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Your specialist for active tours to Albania and the Balkans
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The Peaks of the Balkans hiking trip met all my expectations. Two excellent guides (that allowed them to offer two hike choices on many days), beautiful and challenging hikes, unique and authentic accommodations. Food provided was good with plenty of it. We had very good weather which added to my experience. All transfers were handled perfectly so it was low
The Peaks of the Balkans hiking trip met all my expectations. Two excellent guides (that allowed them to offer two hike choices on many days), beautiful and challenging hikes, unique and authentic accommodations. Food provided was good with plenty of it. We had very good weather which added to my experience. All transfers were handled perfectly so it was low stress for us. Our group developed a good, fun cohesiveness that made it especially memorable. I thought it was very good value for the cost. My only recommendation to those considering the trip is to do adequate training to match the hike statistics. There are many steep sections with few switchbacks that require a high level of fitness. Being in my 70’s, it pushed me to my limit, in a good way.
Overall, the experience of hiking with Zbulo was good.
Our group was very mixed in terms of fitness levels, mainly due to one participant who wasn’t physically fit enough. Nevertheless, our two fantastic hiking guides managed to handle this!
The food and hospitality on offer at the guesthouses were consistently good, and in some accommodation they were even
Overall, the experience of hiking with Zbulo was good.
Our group was very mixed in terms of fitness levels, mainly due to one participant who wasn’t physically fit enough. Nevertheless, our two fantastic hiking guides managed to handle this!
The food and hospitality on offer at the guesthouses were consistently good, and in some accommodation they were even excellent! The shared rooms were fine.
Unfortunately, the hygiene standards – particularly regarding bathrooms and toilets – were poor in some guesthouses, especially in Dobërdol and near Zllonopoj, but also in Rekë e Allagës. I suspect this was also the reason for the gastrointestinal infection that affected around 70 per cent of us participants.
As for the landscape and the individual day trips, I was very satisfied. The final short hikes on the last day of the trek from Theth were rather off-putting due to the large number of tourists – especially having enjoyed the peace and seclusion on the previous days.
The transfers were always perfectly organised, and the drivers were reliable and experienced.
Our two guides looked after us wonderfully. They provided us with information about the history of the countries, their culture, and the local flora and fauna. They supplied us with extra treats (snacks) along the way and were attentive to our every need. THANK YOU! Tesi and Frans 🥰 – I hope we’ll see each other again one day!
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
Be prepared for the most amazing scenery, delicious food and generous portions, a series of terrifying histories and a life-changing 12 day experience. Do train up for fast long distance walking and do bring water purification tablets and pills for diarrhoea and nausea.
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
This was a really well organised experience, challenging and rewarding, giving a truly authentic feel of the area and its people. Great communication with Zbulu, all aspects of the trip felt very well-considered and allowed us to enjoy an independent hiking trip with peace of mind that all is taken care of. Highly recommended, a truly memorable experience!
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Ancient caravan routes and homestays in southern Albania’s Zagoria Valley
Zbulo was flawless in executing all the particulars of the trip. Really beautiful hikes. Food was great, accommodations were as described. Overall we were really happy with the trip.
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
Amazing landscape for hiking. Further more an excellent organised trip by Zbulo: wonderful guesthouses, great communication.
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
The guides were very familiar with the trails; they told us what to expect each day, in terms of terrain and weather. They were also well informed about geography, history, culture, etc., which they generously shared with the group. They were attentive to members of the group.
The route made a lot of sense, in terms of using transportation strategically, to
The guides were very familiar with the trails; they told us what to expect each day, in terms of terrain and weather. They were also well informed about geography, history, culture, etc., which they generously shared with the group. They were attentive to members of the group.
The route made a lot of sense, in terms of using transportation strategically, to access the trails, rather than spending a lot of time, energy and miles hiking on dusty/rock strewn roads. The route seemed to focus on the more scenic aspects of the trail.
Hikers were very pretty group-focused, in terms of their desire to enjoy themselves in a group setting, and were also supportive of one another.
Be prepared for epic scenery and to create some lasting memories.
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
The most magnificent scenery with everchanging horizons. The walking was demanding on each day and was truly memorable. Marlin and Kresnik are guides of incredible dedication. On some days you have the opportunity to hike a more demanding route that will deffo take you out if your comfort zone and beyond.
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.
our trips
8-day guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day guided Hidden Valley trek
Guided homestay trek along ancient caravan routes in the Zagoria Valley
8-day guided High Scardus Trail
Guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day self-guided Albanian Alps
Classic circuit with Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth and the Blue Eye
8-day self-guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Ancient caravan routes and homestays in southern Albania’s Zagoria Valley
8-day self-guided High Scardus Trail
Demanding self-guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day cycling highlights of southern Albania
Selected highlights of southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
10-day complete cycling route through southern Albania
The complete UNESCO cycling route through southern Albania
8-day relaxed cycling in southern Albania
A gentler ride along southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day guided Hidden Valley trek
Guided homestay trek along ancient caravan routes in the Zagoria Valley
8-day self-guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Ancient caravan routes and homestays in southern Albania’s Zagoria Valley
8-day cycling highlights of southern Albania
Selected highlights of southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
10-day complete cycling route through southern Albania
The complete UNESCO cycling route through southern Albania
8-day relaxed cycling in southern Albania
A gentler ride along southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
8-day guided High Scardus Trail
Guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day self-guided Albanian Alps
Classic circuit with Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth and the Blue Eye
8-day self-guided High Scardus Trail
Demanding self-guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
