial Times, September 2023

2024 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 multi-active fun, whether that’s stand-up paddle-boarding on giant Lake Shkoder, hiking in the Albanian Alps, cycling past sleepy fishing villages to meet artisan carpet weavers, taking a rakija-making or cookery class with locals, or wild swimming in exhilarating mountain rivers.

There’s something for everyone, from outdoor lovers, to foodies, friends, families, couples and culture fans, and with the chance to include the iconic Theth to Valbona hiking trail. 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 appealing 3-4 star guesthouses with incredible views.

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, with most meals included – read the itinerary for more details, and get in touch today!

NB – our recommended age for this holiday is anywhere between 7 and 70 – 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 Experts:

Aldo‘s enthusiasm for Albania is infectious! A former military officer, hehas been working as a licenced guide in Albania since 2015, specialising in hiking, trekking, climbing & mountain biking. Outdoor adventure is his passion, and it shows with every guest! Aldo speaks fluent English, as well as Greek.

Eni is not just a qualified tourist guide with a deep love and knowledge of Albania’s history and culture – she’s an organisational mastermind and speaks fluent English and Italian! Her curiosity to learn about “almost everything” led her to leave behind a professional career in banking and become an expert in more authentic kinds of tourism. Her motto is “Trust your passions and you will never be bored.”

Watch our video!

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive at Tirana or Podgorica and transfer to the idyllic Lake Shkodra Resort in Shkoder. 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.

Day 2 – SUP Trip on Lake Shkoder and on to Rozafa Castle
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shkoder 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, drink in the panoramic views and history, and enjoy a sunset swim back at the glamp 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 and overnight in Shkoder.

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 miraculously coloured water, and rejuvenate in the ‘Nderlyse’ stone river baths. Connect with our local hosts over a home-cooked meal and witness the rich 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 astonishing karst rock scenery, we overnight in a traditional mountain guesthouse in Valbona. Our return to Shkoder the next day is via an epic ferry ride on stunning Lake Koman.

Dinner & overnight in Valbona on Day 4; dinner and overnight in Shkoder on Day 5.

Days 4 & 5 – Option 2 Relaxing, Exploring Shkoder and Wild Swim
Return to Shkoder and our glamp site after a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day is free to unwind by the lake or visit a nearby beach at the Adriatic Sea. The following day we take a walking tour of Shkoder, 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 Shkoder.

Day 6 – Lake Shkoder Cycling / Boat Trip
In the morning, we will collect our bicycles and set off on a 25km cycle ride from Shkoder along the shores of the lake towards the old abandonned border with Montenegro. Don’t worry, there are no hills – even young kids will find it a breeze! – and 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 weaver’s house before heading back. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Kruje, our final destination, via an incredible early dinner at the award-winning Mrizi i Zanave agrotourism.

Dinner & overnight in Kruje.

Day 7 – Meeting Artisans at Krujë Castle Town
Discover Kruje’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 Kruje.

Day 8 –Your North Albania adventure concludes here, and 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, breakfast, most lunches, dinners, all guiding and a book-to-give-back donation (drinks not included). Transfers to the start and end point of this holiday are not included.

HOLIDAY	APRIL/OCTOBER	MAY/JUNE/SEPTEMBER	JULY/AUGUST
North Albania Activity week 7 nights	£1095	£1145	£1,195

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