A group of 4 friends went hiking in the Albanian Alps to explore the epic Peaks of the Balkans while adding a touch of culture to their journey.
The call
Stanislas contacted us on time – we had booked a time slot on the website – by making a group video call on WhatsApp. It was very convenient as the four of us could participate simultaneously. He asked us several relevant questions about our needs and interests. Within half an hour, we built together our own trip tailored to our preferences.
We were looking for self-guided walking holidays in Albania. We heard that the country was home to beautiful northern mountains called the Albanian Alps.
Stanislas presented a few options suitable for our fitness level. They included beautiful hiking trails that would take our breath away. We would discover natural spots being part of the “Peaks of the Balkans”, including spellbinding mountain scenery, with green valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and picturesque remote villages.
He thought that renting a car was not essential. Private transfers in a comfortable vehicle would be more convenient, as trails sometimes start and end in different locations.
Regarding accommodation, we did not have any specific demands except that hotels and guest houses had to be of good quality and comfortable to soothe our tired legs and backs after hiking.
The reservation
Stanislas emailed us a detailed description of our tailor-made holidays and a quotation the following week. It included all the elements we discussed and agreed upon during our call. He also sent us helpful advice for purchasing our flight tickets.
As a result, we approved and signed the quotation electronically and paid a deposit. As soon as we bought our flights, we forwarded the details to Stanislas so that he could arrange a smooth transfer from Tirana airport. We were looking forward to our hiking holidays in Albania !
The preparations
Two weeks before departure, we received a comprehensive travel book setting out the complete itinerary by email. It also included many other things, such as trail information, travel advice and recommendations for restaurants and Albanian cuisine.
Thanks to a specific reference number sent by Velstana, it was also available online via a link and on a handy free app – that can even be used in offline mode – available for iOS and Android devices.
Trip details
Arrival in Albania and first steps in Shkodra
Discovering the cultural capital of Albania
Welcome to the Albanian Alps
Peja pass and glacial lakes
A stunning hike to Valbona
A spectacular boat ride to return to Shkodër
Visiting Albania’s medieval capital
Pricing: 249 € per person
Included:
- 6 nights in comfortable guest houses (2 twin rooms, breakfast included)
- One-way ferry boat tickets
- Round-trip private transfers between Tirana airport and Shkodra
- Travel Book accessible anywhere, anytime, including a one-of-a-kind itinerary
Excluded:
- Flight tickets
- Minibus transfers from Shkodra to Theth and from Valbona to Shkodra
- Museum and castle entry tickets
- Bike rentals
- Lunch and dinner
- Travel insurance
The abovementioned sample prices are for guidance only and are not binding. The total cost of your holiday will depend on a number of factors, including time of year of travel and choice of accommodation and transport. The actual cost of your holiday is as set out in the Booking Confirmation.