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12-Day Nature Adventure in Albania and Montenegro

  • Day 1: Shkodër
    2 hours (106 km) from Podgorica Airport

    Start your adventure in the charming city of Shkodër, situated between Lake Shkodër and the Albanian Alps. Explore the city's bustling bazaar, visit the impressive Rozafa Castle, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Day 2: Valbona Valley National Park
    3 hours (120 km) from Shkodër

    Hike through the stunning Valbona Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear streams. This is the perfect location for adventurers and nature lovers.

  • Day 3: Theth
    2 hours (63 km) from Valbona Valley National Park

    Theth is a remote village nestled in the Albanian Alps, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. Hike to the Blue Eye waterfall, explore the village's traditional stone houses, and enjoy a local homestay.

  • Day 4: Lake Koman
    3 hours (120 km) from Theth

    Take a scenic boat ride through the breathtaking Lake Koman, surrounded by steep mountains and dense forests. This is one of the most beautiful boat rides in the world.

  • Day 5: Durmitor National Park
    3 hours (150 km) from Lake Koman

    Head to Montenegro and visit the stunning Durmitor National Park, home to rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and dense forests. Hike to the Black Lake and Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in the park.

  • Day 6: Tara River
    1 hour (40 km) from Durmitor National Park

    Experience the wild beauty of the Tara River, Europe's deepest canyon. Go rafting through the crystal-clear waters or take a zipline ride above the canyon.

  • Day 7: Biogradska Gora National Park
    2 hours (80 km) from Tara River

    Biogradska Gora National Park is home to one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests and the stunning Biogradska Lake. Hike through the woods and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.

  • Day 8: Kotor
    2 hours (100 km) from Biogradska Gora National Park

    Visit the charming medieval town of Kotor, situated on a stunning bay surrounded by towering mountains. Explore the maze-like streets, visit the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, and walk up the ancient city walls for stunning views.

  • Day 9: Lovćen National Park
    1 hour (25 km) from Kotor

    Explore the rugged beauty of Lovćen National Park, home to the imposing Njegoš Mausoleum and stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.

  • Day 10: Skadar Lake National Park
    2 hours (100 km) from Lovćen National Park

    Visit the largest lake in Southern Europe, Skadar Lake, and its surrounding national park. Take a boat ride through the lake's crystal-clear waters, visit the quaint villages scattered across the park, and enjoy some local wine and cuisine.

  • Day 11: Tirana
    2 hours (110 km) from Skadar Lake National Park

    End your adventure in the vibrant city of Tirana, Albania's capital. Visit the beautiful Et'hem Bey Mosque, explore the city's colorful buildings and lively street art, and sample some of the city's delicious cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Entrance fee to Rozafa Castle: 200 Lek (30 minutes)
  • Hiking in Valbona Valley: 500 Lek (4-5 hours)
  • 2-hour guided hike to the Blue Eye waterfall in Theth: 2500 Lek
  • Boat ride through Lake Koman: 20 euros (3 hours)
  • Entrance fee to Durmitor National Park: 3 euros (1 day)
  • Rafting in the Tara River: 50 euros (4 hours)
  • Hiking in Biogradska Gora National Park: free (1 day)
  • Entrance fee to St. Tryphon Cathedral: 4 euros (1 hour)
  • Entrance fee to Lovćen National Park: 3 euros (1 day)
  • Boat ride through Skadar Lake: 15 euros (2 hours)
  • Entrance fee to Et'hem Bey Mosque: free (30 minutes)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 226 euros

Transportation

Transportation between locations will be via private minivan, with a total estimated cost of 600 euros. The total travel time for this itinerary is approximately 33 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending a day exploring the Albanian Riviera or the Montenegrin coast. If you have less time, consider skipping Skadar Lake National Park or Tirana and spending more time in Durmitor National Park or Kotor.

Airports

The main airport for this itinerary is Podgorica Airport (TGD) in Montenegro. The airport is located approximately 10 km south of the city center and is served by several major airlines. Tirana International Airport (TIA) is also an option, but is located approximately 140 km from Shkodër.

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