Fly to Tirana (TIA) Welcome to the Balkans! If arriving early enough, go for a swim in the Balkans largest lake and visit the Rozafa Castle to learn about its legend and enjoy the fabulous views of the Alps. In the evening bars burst with locals flocking for the evening stroll into the pedestrian zone. When daylight fades you can choose between restaurants that offer carefully crafted traditional meals.

Journey into the Accused Mountains. An early start affords a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges and to the Komani Lake (55km/1:30h).  After lunch, you're taken by car further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park into a traditional village composed of imposing tower houses. The afternoon warm-up walk follows a crystal-clear stream through ancient beach forests speckled with the sweetest strawberries.The jagged peaks towering high above leave you with itchy feet, tomorrow will be the day!   

Heights of Valbona – Queen of the Mountains. Refreshed you start the hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside. At 2,045m a weathered border pyramid is the only reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching a last glimpse at the Alps highest peak Jezerca (2,694m) you descent on a different path to the accommodation. When daylight fades you can admire the alpine glow over dinner in the idyllic garden

The Grand Crossing: Trek from Valona to Theth. Today we reach the highest point of the journey. Above the village Rragam there are a few steep segments on the trek that we need to tackle, we pause regularly near springs and in colourful meadows to take a breath of herb filled aromatic mountain air with splendid views. Close to the village the woods thin out, Mt. Arapi (2,217m) becomes more dominant and soon the upper houses of the village are reached. We continue through the village to our lovely guesthouse in the centre.

The Peja Pass or Meadows above the Clouds. Today you have a choice of treks between the route to Peja Pass at the northern end of the valley below the Matterhorn of Albania or the panoramic trail to the Meadows of Denelli. Both are return routes, and you stay for a second night at the same guesthouse.

Explore Theth – The Herat of the Albanian Alps. A walk through the village and green fields reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit the iconic church and dive into the history of the “kanun” at the lock-in tower that offered protection to those affected. Hike on a well-worn bridle path that leads along the river downstream to Nderlysa tonight's accommodation.

The “Blue Eye” and Modern Face of Albania. The trek takes us through a canyon leading to a spring called the “Blue Eye”. The bravest can take a dip in the icy, butterfly surrounded waters - truly a hidden oasis to enjoy!  

Farewell Albania. If time permits, before your flights, stroll through town, visit the colourful bazaar and park that forms the green heart of Tirana.