8 Days Off-Road in North Albania

The first stop on this tour is the birthplace of the Albanian National Hero, the city of Kruja. The name Kruja derives from the Albanian word krua, meaning “water spring”. This mountain citadel was the main Illyrian fortress in the area during the 4th century AD. In the year 879, Kruja was first recognized as a Christian religious center. Kruja Castle was built during the 5th and 6th centuries. The surrounding walls are reinforced by nine towers which served as observation and signaling posts during times of war. Within the walls of the castle, the remains of a few houses can still be found. Inside the castle compound, we visit the museum of the Albanian National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. After our visit to the castle, we walk to the bazaar which features many traditional handmade items. Once we are finished in beautiful Kruja, we head to the beach of Shengjin, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the Adriatic Sea. From there we drive to Shkodra, the largest city in the north. Here we visit the Rozafa Castle and take in the superb view of Shkodra Lake surrounded by mountains. Dinner and accommodations in Shkodra.

After breakfast, we drive through the picturesque National Park of Theth. We then stop at Qafë Thore, a mountain pass that offers spectacular views of the Theth Valley. Once we arrive in Theth we spend the day in and around the area of Theth enjoying the charm of the village known for its stunning nature and traditional wooden-tiled houses. Depending on how you are feeling we walk or drive downhill from the guesthouse and visit the attractions near the village. We have a chance to visit the local church and “Kulla e Ngujimit” lock-in tower used in the past by men as a shelter from those involved in vendetta known as “blood feud”.

On our second day in Theth, we visit some of the most beautiful natural attractions Albania has to offer. After either a 30 minute off-road drive or 2.5-hour walk, we visit the famous Blue Eye, an amazing natural attraction caused by the extremely cold water that flows up from deep within the ground into the warmer waters of the river. After some time at the Blue eye, we visit the waterfall and the Canyon of Theth. This day of exploring nature and enjoying the outdoors will have you ready for the wonderful dinner and accommodations that await us back at the guesthouse.

We spend the day traveling from Theth to Valbona. Our travels are filled with beautiful landscapes of the Valbona valley and park and we take a boat to cross Koman Lake. We lunch on the road at a traditional restaurant and visit the old mill. Dinner and accommodations in Valbona guesthouse.

Our second day in Valbona includes a moderate hike through the Valbona Valley National Park to the waterfall of Valbona. While we eat our picnic lunch we enjoy the view of the Albanian Alps. After enjoying the waterfalls we hike back to the village for another delicious traditional dinner.

After breakfast, our journey continues back to Tirana. Once you’ve had some time to relax and unwind at the hotel we head out into the capital city to enjoy a taste of the rich nightlife it has to offer. As we walk through the city, we get to know some of the history of our country’s capital.

Depending on your flight time, our staff will escort you to the airport.

Every trip is different, depending on weather conditions. Our trips are not recommended for pregnant women, children under 2 years old and people who suffer from any medication disability. Do not bring unnecessary items or items of high value on board, our company will not take responsibility for any loss.