Four-Day Tour in the Albanian Alps

Day 1: Tirana – Theth

Departure from Tirana in the early hours of the morning towards Theth. After a few kilometers of travel, a short stop is planned at Qafë e Thorës, where there is a characteristic restaurant built with wood and stone, offering panoramic views of the rugged mountains and surrounding alpine valleys. The journey continues towards the village of Theth, one of the most popular alpine destinations in Albania.

The visit includes the Church of Theth, built in 1892 and restored in 2005, which represents one of the most photographed sights by local and foreign visitors. During the walk in the area, characteristic alpine houses, known as kulla, are observed, as well as the Kulla e Ngujimit, an important testimony of local tradition and history.

From the area near the old Theth mill, the path leads to the Theth Canyon, offering impressive natural views. Theth National Park is covered almost 90% by massive beech forests and is distinguished by its rich biodiversity.

Day 2: Theth – Grunas Canyon – Shkodra

The second day begins with the exploration of the Grunas Canyon, a natural formation surrounded by a peaceful and inspiring environment. After this stop, the visit continues towards one of the most special natural attractions of the area, the Blue Eye of Theth, a water spring with an elliptical shape and deep blue shades, which create the illusion of a natural eye. In this area it is also possible to have lunch in a traditional guesthouse, surrounded by nature.

In the afternoon, departure to Shkodra. The visit includes the Rozafa Castle, located on a rocky hill at the entrance to the city, surrounded by the Drin, Buna and Kir rivers. Shkodra is one of the oldest cities in Albania, founded in the 4th century BC as the capital of the Illyrian tribe of Labeata. Throughout history, the city has passed under Roman, Serbian, Venetian and Ottoman rule, being also the center of the Principality of Balshaj and later the capital of the Pashalik of Bushatlin.

Rozafa Castle has Illyrian origins and is closely linked to the legend of Rozafa, one of the most famous stories of Albanian folklore. The program continues with visits to the Historical Museum, the house-museum of Oso Kukës, the Marubi Photographic Archive, the Clock Tower (or the English Tower), as well as the characteristic neighborhoods of Gjuhadol and Serreq, known for their architecture.

Near the city is Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, with tourist centers such as Shiroka and Zogaj. The area offers opportunities for swimming, sailing and traditional gastronomy, especially trout and carp dishes.

Days 3–4: Shkodër – Vermosh – Razëm – Bogë – Valbona Valley

The journey continues towards Vermoshi, the northernmost area of ​​Albania and part of the Kelmendi province. Vermoshi is located about 95 km from Shkodra and lies in an alpine plain at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level. Along the way, the Rrapshit Pass is passed, from where the crystal clear waters of the Cem River can be seen. Vermoshi offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountaineering, skiing and nature tourism.

The itinerary continues towards Razma, a mountain tourist village located 41 km from Shkodra, on the slopes of Mount Veleçik. The area is distinguished by its pine and alder forests, alpine flora and year-round accessibility, including the winter season. Accommodation is offered in local hotels and tourist structures, with activities such as excursions, mountaineering and skiing.

Next stop is Bogë, an alpine area also described by traveler Edith Durham. The village of Bogë offers conditions for mountaineering, winter sports, and nature exploration.

The journey ends in the Valbona Valley, one of the most beautiful natural areas of Albania, declared a National Park, with an area of ​​about 8,000 hectares. The valley lies to the east of the Albanian Alps and includes alpine villages such as Dragobi, Valbonë and Rrogam. Visitors can stay in local guesthouses or hotels, enjoying traditional dishes such as flija, mazja and characteristic pies.

Valbona National Park offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, skiing, mountaineering, sport fishing and horse riding. In the northern part is the Gashi River Valley, a UNESCO protected area, known for the glacial lakes of Dobërdol and Sylbica, accessible during the summer season.