Walking in Albania

This trip to Albania provided hikes far beyond my expectations, the best of which was crossing the pass from Theth to Valbone. We each ascended/descended at our own pace that day, as the path was very clearly marked, and regrouped every so often at the cafes along the way - the perfect opportunity to really enjoy your own tempo. Dorian was a fantastic leader, really knowledgeable and keen to share. Good food and lovely hosts everywhere we went. I'm a vegetarian and didn't struggle to find plenty of options - Dorian made sure I was always accommodated for. Take your swimmers for an icy cold dip in the blue pool. Definitely would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys lively culture, good food and a nice hike.

The trip notes warn: "This trek is suitable for the average walker who is prepared to put in some physical preparation". For us, as a family of 5 adults, the longer walking days provided more challenge for some than others. However, worries (suggested to me by my doctor) that my creaky 60-year-old knee would give up were unfounded, though I found walking poles essential. The trip notes perhaps understate the poor state of the remote mountain road down to Theth, with vertiginous drops off the side of the road and some scary moments passing other vehicles. It is not only on the walks that you need to be able to deal with heights! The 'basic hotel' in Theth is, in fact, delightful: rooms are simply-finished but very attractive and the view from the terrace down the valley as you sip raki or a cold beer, or both, is lovely. Service is slow at busy times but the family who runs the hotel make up for any failings by their warm welcome.

Like the other nine people in my Exodus group I had only a vague preconceived image of what to expect in Albania ; possibly a rather drab, depressed society still struggling to free itself from the recent shackles of communism but with the compensatory prospect of some decent walking in a remote and little-known corner of Europe.The reality was almost overwhelming : the scenery (whether mountain or coastal) was stunning, towns and cities were bright and lively, clean, and seemingly safe; the depth of history and heritage was fascinating; and the locals were exceptionally friendly and welcoming wherever we went.

This is the third time I have walked in Albania and it was the best. The revised itinerary with more walking in the Theth National Park and the contrasting landscape of Rubik improves the experience. Each year the accommodation and food improves so now the while holiday is a really high standard, yet Albania still retains a "different" atmosphere making it still an adventure, and the people are all really welcoming to visitors.

Well organised before and during. Everything within Exodus’s control ran like clockwork.

A wonderful holiday. Exceeded all my expectations. Fantastic itinerary, well balanced between active and cultural activities. I can't recommend this holiday enough.

We completed this walk in mid September so experienced good walking weather conditions, not too hot plus rain at night, how considerate. The trip was just as described in the detailed trip notes involving some stunning high mountain walking plus a range of terrific other non exertive cultural experiences. Phew. Instead of entering back into our rather luxurious new Mercedes coach on day one after a delicious lunch in Shkodër we crammed into this battered rough and tough old blue bus with no seatbelts and mis matched seats. This wonderfully set the scene for all that we were about to head on a trip into serious back country. Great fun.

This is a really great trip combining some really challenging walking in wonderful, completely unspoilt mountainous terrain for the first half of the trip and a short exploration of Albanian culture for the second half. The accommodation in the mountains in very friendly, family run guest houses was beyond my expectations and always very clean - a great experience. The food, particularly at Valbone, was excellent and plentiful. It was a great pleasure to visit a country/region where tourism has not yet arrived!

This trip offers a combination of (fairly serious) walking and culture, and as such might be slightly mis-named, in that the walking is concentrated at the start and the trip then becomes more of a mix - this is worth pointing out in case you are expecting heavy duty walking every day. It didn't bother me though, I loved the mix and exploring this fascinating country still struggling with its new freedom whilst also giving the old legs a bit of a stretch. There's a fair bit of travelling around, but nothing too serious, and I found the day trip into Kosovo provided an extra dimension.

The 'Walking in Albania' trip provides a wonderful opportunity to glimpse many different aspects of a fascinating and beautiful country. This is a busy and exciting holiday with never a dull moment! Most people in the group started out knowing very little about Albania because, of course, it was 'out of bounds' until Communism was overthrown in 1991. We learned such a lot! If you love climbing mountains, walking in beautiful scenery, learning about culture, history and traditions, then this is the trip for you.