Bindi Tour

[ OVERVIEW ]

Touring two of the most beautiful valleys of the Albanian Alps, passing through Komani Lake in a small boat. Historical sites and cities of Lezha, Shkodra, Kruja, Durres and Tirana will be visited during the tour. The tour is named after the Illirian god of waters.

Moving from Shkodra in the direction of Theth, one can only be amazed at how often the landscape changes in small distances.

Sleeping and eating in these remote villages is a unique experience. Hiking/trekking guided by locals, as well as our own professionals, is of moderate to challenging levels and horses/mules will accompany the adventurers. 2-3 lunches will be enjoyed in picturesque outdoor venues.

Navigating Komani Lake, one can marvel at the transformation of ancient valleys into fjords and dip into the inviting waters (July and August) of the Shala river-spill.

The optimal number of participants is 10-15: upon request, we offer tours for one person, a couple or a family.

These tours and excursions offer unique and economic opportunities to support and sustain the small local businesses that are working to preserve and protect the Albanian natural treasures by sharing them with caring, respectful visitors.

Experience Details


Trip Duration

8 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

No available dates

Next Dates




Accomodation

Comfortable


Pricing

€1,120

Tour Itinerary

Day One: Lezha, Shkodra

Arrival in Mother Teresa Airport and traveling to the town of Lezha to visit the Scanderbeg memorial, the grave and the castle.

The famed traditional restaurant Mrizi i Zanave offers delicious lunches and refreshing coffee-breaks. Upon arrival in Shkodra, a visit to the Rozafa Castle and Museum, the Lead Mosque, Pedestrian Street, Marubi Studio for a full afternoon of fun and learning.

Dinner at the Tradita restaurant is an event in itself before a peaceful sleep in Shkodra.

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.
Ancient stone wall with battlements in a grassy field under a blue sky with clouds, mountains in the background.
A lively street scene with outdoor café seating, people walking, and historic buildings in a sunny city, likely in San Francisco.
Scenic view of a lush green valley with rivers, houses, and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Day Two: Thethi Valley

8:00 Breakfast and start moving towards Theth, pausing briefly in Qafa e Thores to admire the landscape.

12:00 Arrival in Theth for a memorable lunch and visits to the church, the tower of isolation (kulla e ngujimit), the straw mill (mulliri i kashtes), the canyon and the shining waterfall.

19:00 Return to Theth for a dinner accompanied by a small local artistic event. The welcoming guesthouse offers a sweet fresh-air snooze.

Scenic view of snow-capped mountains, green forests, and a blue sky with clouds.
A wooden cross stands outdoors against a cloudy sky and mountain landscape.
A large rock formation in a mountainous landscape with green trees, snow-capped peaks, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A scenic view of green mountains underneath a partly cloudy blue sky, with small houses at the foothills.

Day Three: Hiking in Theth

9:00 A leisurely breakfast fortifies one for an 8 - hour trek that includes a visit to Blue Eye and a lunch at the ancient site of the stone bathtubs. During July and August , quick dips in the wholesome waters are recommended.

17:00 Back in Theth, relax over restoring coffee-chats with the locals.

19:00 Delicious dining and serene sleeping in Theth.

Scenic mountain landscape with a green hillside, a small house, and a utility pole in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.
A mountainous landscape with rugged, rocky cliffs under a blue sky with scattered clouds and a dry riverbed in the foreground.
A lush green rural landscape with mountains in the background, a small rustic hut with a thatched roof, and stone walls surrounding the fields.
A small waterfall cascading into a rocky stream surrounded by nature.

Day Four: Climbing Arapi Peak

8:00 Both breakfast and a picnic-lunch are prepared by the guesthouse before a climb up the Arapi peak, including an exploration of the Arapi cave along the trail. At Maria’s guesthouse, an inviting array of sportive and cultural entertainment is available. It’s a full and lovely day, about 9 hours.

19:00 A satisfying meal and a welcomed rest in the guesthouse.

Sunlight shining on rugged mountain landscape with layered rock formations and sparse green vegetation, with bright sky and some distortion or flare from the sun.
A tall waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain surrounded by lush green trees.
Scenic mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and a blue sky with clouds.
A narrow canyon with flowing turquoise water surrounded by rocky walls with patches of green moss and small plants.

Day Five: The Valley of Valbona

8:30 Local breakfast before an 8-hour hike towards the pass of Valbona. Welcomed pauses to rest and admire the splendid scenery and a lunch in front of a breathtaking panorama.

19:00 The dinner is sparkled by a mini-concert of local artists and followed by a precious High-land sleep in Valbona.

A large rocky mountain with steep, rugged cliffs and a forested base, under a blue sky with some wispy clouds.
A small stone house with a wooden roof located near a wooden bridge, surrounded by large rocks and green trees in a mountainous area.
Scenic view of a mountain valley with green hills, a winding road on the left, and a small house on the right. The mountains in the background are rugged with some snow on the peaks, under a partly cloudy sky. A logo with sailboat icons and the word "wander" is in the top right corner.
A wooden shelter with a weathered roof in front of a dense forest with tall trees, and mountains in the background with snow on their peaks.

Day Six: Komani Lake, Visit Kruja

8:00 After a breakfast of local delights, the valley tour continues by car towards Fierza’s small ferry terminal. The 3-hour cruise is an opportunity for continual admiration of the constantly changing scenery of Komani Lake and its fjords. During July and August, Mario's guesthouse offers good eating and better splashes in the invigorating waters.

14:00 or 17:00 The arrival in Kruja varies with the season and always includes memorable visits to the castle, the museum, the old bazaar and the wonderfully preserved ethnographic museum.

20:00 Arrival in Durres for delectable sea-food dining and sea-side sleep.

A narrow canyon with steep rocky walls covered in greenery, filled with calm green water reflecting the landscape.
A detailed stone relief sculpture depicting a group of Roman soldiers and a central figure dressed as a Roman emperor or general, holding a staff, with soldiers holding shields and wearing helmets, set in an indoor museum setting.
A scenic view of a river flanked by steep, rocky mountains covered with green vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
An assortment of vintage and antique household items and decorative objects, including wooden boxes, brass and metal pitchers, candlesticks, a wooden chopping board, painted wooden boxes, clocks, pictures, and various small decorative items displayed on a wooden shelf and background cabinet.

Day Seven: Durres and Tirana

8:30 A hearty breakfast fortifies for visits to the Amphitheater and Albania’s best museum before yet another marvel of local gastronomy.

15:00 Once in Tirana, a visit to the Ethem Bey Mosqeue (1628) and the National Museum is only a part of the stroll through the vibrant city-center.

19:00 The evening celebration begins in one of the city’s famed traditional restaurants and continues in one of the many Blloku bars to sample the local beer and enjoy the spirited international company. A sound sleep is guaranteed.

People walking along a seaside promenade with modern buildings and a bridge in the background.
An ancient stone stone bridge with multiple arches in an urban area, surrounded by grass and modern buildings and street signs.
Orthodox church with red tiled domes and white walls, surrounded by trees, in an urban setting with modern buildings in the background.
Night view of a city street with trees, lit buildings, and streetlights.

Day Eight: Departure

9:00 A late and leisurely breakfast and a last look around the pleasant city before departure from Mother Teresa Airport.

Pink flowering tree in spring in front of a modern building with glass windows and green trees.
A rusted, dome-shaped object with small rectangular opening, displayed on a circular glass platform outdoors, with graffiti and people visible in the background.
A large beige brick government building with a central tower, arched doorways, multiple rectangular windows, and a flag on top, with cars and buses in front.
Park with trees and paved pathways, a person riding a bicycle, and a large pyramid-shaped building in the background.