Self – Guided Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 10 Days

The Peaks of the Balkans Tour is a thrilling 10-day adventure for avid hikers. Travelers will explore stunning landscapes across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, experiencing simple homestays and local transport. With a maximum of 10 participants, this self-guided tour offers a chance to take in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the captivating Blue Eye to the challenging Valbona Pass, each hike promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

Key Points

• A self-guided 10-day adventure starting in Tirana, Albania, with a maximum of 10 travelers and priced from $1,594.68 per person.
• Accommodation in simple homestays, guesthouses, lodges, or shepherd’s huts for 9 nights, with private rooms available for an extra charge.
• Includes local transport, Cross Border Pass, and entry tickets for sites, with meals not included (estimated 12-15 Euros per meal).
• Requires hiking experience and good physical condition, with key hikes ranging from 3 to 8 hours and elevations between 789 and 1150 meters.
• Highlights include the Blue Eye, Cerem, Doberdol, Valbona Pass, and other scenic trails showcasing the natural beauty of the Balkans.

Tour Overview and Details

The Peaks of the Balkans Tour is a self-guided 10-day adventure that starts in Tirana, Albania at 6:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour offers an opportunity to explore the stunning peaks of the Balkans region. Priced from $1,594.68 per person, the tour includes local transport, a Cross Border Pass, and entry tickets for sites.

Accommodation consists of 9 nights in simple homestays, guesthouses, lodges, or shepherd’s huts, with basic bathroom amenities and shared rooms. Private rooms are available for an extra charge, subject to availability.

Accommodation and Meals

For the 9 nights of the tour, travelers will stay in simple homestays, guesthouses, lodges, or shepherd’s huts.

The accommodations offer basic bathroom amenities and shared rooms of 2-5 travelers. Private rooms are available for an extra 35 Euros per night, subject to availability.

Breakfasts are included, while lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks are not, costing an estimated 12-15 Euros per meal.

Participants must bring their own health and travel insurance, as the tour is non-refundable and the itinerary may change due to external factors.

Transport and Logistics

To transport participants to the various hiking destinations, the tour company provides local transport.

The tour includes a Cross Border Pass, which allows for seamless travel between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Plus, the company arranges 4×4 wheel drive transport from Gropat e Erenikut to Gjakova.

The price covers all entry tickets, tourist taxes, road taxes, international car insurance, and petrol costs.

This streamlined logistics ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the stunning Balkan landscapes without worrying about the details.

Hiking Information

The Peaks of the Balkans tour requires hiking experience and good physical condition. The key hikes range from 3 to 8 hours, with elevations between 789 and 1150 meters. These include the Blue Eye, Cerem, Doberdol, Gjeravica – Junik, Maja e Berishdolit, Talijanka peak, Tamarë – Lëpushë, Valbona Pass, and Vuthaj – Theth. For a closer look:

Hike	Duration	Elevation
Blue Eye	3-4 hours	789m
Cerem	7 hours	1100m
Doberdol	6-7 hours	800m
Gjeravica – Junik	6 hours	1000m
Maja e Berishdolit	5-6 hours	900m

Blue Eye Hike

As one of the key hikes on the Peaks of the Balkans tour, the Blue Eye trek takes travelers 3-4 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 789 meters.

The hike showcases stunning natural scenery, including:

1. The mesmerizing Blue Eye, a natural spring with vivid blue-green waters.
2. Lush forests and mountain landscapes along the trail.
3. Opportunities to spot local wildlife like chamois and golden eagles.

Travelers should come prepared with proper hiking gear, sufficient water, and snacks to fuel the journey.

The Blue Eye hike is a highlight of the Peaks of the Balkans experience.

Cerem Hike

Spanning 7 hours, the Cerem hike ascends an elevation of 1,100 meters, offering trekkers a glimpse into the rugged landscapes of the Balkans.

Challenging yet rewarding, this hike takes adventurers through lush alpine meadows and past cascading waterfalls.

Hikers will need to be prepared for steep, rocky terrain and unpredictable weather. Proper hiking gear, including sturdy boots and layers, is essential.

The payoff? Panoramic views of the majestic Accursed Mountains and a true sense of accomplishment.

This hike isn’t for the faint of heart but promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking an adventure in the Balkans.

Doberdol Hike

Hiking the Doberdol trail takes trekkers on a 6-7 hour journey, covering an elevation gain of 800 meters.

The challenging trek offers panoramic views of the rugged Bjeshkët e Nemuna mountains.

Along the way, hikers will encounter:

1. Steep ascents and descents on rocky terrain
2. Meadows filled with wildflowers and grazing livestock
3. Shepherd huts providing opportunities to interact with local communities

The Doberdol hike exemplifies the adventurous spirit of the Peaks of the Balkans tour, rewarding travelers with a true sense of accomplishment and immersion in the region’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.

Valbona Pass Hike

The Valbona Pass hike takes trekkers on a challenging 6-8 hour journey, covering an elevation gain of 1,050 meters.

Hikers will traverse rugged terrain, crossing streams and ascending steep slopes to reach the stunning alpine pass. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the Accursed Mountains.

Descending the other side, trekkers will encounter lush meadows and dense forests before reaching the charming village of Vuthaj.

This leg of the journey is considered one of the most rewarding yet strenuous hikes on the Peaks of the Balkans tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Different Duration?

No, the Peaks of the Balkans tour is offered only as a 10-day itinerary. The tour provider doesn’t provide options to book it for a different duration. Travelers must commit to the full 10-day experience as described.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Hiking Gear?

Hikers should bring proper hiking boots, layers for varying weather, sun protection, snacks, and water. It’s also recommended to have a lightweight backpack, trekking poles, and basic first-aid supplies for the challenging terrain and elevation changes on this tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Accommodations?

Yes, the tour offers an option to upgrade accommodations. Travelers can pay an extra 35 Euros per night for private rooms, subject to availability, instead of the default shared accommodations in simple homestays, guesthouses, or shepherd’s huts.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour has a non-refundable policy – there are no refunds if a participant cancels. Confirmation is received at booking, and the itinerary may change due to external factors beyond the tour operator’s control.

Can I Join the Tour on a Different Date?

Travelers can’t join the tour on a different date, as the itinerary is fixed. The tour has a non-refundable policy, so changing the date isn’t possible. Participants must adhere to the scheduled 10-day itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Peaks of the Balkans Tour provides a unique opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to explore the stunning landscapes of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. With a blend of challenging hikes, simple accommodations, and seamless cross-border travel, this self-guided adventure offers an immersive and rewarding experience for those seeking an active vacation in the Balkans.