From Athens: 14-Day Balkans Tour to Sarajevo or Belgrade
Montenegro
Embark on a 14-day tour of the Balkans from Athens to Sarajevo or Belgrade. Discover the ancient ruins of Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora, and the vineyards near Rahovec.
Albanian Alps Hiking Tour from Tirana or Shkodra
This 3-day hiking tour explores Theth, the Blue Eye spring, and Grunas Waterfall, suitable for moderately experienced hikers.
Highlights
- Explore Theth and hike to the Blue Eye spring
- Discover Grunas Waterfall and experience village life
- Enjoy alpine views during the return to Shkodra or Tirana
Tour Description
Day 1: Tirana / Shkodra – Theth – Blue Eye – Theth
The tour starts early from Tirana or Shkodra with shared transportation to northern Albania. Travel through scenic landscapes including wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake, and untouched mountains. From Shkodra, switch to local transport heading to Theth, a rural area known for medicinal herbs.
After a short break, begin a hike to the Blue Eye, a natural spring formed by melted snow from the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 18 km round trip with 700 m elevation and takes around 6 hours total. Local transport from Theth Village to Nderlysaj can reduce the hike to 1 hour each way at an additional cost of 5-7 euros per person. The trail difficulty is moderate. Overnight stay is in a traditional guesthouse in Theth.
Hiking details (Day 1)
- Distance: 18 km
- Elevation gain: 700 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 6 hours
- Trail type: Loop
Day 2: Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Theth
After breakfast hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall, a natural monument since 2002, taking about one hour each way. The trail passes through local villages and traditional Albanian Alps stone houses called Kullas. Enjoy the waterfall and surrounding landscape, then return to Theth for a free afternoon to explore the National Park. Overnight in Theth.
Hiking details (Day 2)
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation gain: 270 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3 hours
- Trail type: Loop
Day 3: Theth – Shkodra / Tirana
Spend the morning enjoying views of the Albanian Alps before driving back via Qafa e Thores mountain pass. The road descends through zig-zag paths to Shkodra or Tirana. The tour ends with drop-off at the Tirana bus station where onward transport is not included.
Inclusions
- Breakfast included on all mornings
- Shared accommodation for 2 nights in traditional guesthouses with basic bathroom amenities (rooms shared by 2-5 travelers; mixed-gender sharing possible unless a private room is booked)
- Local transport from the meeting point in Tirana or Shkodra to Theth on day 1
- Local transport from Theth to Shkodra or Tirana bus station on day 3
- Tour coordination and instructions by Choose Balkans
- Tourist taxes
Exclusions
- Lunch, dinner, drinks, and snacks
- Private rooms available for an additional 45 euros per night, subject to availability
- Local transport from Theth Village to Nderlysaj (optional for Blue Eye hike)
- Transfers to/from the meeting and drop-off points
- Other local transfers not listed under inclusions
- Tour leader
- Personal expenses
- Any items not specified in inclusions
Important Information
- All participants must have their own health and travel insurance
- Bring your passport or travel documents during the trip
- Visa requirements are the traveler’s responsibility; Choose Balkans does not provide visa advice
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Book early to secure accommodation preferences. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn for optimal hiking conditions.
