A hiker beneath the towering mountains of Valbona at sunset

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Stories from our travellers

Just back from my 6th Skyhook adventure. Have to say this trip was exceptional. Our Guide Tes was outstanding and went above and beyond what should be expected of a guide ,also Victor our driver for the week was a really pleasant guy . The location ,accommodation and the itinerary were all exceptional. Albania is well worth visiting and I could not recommend this trip highly enough to anyone may be considering it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Trip photo shared by Sean 8-day guided Albanian Coastal TrailSean

Review by Sean

Sean

Just back from my 6th Skyhook adventure. Have to say this trip was exceptional. Our Guide Tes was outstanding and went above and beyond what should be expected of a guide ,also Victor our driver for the week was a really pleasant guy . The location ,accommodation and the itinerary were all exceptional. Albania is well worth visiting and I could not recommend this trip highly enough to anyone may be considering it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Trip photo shared by Ralf 8-day guided Peaks of the BalkansRalf
Eine sehr schöne aber auch anstrengende Reise, die man nicht unterschätzen sollte. Wir kamen an vier aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen immer auf 30.000 Schritte/ Tag. In Kombination mit den absolvierten Höhenmetern schön sportlich!
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Review by Ralf

Ralf

Eine sehr schöne aber auch anstrengende Reise, die man nicht unterschätzen sollte. Wir kamen an vier aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen immer auf 30.000 Schritte/ Tag. In Kombination mit den absolvierten Höhenmetern schön sportlich!

Altogether i would give our trip a strong 8/10. Our guide Donart was very good, the food at the guest houses and hotels was mostly good too. 8 of us of mixed fitness levels went, unless u have a strong group would recommend two guides as at points you may have to compromise on the routes taken. The last guest house in the valbonna valley was the most disappointing, small portions of food, thin bedding and electric went out at 6am so no decent breakfast either, though there were no more mountains to climb at this point
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Trip photo shared by Leonardo Z. 7-day guided three-peak challenge in the BalkansLeonardo Z.

Review by Leonardo Z.

Leonardo Z.

Oct 2026

Altogether i would give our trip a strong 8/10. Our guide Donart was very good, the food at the guest houses and hotels was mostly good too. 8 of us of mixed fitness levels went, unless u have a strong group would recommend two guides as at points you may have to compromise on the routes taken. The last guest house in the valbonna valley was the most disappointing, small portions of food, thin bedding and electric went out at 6am so no decent breakfast either, though there were no more mountains to climb at this point

Trip photo shared by Beth S. 8-day guided Hidden Valley TrekBeth S.
Zbulo - Easy to book a 7 day hike?. Lots of information on their website and good responses. Very, very helpful. Plus Best guide ever (no kidding). Super fun, knowledgeable about terrain and history. Gentle soul.
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Review by Beth S.

Beth S.
Google

Oct 2026

Zbulo - Easy to book a 7 day hike?. Lots of information on their website and good responses. Very, very helpful. Plus Best guide ever (no kidding). Super fun, knowledgeable about terrain and history. Gentle soul.

Have been on many wonderful trips with KE but never been confident enough to go self guided before. With just two of us, myself and daughter, I should not have been in any way concerned. The arrangements were faultless, from being collected from the airport to being returned at the end, together with all internal transfers. The suggested routes were well planned and offered some alternative choices, although we usually chose the longer options. The views throughout were breath taking. Accommodation was was excellent and well located. Albania proved a welcoming, beautiful place to visit and would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an adventurous week. Show more
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Trip photo shared by John 8-day self-guided Albanian AlpsJohn

Review by John

John

Oct 2026

Have been on many wonderful trips with KE but never been confident enough to go self guided before. With just two of us, myself and daughter, I should not have been in any way concerned. The arrangements were faultless, from being collected from the airport to being returned at the end, together with all internal transfers. The suggested routes were well planned and offered some alternative choices, although we usually chose the longer options. The views throughout were breath taking. Accommodation was was excellent and well located. Albania proved a welcoming, beautiful place to visit and would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an adventurous week. Show more

Trip photo shared by Julia G. 8-day self-guided Albanian Coastal TrailJulia G.
Just fabulous. All the drivers were great and punctual, lovely hotels, amazing walks - GPS/app instructions were essential as some of paths not v clear. However quite easy to use when u get the hang of it. Bring proper boots - some paths rocky and a bit unstable. Star of the show Albania itself - fabulous country and people. Come now while it’s still relatively unspoilt.
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Review by Julia G.

Julia G.

Oct 2026

Just fabulous. All the drivers were great and punctual, lovely hotels, amazing walks - GPS/app instructions were essential as some of paths not v clear. However quite easy to use when u get the hang of it. Bring proper boots - some paths rocky and a bit unstable. Star of the show Albania itself - fabulous country and people. Come now while it’s still relatively unspoilt.

Auf alle Fälle ein Erlebnis, wunderbare Natur und Einsamkeit! Empfehlenswert für Naturbegeisterte, jedoch muss man sich auf einfache Unterkünfte einlassen und auch mit den Teilnehmern gemeinsam zu nächtigen (2x), getrennt nach Geschlechter!
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Trip photo shared by Rainer 8-day guided High Scardus TrailRainer

Review by Rainer

Rainer

Auf alle Fälle ein Erlebnis, wunderbare Natur und Einsamkeit! Empfehlenswert für Naturbegeisterte, jedoch muss man sich auf einfache Unterkünfte einlassen und auch mit den Teilnehmern gemeinsam zu nächtigen (2x), getrennt nach Geschlechter!

Trip photo shared by Jürgen D. 11-day self-guided Peaks of the BalkansJürgen D.
Traumhaft schöne Landschaft und überaus freundliche Gastgeber mit authentischer Hausmannskost. Die Organisation war einwandfrei und die Transfers waren zuverlässig und überpünktlich. Perfekter Wanderurlaub.
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Review by Jürgen D.

Jürgen D.

Traumhaft schöne Landschaft und überaus freundliche Gastgeber mit authentischer Hausmannskost. Die Organisation war einwandfrei und die Transfers waren zuverlässig und überpünktlich. Perfekter Wanderurlaub.

Die Wanderung in den albanischen Alpen war traumhaft. Reiseverlauf hat super geklappt. Manche Unterkünfte waren sehr basic, einige sanitären Anlagen mussten wir uns mit vielen Menschen teilen. Für den Preis haben wir etwas mehr erwartet.
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Trip photo shared by Jelena 8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trekJelena

Review by Jelena

Jelena

Die Wanderung in den albanischen Alpen war traumhaft. Reiseverlauf hat super geklappt. Manche Unterkünfte waren sehr basic, einige sanitären Anlagen mussten wir uns mit vielen Menschen teilen. Für den Preis haben wir etwas mehr erwartet.

Trip photo shared by Jessica 12-day guided Peaks of the BalkansJessica
Tolle Reise, anspruchsvolle Wanderungen, Abwechslungsreich, perfect organisiert, bisschen Verzicht, aber super naturnah. die beiden Guide waren einfach nur toll, hilfsbereit und fachwissend über Kultur, Natur und Geschichte.
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Review by Jessica

Jessica

Tolle Reise, anspruchsvolle Wanderungen, Abwechslungsreich, perfect organisiert, bisschen Verzicht, aber super naturnah. die beiden Guide waren einfach nur toll, hilfsbereit und fachwissend über Kultur, Natur und Geschichte.

Super tolle und konditionell herausfordernde Mehrtages-Wanderung mit schönem Einblick in die Lebensweise und Kultur Albaniens. Highlight war die Übernachtung auf der Schafsalp und der Kontakt zu den Gastgeber:innen.
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Trip photo shared by Fabienne 8-day self-guided High Scardus TrailFabienne

Review by Fabienne

Fabienne

Super tolle und konditionell herausfordernde Mehrtages-Wanderung mit schönem Einblick in die Lebensweise und Kultur Albaniens. Highlight war die Übernachtung auf der Schafsalp und der Kontakt zu den Gastgeber:innen.

Trip photo shared by Marica 8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trekMarica

Review by Marica

Marica

Es war eine interessante und fassettenreiche Reise. Die Landschaft ist sehr schön und unberührt. Ein Naturerlebnis.

We did the Peaks of the Balkans with Zbulo! One of the best travel organizations I have ever worked with. From the start they were responsive and everything they promised was more than delivered. The app and maps and descriptions were spot on and very useful, the accommodations always excellent. We had to change our last day due to bad weather and they immediately planned everything for us. Would highly recommend!
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Trip photo shared by Edward R. 10-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans (basic)Edward R.

Review by Edward R.

Edward R.
Google

Sep 2026

We did the Peaks of the Balkans with Zbulo! One of the best travel organizations I have ever worked with. From the start they were responsive and everything they promised was more than delivered. The app and maps and descriptions were spot on and very useful, the accommodations always excellent. We had to change our last day due to bad weather and they immediately planned everything for us. Would highly recommend!

Trip photo shared by Cyriel T. 7-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans (basic)Cyriel T.

Review by Cyriel T.

Cyriel T.

Sep 2026

The guesthouses are all very good arranged only to bring some more food with you. And that a 7 day hike trip is only 5 days of hiking.

For every day but the last one where the gpx file took us down the road that had collapsed, the routes were great. The hotels were all wonderful and we liked the descriptions of the hosts. Maybe more dinner restaurants recommendations would be nice
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Review by Shannon M.

Shannon M.

Oct 2026

For every day but the last one where the gpx file took us down the road that had collapsed, the routes were great. The hotels were all wonderful and we liked the descriptions of the hosts. Maybe more dinner restaurants recommendations would be nice

Review by Mikael S.

Mikael S.

Sep 2025

Mikael praised the scenery, food, drinks and welcoming locals. He advised e-bike riders to recharge midway on the two toughest mountain days to avoid running out of battery.

Wir hatten eine sehr schöne Reise mit tollen, abwechslungsreichen Landschaften, freundlichen Menschen und sehr guter Organisation vor Ort. Für die vielen Highlights an den Strecken fehlte machmal die Zeit. Hier war die Möglichkeit hilfreich, die Tour durch Zusatzübernachtungen in einzelnen Unterkünften zu "strecken".
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Review by Thomas H.

Thomas H.

Sep 2025

Wir hatten eine sehr schöne Reise mit tollen, abwechslungsreichen Landschaften, freundlichen Menschen und sehr guter Organisation vor Ort. Für die vielen Highlights an den Strecken fehlte machmal die Zeit. Hier war die Möglichkeit hilfreich, die Tour durch Zusatzübernachtungen in einzelnen Unterkünften zu "strecken".

Der Skitourenführer war leider wenig motiviert. Auch die Kommunikation mit der Gruppe war schlecht. Er hat sich keine Mühe gegeben uns im Rahmen der Möglichkeiten(wenig Schnee) adäquate Touren anzubieten . Ich bin selbst Trainer C Skibergsteigen und kann deshalb die Leistung des Führers ganz gut einschätzen.
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Review by Mrs Seefelder-Schütz, Gabriele S.

Mrs Seefelder-Schütz, Gabriele S.

Mar 2024

Der Skitourenführer war leider wenig motiviert. Auch die Kommunikation mit der Gruppe war schlecht. Er hat sich keine Mühe gegeben uns im Rahmen der Möglichkeiten(wenig Schnee) adäquate Touren anzubieten . Ich bin selbst Trainer C Skibergsteigen und kann deshalb die Leistung des Führers ganz gut einschätzen.

Why choose us

More about Zbulo

Trails we helped shape

Since 2013, we’ve helped scout and develop routes in Albania and the Balkans. Our journeys draw on first-hand knowledge of the trails and regions.

Local encounters

Our journeys combine mountain and coastal landscapes with villages, guesthouses and local hospitality, bringing you closer to the people and places along the way.

Thoughtful planning, personal support

Guided or self-guided, our team helps coordinate your route, accommodation and transfers, with practical advice throughout the planning.

our trips

Independent traveller reviews

We just spent a week hiking the interior of Albania with one of Zebulon’s excellent guides. I felt like we came away with a good sense of the history and spirit of Albania. The hikes were great but also stopping for cafe in local homes was always a highlight. A great week. I highly recommend!

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5.0 out of 5 stars

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…

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Second trip with Zbulo, and it was just as great as the first one. Our guide, Blend, was super fun, very knowledgeable, and highly protective of his flock. I don't believe we could have had a better trip.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

An amazing hiking trip through the mountains along the Adriatic coast. The scenery was stunning, and the camaraderie of the group made this a truly special week. Our guide Deni and our amazing driver went above and beyond to deliver a first class experience.

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We did the 8-day Peaks of the Balkans guided tour in October and it was one of the best tours we've ever done! We were so lucky to have Mirjeta and Donjeta as our guides. They're the most incredible guides you could ask for: genuine, lovely, funny, kind and supportive throughout. You could tell they're…

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5.0 out of 5 stars

The whole experience from start to finish in Albania was great! I throughly enjoyed the group tour dynamics with a fantastic group, that was brought together by both Blendi and Dennis as our guides. Each hike was unique, with some changes made due to the weather which worked well, and gave us the best chances…

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Zbulo - Easy to book a 7 day hike?. Lots of information on their website and good responses. Very, very helpful. Plus Best guide ever (no kidding). Super fun, knowledgeable about terrain and history. Gentle soul.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

Oh my gosh! What a wonderful week spent in Southern Albania in the Zagoria Valley with Zbulo. Our guide, Nedih was top notch. He was so knowledgeable, patient, and set the pace for our group with ease. The food was hearty and delicious. The homestays were cozy and our hosts were warm and hospitable. Every…

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Just a fabulous trip. Albania is a fantastic country - stunning, friendly people and felt very safe. Walking was amazing - views to die for. Hotel choices were great and drivers all informative helpful and reliable. Bring proper boots. Some of the paths are rocky and unstable. Would thoroughly recommend.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

I completed Zbulo's Hidden Valley Trek this month. It was great! Rural southern Albania is rugged and beautiful. The trek goes village-to-village the first few days--villages where people are almost totally self sufficient, producing their own vegetables, fruit, cheese, yogurt, bread, and raki liquor, and getting water by connected a hose or pipe to a…

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It was a fantastic week that felt much longer. Beautiful hikes. The guide was very professional, interested in a wide range of topics, and led us safely. The organization was excellent, and the food was delicious and varied. I really enjoyed it—the significant ascents and descents were truly satisfying!

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5.0 out of 5 stars

An amazing week long trip in South Albania - led by a great local guide Kreshnik, who made the whole experience perfect. Kreshnik shared great knowledge through fluent English, and guided us safely through the hills and beaches, ensuring each day was different. Great moderate but challenging hikes, suitable for most fitness levels. Beautiful scenes…

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Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice — seven years running, 2020–2026