What's the best season to visit?
The best time to visit and do these trips is late May to early October - but this may change depending on the single tour, please do check every single tour page to make sure you have all relevant information.
What are the difficult ratings for these trips?
These trips are rated "Moderate" - A moderate tour includes either easier, medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks. While experience is not necessary, it is desirable. Good health and reasonable fitness are more important. Some walking on loose underfoot, steep sections and occasional longer/harder days may be involved, still general conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally three to five hours and daily ascents will likely be around 300m to 700m, perhaps with an odd day ascending around 800m to 900m.
What level of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation is usually arranged in uncomplicated hotels (you won’t need to pack your suit or evening gown), guesthouses, (mountain) huts or bungalows. They are in style characteristic for the country and can sometimes be quite basic and simple (below Central European standards). We usually prefer a more authentic experience over comfort, as we believe that comfort isn’t the reason you’re visiting Albania. Still, you will be delighted and surprised by the warm Albanian hospitality. For more details about specific accommodation for each tour, please refer to the specific page of the tour.
How are the trails?
All routes are generally safe, without direct danger of falling! The main travel routes between the mountain villages and valleys consist of so called bridle paths. They are used by donkeys and horses and are wider and less steep than the usual walking trails. In certain parts they are fortified with walls to protect them from erosion. Paths are rocky, gravely and in the higher areas you will encounter razor sharp rock, so please choose your footwear accordingly.
Sturdy ankle-high hiking boots are a must for mountain trails, in the lowlands more comfortable walking shoes can be used. Comfortable sandals are handy for the time spent at accommodation places and in transit, be aware that many cities feature cobble stone streets which can be very slippery. Again, refer to the specific page for the trip.
Will I have local support? Are these tours self-guided?
Yes, these tours are all self-guided but you'll have local support via our trusted local partner - including a welcome briefing, private transfers where necessary, and local phone support if necessary. Refer to specific tour pages to know more about the inclusions for each trip.
