Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

This eight-night tour by G Adventures takes you through some of the Balkans' lesser-known alpine terrain across three countries. The route starts with a transfer from Tirana Airport to Shkoder in Albania before heading into the Albanian Alps. Walking from Theth to Valbona Valley, you'll pass craggy peaks and shimmering glacial lakes punctuated by meadows that seem reluctant to remain quiet for long.

The trail then nears the tri-border area of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. In Kosovo, Rugova Canyon offers another layer of rugged scenery, accessible partly by 4x4 to ease tired legs. The tour also visits Peja's old town and its traditional bazaar, where local life unfurls in patterns and colours unique to this part of Europe. The itinerary emphasises hiking and local guesthouses, carrying a daypack but trusting luggage to vehicles ensures focus remains on the landscape rather than the load.

Accommodation varies from family-run hotels to simple multi-share guesthouses, reflecting the character of the region rather than gloss or modernity. The tour is accompanied throughout by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer who handles logistics and local insights, adding to this small group's introduction to the Balkan highlands.