Albania Itinerary: 14 Days (North and South)

Two weeks is when Albania opens up fully. This route joins the country’s two faces — the Mediterranean coastal south and the wild mountainous north — into one complete trip. The base is the 7–10 day itinerary, and on top of it you add the part most tourists miss: Shkodër, the Koman Lake ferry, and the famous trek in the Albanian Alps.

Week one — the south

Days 1–7 are identical to the recommended route: Tirana, Berat, the Llogara Pass and the Riviera, Sarandë with Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye spring. Add a day in Gjirokastër on the way back north — the Ottoman stone city and the castle above it.

Week two — the mountainous north

Day 8 — back to Tirana and up to Shkodër (about 90 minutes from Tirana), the city of bicycles on Lake Shkodër, gateway to the Alps. Day 9 — the Koman Lake ferry: one of Europe’s most beautiful journeys — three hours between steep canyons, from Koman to Fierzë, then a minibus to Valbona. Day 10 — Valbona, rest and short walks in the valley.

Day 11 — the trek Valbona → Theth: the classic route, about 6–8 hours over a ~1,800 m ridge pass, with open views into both valleys. Day 12 — Theth: the stone church, the lock-in (Kulla) tower, and the Grunas waterfall. Day 13 — descend to Shkodër (mountain road, about 3–4 hours) or return to Tirana. Day 14 — Tirana, a final day, shopping and coffee before the flight.

Where to stay

In the north, book ahead: stays in Shkodër as a base before and after the trek, and guesthouses in Theth and Valbona (usually booked directly or via the platforms). In the south, the same bases as the shorter route. A guided trek in the Alps takes the logistics off your hands for anyone who prefers to arrive prepared.

Short on time? Start with the 7–10 day itinerary or a week in the south. For the full picture: the Albania guide and the itineraries guide.