Everything was perfect from start to finish and if we needed anything we just had to ask. Everyone was very attentive.
✓ Irma
Albania 13-Day Hiking Tour: Out of This World Places
Out of This World is a 13-day small-group hiking tour of Albania, run by InAlb’s local team and starting and ending in Tirana. It links the country’s most dramatic landscapes — the Theth-to-Valbona pass in the Accursed Mountains, Holta and Osumi canyons, the Koman Lake ferry and the glacial lakes of Gramoz — across five real hiking days with lighter recovery days in between. It suits fit, active travelers who want raw nature, mountain guesthouses and genuine local culture. From €1,800 per person, two sharing.
Planned and operated by InAlb, Tirana. Last updated .
13 days12 nights
Tiranastart and finish
AlbaniaGroup Tour
Challengingsmall group
4.815 verified reviews
What's included
- Accommodation in 3-star city hotels and authentic family-run mountain guesthouses
- Daily breakfast, packed trail meals on hiking days, and selected lunches and dinners
- One dedicated English-speaking expert hiking guide for all 13 days
- Entrance fees to listed attractions, monuments and museums
- Private eco-friendly vehicle transport throughout, plus the Koman Lake ferry
Highlights
- The legendary Theth-to-Valbona pass (1,797 m) – Albania’s most iconic hike, with no road between the two valleys
- Holta and Osumi canyons – Mars-red walls, emerald pools, hidden waterfalls and river wading
- The Koman Lake ferry, fjord-like and jade-green, the “Thailand of Europe”
- Albania’s highest glacial lake on Gramoz (2,350 m), on the Greek border
- Thermal springs at Benja and Leskovik, plus a cheese-and-polyphony feast with a Lazarat shepherd family
Albania 13-Day Hiking Tour at a glance
- Duration
- 13 days, 12 nights
- Price
- From €1,800 per person, .
- Countries
- Albania
- Start and finish
- Tirana, Albania
- Travel style
- Small group with guide
- Group size
- Max 12
- Fitness
- Challenging. Good fitness required. Five hiking days of 2–8 hours on varied mountain terrain with real elevation gain (steep,…
- Hotels
- 12 nights, Boutique
- Meals
- 12 breakfasts
- Driving
- Private, eco-friendly air-conditioned vehicles throughout, plus the Koman Lake ferry
- Activities included
- 2 boat trips, 6 walks and hikes, guided visits, entrance tickets
- Payment
- 30% deposit to book, balance 30 days before. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Bank transfer
- Availability
- Fixed dates, next season on request
- Best months
- Mid-April to mid-October (best months: May, June and September).
- Borders and visas
- No visa is required for most EU, UK and US travelers for short stays. Check your…
- Support
- InAlb local team on WhatsApp, 24/7 during the trip
Read the full overview
This is Albania’s most complete hiking tour: 13 days, north to south, through the wildest corners of the country. Cross the iconic Theth-to-Valbona pass in the Accursed Mountains, wade through Holta and Osumi canyons, ride the Koman Lake ferry, soak in thermal springs and reach the highest glacial lake in Albania on Gramoz. Five real hiking days are spaced with recovery days, UNESCO towns and local feasts. Small group, one expert guide for all 13 days, mountain guesthouses and 24/7 support.
Out of This World is a 13-day guided small-group hiking tour of Albania, starting and ending in Tirana and run by InAlb’s local team. It’s built for travelers who want the real thing: long days on the trail, nights in family-run mountain guesthouses, and landscapes that genuinely look like another planet. This is not a soft walking holiday with the odd stroll. It’s a proper hiking tour with five full trail days, including Albania’s most famous crossing, the Theth-to-Valbona pass.
The route runs the length of the country. You begin in the northern Alps around Lëpushë, Theth and Valbona, cross the high pass on foot, then ride the Koman Lake ferry, often called the “Thailand of Europe”, before heading south. The second half trades alpine ridges for canyons and springs: the Mars-red walls of Holta, the 26-km Osumi canyon with its hidden waterfalls, the thermal pools of Benja and Leskovik, and finally the glacial lake on Gramoz at 2,350 m, where you stand on the border looking into both Albania and Greece. Along the way you stop in UNESCO Berat and Gjirokastër and share a cheese-and-polyphony feast with a shepherd family in Lazarat.
Why we built it this way. Hard hiking days are deliberately followed by lighter ones – scenic drives, a boat day, canyon swims, thermal baths and city visits – so your body recovers before the next big climb. You keep the same expert hiking guide for all 13 days, someone who has walked every section of this route many times and knows the weather, the trails and the families who host you.
Who this may not suit. This tour is for people who genuinely enjoy hiking. Several days are 5–8 hours on varied mountain terrain with real elevation gain, and the Theth-to-Valbona day is long and demanding. If you want mostly cultural sightseeing, coastal relaxation or light activity, one of our other multi-day tours will fit you better, and we’re happy to point you to it.
The hikes at a glance
Six guided hikes, about 57 km in total. Every number below comes from our own route notes, so you know exactly what your legs are signing up for.
| Day | Route | Distance | Time | Climb | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Lëpushë to Maja e Vajushës (2,057 m) | 8 km | 4–5 h | +750–950 m | Hard |
| 4 | Theth to Grunas Waterfall & Blue Eye | 11 km | 5 h | +300–350 m | Moderate |
| 5 | Theth to Valbona Pass (1,797 m) | 15 km | 6 h | +1,068 m | Hard |
| 7 | Holta Canyon (wading) | 6 km | 2–3 h | +150 m | Easy–Moderate |
| 8 | Osumi Canyon (wading & swimming) | 7 km | 4 h | +150–200 m | Moderate |
| 11 | Gramoz glacial lake (2,350 m) | 10 km | 4 h | +1,150–1,300 m | Moderate |
Non-hiking days in between (Koman Lake ferry, Gjirokastër, the thermal springs of Benja) give your legs time to recover.
Your 13 days, day by day
Driving route
Tirana › Shkodra › Theth › Valbona › Koman Lake › Berat › Leskovik › Gjirokastra › Korce › Lepushe › Osum Canyon
Day1 Welcome to Tirana Tirana
Arrive in Tirana, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to a central hotel. Settle in, with time for a coffee in the lively Blloku district or a gentle stroll past the city’s murals.
- Airport pickup & transfer
- Free time in Tirana
- Trip briefing
- Meals
- None included
- Tonight
- Tirana hotel (or similar)
Day2 Kruja, Lezha & Shkodra Kruja, Lezha & Shkodra
Explore Kruja’s fortress and centuries-old bazaar (home of Skanderbeg), stop for a farm-to-table agrotourism lunch near Lezha, then continue north to Shkodra and Rozafa Castle above the lake.
- Kruja castle & bazaar
- Agrotourism farm-to-table lunch
- Rozafa Castle, Shkodra
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Tonight
- Shkodra hotel (or similar)
Day3 Into the Alps: Lëpushë (first hike) Lëpushë
Drive north into the Albanian Alps to the village of Lëpushë, then take your first hike toward the Maja e Vajushës viewpoint, with panoramic peaks and wildflower meadows. Hearty guesthouse dinner.
- First alpine hike to the viewpoint
- Panoramic Accursed Mountains views
- Traditional guesthouse dinner
From the summit of Maja e Vajushës you stand on the Albania and Montenegro border, looking down over two countries at once, with the whole of the Accursed Mountains spread out in silence.
- Walking
- Lëpushë – Maja e Vajushës – Lëpushë · 8 km round-trip · 4–5 h · +750–950 m · high 2,057 m · Hard
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Tonight
- Mountain guesthouse, Lëpushë (or similar)
Day4 Theth Village & Blue Eye (hike) Theth
Cross to Theth, visit the iconic Church of Theth, walk to the Grunas Waterfall and hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a spring glowing impossible shades of turquoise.
- Church of Theth
- Grunas Waterfall
- Blue Eye of Theth
- Walking
- Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Blue Eye – Theth · 11 km round-trip · 5 h · +300–350 m · Moderate
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Tonight
- Mountain guesthouse, Theth (or similar)
Day5 Theth to Valbona Pass (the big one) Theth → Valbona
The legendary crossing: an ancient mule track over the high pass between two valleys, with the Accursed Mountains all around. End in serene Valbona.
- Albania’s most iconic hike
- High pass at 1,797 m
- Arrive in Valbona Valley
- Walking
- Theth – Valbona Pass – Valbona · 15 km · 6 h · +1,068 m / −792 m · high 1,797 m · Hard (tougher in this direction)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Tonight
- Mountain guesthouse, Valbona (or similar)
Day6 Valbona, Koman Lake ferry & Tirana Valbona, Koman Lake, Tirana
A relaxed morning in Valbona, then the spectacular Koman Lake ferry from Fierza through fjord-like cliffs. Return to Tirana for an evening raki tasting.
- Koman Lake ferry (the “Thailand of Europe”)
- Scenic drive back to Tirana
- Guided raki tasting
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Tonight
- Tirana hotel (or similar)
Day7 Holta Canyon & Berat (hike) Holta Canyon & Berat
Hike into Holta Canyon, where Mars-like walls narrow to 10 m and a milky-blue thermal spring waits at the entrance. Afternoon in UNESCO Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows”.
- Holta Canyon hike & thermal spring
- Berat old town & castle
- Ottoman bridge & Mangalem quarter
- Walking
- Holta Canyon · 6 km round-trip · 2–3 h · +150 m · Easy–Moderate (wading & river crossings)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Tonight
- Berat hotel (or similar)
Day8 Osumi Canyon (hike) Osumi Canyon
A full day in the 26-km Osumi Canyon: sheer 450-m walls, eight hidden waterfalls (including the “Waterfall of Love”), wading and swimming. Optional rafting/tubing on the Osum.
- Guided hike through Osumi Canyon
- Hidden waterfalls & emerald pools
- Optional rafting / river tubing
- Walking
- Osumi Canyon · 7 km · 4 h · +150–200 m · Moderate (wading & swimming)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Tonight
- Berat hotel (or similar)
Day9 Gjirokastër & Lazarat feast Gjirokastër & Lazarat
Drive south to UNESCO Gjirokastër for the castle and old town, then a cheese tasting and polyphony experience with Jaco’s shepherd family in Lazarat: seven artisanal dishes and live singing you’re invited to join.
- Gjirokastër castle & old town
- Lazarat cheese tasting (7 dishes)
- Live Albanian polyphony
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Tonight
- Gjirokastër hotel (or similar)
Day10 Përmet, Benja & Leskovik thermal springs Përmet & Leskovik
Head toward Përmet, soaking in the Benja thermal pools by the Vjosa, then the Sarandapori springs at Leskovik, surrounded by mountains.
- Benja thermal pools by the Vjosa
- Sarandapori springs, Leskovik
- Vjosa Valley scenery
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Tonight
- Guesthouse, Leskovik (or similar)
Day11 Gramoz Mountain glacial lake (hike) Gramoz & Korçë
Drive to Ersekë and hike to Albania’s highest glacial lake on Gramoz (2,350 m), on the Greek border, then continue to charming Korçë.
- Hike to Albania’s highest glacial lake
- Border views into Albania & Greece
- Evening in Korçë
- Walking
- Starje – Gramoz glacial lake · 10 km round-trip · 4 h · +1,150–1,300 m · high 2,350 m · Moderate
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Tonight
- Korçë hotel (or similar)
Day12 Korçë, Pogradec & Lin to Tirana Korçë, Pogradec & Lin
A guided tour of Korçë (main square, Orthodox Cathedral), then lakeside Pogradec on Lake Ohrid and the village of Lin with its ancient mosaics, before returning to Tirana.
- Korçë city tour
- Lake Ohrid at Pogradec
- Lin mosaics & lake views
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Tonight
- Tirana hotel (or similar)
Day13 Farewell Tirana
Airport transfer for your flight, leaving with Albania’s wildest landscapes behind you.
- Departure transfer
- Meals
- Breakfast
Practical information
How do you get there and back?
- Starts
- Tirana, Albania
- Ends
- Tirana, Albania
- Flights
- Not included
- On the ground
- Private, eco-friendly air-conditioned vehicles throughout, plus the Koman Lake ferry.
- Borders and visas
- No visa is required for most EU, UK and US travelers for short stays. Check your own nationality’s requirements before travel.
Who is this trip for? Graded challenging
Each scale runs 1 to 5, from very easy to demanding.
- Difficulty
- ChallengingLevel 4 of 5. Good fitness required. Five hiking days of 2–8 hours on varied mountain terrain with real elevation gain (steep, rocky ascents and descents); the Theth-to-Valbona day is long and demanding. Trekking poles recommended.
- Pace
- BalancedLevel 3 of 5
- Walking
- ~57 km of hiking across 6 hiking daysLevel 2 of 5
Good for. Active travelers and hikers who want raw nature, mountain guesthouses and real adventure. Solo travelers are very welcome — a safe, sociable way to hike Albania.
Not for you if anyone wanting mostly cultural sightseeing, coastal relaxation or light activity, or a non-hiker travelling with a hiker. Several days are long and demanding on mountain terrain.
What is included in the €1,800 price?
Included in the price
- Accommodation in 3-star city hotels and authentic family-run mountain guesthouses
- Daily breakfast, packed trail meals on hiking days, and selected lunches and dinners
- One dedicated English-speaking expert hiking guide for all 13 days
- Entrance fees to listed attractions, monuments and museums
- Private eco-friendly vehicle transport throughout, plus the Koman Lake ferry
- Private airport transfers in Albania
- 24/7 in-country support
Not included
- International flights to/from Albania
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Meals not explicitly mentioned (some city lunches/dinners during free time)
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g. Osum rafting)
- Tips for guides, drivers and hosts
Reviews
4.8out of 5
15 travellers rated this trip
✓ Every review from a confirmed bookingEverything was amazing, the Valbona Theth hike was the highlight of my trip. The landscapes looked like something out of another world, just as promised. Our guide Ardit was patient and supportive, especially on…
Osumi Canyons and Berat's stone houses, everything was magical. I loved the Holta canyons and they took us to some places you just can not find online. The mix of culture and nature was…
Before you travel
What to pack
Broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing for changing mountain temperatures, a waterproof rain jacket, a daypack for hikes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a reusable water bottle and any personal medication, trekking poles (recommended, especially for Theth–Valbona).
Getting there
Fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA). Private airport transfers are included – just send your flight details after booking.
Best months
Mid-April to mid-October, with May, June and September the sweet spots for clear trails and comfortable temperatures.
Fitness
Build up with regular long walks before the trip; you should be comfortable with full days on rocky mountain terrain.
Not suitable for
Non-hikers, or travelers wanting mostly sightseeing, beaches or light activity.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended (and sensible for a hiking tour); it is not included and is each guest’s responsibility to arrange.
Health
No vaccinations are required for EU/UK/US travelers. Bring any personal medication. Drink bottled water; standard travel-health precautions apply.
Money and tipping
Currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas; carry some Lek for villages, small cafes and tips. ATMs are in the cities on the route.
Climate and weather
Mountain weather: best from mid-April to mid-October. May, June and September are ideal (clear trails, lush and comfortable). July–August are warmer on the lower sections. Layers and a rain jacket are essential.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy on remote trails. Buy a cheap local SIM (Vodafone, ONE, ALBtelecom) in Tirana; most hotels and guesthouses have WiFi.
FAQs
What is the Albania Out of This World tour?
A 13-day guided hiking and nature adventure through Albania’s most remote, dramatic landscapes – from the Accursed Mountains and the Theth-to-Valbona trek to Holta and Osumi canyons, Gjirokastër, the Vjosa and the glacial lakes of Gramoz. One of the most complete and demanding nature tours in Albania.
How fit do I need to be?
A good level of fitness. Expect multiple long hiking days (5–8 hours) with significant elevation on several days. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with full-day walking on varied mountain terrain. Build up with long walks beforehand if needed.
Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Yes – it’s a great choice for solo hikers. You join a small group who share a love of the outdoors, with a dedicated guide so you’re never alone on the trail. Albania is very safe, and many guests come solo and leave with friends.
When does it run and which months are best?
Mid-April to mid-October. Best overall: May, June and September – clear trails, lush landscapes, comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Where do we sleep?
3-star hotels in the cities and carefully selected family-run mountain guesthouses in the alpine areas (Lëpushë, Theth, Valbona). Comfortable and clean, though guesthouses are naturally more rustic; rooms are private or shared twin.
What do we eat on hiking days?
A packed trail meal each hiking day (a sandwich or fli/byrek, a snack and fresh juice), prepared fresh by each guesthouse with local ingredients – so the food changes as you move through the regions.
Who is the guide?
One dedicated expert hiking guide for the full 13 days – not a different guide at each stop – who has personally walked every section many times and is trained in mountain safety.
What if I struggle on a hike?
Your guide adjusts the pace, and most trails have options to shorten a section or rest at a viewpoint while others continue. Safety always comes first.
How much does the Out of This World tour cost?
The 13-day tour costs from €1,800 per person, two sharing, with a 30% deposit to book and the balance due 30 days before the trip. That covers 12 nights’ accommodation, transport throughout, a local hiking guide, and around 57 km of guided hiking including Theth to Valbona Pass and Albania’s highest glacial lake on Gramoz. International flights and travel insurance are extra.
Cancellation.
This tour follows InAlb’s standard multi-day tour cancellation policy. Your place is secured with a 30% deposit, with the balance due before travel. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. For full cancellation terms and timelines, please see our Terms & Conditions or contact our team.
Full booking and sustainability policies →Ask us anything about this trip
A local expert replies within 24 hours, in English, Spanish or Albanian.
Every review
4.815 reviewsSwimming in the Osumi canyon was something I'll never forget, sunlight bouncing off the walls, cool clear water and our group laughing like kids. Then, later that week, walking through Rozafa Castle at sunset. This trip had so many different experiences packed into it. Albania has many hidden gems!
✓ Daniel
I am not sure Albanians understand that they have a very beautiful country. They were hospitable and the group was great.
✓ Liam
The highlight for me was nature itself Holta canyon, the mountain of Gramoz and Theth valleys. Each place felt untouched. Theth's church with the peaks in the background was like a postcard. The glacier hike was hard but I will never forget the silence and the pure air at the top.
✓ Sarah
Loved this holiday !
✓ Lucas
I honestly didn't know what to expect from Albania, but this itinerary kept surprising me. From the mountain passes of Theth and Valbona to the calm of the Ionian coast, it felt like traveling through different countries. The Blue Eye was crowded but still magical and the boat trip on Koman Lake was unforgettable. Would absolutely recommend to all travelers who can hike a bit.
✓ Charlotte
Osumi Canyons and Berat's stone houses, everything was magical. I loved the Holta canyons and they took us to some places you just can not find online. The mix of culture and nature was perfect. Loved the food too, especially the homemade byrek in the mountains.
✓ Luis
Every day had a lot to offer, well selected hotels, great guides and instructors, meals where amaaazing.
✓ Maria
Albania surprised me. I didn't expect such dramatic landscapes snow capped peaks in the summer, crystal rivers, golden beaches all in such a small country. The best part was how uncrowded it all was. Even at major sites like Berat, there weren't too many tourists. The guide tailored the trip for us, suggesting extra photo stops and small local bakeries. The food was so fresh and cheap compared to back home!
✓ Jessica
I loved the itinerary especially Koman lake and the Albanian riviera. Some hikes were harder than I expected, but the scenery made up for it. If you're not used to hiking just take it slow it's manageable. Food was excellent, especially homemade pies in the mountains.
✓ Priya
Everything was amazing, the Valbona Theth hike was the highlight of my trip. The landscapes looked like something out of another world, just as promised. Our guide Ardit was patient and supportive, especially on the steeper sections. I recommend this experience to everyone
✓ Emma
Unique landscapes every day
The whole trip was one surreal landscape after another. From Valbona to Theth, Holta Canyon and finally the glacier. I took so many photos but none of them capture how it truly felt to be there.
✓ Emily Roberts
Well organized!
Everything was perfect from start to finish and if we needed anything we just had to ask. Everyone was verry atentive.
✓ Irma Andrlehtong
Really good experience
We had a good experience with Inalb, we had ro sleep with another person ( Jasmina) in a tripple room in Theth because there were not available optionson those dates. Nothing personal and Jasmina was a nice person it was just not comfortable.
✓ Andrea Palertino
holta canyon and koman lake amazing
The boat ride on Koman Lake was beautiful, but Holta Canyon was my favorite. We even had a picnic there and the sound of water made it special. Everything was well organized.
✓ Ahmed Khaled
No reviews match that filter yet.
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Planned and operated by InAlb, Tirana. Last updated 20 September 2026.
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