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Three days of hiking in the mountains and five days of visiting towns, cities, and other sights. The history of the country is complex and intriguing. There are plenty of castles and old towns / cities to see, and everything is a very lush green. The unexpected gem on this trip is the 2-hour ferry ride down Komani Lake – very scenic!
Crossing the pass between Theth and Valbona. Even though the clouds had descended and it was raining, the views were amazing.
Excellent. Leo took care of all the logistics wonderfully.
The three days of hiking are not easy, but doable if you are in good shape and walk at your pace. The weather is highly variable both for temperature and rain - keep your layers and waterproofs handy at all times.
I have followed Albania’s history from WWII forward and being able to experiencing in person was most satisfying. The hiking portion was the challenge I was looking for. The culture portion not so much so.
Without a doubt hiking in the mountains.
Dorien was an excellent guide, always available and engaging. His insight while growing up and witnessing the changes brought the trip together.
The hiking is hard--think 4+. Come prepared--good hiking boots (not trainers) with good tread. Hiking poles are a must. Trails are rock filled and shale in parts. You will find "commando" camps on some of the hikes where they sell cold (chilled by natural springs) beer and other beverages. Sometimes coffee and limited food. Be prepared for long drives but the van is comfortable. Exchange hard currency for Lek but keep most of your money in Euros. One can always pay in euros and may get euros in change. You can spend cash fast as credit cards are hard to use anywhere on this trip. The Sept heat was more than I had planned on--always looking for shade. Keep that in mind if traveling during the summer months.
Albania has magnificent mountains and fascinating history. This walking experience was different from all my previous trips.
Valbone Pass
Excellent knowledge of politics and culture
This is not a moderate, 3 out of 8 grading. Take poles, take cash: leke and Euros because not even money changers take cards.
The trip was fantastic! We had an excellent leader and a very lovely group. Everything went so well. It’s a great combination of trekking and leisure within a week for people who want to experience the magnificent mountain scenery as well as the cultural heritage of Albania. I had a great time in Albania!
Walking in Theth village, reaching the top of the mountain when we trekked over Valbonë Pass, and walking through the pine forest were my highlights.
Bleard, aka Bledi is very experienced and went above and beyond during the tour, helping to bond our group together. He is so knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour. We all really appreciated his hard work during the trip.
The distance covered and activity hours are quite accurate in the trip notes. I would suggest doing some hike/trek training before the trip, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes with good grips is essential.
Well organised before and during. Everything within Exodus’s control ran like clockwork.
Crossing the high passes and the boat trip on Komani lake went through scenery reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. Cities of Kruges and Berat gave a great contrast having spent a few days in the empty spectacular mountains.
Bleaerd was a great guide, very knowledgeable and personable, we always felt safe in his hands.
Go now before the mountain villages become like a modern Alpine resort. Understandably the local economy will benefit from all the new hotels being built and this cannot be denied in one of the poorest countries in Europe. But as I said go now before there is a massive increase in tourism. The guest house accommodation was a challenge for some people who did not realise they might be sharing a room with other members of the trip. This is because there is a shortage of accommodation in Theth. It is only 2 nights but be prepared.
This trip to Albania provided hikes far beyond my expectations, the best of which was crossing the pass from Theth to Valbone. We each ascended/descended at our own pace that day, as the path was very clearly marked, and regrouped every so often at the cafes along the way – the perfect opportunity to really enjoy your own tempo. Dorian was a fantastic leader, really knowledgeable and keen to share. Good food and lovely hosts everywhere we went. I’m a vegetarian and didn’t struggle to find plenty of options – Dorian made sure I was always accommodated for. Take your swimmers for an icy cold dip in the blue pool. Definitely would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys lively culture, good food and a nice hike.
The trip was a good balance for me between excellent walking through stunning scenery and learning about the country’s history and visiting some historic sites.
Dorian was a great guide: very encouraging when walking, coped very well when problems arose (didn't let us know). Extensive local and national knowledge and a good sense of humour. Dorian also cared about our local well-being and needs.
Remember it can be hot and humid. Take lots of water I packed a light-weight hair dryer but didn't need it (either available or too hot!) Small head-torch is useful depending on your itinerary. I felt very safe even when on my own away from people.
We were a group of seven people on this trip. Our tour leader’s name was Bledin (probably the wrong spelling). He was an excellent leader, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. For some of the time we were really just sightseeing, but when we were trekking it was quite hard work. This trip is classified as moderate, but I do feel that it should be classified as moderate/ challenging, as when we were trekking in the alps, we were on shale, which is rather challenging, especially as I’d never walked on that surface before. However, with Bledin’s help I was able to successfully negotiate the three days of trekking. Our forth walk was on rocky steps which I am more familiar with.
The Albanian people are very friendly, and helpful. The wife of one of the hoteliers even leant me a pair of boots, when mine fell apart!
All in all, a very enjoyable trip.
Managing to walk across the snow on the pass between Theth and Valbone'
He was excellent
Make sure that you can walk up mountains on shale.
Such a beautiful, currently unspoiled, country full of diversity and dramatic scenery
Reaching the top of the mountain ranges and looking out across the wonderful landscapes ......and......the boat trip on Komani Lake - magical!
Very pleasant and accommodating
You need to have some Hill walking experience in order to enjoy this trip. The duration of the ascents is more of a challenge than the gradient
Dramatic hills and lovely Albanians
The road trip to theth
A little in experienced but relaxed at the end
If you struggle with heat avoid August