Internationale groepsreis The Best of the Via Dinarica

The tour starts at our centrally located hotel in Tirana, Albania's trendy capital (approx. 30 minutes drive from the airport). The group flight arrives in the evening. Our leader will hold a briefing in the morning to discuss the upcoming trip and answer any questions.Sky 2 Hotel or similar

This morning we drive (approx. 4 hrs) to Komani Lake. We then have a 2 hour ferry journey through the gorge to Fierza. The boat journey allows us to take in the spectacular scenery whilst we wind our way between high cliffs and towering peaks. It is described as one of the world's great boat journeys. Three hydroelectric power plants have been built here at the lake, which produces approx. 70% of Albania's electricity. Upon arrival in Fierza, we'll visit the 200 year old Mic Sokoli tower, which is significant in northern Albanian history and culture. We'll then walk for 2 hours to our guesthouse in Tropoje.Aste Guesthouse or similar

We walk up through Tropoje Valley and follow the river, taking several breaks along the way to enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery. Lunch will be a picnic in the valley. In the afternoon we reach our alpine huts in Sylbice Alpine Pasture, which is where we stay for the night. The huts belong to a local family and we'll enjoy the homemade food and traditional hospitality, which has remained unchanged in this area for decades.Max. altitude 1620m.Sylbice Huts

Today we cross the border into Kosovo and trek through green alpine pastures to Belegu. We start walking at 1650m, eventually reaching Ali Cela Pass at 2227m, where we have stunning views of the glacial lakes in Albania. We then start descending to Belegu. For lunch, we'll enjoy another picnic en route, and dinner will be taken at Belugu shepherd huts, where we'll be staying this evening. Our host built this hut in the pine forest and plays the cifteli, a traditional musical instrument, so we'll enjoy some folk songs from the area.Max. altitude 2300m.Belegu Huts

Today's trail is carpeted with a dazzling array of wildflowers as we ascend from deep valleys to green mountain pastures, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views as we walk along ridges to the shepherd village of Milisevac run by a delightful family. Today’s route takes us off the tourist map and follows trails known by our local guide, we are unlikely to pass fellow trekkers as our paths takes us away from the Peaks of the Balkans trail. The halfway point of today's walk is the remote village of Prilep where we will enjoy local hospitality and have our lunch. Max. altitude 2018m.Lojza Huts

Today's landscape is truly untouched and wild starting at 1600m we hike up to 2150m over 6km. This area is renowned for its hospitality, with delicious cheese and homemade raki available to try. We first ascend to Lumbardhi ridge and then descend through forest (sometimes the trail may be muddy) to Rugova Camp Hotel. From here we take a ride in 4x4’s to our guesthouse in Reka e Allages to avoid walking along the tarmac road.Max. altitude 2127m.Ariu Guesthouse or similar 

An exciting day today as we trek to Boge via Mt Hajla (2403m). Hajla is a mountain situated on the border of Montenegro and Kosovo and belongs to the north-eastern part of the Prokletije mountain range (or the Accursed Mountains). It is the highest peak in this range. Many consider Hajla to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the area. Those who live in this area still rely on stock-breeding and forestry, where shepherds still migrate to their summer huts and high settlements using the trails on which we walk on. Lunch will be a picnic en route and tonight we stay in a mountain hotel in Boge.Max. altitude 2123m.Hotel Magra Austria or similar

We have a 30 minute transfer to Kuqishte, the start point of today's trek. We begin with an ascent on a good path, which leads us through lofty pine trees. From here, we have a steady climb to a valley full of dramatic rock formations and lakes. This is our highest point of today, with expansive views of the Accursed Mountains to the south. Depending on visibility, we may be able to see Babino Polje in Montenegro. We cross the border into Montenegro from here, with a delightful descent through a high alpine meadow, until we reach the sheep pastures above the Babino Polje Valley. Max. Altitude 2276m.Triangle Woodhouse Guesthouse or similar

Today we trek to Hrid Lake, starting with a trail through woodland. Hrid Lake can easily be circled, with its western part offering enjoyable views. The lake is recognised as a strict nature reserve within the Prokletije National Park. If the weather is good we can enjoy a quick refreshing swim at this tranquil spot. We then continue along a series of hills to Plav. Today’s walk is one of the longest and we cover a variety of terrain. In Plav there is a supermarket so there is an opportunity to purchase snacks and ice-cream. Max. altitude 2046m.Hotel Lake View or similar 

We have a beautiful and exciting trek today, as we are going to summit Bor (2106m). This morning we start with a transfer to reach the start point of the trek, we begin driving on a tarmac road before turning off onto a gravel road where it gets progressively bumpier the higher we go. The trail starts in the beech forest and then it opens out into meadows covered in wildflowers. We then climb Bor (a steep ascent), from the top there are stunning panoramic views of the Guisinje Valley, Plav and the surrounding mountains of Kosovo and Albania. The next part of the trek follows a nice path as we gradually descend to the village of Vuthaj.Max. altitude 2106m.Moonlight Guesthouse or similar

This morning we will be transported with our luggage by 4x4’s to the Zastan huts. From the old police border office, we climb up to the Jezerca lakes, passing through dense forest. It is important to carry enough water for the day on this day as there are limited water sources along this route. From the lakes, we continue through forest along a trail all the way to Rossi Pass. We then descend into the village of Valbona. Max. altitude 2000mHotel Margjeka/Hotel Rilindja or similar

This morning we leave the Valbona Valley and drive into Kosovo, we stop at the Old Town of Prizren. Here we will have a guided tour of the city including The League of Prizren, Sinan Pasha Mosque and the old town centre. After the tour, we will have lunch in Prizren before continuing our drive to the small village of Rubik (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival in Rubik we will check into our hotel. In the late afternoon, we will take a short walk through the village. Eko Hotel Marub or similar

After breakfast, we transfer back to Tirana. When we arrive in the capital we will have a short orientation tour, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. We transfer to the airport late afternoon in time for the group flight in the evening.