Local discoveries in NORTHERN Albania
Those who come to the north of Albania usually start their discoveries in Shkodra, the old Illyrian town with the Italian flair, lying on the shores of lakeShkodra. Even the shallow bathing beaches of the Adriaticsea are not far away. Shortly after Shkodra begin the Albanian Alps. This sometimes difficult to reach area of "incursed mountains" towers almost to 2,700m in the sky. The ferry across the artificial lake Koman makes it easier to get ahead and offers fantastic views of deep gorges. The mountain villages of Thethi and Valbona have already developed into true hiking centers. No less attractive for mountaineers is the environment in the Kelmend region (Vermosh). Different cross-border trails like “Via Dinarica” and “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” also lead to Montenegro and Kosovo. In Northern Albania we start our local discovery tours by default from the city of Shkodra.
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SHKODRA: City Tours
Duration: 1 day
Profile: culture
Activities: sightseeing
Travel period: all year round
Take a walk downtown with a local guide and visit local highlights such as the Marubi Photo Collection, the Historical Museum, Catholic and Orthodox churches and mosques. After a short taxi transfer, we will have lunch at the cooling shore line of lake Shkodra. Afterwards visit of the Illyrian fortressRozafa with city museum. The standard offer includes the local guide, entrance fees, taxi service and a full lunch menu (without drinks). Duration and tour details can be individually adjusted. Requirements: Good on foot, because the fortress can only be visited on foot.
SHKODRA: Boat trip over the Koman lake & local lunch
Duration: 1 day
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: boat trip, encounter
Travel period: ca. May to September
The boat trip over lake Koman is one of the unforgettable landscape experiences of a travel to Albania. From Shkodra it goes by minibus on mostly bumpy and winding route to Koman. Here begins the boat trip through the steep canyons of the lake. For lunch there is a traditional meal with a local family, before going back to Koman, and back to Shkodra by bus. Hiring a private bus / boat is also possible for this day trip (at a higher rate).
SHKODRA: Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Thethi – Valbona valley - Kelmendi
Duration: 3 days (min.)
Profile: nature/ leisure
Activities: hiking, encounter
Travel period: ca. May to September
From Shkodra, you can reach attractive hiking areas being suitable for hikers with experience for individual hiking; marked trails and helpful info material often available! For a day trip with enjoyable hiking the most beautiful places are too far away. We recommend a stay of at least 2 overnights or longer (see round trips), so that the special atmosphere of these remote places may pass over. We will gladly organize for you the transfer from/ to Shkodra, the accommodation, mostly simple family guesthouses, and provide you with info materials.Preconditions: Solid experience with mountain hiking/ fitness.
SHKODRA: Excursion to the Incursed Mountains and Kosovo
Duration: 3 days
Profile: nature/ culture
Activities: sightseeing, easy walks
Travel period: ca. May to September
Drive from Shkodra to Koman and boat trip across lake Koman to Fierze. Continue to the upper Valbona valley and have time for individual walks. The second day will be spent in Kosovo, with sightseeing highlights in Decani, Peja and the Rugova Gorge. On the third day you will walk through Gjakova and Prizren, the most attractive city in Kosovo. You will then return to Albania and Shkodra via the “Albanian Highway”. The standard offer includes: the local guide, all transport and entrance fees (as described), one night in Valbona and Peja, in own rooms with private bath; 2x lunch/ dinner/ breakfast.
SHKODRA: Wines and traditional cuisine around lake Shkodra
Duration: 2 days
Profile: culture/ leisure
Activities: culinary, wine tasting, encounter
Travel period: all year round
From Shkodra it goes along the banks of the Shkodra lake and crossing the border to Montenegro. Above all, the "Vranac" vine is grown here. You can expect a hearty lunch and 2 wine tastings, as well as cultural visits. Continue to Rijeka Crnojevica, dinner and overnight. The next day starts with an idyllic boat trip. Afterwards, similar to the previous day, visit of two other wineries ("Kallmet" grape) and delicious lunch on the Albanian side of the lake. In the afternoon return to Shkodra.
