The Albanian Alps 2 days Trip

What to see in Albania: the charm of the northern region

Experience the thrill of a two-day trip in the heart of the Albanian Alps (Prokletjie), between breathtaking landscapes and clear and regenerating waters. A surprising itinerary, a wonderful blend of nature and culture. We will discover how we can still live by following the rhythms of nature and seasons in the village of Theth. Then we will be in Shkoder, to appreciate one of the centers of modern Albania and its wonderful lake. We will take you to discover the most interesting sites of northern Albania. We are in a region where the landscape is full of colors and magic. Everything changes within a few kilometers. The green of the meadows and forests in the valleys is reflected in the clear waters of Lake Skadar, the largest of all the Balkans. In Theth, the secret of mountain life, where ancient Albanian traditions are still being perpetrated.

Visit Theth and Shkoder:1st day: visit ThethWe leave early in the morning, meeting our guide at 6:30 in the hotel. After a few kilometers, we stop at Qafe Thore, a beautiful panoramic point and an ancient guard station. Today Qafe Thore houses a lovely wood and stone restaurant. Here we stop for breakfast, tasting a fragrant coffee while we can admire impervious mountains and lush valleys. We continue on the way towards Theth, which we will reach after 11 am. Once in the village, we are welcomed at a local hostel (bujtina) and get acquainted with the traditional hospitality of the inhabitants of these areas. After lunch, we dedicate ourselves to the discovery of the ancient village of Theth with a guided tour that proceeds in complete tranquility, on foot. The first stop is the church of Theth, built in 1892 and renovated in 2005. Moving inside the town we notice the characteristic tower houses and we reach Kulla e ngujimit. This tower is the symbol of an Albania that no longer exists, linked to traditional family feuds. The tower was in fact used as a shelter in case of blood revenge (gjakmarrja) during the quarrels between families. Leaving the village, near the old mill, we take the path that leads us to the Gerla Bridge, with the wonderful view of the Theth Canyon, finally reaching the waterfall. Traditional dinner and overnight.2nd day: Grunas Theth Canyon and Shkoder city tour, Albania between past and presentSweet awakening in Theth, with a breakfast based on organic products which are local and fresh. After recharging, we move on to discover the Grunas Canyon. It is a gorge over 60 meters deep and 2 kilometers long. The environment is truly amazing, considering that it goes from a minimum width of 2 meters to a maximum of 40 meters. To top it off, we will go to visit one of Albania's best kept secrets. The Blue Eye of Theth, not to be confused with that of Saranda! We are in a beautiful natural elliptical shaped swimming pool, with shades of intense blue that brings to mind the structure of an eye. After the visit we will stop for a traditional lunch in a restaurant in the area.In the afternoon we head towards and immerse ourselves in an in-depth visit to the Shkoder castle. This is not just any fortress, the famous Rozafa Castle lives suspended between history and myth, between battles and legends. It was raised in the 4th century BC. and for hundreds of years it remained an untouched, unassailable bastion in defense of the city. Here still the legend of Rozafa is handed down, the young woman who was offered in sacrifice and half-walled inside the walls of the fortress. While half of the body was blocked, the other half was free, to allow the girl to breastfeed, cradle and hug her little boy regularly. Inside the castle we visit the museum which contains an interesting documentation on the history of Shkoder. Here over the millennia different peoples and cultures have followed - Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Slavs, leaving substantial traces of their passage.