Small Group Hiking Tour; Theth & Blue Eye in 3 Days

Discover the 3-Day Small Group Hiking Tour of Theth & Blue Eye in Albania

This 3-day tour of Theth, priced at $717.24 per person, offers a well-rounded experience of Northern Albania’s natural beauty and local traditions. Starting from Tirana, the tour delivers a blend of pristine landscapes, cultural visits, and moderate hikes designed for those with some hiking experience. The tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, highlighting its popularity and quality.

The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Tirana and includes transportation, accommodation in simple homestays, and entry tickets to key sites. It features guided hikes, visits to iconic spots like Blue Eye and Grunasi Waterfall, and offers plenty of free time to soak up the peaceful Alpine atmosphere. While the trip is ideal for moderate hikers, it’s not suited for those looking for highly strenuous or accessible flat terrain.

Key Points

• Duration: 3 days, including transportation, hikes, and cultural visits
• Price: Around $717.24 per person, with options for private rooms at an additional €40
• Difficulty: Moderate hikes requiring some experience and good physical condition
• Guides: Led by professional tour leaders with in-depth local knowledge
• Highlights: Blue Eye, Grunasi Waterfall, Theth village, and local folklore
• Includes: Accommodation, breakfast, transport, and site entry tickets

Starting the Adventure in Tirana at Dawn

The journey begins at 5:30 am in Tirana, where a professional guide picks up the group from the hotel. The early start is necessary to make the most of the day, as the drive to Northern Albania takes several hours. The route meanders through beautiful landscapes with wild fields, rivers, and the expansive Shkodra Lake, setting a scenic tone for the trip.

The drive also offers a chance to view the rugged mountains and untouched nature that define the Albanian Alps. Around 7:30 am, the group transitions onto local transport, an experience that adds to the sense of adventure and immersion in rural life. This part of the journey demonstrates the area’s favorable position for cultivating medicinal herbs, with the possibility of seeing lavender fields if visiting during May or June.

Arrival in Theth and First Cultural Encounters

By 11:30 am, the group arrives at Theth, a charming village famous for its authentic Albanian mountain lifestyle. The guesthouse provides a simple yet welcoming stay, with local food served for lunch, giving visitors an immediate taste of the region’s cuisine.

After resting, the tour visits Theth’s old church and the Lock in Tower, iconic symbols of the village. The storytelling aspect of these visits adds depth to understanding the local folklore and history, enriching the outdoor experience with cultural context.

Hike to Blue Eye: Nature’s Blue Gem

In the early afternoon, the group starts a 3-hour hike to the Blue Eye of Theth. This natural marvel, formed by erosion from melting snow, features bright blue and green waters that seem to shimmer inside a postcard-perfect landscape. The trail covers about 18 km round trip, with approximately 700 meters of elevation gain, making it an easy to moderate hike suitable for those with some experience.

Travelers can choose to take local transportation from Theth village to Nderlysaj for €5-7 per person, shortening the walk to about 1 hour each way. The area’s stunning scenery and vivid colors easily justify the hike, and the temperatures in the area are pleasant, making the experience comfortable.

Day Two: Waterfalls and Mountain Trails

The second day features a hike to Grunasi Waterfall, starting from Theth and covering 6 km with an elevation gain of 270 meters. The moderate trail takes about 3 hours and passes through local village life and traditional stone houses. The waterfall, a natural monument since 2002, impresses with its curtain of white water pouring over rugged rocks.

The scenic landscape around the waterfall offers great photo opportunities, and visitors are encouraged to take their time soaking in the peaceful environment. After the hike, there is a free afternoon to explore Theth at leisure, giving space for optional activities or relaxing in the quiet mountain setting.

Final Day: Returning via the Albanian Alps

The last morning provides a chance to enjoy the spectacular views of the Albanian Alps before heading back. The tour retraces the route through the zig-zag road over Qafa e Thores, a steep hillside that offers dramatic vistas. The journey back takes about an hour, with the group arriving in Shkoder or Tirana by midday, completing the trip.

During the return, travelers are often struck by the impression of untouched wilderness and the warmth of local hospitality experienced during the tour. The trip concludes with a drop-off at the original meeting point and memories of an authentic Albanian mountain adventure.

Logistics and Group Experience

This small group tour accommodates up to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. The shared accommodation is in traditional homestays or guesthouses, with rooms typically suitable for 2-5 travelers. Optional private rooms are available for an extra €40 per night.

The tour includes all transportation, breakfasts, entry tickets, taxes, and road fees, providing a straightforward experience. Lunches and dinners are not included, giving flexibility for guests to explore local cuisine at their own pace.

Physical Fitness and Hiking Experience Needed

The tour is designed for participants with moderate physical fitness. The hikes involve some elevation, but the routes are considered easy to moderate, with options to shorten the hikes via local transport. A good hiking experience enhances the enjoyment, especially when tackling the Blue Eye trail, which reaches up to 789 meters of elevation.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this 3-day tour of Theth remarkable is its combination of stunning natural sights, cultural visits, and moderate hiking tailored for adventure lovers with some experience. The expert guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the experience with local stories and insights.

The inclusion of key attractions like Blue Eye and Grunasi Waterfall ensures travelers see some of the most beautiful and iconic spots in the Albanian Alps. The tour’s small group format fosters a more intimate environment, perfect for those seeking personalized attention in a peaceful mountain setting.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This small group hiking adventure suits those with moderate fitness levels who enjoy outdoor activities combined with cultural exploration. It appeals to travelers looking for a well-organized itinerary that balances hiking, sightseeing, and local culture.

While the tour offers comfortable accommodations and beautiful scenery, it does require some hiking experience, especially for the Blue Eye trek. It’s perfect for adventurers eager to explore Northern Albania’s hidden gems with an expert guide and in a small, friendly group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of this tour?
The tour price covers shared accommodation, professional tour leader, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, taxes, entry tickets, and breakfasts.

Are private rooms available?
Yes, private rooms can be booked for an extra €40 per night, subject to availability.

How physically demanding are the hikes?
The hikes are moderate difficulty, requiring some hiking experience and good physical condition, with options to shorten walks via local transport.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Highlights include visits to Theth village, Blue Eye, Grunasi Waterfall, and the Albanian Alps’ scenic landscapes.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It is best suited for adults with moderate fitness who enjoy outdoor hiking and cultural sights. Not ideal for those seeking flat terrain or with mobility concerns.

How do I get to Tirana for the start of the tour?
The tour starts with hotel pickup in Tirana at 6:00 am, with the exact location arranged upon booking.

What is the cancellation policy?
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. It requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is organized by Choose Balkans, a trusted local operator with a focus on small-group, authentic experiences in Albania.