A HIKING TRIP THROUGH THE BALKAN ALPS
JuNE 23-30, 2025
Hiking Tour through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
Journey through the spectacular Balkan mountains and villages with our partners at Cedar Path Expeditions.
Explore the rugged wild beauty and glorious mountain peaks of the Western Balkans. We will hike along shepherd paths through mountain terrain in three countries- Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Each morning will start with a mindfulness meditation before we head off to unveil breathtaking alpine vistas, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and remote villages. Each night we will be immersed in the local culture while staying at charming mountain guesthouses with time for reflection and connection. This once inaccessible hidden treasure, promises us an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience like no other.
Join us on the Balkan Peaks Hiking Trips and reserve your spot on this hiking adventure HERE!
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
JULY 23-30, 2025
DAY 1: WELCOME TO PLAV, MONTENEGRO
The expedition will officially begin early evening in Plav, Montenegro at our Guesthouse. We will gather to meet each other, have a trip orientation and share dinner before resting up for the following morning’s hike.
If you are opting into the Cedar Path shuttle, you will be picked up at the Podgorica, Montenegro airport and drive 2-3 hours to Plav.
Plav is an iconic town located in the northeastern part of Montenegro, hidden in the foothills of the Mount Prokletije at the point where the river Lim flows into Lake Plav. With approximately 3,500 inhabitants it is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Meals: -/-/D
DAY 2: HIKE VUSANJE, MONTENEGRO
This day will start bright and early as it will be one of our longest- and definitely one of our most spectacular!
We will be crossing the Bor Peak which has been considered the most spectacular stage of the “Peaks of the Balkans” trail. We hike over the grassy ridge of the Bor towards the imposing towering stone wall that forms the border to Albania before descending into the valley of Vusanje. The view of the Grbaja massif and the Zla Kolata, the highest mountain in Montenegro, make this an incredible day.
We will ascend more than 3000 ft so be ready for a long, hard day, but we will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views on the trail.
Distance: 17 miles, ↑ 3776 ft ↓4265 ft
DAY 3: GREBAJE VALLEY
After breakfast we will start this morning with a car transfer to the Grebaje Valley, Montenegro; an area not to missed. It is not technically part of the ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trail system, but it really should be!
From the drop off we will do a full day hike that gives the most awe inspiring views of the Accursed Mountain range and Karanfili Peaks, maintaining this breath taking backdrop for most of the day’s hike.
The hike will initially take us through forest for about 2.5 miles leading us to Mt Volušnica (6223 ft), followed by ascending two peaks- the magnificent Mt Talijanka (6745 ft) and Mt Popadija. The higher we get the more spectacular the views.
When sunset is near and we must pull ourselves away, we will descend back down to the car, and return to our guesthouse in Vusanje for a delicious meal, rest and reflection.
Distance: 6.2 miles, ↑ 2624 ft ↓2624 ft
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4: THETH, ALBANIA
We will start the day with a short 5 km car transfer over the asphalt road. Then we move on to hiking an unforgettable day through the gorgeous Ropojana Valley and across the border to the village of Theth, Albania.
This is a long day that includes a long, steep downhill section.
Theth is one of the most picturesque villages in Northern Albania, dating back to the Middle Ages. In Theth stands a famous building called the Kulla e Ngujimit, a three storey stone building with no windows. In the ancient days this building was used for self exile during the blood feuds of the area.
Distance: 13 miles, ↑ 3645 ft ↓4714 ft
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 5: THETH FREE DAY
Today is a free day to do whatever you feel like! You might be in the mood to rest your body, take it easy and soak in the atmosphere of this peaceful little town. Perhaps you’ll feel like more movement and want to do a day hike to the Blue Eye Pool (26 km round trip). Or perhaps exploring some cultural exhibits like the Kulla e Ngujimit, could be enriching, giving you a deeper understanding of the local heritage.
There are a few restaurants and a small store in Theth.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6: VALBONA
After an early morning hearty breakfast we will start our hike to Valbona. Today we will experience one of Albania’s most iconic hikes from Theth over the Valbona Pass (5771 ft) to the town of Valbona in the heart of the national park. At one point, you will see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and “Bjeshket e Nemuna” or the Accursed Mountains. “Bjeshket e Nemuna” is a national park in Gjakova and Peja in Kosovo, near the borders of Albania and Montenegro.
This ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj is one of the more rigorous hiking days (7-8 hrs), and unquestionably worth it for the incredible scenery.
Distance: 12.5 miles, ↑ 3504 ft ↓2789 ft
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7: SHKODER
Today we will head out after a fresh breakfast, and catch a boat across Lake Koman, a reservoir of emerald water that meanders for over 70 kms through mountains. In the narrowest place it’s surrounded by vertical canyon walls, where the width is only 50 meters.
After our boat ride we will take a car shuttle the remaining 1.5 hrs. to our hotel in Shkoder. We will gather together at our traditional Albanian Guesthouse for the expedition finale, closing celebration, and fabulous dinner together.
This will be the official end of our Balkan Peaks expedition.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8: SHUTTLE TO PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO
This morning we will offer a morning shuttle back to Podgorica, Montenegro airport. (approx. 2-3 hr drive).
NOTE- It is recommended to book flights out of Podgorica later in the day (after 3pm) or the following day on July 1st, in case of unforeseen travel challenges.
Meals: B
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
– Hiking approx. 10-15 miles per day
– rated challenging hiking (significant elevation gains/losses daily, long miles)
– max 6 participants + 2 leaders- includes all meals, accommodation, permits and transportation while on expedition
*does not include – travel to Montenegro, refreshments outside of meals, alcohol, personal snacks, tips
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until your trip is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Prices from: $2195 USD per participant based on Double / Twin accommodation (pricing may vary depending on season)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
How did the ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trail originate?
The premise of the route was to offer a culturally immersive adventure travel and sustainable tourism product . The hope was that this would support local families in remote mountain areas through hikers staying the night at their guest houses.
At first, this sort of cross-border project may not sound like a big deal. But, when you consider the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, it really is. Virtually free movement across borders is now possible in a way that was inconceivable a couple of decades ago. The various bunker ruins and abandoned guard towers scattered across the region stand testament to this and to the evidence of change.
How do I get there?
Arrival – Fly into Podgorica, Montenegro the day before or morning of June 23. Cedar Path shuttle will pick you up at the Podgorica airport meeting spot around 1pm on June 23rd. You will drive about 2-2.5 hrs to Plav where the group will meet at the Guesthouse for orientation and dinner that night.
Departure – Cedar Path shuttle will drop you off in Podgorica, Montenegro on June 30th. Do not book morning flights that day. (1- 1.5 hours drive).
*Recommended to book afternoon or evening flights on the 30th, or to spend that night in Podgorica in case of unforeseen travel circumstances before international flights.
Travel on your own schedule to/from Podgorica to Plav/Shkoder with a local taxi (approx. $100-$200).
Do I need a Visa to enter Albania, Montenegro or Kosovo?
No. USA and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa to enter these countries
Do I need border crossing permits on the hike?
Yes. Cedar Path Expeditions will take care of this for you. It is included in the trip price. We will need your travel document information prior to the trip to organize the permits.
How difficult is this expedition?
This trail is rated challenging. It has this rating due to the high elevation gains and losses we will encounter each day (3000+ ft up and down daily), along with the long miles 10-17miles/day. There are no technical skills or technical equipment needed. Some parts will be easy going and smooth and some parts will be challenging and harder with long days and rocky steep terrain. It is hard on the feet, and knees.
You can expect a lot of elevation gain and loss everyday. In fact, there’s potentially more elevation gain in total, than a peak climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro- but the big difference is altitude! We are not in high altitude areas and therefore the stress on the body is less. As well, we travel up and down each day, which can be much different than only straight up as with peak ascents. We tend to travel lighter and faster with small packs and no camping gear.
This trip is for people with hiking/backpacking experience.
What are the accommodations like?
The accommodations are a highlight on the expedition. Most are family-run, basic and charming Guesthouses. Some might be a motel or Inn. These are not luxury towns, but Shepard villages that are providing for the growing backpacking industry. The families tend to be warm and welcoming, themselves often only able to spend summer months in the region due to snow. Interestingly, in northern Albania, hospitality was actually codified in the kanun, the traditional Albanian law.
You can expect your own bed in a dorm room with 4-6 beds, sometimes a cabin or smaller double room is available, and we can expect to share space with other backpackers. The Guesthouse provides beds, sheets and pillows. There is hot water, flush toilets and electricity.
Plentiful, hearty and fresh…straight from the gardens of the Guesthouses! For breakfast and dinner, we’ll see plenty of fresh baked bread, salads made with vegetables from the garden or the local market, and jams and fruit preserves made in house. Particularly in the more remote areas we’ll eat lots of feta-like semi-hard cheese and delicious, tangy yogurt. The families will provide us with a pack lunch, often including a sandwich with cheese and vegetables, before we set off each day.
What are the accommodations like?
The accommodations are a highlight on the expedition. Most are family-run, basic and charming Guesthouses. Some might be a motel or Inn. These are not luxury towns, but Shepard villages that are providing for the growing backpacking industry. The families tend to be warm and welcoming, themselves often only able to spend summer months in the region due to snow. Interestingly, in northern Albania, hospitality was actually codified in the kanun, the traditional Albanian law.
You can expect your own bed in a dorm room with 4-6 beds, sometimes a cabin or smaller double room is available, and we can expect to share space with other backpackers.
The Guesthouse provides beds, sheets and pillows. There is hot water, flush toilets and electricity.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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