We had a great hike through a fantastic landscape. The food was so good! Zbulo could sell this as a food tour for hikers. The valley is remote, you really go back in time. It was my second guided hike with Zbulo. Maybe this one was not so demanding as PoB, but absolute worth it. Again everything was very well organized and again we had the best guide (Nedih).Read review
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Your specialist for active tours to Albania and the Balkans
Upcoming Departures
Stories from our travellers
8-day guided Hidden Valley Trek
Review by Liesbeth Miedema
Sep 2026
We had a great hike through a fantastic landscape. The food was so good! Zbulo could sell this as a food tour for hikers.
The valley is remote, you really go back in time.
It was my second guided hike with Zbulo. Maybe this one was not so demanding as PoB, but absolute worth it. Again everything was very well organized and again we had the best guide (Nedih).
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
I would like to express our complete satisfaction with our 8-day self-guided experience on the Peaks of the Balkans. The Zbulo team did an impeccable job, demonstrating an outstanding level of professionalism, organization, and efficiency at every stage. We were the first group of Brazilians (a group of 6) to complete the trekking with the agency, and we were extremely impressed by the quality of the service. From the initial logistics of transfers and accommodations to the border-crossing permits, detailed maps, and emergency support, everything was executed with absolute precision, providing a strong sense of safety throughout the entire trek. I would also like to highlight the excellent service provided by everyone involved: drivers, support staff, and the owners and staff at the guesthouses and hotels—all of whom were exceptionally friendly and helpful. A special thanks to Eda and Ricardo, who supported us from the planning phase and initial Q&A all the way through to the trekking guidance, always with promptness and clarity; to Arsina, for her seamless assistance throughout the trail; and to Zamir, who handled our arrival and departure airport transfers and delivered a remarkably clear, comprehensive, and welcoming initial briefing. Your work was fundamental to the success and peace of mind of our expedition. Zbulo has truly solidified itself as our top recommendation for future trips to Albania and the region. Thank you all very much for your professionalism and outstanding service!Read review
Review by Luana Ariga Regis Coelho
Sep 2026
I would like to express our complete satisfaction with our 8-day self-guided experience on the Peaks of the Balkans. The Zbulo team did an impeccable job, demonstrating an outstanding level of professionalism, organization, and efficiency at every stage.
We were the first group of Brazilians (a group of 6) to complete the trekking with the agency, and we were extremely impressed by the quality of the service. From the initial logistics of transfers and accommodations to the border-crossing permits, detailed maps, and emergency support, everything was executed with absolute precision, providing a strong sense of safety throughout the entire trek.
I would also like to highlight the excellent service provided by everyone involved: drivers, support staff, and the owners and staff at the guesthouses and hotels—all of whom were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
A special thanks to Eda and Ricardo, who supported us from the planning phase and initial Q&A all the way through to the trekking guidance, always with promptness and clarity; to Arsina, for her seamless assistance throughout the trail; and to Zamir, who handled our arrival and departure airport transfers and delivered a remarkably clear, comprehensive, and welcoming initial briefing.
Your work was fundamental to the success and peace of mind of our expedition. Zbulo has truly solidified itself as our top recommendation for future trips to Albania and the region.
Thank you all very much for your professionalism and outstanding service!
Your review: 8 days Hidden Valley hike We had a great hike through a fantastic landscape. The food was so good! Zbulo could sell this as a food tour for hikers. The valley is remote, you really go back in time. It was my second guided hike with Zbulo. Maybe this one was not so demanding as PoB, but absolute worth it. Again everything was very well organized and again we had the best guide (Nedih).Read review
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Review by Liesbeth M
Sep 2026
Your review: 8 days Hidden Valley hike
We had a great hike through a fantastic landscape. The food was so good! Zbulo could sell this as a food tour for hikers.
The valley is remote, you really go back in time.
It was my second guided hike with Zbulo. Maybe this one was not so demanding as PoB, but absolute worth it. Again everything was very well organized and again we had the best guide (Nedih).
8-day self-guided Albanian Alps
Zbulo did a fabulous job answering all of our pre-departure questions, providing detailed information in the roadbook & gpx files, and offering options for many of the hikes. This allowed us to fully enjoy the people we met, the incredible hikes and beautiful landscapes each day. The highlight for us was eating lunch overlooking Montenegro while at Pyramid 18.Read review
Review by Mark Rankin
Aug 2026
Zbulo did a fabulous job answering all of our pre-departure questions, providing detailed information in the roadbook & gpx files, and offering options for many of the hikes. This allowed us to fully enjoy the people we met, the incredible hikes and beautiful landscapes each day. The highlight for us was eating lunch overlooking Montenegro while at Pyramid 18.
It's such a well organized trip, the accomodation was all really nice, the transfers were designed to prioritize the best hikes in the short amount of time that we had. The guides were really knowledgeable and as a group of 12 we had 2 guides, one at the front and one at the back to ensure our safety but also that we didn't need to put ourselves under pressure to stay at the front of the group and we could really enjoy the views. Loved the river and lake swims. Loved the variety of scenery that we walked. Overall thought Zbulo was so well organized, the hikes were so stunning and the guides were so great that I'd do another tour with them.Read review
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Review by Hannah-clare
Aug 2026
It's such a well organized trip, the accomodation was all really nice, the transfers were designed to prioritize the best hikes in the short amount of time that we had. The guides were really knowledgeable and as a group of 12 we had 2 guides, one at the front and one at the back to ensure our safety but also that we didn't need to put ourselves under pressure to stay at the front of the group and we could really enjoy the views.
Loved the river and lake swims. Loved the variety of scenery that we walked. Overall thought Zbulo was so well organized, the hikes were so stunning and the guides were so great that I'd do another tour with them.
8-day self-guided High Scardus Trail
Very happy with communication of Zbulo: every question answered quick and accurate. Staff is really doing a good job to make the trip a fantastic event, The high Scardus trail itself was definitely worth the effort, though the first two days were a little monotonous: a lot of meadows. But than the hosts of the places where we stayed were honestly great, from the simpler places to the more luxurious hotel and homestay: everywhere a warm welcome!Read review
Review by Paul
Jul 2026
Very happy with communication of Zbulo: every question answered quick and accurate. Staff is really doing a good job to make the trip a fantastic event,
The high Scardus trail itself was definitely worth the effort, though the first two days were a little monotonous: a lot of meadows.
But than the hosts of the places where we stayed were honestly great, from the simpler places to the more luxurious hotel and homestay: everywhere a warm welcome!
Excellent trip. Well organised, great guides, wonderful scenery, amazing flower meadows, plentiful food, friendly locals - would definitely recommend.Read review
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Review by Lena Bond
Jun 2026
Excellent trip. Well organised, great guides, wonderful scenery, amazing flower meadows, plentiful food, friendly locals - would definitely recommend.
8-day guided Albanian Coastal Trail
A behind the scenes tour of Albania which was insightful and enjoyable to discover this country beyond the tourist hotspots. Tour guide, Tesi, was great, knowledgeable and supportive to those in the group who needed a little extra help.Read review
Review by Katrina
May 2026
A behind the scenes tour of Albania which was insightful and enjoyable to discover this country beyond the tourist hotspots.
Tour guide, Tesi, was great, knowledgeable and supportive to those in the group who needed a little extra help.
Everything was organized to perfection, and we always managed to find our way easily. The phone, GPS, dog whistle, extra batteries, and chargers all came in very handy. The briefing was excellent and clearly indicated where there could potentially be difficulties on the route. Sleeping at local farmers’ houses in the mountains was a very pleasant and tidy experience. Every time we had clean bathrooms and comfortable beds. The only tiny little remark would be the lunch package we received. Day after day it consisted of cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, a hard-boiled egg, and an apple. In itself it was perfectly balanced, but after five days in a row, it became a little repetitive. To finish, I would like to say that this was one of the best holidays of my life because the nature and the surroundings were overwhelming. The fact that you can experience this without even coming across an electricity pole gives you a feeling of complete freedom in the magnificent nature of Shqipëria (Albania). We would book again without hésitationRead review
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Review by Khadija
Apr 2026
Everything was organized to perfection, and we always managed to find our way easily. The phone, GPS, dog whistle, extra batteries, and chargers all came in very handy. The briefing was excellent and clearly indicated where there could potentially be difficulties on the route.
Sleeping at local farmers’ houses in the mountains was a very pleasant and tidy experience. Every time we had clean bathrooms and comfortable beds. The only tiny little remark would be the lunch package we received. Day after day it consisted of cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, a hard-boiled egg, and an apple. In itself it was perfectly balanced, but after five days in a row, it became a little repetitive.
To finish, I would like to say that this was one of the best holidays of my life because the nature and the surroundings were overwhelming. The fact that you can experience this without even coming across an electricity pole gives you a feeling of complete freedom in the magnificent nature of Shqipëria (Albania).
We would book again without hésitation
7-day guided three-peak challenge in the Balkans
I had a beautiful experience hiking the High Peaks of the Balkans with Zbulo. There were wonderful accommodations with hot showers (what a pleasant surprise) and the variety and quantity of food and generosity and warmth of the hosts left me feeling very welcome and warm. Our guides were super - attentive and also intellectual in sharing the culture/history of the Balkans. I'm in awe at the beauty of the Balkans, the warm hospitality I experienced and the stories I heard about the Balkans have left me wanting more.Read review
Review by sheenamalde
Oct 2025
I had a beautiful experience hiking the High Peaks of the Balkans with Zbulo.
There were wonderful accommodations with hot showers (what a pleasant surprise) and the variety and quantity of food and generosity and warmth of the hosts left me feeling very welcome and warm.
Our guides were super - attentive and also intellectual in sharing the culture/history of the Balkans.
I'm in awe at the beauty of the Balkans, the warm hospitality I experienced and the stories I heard about the Balkans have left me wanting more.
Well organised. Mostly good accommodation & food considering this is a very new trip & an area that’s only just recently been developed. Great guide who was knowledgeable, helpful, informative, entertaining & patient.Read review
8-day guided High Scardus Trail
Review by Q813SAmargarets
Oct 2025
Well organised. Mostly good accommodation & food considering this is a very new trip & an area that’s only just recently been developed. Great guide who was knowledgeable, helpful, informative, entertaining & patient.
8-day self-guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Don’t hesitate to use Zbulo. The whole team were pleasant, good and quick communicators and always helpful, both online and on the ground in Albania.Read review
WHY CHOOSE US
Zbulo has been at the forefront of Adventure Tourism and Active Holidays in Albania since it was founded in 2013. Our team was involved with the development of most of the trails and regions popular with hikers visiting the country and its border regions today, making us true mountain tourism experts and helping us to provide the best service to our clients. Our committed office staff and experienced, professional guides, trained to the highest standards, aim to create transformative travel experiences for you.
LOCAL ENCOUNTERS
Dive below the surface and really get to know your destination. Create true emotional connections through unique encounters with the locals and fill your holidays with deep experiences.
SIGNATURE PRODUCTS
We have been involved with the scouting and development of touristic regions and trails in Albania and its neighbouring countries for many years. This allows us to carefully curate them to create the best possible, original tours for our clients.
NATURAL & CULTURAL GEMS
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the nature and culture of Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. Discover unrivalled biodiversity and dramatic scenery, as well as ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture and the archaic highlander way of life!
HIGHEST TRUST
Hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and continuous positive feedback from our guests don’t lie. Choose the most trusted travel specialists Albania has to offer to make your next trip the holiday of a lifetime.
TRAVEL WITH US
GUIDED TOURS
Join one of our guided tours that take you to the highlights of Albania and the Balkans. Travelling in small groups accompanied by one of our experienced and passionate guides is the best way to experience the breathtaking scenery, stunning nature and wonderfully hospitable people of Albania and its neighbours. Check our calendar of tour dates to find out about the next departures of your perfect active holiday!
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Self-guided trips put you in charge of your own adventure. While you travel without a guide, every other aspect of your trip is being taken care of by us: your accommodation is booked, transfers arranged, and you will be equipped with a GPS and a roadbook with all the information your need for a smooth and unforgettable trip, while giving you flexibility and freedom to go your own way. Sounds like something for you? See all our self-guided trips in one handy overview to find the one that suits you best, or maybe you got a specific itinerary in mind and would like to build your own trip instead?
OTHER SERVICES
BORDER CROSSING PERMITS
As you are planning to take on the cross border trails of the Peaks of the Balkans, the High Scardus or the Via Dinarica, you have surely come across the need for border crossing permits. These permits are part of a special application system used by hikers and cyclists who wish to cross the “green borders” between Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro or North Macedonia. Even if you don’t book a trip with us and prefer to explore these trails independently, we can assist you with obtaining your permits.
TRAIL AND GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
PEAKS OF THE BALKANS GUIDE AND FAQ
While our main focus is providing you with the best tours possible, we understand that for some people it’s simply the best fit to explore independently. In order to do that, you need quality, reliable information to plan your trip, which can be hard to come by, even as Albania and the region gets more popular. We have put together a handy “Guide to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail“ which answers traveller’s frequently asked questions, as well as some general information about Albania, mountain safety information and a recommended packing list.
WHO WE ARE
MEET THE TEAM
Zbulo consists of a small team of dedicated office staff, guides who accompany you in the field to bring you closer to the natural and cultural wonders of Albania and the region, all lead by Ricardo Fahrig and Endrit Shima, the hearts and minds behind Zbulo. Learn more about our team, find out how to work with us, or drop us a line if you need to contact us.

WHY ZBULO
With over a decade of experience in creating unforgettable active holidays for thousands of satisfied clients in Albania and its neighbouring countries, you can count on us to make your dream trip to the Western Balkans come true.

TRAVEL WITH US
Whether you are looking for a traditional guided group tour to the most beautiful places of Northern or Southern Albania, a trek through the Peaks of the Balkans border triangle with Kosovo and Montenegro, or a self-guided adventure on foot or by bike, you're in the right place.

BORDER PERMITS
We can assist with Border Crossing Permits for the Peaks of the Balkans or High Scardus Trail for independent hikers.

TRAIL INFORMATION
Do you want to get to know Albania and its trails better? Planning to hike the Peaks of the Balkans or High Scardus Trail? We have compiled some helpful information for you.

MEET THE TEAM
Want to see the faces behind the name? Have a looks who will be putting together your trip to Albania and Beyond.




