Fly to Tirana (TIA) Welcome to the Balkans! You will be met by a driver at Tirana airport/ and travel north to Shkoder, the cultural capital of northern Albania and gateway to the Albanian Alps. Settle into your hotel and take time to relax or explore the lakeside promenade and historic Rozafa Castle. In the evening, gather with your fellow trekkers for an orientation meeting and round off introductions by enjoying a delicious traditional Albanian dinner. 3 hrs Driving

Shkoder – Koman Lake – Valbone: Starting early for a scenic drive through the Drin River canyon to Koman Lake, where we board a passenger ferry for a truly unforgettable ride. The turquoise waters cut through steep cliffs and forested slopes, evoking Norway’s fjords. Disembark and transfer by minivan deeper into the Albanian Alps. In the afternoon, enjoy a short warm-up hike through the Valbone Valley to stretch your legs and admire the surrounding peaks. Spend the night in a cozy guesthouse nestled in the mountains. 5 km with 2505m ascent / 50m descent 2 hours walking 3 hrs Driving Guesthouse (B/LP/D)

Valbone – Persllopit Pass / Summit Mt. Kollata – Cerem: Begin your ascent through highland pastures, alpine meadows, and ancient beech forests. Today’s route leads to the scenic Persllopit Pass with wide views over the borderlands. Ascend Mt. Zla Kolata (Montenegro's highest peak) with stunning summit views. After crossing into the remote and little-visited Cerem Valley, we overnight at a traditional guesthouse surrounded by nature and grazing flocks. 12.9 km with 1075m ascent / 1000m descent 7 hours walking Guesthouse (B/LP/D)

Cerem – Balqin – Doberdol: Today’s route winds through one of the wildest sections of the Accursed Mountains, following shepherd paths on high altitude. Hike past many summer hamlets, some of which act as improvised coffee shops. The route leads past the Gashi River Gorge, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, into the remote borderlands between Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Reach the alpine basin of Doberdol in the late afternoon, a cluster of shepherds’ huts nestled between peaks. Enjoy a warm meal and simple but atmospheric overnight stay in a traditional mountain shelter. 16 km with 1100m ascent / 450m descent 6-7 hours walking Mountain Hut (B/LP/D)

Doberdol – Mt. Gjeravica – Kukes: Set off early for the summit of Gjeravica (2656 m), Kosovo’s highest peak. The trail leads past glacial lakes and rocky ridgelines to rewarding 360° views. After descending on a different trail into Kosovo, rejoin the vehicle for a scenic drive through Europe's youngest country and back into Albania. End the day in Kukes, a quiet mountain town perched between two rivers, where a comfortable hotel and hot shower await. 18 km with 1150m ascent / 1150m descent 8-9 hours walking Hotel (B/LP/D)

Kukes – Mt. Korab – Radomire: The day starts with a transfer to the remote mountain village of Radomire to begin your ascent of Mt. Korab (2764 m), the highest peak in both Albania and North Macedonia. The hike begins gently through meadows and forests before rising steeply to open ridges and the summit pyramid. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy views deep into the Balkans. Descend the same route and celebrate your achievement over dinner in a family-run guesthouse in Radomire. 17 km with 1475m ascent / 1475m descent 9-10 hours walking Guesthouse (B/LP/D)

Radomire – Tirana After breakfast, transfer back to Tirana via a scenic drive through rural northeastern Albania. B

Farewell Albania. If time permits, before your flights, stroll through town, visit the colourful bazaar and park that forms the green heart of Tirana. Two former nuclear shelters open their doors to visitors, the museum turned headquarters of the secret police, National History Museum and socialist period art gallery make up just a few of city's sights. The last day presents you yet another side of diverse Albania, one that stands in stark contrast to the rural areas visited in the past days. Your multi-faceted journey through Albania ends with an included transfer to the airport for your flight home. B