12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania

12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans

Outty Ranking 57 4.8 · 6 traveler reviews288 hoursFrom $1,725
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans worth booking?

12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans is a 288-hour experience in Tirana, Albania, from $1,725 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (6)
Duration
288 hours
From
$1,725 per person

Journey through the picturesque mountains of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo on our 12 day self guided hiking tour. Explore the untouched Peaks of the Balkans where you will be spending 11 nights in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge-style or shepherd’s huts.

What you get

    About this experience

    Journey through the picturesque mountains of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo on our 12 day self guided hiking tour. Explore the untouched Peaks of the Balkans where you will be spending 11 nights in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge-style or shepherd’s huts.

    What's included

    Included

    • Airport pick up/transfer to accommodation in Tirana on day 1
    • Local transport provided by the company from Theth to Tirana or Shkodra bus terminal to on day 12
    • Choose Balkans Assistance
    • Shared accommodation for 11 nights in traditional guesthouse/ lodge- style or shepherd’s hut
    • Tourist taxes
    • Breakfast
    • Local transport provided by the company from meeting point in Tirana or Shkodra to Theth on day 2
    • Cross Border Pass

    Not included

    • Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks, one meal cost about 12 -15 Euros
    • Private rooms are possible on 40 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability
    • One meal cost about 12 - 15 euros
    • Transfer from drop off point (Bus terminal) to your hotel on day 12
    • Other local transfers not mentioned in the included section

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Tirana

    This tour departs very early in the morning from Shkoder. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided by our partner.

    Meeting point

    Tirana

    This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided by our partner.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This tour departs very early in the morning from Shkoder. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided by our partner.

    Ends at

    This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided by our partner.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Choose Balkans

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
    • You will be carrying your belongings with you during the trek so we recommend you pack lightly.
    • All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.
    • This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.
    • Private rooms are possible on 45 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability

    Photos

    View of Valbona Valley, North Albania, Choose Balkans, 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in Tirana12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in Tirana, photo 3Valbona Valley, Choose Balkans, 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in Tirana12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in Tirana, photo 5Hiking tour, Albania, Choose Balkans, 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in TiranaBlue Eye, Theth, Choose Balkans, 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans in Tirana

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    rdp325 · July 2024

    Thank you for a trip of a lifetime

    A trip of a lifetime. We were expertly guided each day on the walks by Daniel, managing not only the directions but also ensuring we rehydrated, rested and refuelled sufficiently to really enjoy the challenge. He also told us so much about the Albanian, history and culture. The alpine flowers were so breathtaking - now I understand why we try to recreate this by making rock gardens in our English gardens! Many thanks

    via Tripadvisor

    SerG141 · December 2023

    Choose Balkans great company serious people, great tours

    Redon was a great guide during the 6 day tour of Koman Lake, Theth and Valbona pass. He had a great sense of humor and was always very helpful. Brikena and Simra, were also very helpful and answered all my questions. I really recommend this company, they are serious in what they do and offer great tours. I really enjoyed this trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    carolinevalgaeren · July 2023

    Impressive and beautiful trip to the north of Albania

    We enjoyed the trip a lot since we were able to explore the north of Albania and were impressed by its beauty. Brikena organized our trip and Anxhelo was our guide. Brikena provided us with nice hotels in the different places and made sure there was transport available whenever we needed it. Anxhelo was very helpful and friendly and made sure we could smoothly do all the activities. He gave us information on the different places which allowed us to learn about (the history of) Albania. All in all, we recommend doing this trip since you will get a good sense of the beautiful and impressive northern part of Albania!

    via Tripadvisor

    Andrewsco55 · December 2019

    This tour is amazing.

    This tour has everything, nature, breathtaking views, traditional and delicious food. We booked this tour through Choose Balkans and really enjoyed. We hiked through Albanian Alps and experienced real adventure. Thank you for this experience.

    Response from the operator: Hello Andrew. We are glad to hear that you have enjoyed your tour with us. Looking forward to see you again. Many Thanks from Choose Balkans Team.

    via Tripadvisor

    355taulantt · September 2019

    Amazing Outdoor Tour

    We were looking for and adventure tour and we were lucky to find this tour. We had a chance to visit Lake Koman, Valbona Valley, Theth and Shkoder. Choose Balkans organizations was perfect. Thank you guys, and Ergi the tour guide so careful in taking care of all our requests

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    288 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,725 to $3,581
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Choose Balkans, who run 48 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.2.

    See everything Choose Balkans runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)33
    Booking momentum (14% weight)23
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tirana.

    How much does 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,725 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tirana usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans take?

    +

    Plan for about 288 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tirana is not rushed.

    Is 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Tirana, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 288-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tirana can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tirana and add a light layer if any part of the 288-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tirana within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Tirana?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Tirana experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tirana Walking Tour: History, Culture & Hidden Local Gems, Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine & Raki, From Tirana/Durres- Hiking Tour to Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Tirana?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Tirana?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans?

    +

    Included: Airport pick up/transfer to accommodation in Tirana on day 1; Local transport provided by the company from Theth to Tirana or Shkodra bus terminal to on; Choose Balkans Assistance; Shared accommodation for 11 nights in traditional guesthouse/ lodge- style or shepherd’s h; and Tourist taxes. Not included: Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks, one meal cost about 12 -15 Euros; Private rooms are possible on 40 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availabili; One meal cost about 12 - 15 euros; and Transfer from drop off point (Bus terminal) to your hotel on day 12. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans?

    +

    This tour departs very early in the morning from Shkoder. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided by our partner. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans?

    +

    Across 6 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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