The Mountains to Sea Experience

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.

Multiple countries
Apr - Oct
7 nights

From $1,060.91pp

BOOK TODAY $371.32 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

September 2023
October 2023
Oct 7 - 14 2023
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Oct 14 - 21 2023
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April 2024
Apr 6 - 13 2024
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Apr 13 - 20 2024
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Apr 20 - 27 2024
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May 2024
May 4 - 11 2024
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May 11 - 18 2024
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May 18 - 25 2024
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June 2024
Jun 1 - 8 2024
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Jun 8 - 15 2024
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Jun 15 - 22 2024
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Jun 22 - 29 2024
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July 2024
Jul 6 - 13 2024
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Jul 13 - 20 2024
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Jul 20 - 27 2024
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August 2024
Aug 3 - 10 2024
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Aug 10 - 17 2024
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Aug 17 - 24 2024
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Aug 24 - 31 2024
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September 2024
Sep 7 - 14 2024
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Sep 14 - 21 2024
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Sep 21 - 28 2024
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October 2024
Oct 5 - 12 2024
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Oct 12 - 19 2024
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Oct 19 - 26 2024
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Lake Koman River Ferry

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

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

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 speed boat or yacht, luckily we can organise both!


Kotor Old Town

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

TRIP OVERVIEW

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, along the coastline, passing by iconic Sveti Stefan island to Kotor. 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 that was the first line of defence of Montenegro for five centuries, and still stands tall. Best visited by yacht or speedboat.


YOUR EXPERTS

ILIJA

ILIJA

The Thinker - Meet Ilija


James

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

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Shkodra

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

  • Airport Pick-up

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Rozafa Castle Visit
Day 2 Take the Lake Koman Ferry Ride to Valbona

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

  • Breakfast
  • Lake Koman Ferry
  • Transfers
Day 3 Hike to the village of Theth

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

  • Breakfast
  • Valbona to Theth hike
  • Packed Lunch

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Kulla Tower Visit
  • Catholic Church Visit
  • Grunas Waterfall Hike
Day 4 Hike into Montenegro through the mountains

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

  • Breakfast
  • Theth to Vusanje Hike
  • Packed Lunch
  • Transfer
Day 5 Travel to the Kotor Old Town

Transfer to along Montenegro's stunning coastline past the famous island of Sveti Stefan before stopping for an explore, lunch and maybe a swim in Budva. Then you'll travel on to Kotor Old Town.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Lunch in Budva
Day 6 Free time in Kotor

Day at your leisure. Enjoy Kotor Old Town, explore the crumbling city walls, or go beach hopping along the Adriatic Coast. Additional activities include half a day on a yacht, sea-kayaking, sunset speed boat tour, walking tours or a visit to the picturesque Perast. You could even make a day trip to Dubrovnik.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Yachting excursion
  • Sunset Speed Boat Tour
  • Perast Visit
  • Porto Montenegro Yacht Club
  • Kotor Walking Tour
Day 7 Free time in Kotor

Day at your leisure. Enjoy Kotor Old Town, explore the crumbling city walls, or go beach hopping along the Adriatic Coast. Additional activities include half a day on a yacht, sea-kayaking, sunset speed boat tour, walking tours or a visit to the picturesque Perast. You could even make a day trip to Dubrovnik.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Yachting excursion
  • Sunset Speed Boat tour
  • Kotor Walking Tour
  • Perast Visit
  • Porto Montenegro Yacht Club
Day 8 Travel to the airport

Transfer to Podgorica. Fly home.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Airport Drop-off

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.

Kotor

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

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

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

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

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 

TRIP LOCATION

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. 


DID YOU KNOW
  • The highest point in Albania is Mount Korab (2,753 m)
  • Perhaps the world's most famous Albanian is Mother Theresa, the Catholic nun who worked for decades in the slums of India.
  • With an area of 5,019 square miles, Montenegro is the 10th smallest country in Europe
  • Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans with a surface area that varies from 400 to 535 square kilometers
  • The oldest tree in Europe is said to live in Montenegro and is over 2,000 years old

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

TRIP TIPS

tips image

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!


tips image

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.


tips image

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.


tips image

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.


TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • ALL TRANSFERS
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
    • 1 night in Shkodra
    • 1 night in Valbona
    • 1 night in Theth
    • 1 night in Podgorica
    • 3 nights in Kotor
  • MEALS
    • All breakfasts
    • 2 packed lunches
  • ACTIVITIES
    • Koman River Ferry ride
    • Valbona to Theth hike
    • Theth to Vusanje hike
  • THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
  • UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE

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.

LONDON TO PODGORICA
  • Wizz (Gatwick)
  • Ryanair (Stansted)

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your trip in a few easy steps.

1

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Once you’ve chosen the dates you’d like to travel on using our availability calendar all you need to do is head over to the booking page and fill in the enquiry form. 

2

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

We will get back to you answering any questions you might have and confirming availability. If all is good, we can hold the places for you for 48 hours while you book your flights. Please note that this stage does not represent a guarantee of the booking. 

3

BOOKING FORM

Once you have made your necessary arrangements, we will send you a booking form you will need to fill in with your details and any other relevant information.

4

PAY FOR YOUR TRIP

As you fill in the booking form, you will also be asked to make the payment through a secure link; if you are travelling in less than 8 weeks, the payment will be paid in full, otherwise only a 35% deposit will be taken.

5

FINAL CONFIRMATION

Shortly after you pay, you will receive a confirmation invoice, followed by a personalised itinerary and digital booklet. All you need to do now is write the dates in your diary, prepare your packing list and look forward to your next adventure!

6

NOTES

Please note deposit is non-refundable. The balance will only be refundable if you cancel with more than 8 weeks in advance. More information about the cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. We highly suggest getting insurance before you travel to avoid any problems. Our personal recommendation is using True Traveller.