Welcome to the Balkans! A group transfer from Tirana (city centre, 14:00) or at the TIA airport (15:00) takes you to the historic city of Shkodra (84km/2.5hr) and our centrally located hotel. Time permitting, we stop at the Rozafa castle at the entrance of Shkodra and enjoy the fabulous views, a fore taste for the upcoming days of travel through the Albanian Alps. After checking in to your room, the city calls for a stroll through the pedestrian area lined with bourgeoisie townhouses, a reminder of the city's prestigious past. Immerse yourself in the city’s Italian flair, join the buzz of the bazaar to buy dried fruits and other snacks. Meet the group at 7pm before a delicious dinner and tour briefing. Overnight: Hotel, Transfer time: 2.5hrs

Meals:  D

The day starts before sunrise as we make our way through the Drin Gorges to the Komani Lake (58km/2h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. You're in for a surprise by the ferry, which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3h). By car you continue further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park, stopping for a light lunch in the small-city Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you reach the Valbona Valley and it’s tower-houses made of stone. The warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beech forests, speckled with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, the brave can stop for a swimming break at the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The jagged peaks towering high above you give itchy feet for tomorrow's trek into the highlands. Tonight, you enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner and a well-earned rest after this impression-packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains. Hike: 7km/4.4mi +250m/825ft, -50m/165ft Overnight: Guesthouse Transfer time: 3hrs (+3hrs boat)

Meals:  B,L,D

Refreshed, fed and provided with a lunch pack, you tackle the first and one of the longest ascents of the hike. Winding your way up the mountain side, you are rewarded with views of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps. Past the pastures, you reach a treeless alpine valley, where surrounded by rock, the solitary mountains are all yours. The Persllopi Pass (2039m) marks today’s highest point and the border with Montenegro is at the country's highest peak, Mt. Kollata (2534m). Past a unique, so-called wind cave and through a karst labyrinth that requires sure-footedness, you return to Albania, face some of the most spectacular panoramas and meet shepherds on the way to the rather isolated village of Cerem. Without a mobile phone signal or electricity, it remains the last outpost before the true wilderness starts. The hot, home-cooked meals, the warm shower and the hospitality of the hosts makes up for the small lack of comfort. If the weather doesn't permit crossing the pass, we will take a shorter route through the Mt. Kollata Canyon to reach the simple guesthouse (no electricity). Hike: 14km/8.8mi +1,200m/3960ft, -950m/3135ft Overnight: Basic Guesthouse Transfer time: 10min

Meals:  B,L,D

The hike towards the high border triangle (Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo) takes you across alpine terrain carpeted in wildflowers. Along the way, you can enjoy forest fruits and admire and the breathtaking views of Mt Kolata (2534m). Reaching the rim of the deep cut river canyon and following the high route through a conifer forest, you notice just how much the relief changes between the Western and Eastern Alps. The slopes are speckled with alpine pastures where we will take a break and meet the herdsmen over coffee and raki. In the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1750m), animals roam the grazing grounds freely and time appears frozen. Locals still live in harmony with nature, as humankind did many years ago. In the simple shepherd's huts, you relinquish comfort for one night, in return for warm hospitality. The family prepares the meals, and you learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds at the bonfire. Hike: 16km/10mi +1,250m/4125ft, -650m/2145ft Overnight: Basic Shepherds Hut

Meals:  B,L,D

Wishing farewell to our shepherd hosts, you climb out of the valley towards Mt Tromedja/Trekufiri (2366 m), as the huts and herds of Doberdol below become smaller by each step. On the top, the borders of three countries merge in sweeping vistas of the solitary borderlands. To the left lies the evergreen Babino Polje of Montenegro, and to the right, Kosovo’s highest peak Mt. Gjeravica (2656 m) abruptly dives from the heights of the Dinaric Alps into the Dukagjin Plain. The long caravan path at the edge of the “Bjeshket e Namuna” National Park crisscrosses the border ridge below the 2500m high peaks of Mt Marijash and Mt Rops, affording panoramic views into both Kosovo and Montenegro. You cross the Roshkodoli Pass (2248m) and start your descent to Milishevc, a remote summer village located in the midst of a peaceful pine forest. The simple mountain huts made of wood, typical of the country’s alpine villages, provide refreshments, hot meals, comfort, and a well-deserved rest after a long day. Hike: 18km/11.25mi +825m/2722ft, -1100m/3630ft Overnight: Basic Mountain Huts

Meals:  B,L,D

The Lumbardhi Ridge (2130m) is the last obstacle that separates Milishevc from the Rugova Gorge. The barely visible route out of the alps and up to the crest is rewarded with good views of the surrounding mountains. Hidden behind the ridge, extensive grazing grounds surround the artesian pond at the foot of Mt Red Rock (Guri i Kuq, 2522m). While most of the pastures were abandoned after the Kosovo war, the Lumbardhi Alps is one of the few exceptions where livestock is still tended to on a larger scale. Beyond the pastureland, the mountain plunges deep down into the Rugova Gorge. Looking across to the ridge of Hajla we can envision our panoramic hike tomorrow. The frequently very steep trail leads through a gully and old growth woods to the bottom of the canyon. Here you stop for drinks and weather allowing, for a swim. At the end of the day, a short transfer on a rugged road takes you to the friendly hosts in Reka e Allages. Enjoy a cold drink at sunset with magnificent views over Guri i Kuq, while a hearty dinner is prepared. Hike: 14km/8.75mi +525m/1735ft, -1200m/3960ft Overnight: Guesthouse Transfer time: 30min

Meals:  B,L,D

The hike begins across meadows and along the blueberry trail, before quickly ascending in a dense pine forest to the base of Mt Hajla (2403m). Multiple very steep routes lead to the peak that forms the border with Montenegro. From the top of the 300m high cliff, views reach far into the neighboring country and city of Rozaje. The ascent is optional and your guide will help you evaluate if you should join. You may opt out to keep the day short (<5h) and take the chance to relax, read a book or absorb the scenery. Chances to spot rare plants like Edelweiss or the endemic Albanian Lily are at their highest here. From the base, the walk continues at high altitude along a now unused road, to the highest of the thirteen Rugova villages, Pepaj. Walking through a rocky gully, circled by tall pines, you have a few chances to catch a glimpse over the scenic hamlet of Drelaj. The village is more populated and seems closer to civilization than your previous overnight stays. At the accommodation, you will be delighted by another delicious dinner, as the family prepares the campfire in the garden. Hike: 15km/9.4mi +1150m/3795ft, -1300m/4290ft Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals:  B,L,D

After a 30min transfer to the trailhead, the route climbs through an idyllic pine forest to the big emerald lake of Liqenat (1850m). The banks of the lake are lined with a wide range of alpine flora, and above awaits the long ascent to the highest point of the Peaks of the Balkans route, the Jelenka Pass (2272m). Caravans have used this route since ancient times to move silver and other goods to and from the coast - nowadays it’s almost invisible. The top is perfect for a rest stop (weather permitting), with stunning views of the Plav, Theth and Valbona mountains. Behind, shepherds from Roshkodol collect berries, and you’re flanked by peaks above 2500m. The walk to Ravno Brdo Pass (2.178 m) is levelled, offering a unique landscape of low trees and shrubs with constant views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The last pass proves to be a magnificent viewpoint towards the rugged peaks ahead and into the lush green valley of Babino Polje below. Descending through the grassy grounds, you pass a hut or two before reaching the scattered settlement. Here, you stay at the rim of the wilderness, in simple but welcoming mountain huts, where the friendly hosts introduce you to the highlights of traditional Montenegrin home-cooking. Hike: 15km/9.4mi +1150m/3795ft, -1050m/3465ft Overnight: Guesthouse Transfer time: 30min

Meals:  B,L,D

The Grbaja Valley is one of the most stunning valleys in the Balkans. On a morning transfer, you shuttle into the narrow valley wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2461m). Arguably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije, it’s an aspiration of many climbers. Ascending through a shaded fairytale beech forest, you reach an alpine meadow encompassed by multiple peaks. The connected ridge trail lets you enjoy a series of panoramic viewpoints, culminating in the highest two peaks of Popadija and Taljanka (2056m). From here, the hostile walls seem almost within reach, and views extend across the border into the Kelmend region of Albania. From the top of the spine, a steep descent takes you back onto the shaded forest path, where the loop hike closes. Once back down at the valley floor, you can choose one of the beer gardens to enjoy a cold drink. On a transfer, you continue to the family-run guesthouse in Vusanje. Here, the nearby Grla Waterfall invites for an evening stroll, though the views from the veranda over the Accursed Mountains are equally beautiful. Hike: 12km/7.5mi +950m/3135ft, -950m/3135ft Overnight: Guesthouse Transfer time: 1.25h and 30min

Meals:  B,L,D

Walking through the Ropojana Valley is one of the great delights of the Peaks of the Balkans trail. Formed by a 26km long glacier, the route takes you by a karst spring, where an ice-cold river is born from the melting snow high up in the mountains. The mountain-framed corridor takes you past a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here, the canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2217m) stands high above the Thethi National Park, forming the highest wall in the Balkans. Arriving at Peja Pass (1.711 m), your guide determines whether the summit can be tackled. A steep descent follows along a well-trodden path leading to the local watering hole. A short transfer to a guesthouse in the center of the lively, iconic village of the Albanian alps. Hike: 11km/6.9mi +650m/2145ft, -900m/2970ft Overnight: Guesthouse Transfer time: 30min

Meals:  B,L,D

Only a walk through the village and its lush green fields reveals the full extent of the Theth Valley. Visit its iconic church and view the lock-in tower to discover the history of the "Kanun". The "kulla" offered protection to those affected by the Blood Feud and is the right place to learn about the former highland law code; it also marks the trailhead to Nderlysaj. Following water channels, the path ascends to the Grunas Waterfall, drops again to a cliff above the river and the 50m deep Grunas Canyon. A well-worn bridle path leads you along the river downstream to Nderlysaj. Arriving there in the hot midday sun, the Kaprea river and it’s stone pools invite for a swim. The scenic transfer across the Thorja Pass (1.630 m) into the Valley of Boge and along the Lake of Shkodra (2h) takes you back to the hotel of the first night in Shkodra. At night it's time to celebrate the end of the trek. Hike: 16km/10mi +225m/745ft, -500m/1650ft Overnight: Hotel Transfer time: 3hrs

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, there’s time for a walk in the pedestrian area and for any last-minute souvenir shopping. At 10am the group transfer will leave for Tirana (airport or city). To extend your travels, you can stay and explore the town of Shrodra, head to the nearby beaches in Velipoja and Ulcinj (Montenegro), experience Albania's modern side in the capital Tirana or spend head to the Albanian Riviera (5-7hrs travel time).

Meals:  B