High Trails of the Balkans
8 Days Starting in Prishtina and ending in Kotor
Visiting: Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania
From:
$1855
$1771
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$83
NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
On the western Balkan Peninsula and extending from Kosovo to eastern Montenegro and northern Albania, lies the dramatic landscapes and settlements of the Prokletije Mountains, also known as the Accursed Mountains. Through a series of challenging walks over passes and across borders, take in sweeping views from the Jelenak pass (2272m) and cross between valleys as you walk between the three countries. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and gain a unique insight into their fascinating mountain culture, staying in guesthouses and enjoying farmhouse lunches and refreshment stops. Walk in the footsteps of the early British traveller Edith Durham, author of 'High Albania' on a section through the Theth Valley, visit the highest waterfall in Albania and spend time exploring Shkodra with its impressive view of Lake Skadar, the largest lake of the Balkan Peninsula. In Montenegro, visit Cetinje, the old royal capital and walk to the Bay of Kotor, one of the most impressive bays in the Balkans. This is an ideal holiday for those seeking a challenging walking and cultural immersion experience, in the company of a likeminded group and an expert mountain guide.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Prishtina, Group Transfer To The City Of Peja, Explore The Town, Transfer To A Hamlet Near The Montenegro Border
Meals Included: D
Arrive at Prishtina airport by 1pm for your transfer (1 hour) to the city of Peja (Pec) at the foothills of Prokljetije Mountains. There will be a walking tour to explore the town which is one of the oldest inhabited places in Kosovo and will include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orthodox monastery of Decani. Built between 1327 and 1335 this represents an exceptional fusion of Byzantine and Western medieval traditions. Transfer to our overnight accommodation close to the Montenegrin border (quad share).
Day 2 : Ascend To The Jelenek Pass (2272M) And Descend Into Montenegro, Transfer To Gusinje (7.5Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today's hike starts from our accommodation. Walking past picturesque glacial lakes we will reach the Jelenek pass (2272m) with a fantastic panoramic view of the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. A descent through the Ravna pass will take us to the first Montenegrin settlement - Babino Polje. After refreshments at a local house we will travel by jeep via Plav to Gusinje for our overnight stay. Dinner will be in a lovely restaurant next to a bubbling spring. Distance 15.5km-9.6mi, +1020m/3346ft, -870m/2850ft
Day 3 : Demanding Walk In The Theth Valley, Across The Border Into Albania (9Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Today we walk in the footsteps of the early 20th century British traveller Edith Durham. It is a demanding day but offers a unique experience to cross the green border between Montenegro and Albania. Packhorses will accompany us, carrying our luggage as there is no road connection. A final steep descent leads us to the bottom of the Theth valley where jeeps will be waiting to take us to our guesthouse. A delicious home made dinner will be part of the experience tonight. Distance 21km-13mi +850m/2788ft, -1250m/4100mi
Day 4 : Relaxed Morning In The Theth Valley, Lunch With A Local Family (4Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Relax this morning and enjoy your breakfast on the terrace above the Theth valley. We will take a gentle walk to explore the valley and visit the highest waterfall in Albania with remains of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. We'll continue to the village of Nyderlysa where we can take a swim in the pristine river before a lovely garden lunch prepared by a local family. Distance 8km/5mi +200m/650ft -500m/1640ft
Day 5 : Walk To The Valbona Valley, Transfer To Bajram Curri (7Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
This morning we will walk from the Theth valley to the Valbona Valley. Once again packhorses will take our luggage as there is no road connection. Upon arrival in Valbona we will transfer to the small town of Bajram Curri where we will stay overnight. In the evening we'll have a delicious dinner in a local restaurant prepared by two charming sisters. Distance 14.5km/9mi, +1200m/3937ft, - 900m/2952ft
Day 6 : Ferry On Lake Koman, Transfer To Shkodra With Time To Explore, Continue To Montenegro
Meals Included: B, L, D
This morning we make an early start and transfer (1hr) to reach the ferry on Lake Koman. This is an artificial lake created by damming the Drin River in 1978. The boat ride takes 2 hours and passes through narrow passages and remote settlements only accessible by water. On completion of the boat trip we will transfer to the second biggest city in Albania, Shkodra. After lunch there will be a city walk covering notable sites of the city including the photo collection of Marubi and the castle of Shkodra. Continue into Montenegro for our overnight stay in the village of Virpazar (total 2hrs transfer).
Day 7 : By Boat On Lake Skadar, Transfer To Cetinje Then Walk To The Bay Of Kotor (3Hrs)
Meals Included: B, L, D
Again we start the day with a journey by boat from Virpazar on Lake Skadar (2hrs) to the village of Rijeka Crnojevica. From here we transfer (20mins) to Cetinje for a city walk in the old royal capital of Montenegro, before a short ride to the starting point of our final walk in the Bay of Kotor. This trail once connected the port of Kotor with the mountainous interior of Montenegro. Enjoy the fantastic views over the bay. On arrival at the old town of Kotor we will check into our hotel and enjoy a group farewell dinner tonight. Distance 9km/5.6mi -900m/2950ft
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: B
After breakfast transfer to either Dubrovnik/Podgorica (1.5hr) or Tivat (30mins)
What's Included
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Accommodation
hotel / guesthouse -
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (packed lunches or lunch with local families), 7 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
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4 nights in 1-4 star hotels on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities, 3 nights in simple guesthouses in quadshare rooms with shared bathroom
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Luggage transfer with jeeps or packhorses
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Boat rides on Lake Koman (Drin River) and Lake Skadar
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Local English speaking mountain guide
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Entrance fees for sights and National Parks
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Private group transfers throughout
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Administration of border crossing permits
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Luggage transfer with jeeps or packhorses. 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
What's Not Included
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Travel to Prishtina and from Dubrovnik/Podgorica or Tivat
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Drinks daily
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Items of a personal nature
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Entrance fees
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Tips
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Entrance fees to monuments/sites not included in the itinerary
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A single supplement will apply if you book a single room (3 nights)
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Excess luggage
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Travel insurance
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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A supplement will apply if you book a single room (3 nights)
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
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Entrance fees not listed as included
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, camera etc.
Grading
The trip is grade 4 (moderate to challenging) with guided daily walks of around 3-9 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1200 metres/3900 feet. There are some stages during the walk where you will encounter steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
1 Dates & Availability
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Friday - Friday
May 31, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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