WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
Travel by boat, then by foot through the stunning remote mountains of Albania into Montenegro before relaxing in the beautiful Kotor Bay.
BOOK TODAY $383.04 DEPOSIT PER PERSON
Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more
Lake Koman River Ferry
This beautiful, picturesque, 3 hour boat journey takes you from Koman to Fierze. Enjoy the turquoise water, passing mountains, narrow canyons and remote villages as drift towards your final destination.
Trekking
The trails are comparable to any in the world. Remote, authentic and crowd free, the perfect trip to get away from it all and enjoy the tranquility of the out doors. One of the free regions where it's quicker to walk than drive!
Bay of Kotor
"Most beautiful encounter between land and sea" according to Lord Byron and it's hard to argue. The bay and its charming venetian towns are best seen from the water by which you'll get to do on your Perast Sunset Cruise.
Kotor Old Town
The venetian, fortified town of Kotor offers all the beauty of Dubrovnik but without the prices or the crowds, not to mention it's unique walls which offer unbeatable views of the bay for those prepared to scale it!
"Absolutely epic! Untravelled Paths Albania trip was a life highlight. The dramatic Albanian Alps are good enough to rival the world's best - eat your heart out French Alps!"
Jordan Barnett
YOUR EXPERIENCE
One of the least explored regions in Europe with its gorgeous mountains and ancient history awaits you. Twenty centuries of history in Shkodër with a clash of East and West through religion and culture, combined with Albanian authenticity is making a remarkable mixture. A scenic bus drive and an incredibly beautiful ferry trip later, you’ll be in Valbona Valley. Just stargazing for two nights in Valbona and Theth at 700 meters altitude with virtually no light pollution at all makes this trip worthwhile. Cue in wild rivers and unspoiled nature. Then a hike over the Valbona pass, a waterfall in Theth and trekking over the magnificent Alps to walk back into Montenegro. Add unprocessed local food and beverages, unprecedented traditions and lovely welcoming locals, and you got yourself a real treat. The phrase ”hidden gem” is sometimes overused, but Albania is just that for Europe. Then you'll travel to the not so hidden gem of Montenegro, Kotor, with a scenic drive from the capital that takes you across the national park of Skadar lake and through Lovcen National Park. You don’t want to miss the chance to see the view from the ancient fortress, and also to visit Perast islands – one of them man-made so that a beautiful church could be built on it. You will visit the monastery by boat on your Perast Sunset cruise. It was the first line of defence of Montenegro for five centuries, and still stands tall. Finally you'll pass the iconic Sveti Stefan for a photo stop on your way back to the airport.
YOUR EXPERTS
ILIJA
The Thinker - Meet Ilija
James
The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James
NEED TO KNOW
| DESTINATION | Albania & Montenegro |
| DURATION | 7 nights |
| GROUP SIZE | 12 people |
| ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
| AIRPORT(S) | Podgorica |
| FLIGHTS | For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section. |
| VISA | UK, EU & US not required |
| VACCINATIONS | No |
Arrival in Podgorica (capital of Montenegro) followed by an airport transfer into Albania to Shkodra, known as the city of birds and bicycles. Here, you’ll check-in to a traditional Albanian guesthouse which is a museum in itself and has an incredible authentic restaurant with local cuisine and entertainment. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the crumbling ruins of Rozafa Castle.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Early morning transfer to the ferry port for the magical Lake Koman Ferry Ride journey. Arrive in beautiful Valbona, check in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day enjoying the serene mountain setting and the fresh traditional food listening to the locals talk about the legends of the blood feuds and sworn virgins. For those eager for some exercise they can hike up to one of the local stans which offer stunning views of the mountain scenery.
INCLUDED
Morning transfer to the start of the Valbona – Theth hiking trail. You’ll trek through the Valbona Pass over to the remote village of Theth led by a local boy whose horse will carry your bags. The trek lasts approximately 5 – 6 hours. On arrival in Theth you’ll check in to the welcoming guesthouse and enjoy a traditional evening meal.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Early morning drop-off at the start point of the trek across the mountains into Montenegro. The trek lasts approximately 6 – 7 hours. You’ll be collected at the end point of the trek and transferred to Podgorica where you’ll check in to your accommodation.
INCLUDED
After you've hopefully rested those tired limbs of yours and had breakfast, you'll travel on towards the coast. On route you'll stop at the pretty fishing village of Rijeka Crnojevica on the cusp of Lake Skadar which is UNESCO protected for coffee. Finally, if the weather is on your side, you'll travel through Lovcen National Park and visit the Mausoleum where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the country. Finally, you'll snake down from the National Park into Kotor Bay and its stunning Old Town.
INCLUDED
You have the day at your leisure to explore the beautiful Venetian Old Town of Kotor. Scale its unique old town walls and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay or discover all the narrow streets with cute cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. In the late afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore the bay by water on our private Perast Sunset cruise. You'll visit the famous Lady of the Rock before having the opportunity to wander along the Perast promenade and have a drink while the sun sets. Then you'll be taken back to Kotor where you can enjoy the rest of your evening as you wish.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day at your leisure. Additional activities include a half-day yacht excursion, kayaking and if the weather isn't on your side there is a culinary tour. Alternatively, you can visit the neighbouring Tivat with it's impressive super yachts or simply relax and Kotor Old Town.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Kotor
Montenegro
All our chosen accommodation is based either in the old town or nearby. You can also upgrade to apartments with a shared pool, ideal for families.
Typical Accommodation:Monte Cristo, Villa Duomo or similar
Shkoder
Albania
Shkoder's hotels are generally located centrally to the main boulevard which is great for people-watching. Our hotel choices are rich in character.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Tradita, Alis Hotel or similar
Valbona
Albania
Valbona stretches along the river, there is an abundance of basic but clean guesthouse accommodation, we have selected the best for you.
Typical Accommodation: Rezidenca Guesthouse, Villa Dini or similar
Thethi
Albania
With the village of Thethi being so small you are within walking distance of everything so you are well located whichever guesthouse you stay in.
Typical accommodation: Margjeka Guesthouse, Villa Gjecaj or similar
Podgorica
Montenegro
Podgorica isn't renowned for its hotels but the comfy beds and crisp white linens at our hotels are perfect after trekking and guesthouse stays.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Aurel, Hotel Terminus or similar
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
A country of stunning contrast, Albania boasts both rugged landscapes peppered with jagged mountains and remote traditional villages. The Koman Ferry showcases the some of the best scenery in South East Europe and have even been compared to the Norweign fjords. The Accursed mountains in the north of the country which you'll travel through, preserves rural traditions and maintains its reputation as one of Europe's last wild frontiers. Then there is Montenegro which translates as Black Mountain and not hard to see how it gets its name. It's also home to one of Europe’s most enticing stretches of coastline, some of the most striking mountain scenery on the continent and countless other spectacular gems such as Kotor Bay, Montenegro is a country of incredible beauty and diversity.
FAST FACTS
| CAPITAL | Tirana |
| POPULATION | 2.84 million |
| CURRENCY | Albanian lek |
| TIME DIFFERENCE | UTC+01:00 |
"The very best way to see Kotor bay is by water so make sure you book either of our yacht or speedboat excursions - you won't regret it!"
Ilija - Untravelled Paths
Kotor Old Town Walls
If ascending the old town walls, don't miss the church and very local "cafe". About 3/4 of the way up you'll need to climb through a whole in the wall so keep a look out or you'll miss it!
Porto Montenegro Yacht Club
For those who want to make the most of the sun but avoid the crowds, the yacht club is perfect. You'll be able to admire the impressive mega yachts in while you're there as well.
Fitness
The trekking route is intermediate level so all but the seasoned walker will find parts challenging, so a good level of fitness is required to ensure you enjoy the experience.
Clothing
In mountainous areas, the weather is unpredictable, you can have all the seasons in one day so please pack with with in mind. Waterproof jacket, warm jumper and hiking boots essential.
As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Bucharest with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
We can also cater for surrounding airports, although there would be an additional charge. For Tivat Airport transfers the price is 150 Euros in total and Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia it is 240 Euros in total. Please note these prices are for the vehicle not per person and would be paid for locally. For further information please email info@untravelledpaths.com.
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
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