7-day guided three-peak challenge in the Balkans

I recently did the Three Peaks of the Balkans hiking tour in Albania, and overall, it was a really great experience. Most of the trip went very smoothly, and everything was well organised from start to finish.

Our tour guide Donart was excellent — very knowledgeable, funny, and patient, which made the long and challenging days much easier ,
I highly recommend this tour to everyone .

Fantastic trip overall and unique scenery each day. Great group too, as everyone was an experienced hiker and we got on well. Our guides Kreshnik and Franc kept a good pace and allowed us plenty of time at the peaks to have lunch and enjoy the views. All of the accommodations felt clean and there was a lot of amazing food especially at dinner. I would recommend bringing extra snacks for the hikes, as the lunches are basically what you want to take from the breakfast buffet. A good level of fitness is required, but nothing technical, and I felt comfortable wearing trail runners. There were a couple of sections on the final peak that required using your hands but it didn’t feel unsafe.

This was a fantastic trip from start to finish, with excellent accommodation and really knowledgeable, engaging guides throughout. From an educational point of view, it was brilliant to learn about the different periods and events that have shaped Albania and Kosovo, while also getting an insight into Montenegro and North Macedonia. To visit so many different countries in such a short space of time, while having such knowledgeable guides to explain the history, culture and background, made the trip really interesting and enjoyable. The hike itself was tough, with the heat probably being the biggest challenge, but with the guidance, experience and leadership of the guides, we managed to get through the week and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The group was also a real highlight. There was a great mix of personalities and backgrounds, but I would say it was probably the best group I’ve hiked with over the years. Everyone brought something different to the trip, and I really enjoyed the overall diversity and atmosphere within the group. Overall, it was a brilliant adventure, combining challenging hiking, education, culture and great company. I really loved the diversity of the trip and would highly recommend the experience.

My first time in Albania and Kosovo – Thoroughly recommend this trip. It’s a fairly tough physical challenge so you need to get some training in before you go. We were really lucky with the weather and we did four peaks so maybe the trip needs to be renamed..

Some of the highlights for me:
Met some great people
Amazing scenery.
Swimming in the cooling waters of a mountain lake
The ‘Air conditioning’ cave
Very knowledgeable guides (Blend & Deni), passionate about their country, it’s history and people.
Great food – particularly the dinners . ( See note below re lunches)
Accommodation exceeded my expectations.
Slow food lunch
– the list goes on!

Something to improve:

– on a couple of occasions there was a lack of food for lunches.

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

A brilliant trip, the hikes are spectacular, challenging over 4 days but worth all of that effort. The accommodation was great and the food was amazing, never went hungry. Our guides were brilliant, friendly and shared so much local interest with us. And the group were a great fun bunch.

Had a great time doing this trip. Some of the hikes were really tough (Mount Korab in particular) so a good level of fitness is needed. However all of the hikes were great, the scenery and views were amazing.

All of the accommodation was good and we were fed well with the meals, especially the evening meals.
Lunch was the same as breakfast, they bought plenty out at breakfast so you made up your lunch once you had breakfast (mainly sandwiches for lunch).

Our guides Kreshnik and Franc were fantastic. Very knowledgeable which was kindly passed onto us all and looked after us really well.
The group was great too, we all got on very well and had a great time together.

Would recommend either bringing lots of snacks from home with you, or getting some from Tirana if you arrive early as there wasn’t much opportunity to get extra snacks.

I recently did the Three Peaks of the Balkans hiking tour in Albania, and overall, it was a really great experience. Most of the trip went very smoothly, and everything was well organised from start to finish. Our tour guide Donart was excellent — very knowledgeable, funny, and patient, which made the long and challenging days much easier , I highly recommend this tour to everyone .

This was a fantastic trip from start to finish, with excellent accommodation and really knowledgeable, engaging guides throughout. From an educational point of view, it was brilliant to learn about the different periods and events that have shaped Albania and Kosovo, while also getting an insight into Montenegro and North Macedonia. To visit so many different countries in such a short space of time, while having such knowledgeable guides to explain the history, culture and background, made the trip really interesting and enjoyable. The hike itself was tough, with the heat probably being the biggest challenge, but with the guidance, experience and leadership of the guides, we managed to get through the week and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The group was also a real highlight. There was a great mix of personalities and backgrounds, but I would say it was probably the best group I’ve hiked with over the years. Everyone brought something different to the trip, and I really enjoyed the overall diversity and atmosphere within the group. Overall, it was a brilliant adventure, combining challenging hiking, education, culture and great company. I really loved the diversity of the trip and would highly recommend the experience.

Great trip for experienced hikers. Each hiking day had great trails, peaks and views. Our guides had incredible local knowledge and passion for the regions we visited. The additional boat trip, meals at Farm and in Tirana enhanced the overall experience of what Albania has to offer.

Communication with our local guides was good from the start and were given clear instructions and advice as needed before we even started. The hike is spectacular and for me some challenging climbs but that is what I came for so loved it. But do recommend that people prepare for this hike there are some BIG climbs and this became a challenge for a few in the group so pace was quite slow. The challenge came in the last few days of the hike as more and more people were infected with the Norovirus which did cause some problems for most of the group. But thankfully I escaped unscathed. This really is a beautiful area and a great hiking experience.

We weren’t able to complete all the peaks due to the weather, but I still had one of the best weeks of my life. The mountains were stunning, and our hosts in the hotels and guesthouses were brilliant. Roy and Igli were our guides, and their friendship and love of the outdoors made the trip feel even more special. They made sure everything ran smoothly, from transfers to managing different walking paces. They also shared a lot of history and local knowledge about the regions we explored.

Communication with our local guides was good from the start and were given clear instructions and advice as needed before we even started. The hike is spectacular and for me some challenging climbs but that is what I came for so loved it. But do recommend that people prepare for this hike there are some BIG climbs and this became a challenge for a few in the group so pace was quite slow. The challenge came in the last few days of the hike as more and more people were infected with the Norovirus which did cause some problems for most of the group. But thankfully I escaped unscathed. This really is a beautiful area and a great hiking experience.

Had a wonderful week with our guides Nik and Ali climbing several beautiful mountains. Despite the warnings that August could be wet we had no rain and beautiful sunshine all week. Great accommodations, food and experiences. Local guides very knowledgable and great history of the area. Be prepared for long and challenging days but beautiful landscapes

This was an incredible adventure from start to finish. The most beautiful scenery with breathtaking views, seeing the Shepard’s on the mountains with their flocks, to the most amazing peaks. Our guides Blendi and Ina were amazing, and lead the group at a steady pace, stopping at some Shepard’s huts long the way where cold drinks were available was a very welcome reward along the way. We completely lucked out with the weather as it originally didn’t look like the last peak was going to be possible due to the forecast weather we were given an extra peak the three boarders peaks, luckily the weather changed the last minute and we were able to hike the final peak, which was definitely my favourite. The only downside was most of the group coming down with Norovirus after the last hike, which put a damper on the last day as none of us could really enjoy the final day which would have been amazing, but the guides did an amazing job of looking after us all and making sure we were all ok.

We had an amazing 4 days of hiking and week of adventures in Albania. It was an incredible week, challenging, but so worth the early rises and extra kilometres. The views and scenery were just incredible. Everything is planned out and we didn’t have to worry about anything when we were there. The final day of boat travel and food was really lovely. Roy was the perfect guide! Believing in us, giving us extra peaks along the way and having a great sense of humour. The home stays and food were great and every person we came across was so friendly. Breakfasts and lunches were also substantial. We bought our own snacks but Roy had plenty for us to have as well. Would highly recommend if you’re used to hiking and want a challenge to get a lot in over a few days!

This was an excellent trip . . taking in the highest peaks in Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Some days we ventured into 3 countries in one day … on Mt Korab summit you even stand with one foot in Albania and the other in Nth. Macedonia ! Our guides ( Roy and Igli) were fantastic . . very knowledgeable, considerate and caring. The days are long but the efforts are worth it to take in the stunning views and countryside. Thank you for a fantastic time in the Balkans !

It was an absolute amazing trip! It is very challenging and i would recommend to train some hiking and elevation gain before booking this trip! The days are verrryyy loong but you get rewarded with amazing views! The hotels and Huts are great and the food was always a looot to choose from. Breakfast depends where you stay. I recommend to bring enough of your favorite snacks from home! We had 2 guides (Ali and Kreshniq) they were funny, helpful and understanding in every situation! I felt so secure in their hands! The last day with the Boat trio and the delicous Food made it a great week with amazing people!

We had two fantastic guides taking us to as many of the peaks as we could handle in addition to the ones listed in the tour. It was challenging but possible for everyone, but I would recommend having some experience with difficult hikes over multiple days before you go for the best experience. The mountains are beautiful and wild, the people are kind and the accomodation was above my expectations. These are tiny mountain villages so don’t expect the Hilton but you will be clean and well taken care of.

This was an excellent trip . . taking in the highest peaks in Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Some days we ventured into 3 countries in one day … on Mt Korab summit you even stand with one foot in Albania and the other in Nth. Macedonia ! Our guides ( Roy and Igli) were fantastic . . very knowledgeable, considerate and caring. The days are long but the efforts are worth it to take in the stunning views and countryside. Thank you for a fantastic time in the Balkans !

We weren’t able to complete all the peaks due to the weather, but I still had one of the best weeks of my life. The mountains were stunning, and our hosts in the hotels and guesthouses were brilliant. Roy and Igli were our guides, and their friendship and love of the outdoors made the trip feel even more special. They made sure everything ran smoothly, from transfers to managing different walking paces. They also shared a lot of history and local knowledge about the regions we explored.

Challenging but worth it! Three quite different mountain experiences…. Korab was a heat wave endurance test, Gjeravica gave off fantasy vibes and finally Zla Kolata was an epic scramble. I also never finish a MBA trip without some new favourite people!

The Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge was a beautiful adventure with a fantastic group of people, incredible landscapes, and great guides. The hikes were challenging, and the views and sense of achievement made it all worthwhile. From lush green valleys to rocky mountain terrain, the scenery was incredibly diverse. The guides were excellent and professional. The accommodation exceeded expectations, with comfortable beds and the bonus of a shower every evening after long days on the trail. A few logistical challenges are to be expected in such a remote region, but things were managed quite smoothly. I loved discovering this part of the Balkans for the first time and would highly recommend this adventure!

Incredible experience 4 days hiking tour, the accommodation was absolutely unreal tops all expectations, pace on the walk was very manageable for all types of hiking ability! We had the pleasure of having deni and donart as our tour guides they were absolutely brilliant great knowledge and experience and very good crack too! Couldn’t recommend enough

From start to finish this trip was an absolute pleasure. Everything ran smoothly and it didn’t take long at all to settle into the routine of the itinerary. Various thoughts for people considering it, in no particular order: _ The scenery is absolutely stunning and far surpassed expectations. It is significantly more varied than I would have guessed. _ The food was a huge plus, with the dinners in particular being big & delicious _ Breakfast generally was excellent, with only one day where the options were slightly limited. Note you’ll essentially eat the same thing for lunch. _ Didn’t have a bad guesthouse experience and that first post-hike beer was a treat. _ The single-supplement for 2 nights was great value for money. _ Hot showers every evening, but cold water in the morning. _ The MBA itinerary does not accurately reflect the actual distances or elevation changes and is probably overly conservative. _ Don’t skip the waterproof trousers * My first time using hiking poles and they were a godsend. Individually our group was wonderful, and the dynamic was a huge part of my enjoyment of the trip, so if any of you are reading this – thank you. I wish I could write a separate, 6-star review for our guides Roy & Donart, who were consummate professionals. Endlessly patient, encouraging & fun, it would not have been the same without them. This was my first experience with MBA, but surely not my last.

Best trip I’ve done. Deni and Donart guided us and couldn’t recommend them anymore they’re very passionate about nature and hiking and we’re always there for any questions and would sort anything out that you asked for! Accommodation 10/10 Hosts 10/10 Hikes 10/10 Food 10/10

We were incredibly fortunate with the conditions and only experienced a short spell of light rain during one decent. Due to icy conditions, we were unable to climb Zla Kolata but the views from neighbouring Rosni Peak were incredible. Transport was well organised and the beautiful ferry trip and lunch at Mrizi I Zanave on the last day were a welcome treat. Some minor issues at the guesthouses on Day 3 and 4 but the rest of the accommodation was really nice. Thank you to Deni and Donart, our wonderful guides. They took us on a bonus climb to Three Border Peak on Day 5 and were helpful, friendly and great fun.

Best trip I’ve done. Deni and Donart guided us and couldn’t recommend them anymore they’re very passionate about nature and hiking and we’re always there for any questions and would sort anything out that you asked for! Accommodation 10/10 Hosts 10/10 Hikes 10/10 Food 10/10

If you want a genuinely tough 4 days of hiking (with just enough lounging to keep it real) and another day of celebrating, then this is the trip for you. Touching four countries, but mostly centred on stunning Albania, this itinerary gives you peaks, alpine lakes, comfortable accomm, mountain streams, tasty treats, fascinating history, goats and an unbelievably good time.

The Balkan 3 peaks challenge trip exceeded all my expectations. The guides Deni and Donart were the best guides I’ve had on a trip. The accommodation was the best I’ve had on a trip. The food was excellent. Tirana also surprised me with great food, lively nightlife and lots to do all whilst being cheap. The mountain scenery is beautiful. Quiet trails to yourself. I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering doing it

Challenging but worth it! Three quite different mountain experiences…. Korab was a heat wave endurance test, Gjeravica gave off fantasy vibes and finally Zla Kolata was an epic scramble. I also never finish a MBA trip without some new favourite people!

I’ve done a few much better adventures trips now and this was one of my favourites. Group dynamics were spot on as usual and the mountains were stunning, every hike had something different.
Our guides Deni and Donart were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and went out of their way to make sure everyone in the group was ok and enjoying themselves.
We didn’t get to do the final peak due to late snow still blocking the pass but did an alternate parallel peak which had spectacular views so we didn’t feel like we missed out. Gjeravica was my favourite day, it really felt like a big day out in the mountains, those of us brave enjoy took a quick dip in the mountain lake and views just kept coming.
The accommodation was as I expected and each place had it’s own charm.
The food was varied and there is a fantastic stop meal on the way back to Tirana.
This is a tough trip, it is several long days with a lot of up and down, so make sure you get some big days in before you comes to get the most out of the trip and bring walking sticks if you have any doubts.
I’ll be heading back to these mountains!

What a phenomenal week! I had so much fun tackling challenging hikes, swimming in mountain lakes and enjoying the spectacular views and wildflowers – pictures do not do justice to the stunning Accursed Mountains. Roy and Donart were wonderful, enthusiastic guides (as well as snack legends), and our group was fantastic, laughing together like we’d known each other for years. Being met every evening with warm guesthouse welcomes and homemade Albanian feasts was perfect after big hiking days. 4 new countries visited, 15 new friends made, 3(+2) peaks summited. . . the Balkans have my heart.

Donart and Roy were fantastic. Both very experienced and capable. One even volunteers for mountain rescue. We knew we were in safe hands. The professionalism shown was second to none, but at no point were we short of laughs. The team was great and I’ve shared some core memories with them. This is something that can’t be planned but luck was on our side. I feel very privileged to have experienced this adventure, it was challenging at times but I’ve finished without so much as a blister. I’d highly recommend MBA and hope to plan my next trip soon.

This trip exceeded expectations in every way! These hikes are very tough but absolutely worth it. I cannot express enough gratitude to our guides, Deni and Donart. They ensured we were always taken care of and pivoted to meet individual needs as necessary. They communicated all the details we needed to be prepared for each day’s challenges and I felt I was always in good hands if anything where to go awry. The guest houses exceeded expectations with hot showers, wifi, and hearty dinners and breakfasts. I would absolutely do this trip again!

This trip exceeded expectations in every way! These hikes are very tough but absolutely worth it. I cannot express enough gratitude to our guides, Deni and Donart. They ensured we were always taken care of and pivoted to meet individual needs as necessary. They communicated all the details we needed to be prepared for each day’s challenges and I felt I was always in good hands if anything where to go awry. The guest houses exceeded expectations with hot showers, wifi, and hearty dinners and breakfasts. I would absolutely do this trip again!

Best trip I’ve done. Deni and Donart guided us and couldn’t recommend them anymore they’re very passionate about nature and hiking and we’re always there for any questions and would sort anything out that you asked for! Accommodation 10/10 Hosts 10/10 Hikes 10/10 Food 10/10

Had a fantastic week trekking the peaks of the Balkans, truly unforgettable thanks to our guides Preveza and Renis. Hiking was tough, really good level of fitness was needed. Weather pretty good, extreme heat at the base of the mountains and in the towns but slid down snow at the peaks, also had some really intense rain at times, pack for all eventualities! Accommodation was surprisingly good, even in the mountains. Vegetarian food was rather limited and monotonous but plentiful, loads of fruit and veg.

Although we were only able to climb 1 of the 3 peaks due to bad weather, the plan B (and sometimes C!) routes were great alternatives. The quality of the accommodation surprised me, with hot showers, power and even WiFi at all guesthouses. The guides were also super knowledgeable and I felt safe under their leadership. Would thoroughly recommend!

A wonderful trip in an incredible part of the country I probably would not have been able to explore on my own. This trip exceeded expectations with every hike offering a new challenge and a new incredible view and experience of the Albanian Alps. The food was plentiful and delicious, the guides were well informed, encouraging and made us feel very safe in some of the steeper areas or areas with snow hiking, and the guest house accommodation exceeded expectations. Due to being early in the season we did some of the “Plan B” hikes that were not on the original itinerary but the alternatives were still brilliant and very worth the adventure, it is clear whatever you get up to in this region it will not disappoint. The pace on some days was definitely challenging (especially the days with a car transfer) but otherwise the difficulty was as expected. Would night recommend!

Beautiful scenery! I enjoyed the whole trip. Tough terrain and steep uphills/ downhills, so good level of fitness and hiking experience is required. The accommodation standards vary as on a few nights there were 5 of us sharing a room and 1 bathroom and on some nights we had really nice hotels. Renis, the tour guide did an amazing job! Very supportive group of people to spend the trip with! Will visit Balkans again.

Beautiful hikes, great company, food was surprisingly good and our guides Blendi and Xhoni were always there for us, making alternative arrangements when weather wasn’t so great. Excellent value for money, managed to discover a bit about the culture of the region too alongside enjoying the landscape. Some guesthouses better than others but overall pretty good for in the mountains and seems that infrastructure getting better.

Everything was fantastic – very long strenuous hikes, guide (Nedih) was superb, accommodation was great (only tiny negative was 2nd night of hike where they turned the generator off – and therefore all power – at 8:50pm!!!). Incredible meals on last day. Brilliant!!

Beautiful scenery! I enjoyed the whole trip. Tough terrain and steep uphills/ downhills, so good level of fitness and hiking experience is required. The accommodation standards vary as on a few nights there were 5 of us sharing a room and 1 bathroom and on some nights we had really nice hotels. Renis, the tour guide did an amazing job! Very supportive group of people to spend the trip with! Will visit Balkans again.

Beautiful hikes, great company, food was surprisingly good and our guides Blendi and Xhoni were always there for us, making alternative arrangements when weather wasn’t so great. Excellent value for money, managed to discover a bit about the culture of the region too alongside enjoying the landscape. Some guesthouses better than others but overall pretty good for in the mountains and seems that infrastructure getting better.

This was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever done but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared for long days and tough inclines, but also spectacular views and wonderful new friends. Deni and Elena were the most professional and personable guides.

A highly organized trip, from Eda’s swift responses to the various modes of transport, everything worked perfectly. We had two great guides in Deni and Elena – with their mountain and weather wisdom, Albanian dance lessons, and Balkan history, and encouragement, they enriched the hiking experience tremendously. Our accommodations were nicer than anticipated and the food was very good, sometimes terrific. I especially appreciated the abundance of veg options. The hike itself was very difficult largely due to the pace and a few of us did not reach all summits. In retrospect, I should have commenced the hike upon arriving in Europe, rather than after three “tourist” weeks. Nonetheless, it was gorgeous, the trails were uncrowded and it was so worth it. This was our second hike with MBA. And like on the first trek, the hikers were fabulous. We quickly became a tight group, full of laughter, happy to share, super supportive. Ready to book it?

This is super late, but I’ve finally got around to writing it up. Had the most epic week back in July doing the Balkins 3 Peaks. Firstly, the two guides Anton and Prevesa made our trip – two incredible and delightful human beings and every minute spent with them was a genuine pleasure – they really looked after us and made our trip. Secondly, the trip was so well organised, each day of hiking offered something a little different and the guides (especially Anton) were extremely knowledgeable about so many aspects of the trip (all things Albania and Kosovo). The scenery was stunning and all the peaks had their own different vibe, so there were no two days the same. Lastly, we travelled as a group of 5, so there were 10 other travelers outside of us and we were completely blessed with how great everyone was. We all jelled instantly and grew a very tight bond over the course of the trip – everyone offered to the trip and it was so awesome getting to know them all (I realise MBA can’t control this, but I wanted to share anyway). Overall, we all had the most magic week back in July and I genuinely couldn’t recommend this trip enough. I very nearly missed out ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ over whether to book, but I bit the bullet and booked one of the last slots. I count my lucky stars I did, as I had no idea how incredible it would be. If you’re doubting whether to book this up or not as well – don’t! It’s genuinely worth every penny!

I was so impressed by the organisation of the guides who made us feel safe and welcoming throughout the whole trip. They explained a lot about about the history and culture and always took the time to answer our questions. The scenery is spectacular and the routes weren’t busy. Fantastic trip

The scenery was sublime. The views were superb and improved by the lack of crowds. The food was excellent, and a lot better than I expected. In particular, vegetables were prominent: each meal did not feel like it was all about the meat, with other elements an afterthought.

Great itinerary! Get three peaks in four days – ended up being just over 80km. Wish the day before Zla Kolata was a bit easier – the whole group was feeling tired right before the toughest summit. The hotels and guesthouses were all great, and surprisingly accommodating given the remoteness. Packed lunches were a bit sparse. Wish we didn’t stop so much in the sun, especially when there’s shade 10 meters in every direction.

This was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever done but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared for long days and tough inclines, but also spectacular views and wonderful new friends. Deni and Elena were the most professional and personable guides. I cannot recommend it enough.

The scenery was sublime. The views were superb and improved by the lack of crowds. The food was excellent, and a lot better than I expected. In particular, vegetables were prominent: each meal did not feel like it was all about the meat, with other elements an afterthought.

Great week with great views and greater people. The group dynamic was spot on and the two tour guides, Blendi and Renis were amazingly supportive and attentive, they looked after us from the moment we arrived to the literal minute we departed. The first three hikes were tough but doable individually, with the fourth day being by far the hardest. There was some mild scrambling involved but nothing too technical. The downhills are tough so would recommend having grippy, sturdy boots. Overall, an unforgettable experience and I can’t speak highly enough of Blendi and Renis, two great guys who made it an amazing week.

The hiking itself was superb, with amazing views, diverse landscapes, and few other people around. Each peak felt really unique and it was difficult to resist the urge to constantly stop and take photos! Our guides, Deni and Renis, were brilliant and really knowledgeable about everything from local history and geology to how to select the best wild blueberries. The accommodation was really great and much nicer than expected, and the food was delicious, fresh, and a real highlight of the trip (even as a vegetarian!). Our first introduction to this part of the Balkans and we will certainly be back!

Great itinerary! Get three peaks in four days – ended up being just over 80km. Wish the day before Zla Kolata was a bit easier – the whole group was feeling tired right before the toughest summit. The hotels and guesthouses were all great, and surprisingly accommodating given the remoteness. Packed lunches were a bit sparse. Wish we didn’t stop so much in the sun, especially when there’s shade 10 meters in every direction.

A highly organized trip, from Eda’s swift responses to the various modes of transport, everything worked perfectly. We had two great guides in Deni and Elena – with their mountain and weather wisdom, Albanian dance lessons, and Balkan history, and encouragement, they enriched the hiking experience tremendously. Our accommodations were nicer than anticipated and the food was very good, sometimes terrific. I especially appreciated the abundance of veg options. The hike itself was very difficult largely due to the pace and a few of us did not reach all summits. In retrospect, I should have commenced the hike upon arriving in Europe, rather than after three “tourist” weeks. Nonetheless, it was gorgeous, the trails were uncrowded and it was so worth it. This was our second hike with MBA. And like on the first trek, the hikers were fabulous. We quickly became a tight group, full of laughter, happy to share, super supportive. Ready to book it?

I’ve just returned from a week in the Balkans hiking the three peaks of Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro and it was fantastic! This trip is a fantastic way to visit four countries and the scenery is truly stunning. For people wondering how tough it is, I consider myself pretty fit, (gym three times a week, can run 10k in under an hour and cycle up mountains for fun) but this was a challenge, so if you’re considering it then get some miles up mountains in your training! We had a truly fantastic group of people and were led by the Amazing Renis and Preveza who were superb guides. Their expertise and experience really made the trip and I would certainly book with much better adventures again.

Highly recommend this trip – the hiking and scenery is incredible with the three peaks as the cherry on top. Our guides Blendi and Renis were amazing, they really made the trip! Hiking in August was pretty hot but we even got to cool off with a few swims in the mountain lakes. You need decent fitness but it’s so worth it!

I was so impressed by the organisation of the guides who made us feel safe and welcoming throughout the whole trip. They explained a lot about about the history and culture and always took the time to answer our questions. The scenery is spectacular and the routes weren’t busy. Fantastic trip

I really enjoyed this trip with a great bunch of people, we were from all corners of the world but quickly bonded and became friends. The guides Blend and Renis were excellent, they were highly knowledgeable, friendly and chilled out, and felt like members of the group as well as guides. Be under no illusions, the hiking is tough. Technically there is nothing particularly difficult but the summer heat adds its own challenges on the long hikes. However if you have a good fitness level you should manage with no issues. The accommodation was basic but better than I was expecting, it was clean, comfortable and we were served good quality meals. Although it’s worth noting that some of the portion sizes on the trip were quite small, so if you are someone who eats lots then I would highly recommend bringing some substantial snacks to keep you going. I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone, it’s a great way to see parts of the Balkans that few tourists ever visit and there are some real hidden gem locations in the hikes. You won’t regret booking!

This was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever done but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared for long days and tough inclines, but also spectacular views and wonderful new friends. Deni and Elena were the most professional and personable guides.

The Balkans 3 Peaks Challenge – This was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever done but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared for long days and tough inclines, but also spectacular views and wonderful new friends. Deni and Elena were the most professional and personable guides. I cannot recommend it enough.

I really enjoyed this trip with a great bunch of people, we were from all corners of the world but quickly bonded and became friends. The guides Blend and Renis were excellent, they were highly knowledgeable, friendly and chilled out, and felt like members of the group as well as guides. Be under no illusions, the hiking is tough. Technically there is nothing particularly difficult but the summer heat adds its own challenges on the long hikes. However if you have a good fitness level you should manage with no issues. The accommodation was basic but better than I was expecting, it was clean, comfortable and we were served good quality meals. Although it’s worth noting that some of the portion sizes on the trip were quite small, so if you are someone who eats lots then I would highly recommend bringing some substantial snacks to keep you going. I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone, it’s a great way to see parts of the Balkans that few tourists ever visit and there are some real hidden gem locations in the hikes. You won’t regret booking!

Great week with great views and greater people. The group dynamic was spot on and the two tour guides, Blendi and Renis were amazingly supportive and attentive, they looked after us from the moment we arrived to the literal minute we departed. The first three hikes were tough but doable individually, with the fourth day being by far the hardest. There was some mild scrambling involved but nothing too technical. The downhills are tough so would recommend having grippy, sturdy boots. Overall, an unforgettable experience and I can’t speak highly enough of Blendi and Renis, two great guys who made it an amazing week.

A great trip which was really well organised. It was tough in places but very rewarding – the views were absolutely incredible. Would recommend a solid amount of fitness for this as there is a lot of ground to cover and a good pace. Food wasn’t great for the most part (small portions, low protein), particularly the breakfast and lunch, so would recommend some snacks and protein supplements.

Fantastic trip in an amazing part of the world with a great group! Our guides Blendi and Donart were amazing throughout. They were extremely knowledgeable about the trails and mountains, as well as the history and culture of the region. They often went above and beyond to look after the group, even organising surprise birthday cakes one of the nights. The accommodation was great, with the local guesthouses always friendly and serving amazing local food. Would definitely recommend this trip if you are considering it!

I’ve just returned from the Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge – my fourth trip with MBA, and what an incredible adventure it was! The whole experience was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. It is definitely not a trip for the faint-hearted and the hiking consists of four long/tough days with plenty of elevation gain. But the incredible scenery, so variable from day to day, is totally worth the effort. There are some scrambling sections and a little bit of exposure with the final peak in particular, being a tough/long day. Besides the trip being completely awesome in its own right, we were so blessed with a fantastic group, who were such a selfless team right from the start. The encouragement, support and camaraderie shown by everyone was incredible. Of course, such a fantastic adventure would not have been possible without our two guides, Anton and Preveza and you were both absolutely incredible throughout the trip. Anton, your excellent leadership, knowledge of the route, constant advice and support, and of course wonderful sense of humour, were second to none. Preveza, I can never thank you enough for your quiet strength throughout the adventure – your kindness, patience and encouragement will leave an indelible mark on my soul! You made a fabulous team and are the best guides I have experienced on an adventure trip. Finally, the accommodation, food and logistics of the whole trip were great and I particularly loved the “travel back” day as the Icing on the Cake after four days in the mountains. I have been on many “classic” adventures (including Kilimanjaro, EBC, Machu Picchu etc) and in my opinion this adventure is probably physically harder than those, and rightly given the 4/4 rating by MBA. But with good training and great guides, is a very doable one! I can guarantee if you choose this trip, you will not be disappointed!

This is a brilliant trip! The technical aspect of the final day of hiking on Zla Kolata was a highlight for me, but all three peaks are stunning, unique, and challenging in their own ways. The group was a brilliant mix of ages and backgrounds, from 20s -50s. The guides (Anton and Preveza) were both very knowledgeable, fun, kind and supportive people who went above and beyond to ensure every member of the group had an amazing experience. This was my first trip with MBA and I would 100% book with them again!

This trip was so much fun. Hard and challenging, with some early starts and long days, it also delivered views, nature and a chance to learn about new cultures and languages. Anton and Preveza our two guides did a fantastic job of guiding and shepherding us over the 5 days, keeping us safe, entertained and informed. I learnt a lot about the Balkans: it’s history, culture, food and people. And after 4 amazing days of hiking, our final day with the ferry trip and lunch was a classy way to finish off a great tour. Thanks MBA, another excellent trip.

Just returned home from the most incredible trip, absolutely loved everything about this experience. The mountains and scenery were simply amazing. Every day was very different and each peak had an individual feel. The whole challenge is put together so well, accommodation throughout was good and added to the experience of the balkans. The challenge itself is hard but certainly well within the capabilities of people with experience of mountains & hiking for long days. The guides were exceptional, both our lead guide Anton & assistant guide Preveza were very knowledgeable but most importantly great company throughout the whole trip. They added so much to the experience and I couldn’t speak highly enough of them. Our group was top class, different characters and personalities that all bonded so well. Alot of laughs & encouragement between everyone. The last day celebrating with a trip across lake koman was a perfect end to this experience. Loved it.

Just WOW! What a fabulous week we have just had. In record breaking heat, with the loveliest group of people we ascended, descended, laughed, swam, ate and applied copious amounts of sun cream as we explored the stunning scenery of this corner of the Balkans. In a week of record breaking heat, this was a tough challenge but made doable by the knowledge , professionalism and care of our superb guides, Blendi and Donart. I am convinced Blendi knew every rock on every mountain and he paced us perfectly in the challenging conditions. They were both so knowledgeable, professional and truly cared about our experience. They went above and beyond to ensure our experience was fabulous. The accommodation is described as basic but it was palatial in comparison to other trips I have done – hot water, showers at every stop and even en-suites in a couple of the guest houses. The hotel in Kosovo was an unexpected luxurious surprise! A far cry from the usual 20 mattresses in a room . The food throughout was so much better than expected. The last day the ferry ride, special lunch and celebratory dinner made a perfect end to a special week . Just wonderful. Thank you again to Blendi, Donart and to the whole group for such positive energy and being such inspirational fellow trekking companions.

Breathtaking can be an overused word, but not in this case, particularly the views when you reach the final peak at Zla Kolata. Each day was distinct, but all were equally stunning. The routes are challenging and while not technically difficult, a decent level of fitness and training is needed as they are long days with some steep climbs and descents. Completing the final peak gave us all a real sense of achievement, even those who have previously done similar trips. Our guides, Anton and Preveza, were brilliant. The group was pretty well matched, but they just made sure the pace was balanced for everyone, offering great support if needed. Their humour and friendliness also shone through and they just became part of the group. We had a fantastic group, a real mix of ages and backgrounds, but everyone got on so well together and supported each other throughout each day. The food and accommodation ranged from perfectly acceptable to very good, and I would say better than what I had expected. Lunch on the trip back to Tirana was a definite highlight. This was my first MBA trip, and won’t be my last.

Highly recommend this trip with MBA! Not often you get an opportunity to hike the tallest peak in four different countries in only 4 days. The landscapes are gorgeous and views are worth the climb! Accomodation was very comfortable, always with access to water and clean showers with towels. The food exceeded my expectations, both fresh and nourishing for the hiking. Cannot speak more highly of our two local guides Blend and Donart. Who went the extra mile to ensure we had the best experience possible. Including arranging birthday cakes on the mountain, surprise extra snacks, accomodating all dietary requirements and an overwhelming knowledge of the land and history we hiked on. Also having a lot of fun with our group along the way.

Thank you Much Better Adventures for a truly memorable and spectacular trip! I booked this to celebrate another year around the sun and could not have asked for a more magical way to spend my birthday than by tackling the three highest peaks in the Balkans. I honestly can not recommend this trip highly enough. The website made it clear that this was a challenging hike, so expectations were clear from the outset. Whilst tough at times, I personally found it to be quite achievable as long as you had a reasonable level of fitness. The guides take you up the mountain at a really steady pace and you are rewarded with the most stunning mountain views. The summits were truly breathtaking! A huge thank you as well to our amazingly supportive guides Blendi and Donart. You were not only enthusiastic but always calm, collected, friendly, genuine, funny and so positive, greeting us each morning with a big smile. Thank you for getting us safely up and down the mountain! You were unflappable even when hiking in 35-degree weather and you really set the tone for the trip, for which I could not be more grateful! Thank you as well for secretly organising a birthday cake. Was not expecting that kind of service deep in the mountains! Not only are the views a selling point, but the food was scrumptious! Fresh produce and hearty fare greeted me each day and the accommodation was quite comfortable and luxurious. Lastly, I was really fortunate to share this experience with some truly remarkable, positive and inspiring people. I feel like I have left with some new found, and life long friends. Thanks for making this such a special week for me! All I can say is, if in doubt, JUST BOOK! This trip is 100% worth it! Thank you again MBA, Blendi and Donart for an amazing and unforgettable week!

This was a phenomenal trip from start to finish, everything from the guides to the group dynamic met expectation. A great opportunity to spend time in the mountains with like minded people. An excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in new culture where the locals welcome you into their homes… An unforgettable trip and hopefully the first of many. Having been on trips across the globe with different companies… Much Better Adventures are a cut above anything I’ve experienced before and can’t wait to book again!!

Amazing first visit to the Balkans. Long challenging days rewarded with epic scenery, enjoyable food & accommodation in different locations. MBA have put together a varied itinerary which works really well, including the last day’s ferry trip & tremendous restaurant. We had two fantastic guides, huge thanks to Anton & Praveza for their knowledge, enthusiasm & humour, they made the trip. Highly recommended.

This trip was one of my favourite of all time! I bolted some time on either end to explore more of the Balkans, but this hiking trip was just insane! It is tough, but so rewarding and our guides, Anton and Preveza, set such a good pace that kept us together while still covering ground. Views were unbelievable, food was ace, accommodation lovely and I can’t deny the group I had were top tier!! I cannot fault this trip at all. . wish I could go back and do it all over again!! Thank you thank you thank you!! <3 Picking only 10 photos to add was torture!!

Trip was awesome from start to finish! Very well organised, all pre-information was great, guides (thank you Denni and Rennis you were incredible) were experienced and great throughout the trip- it was even my birthday during the trip, one of the guides Rennis helped my friend organise a birthday cake- in the middle of the mountains, no electric and yet still managed to get a cake! Outstanding! Views for days, accomodation was great, and the lady day was a real treat.

A great trip which was really well organised. It was tough in places but very rewarding – the views were absolutely incredible. Would recommend a solid amount of fitness for this as there is a lot of ground to cover and a good pace. Food wasn’t great for the most part (small portions, low protein), particularly the breakfast and lunch, so would recommend some snacks and protein supplements.

This is super late, but I’ve finally got around to writing it up. Had the most epic week back in July doing the Balkins 3 Peaks. Firstly, the two guides Anton and Prevesa made our trip – two incredible and delightful human beings and every minute spent with them was a genuine pleasure – they really looked after us and made our trip. Secondly, the trip was so well organised, each day of hiking offered something a little different and the guides (especially Anton) were extremely knowledgeable about so many aspects of the trip (all things Albania and Kosovo). The scenery was stunning and all the peaks had their own different vibe, so there were no two days the same. Lastly, we travelled as a group of 5, so there were 10 other travelers outside of us and we were completely blessed with how great everyone was. We all jelled instantly and grew a very tight bond over the course of the trip – everyone offered to the trip and it was so awesome getting to know them all (I realise MBA can’t control this, but I wanted to share anyway). Overall, we all had the most magic week back in July and I genuinely couldn’t recommend this trip enough. I very nearly missed out ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ over whether to book, but I bit the bullet and booked one of the last slots. I count my lucky stars I did, as I had no idea how incredible it would be. If you’re doubting whether to book this up or not as well – don’t! It’s genuinely worth every penny!

Fantastic trip in an amazing part of the world with a great group! Our guides Blendi and Donart were amazing throughout. They were extremely knowledgeable about the trails and mountains, as well as the history and culture of the region. They often went above and beyond to look after the group, even organising surprise birthday cakes one of the nights. The accommodation was great, with the local guesthouses always friendly and serving amazing local food. Would definitely recommend this trip if you are considering it!

Wow! What a week. A really incredible experience that delivered so much. The hiking was exceptional, each day offered something different from type of terrain, valleys and forests. It certainly lived up to its billing as being a tough challenge but definately within most experienced hikers capabilities. I would certainly rank the climb of Zla Kolata as one of the best days of hiking I’ve ever had. To celebrate our achievements, the final day cruise and hospitality was top class and underlined our amazement on what value for money the whole trip was. All of the organisation , travel and accommodation worked without any hitches or delays. A final massive thanks would go to our two guides, Anton and Preveza who lead us with such knowledge , skill and sense of humour that got us all up the steep climbs. I would 100% recommend this trip.

Nicely organized with comfortable transport and great lodging. Our guides- Blend and Donart were knowledgeable, supportive and communicated clearly. The hikes were challenging, especially during the summer heat and especially the last hike, but all were very doable for intermediate and plus hikers. Bags were transported by car each day which made hiking even easier as you didn’t have to carry everything you needed on your back. Great experience and great views! Highly recommend- what a beautiful area of the Balkans!

This was really an incredible area for hiking in the mountains. Hikes were tough but not too hard for what I expected. Our guides Blendi and Donart were great, guesthouses and hotels were good and the food was way better than I expected, especially on the last day.

This was an amazing trip in such an a beautiful part of the world. Alll 4 days spent hiking were special and it was a pleasure spending it with such a great group. I can’t thank our guides Anton &Preveza enough for looking after us and having such a great sense of humour. This was my first trip with MBA and will not be my last. Would highly recommend

This was my 1st organised group trip and all I can say is WOW! What an amazing experience. Very good communication from initial booking through to the trip itself. Logistically very well organised, and the guides Blend and Donart were the best to ensure everything went smoothly and safely.

This was really an incredible area for hiking in the mountains. Hikes were tough but not too hard for what I expected. Our guides Blendi and Donart were great, guesthouses and hotels were good and the food was way better than I expected, especially on the last day.

Nicely organized with comfortable transport and great lodging. Our guides- Blend and Donart were knowledgeable, supportive and communicated clearly. The hikes were challenging, especially during the summer heat and especially the last hike, but all were very doable for intermediate and plus hikers. Bags were transported by car each day which made hiking even easier as you didn’t have to carry everything you needed on your back. Great experience and great views! Highly recommend- what a beautiful area of the Balkans!

Highly recommend this trip with MBA! Not often you get an opportunity to hike the tallest peak in four different countries in only 4 days. The landscapes are gorgeous and views are worth the climb! Accomodation was very comfortable, always with access to water and clean showers with towels. The food exceeded my expectations, both fresh and nourishing for the hiking. Cannot speak more highly of our two local guides Blend and Donart. Who went the extra mile to ensure we had the best experience possible. Including arranging birthday cakes on the mountain, surprise extra snacks, accomodating all dietary requirements and an overwhelming knowledge of the land and history we hiked on. Also having a lot of fun with our group along the way.

This was an amazing trip in such an a beautiful part of the world. Alll 4 days spent hiking were special and it was a pleasure spending it with such a great group. I can’t thank our guides Anton &Preveza enough for looking after us and having such a great sense of humour. This was my first trip with MBA and will not be my last. Would highly recommend

Just WOW! What a fabulous week we have just had. In record breaking heat, with the loveliest group of people we ascended, descended, laughed, swam, ate and applied copious amounts of sun cream as we explored the stunning scenery of this corner of the Balkans. In a week of record breaking heat, this was a tough challenge but made doable by the knowledge , professionalism and care of our superb guides, Blendi and Donart. I am convinced Blendi knew every rock on every mountain and he paced us perfectly in the challenging conditions. They were both so knowledgeable, professional and truly cared about our experience. They went above and beyond to ensure our experience was fabulous. The accommodation is described as basic but it was palatial in comparison to other trips I have done – hot water, showers at every stop and even en-suites in a couple of the guest houses. The hotel in Kosovo was an unexpected luxurious surprise! A far cry from the usual 20 mattresses in a room . The food throughout was so much better than expected. The last day the ferry ride, special lunch and celebratory dinner made a perfect end to a special week . Just wonderful. Thank you again to Blendi, Donart and to the whole group for such positive energy and being such inspirational fellow trekking companions.

Wow! What a week. A really incredible experience that delivered so much. The hiking was exceptional, each day offered something different from type of terrain, valleys and forests. It certainly lived up to its billing as being a tough challenge but definately within most experienced hikers capabilities. I would certainly rank the climb of Zla Kolata as one of the best days of hiking I’ve ever had. To celebrate our achievements, the final day cruise and hospitality was top class and underlined our amazement on what value for money the whole trip was. All of the organisation , travel and accommodation worked without any hitches or delays. A final massive thanks would go to our two guides, Anton and Preveza who lead us with such knowledge , skill and sense of humour that got us all up the steep climbs. I would 100% recommend this trip.

Amazing first visit to the Balkans. Long challenging days rewarded with epic scenery, enjoyable food & accommodation in different locations. MBA have put together a varied itinerary which works really well, including the last day’s ferry trip & tremendous restaurant. We had two fantastic guides, huge thanks to Anton & Praveza for their knowledge, enthusiasm & humour, they made the trip. Highly recommended.

I’ve just returned from the Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge – my fourth trip with MBA, and what an incredible adventure it was! The whole experience was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. It is definitely not a trip for the faint-hearted and the hiking consists of four long/tough days with plenty of elevation gain. But the incredible scenery, so variable from day to day, is totally worth the effort. There are some scrambling sections and a little bit of exposure with the final peak in particular, being a tough/long day. Besides the trip being completely awesome in its own right, we were so blessed with a fantastic group, who were such a selfless team right from the start. The encouragement, support and camaraderie shown by everyone was incredible. Of course, such a fantastic adventure would not have been possible without our two guides, Anton and Preveza and you were both absolutely incredible throughout the trip. Anton, your excellent leadership, knowledge of the route, constant advice and support, and of course wonderful sense of humour, were second to none. Preveza, I can never thank you enough for your quiet strength throughout the adventure – your kindness, patience and encouragement will leave an indelible mark on my soul! You made a fabulous team and are the best guides I have experienced on an adventure trip. Finally, the accommodation, food and logistics of the whole trip were great and I particularly loved the “travel back” day as the Icing on the Cake after four days in the mountains. I have been on many “classic” adventures (including Kilimanjaro, EBC, Machu Picchu etc) and in my opinion this adventure is probably physically harder than those, and rightly given the 4/4 rating by MBA. But with good training and great guides, is a very doable one! I can guarantee if you choose this trip, you will not be disappointed!

This is a brilliant trip! The technical aspect of the final day of hiking on Zla Kolata was a highlight for me, but all three peaks are stunning, unique, and challenging in their own ways. The group was a brilliant mix of ages and backgrounds, from 20s -50s. The guides (Anton and Preveza) were both very knowledgeable, fun, kind and supportive people who went above and beyond to ensure every member of the group had an amazing experience. This was my first trip with MBA and I would 100% book with them again!

Where to begin with this trip. . . if you’ve ever been curious about Albania and the region, now is the time to go. This place is going to get so popular. Scenery like France and Switzerland, food like in Türkiye, hospitality and love from people who aren’t jaded by obnoxious tourists, and prices shockingly affordable. The itinerary includes some absolutely beautiful treks, though be warned about the heat-we needed almost no warm clothes, even at the summits. Prepare for long days, some bumpy van transfers and literally breathtaking scenery. I’m so glad I booked this.

Lovely trip, a good challenge for those who are fit hikers, not for those who like a walk around a lake and a pub lunch though. The last day’s hike was the highlight, lots of interesting rocky areas to navigate, certainly not a stroll to the peak. The group was also a highlight, a nice blend of young and old, mainly from the UK and Ireland with a couple from the US. Would definitely recommend the trip, as much fun and challenging as Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro.

This trip has it all – stunning views, quaint guest houses and boutique hotels, challenging hikes and summits, exhilarating scrambles, cracking weather, and a very rewarding feeling when you complete the challenge. The guides were exceptional from start to finish. They are clearly very passionate about what they do whilst also making sure to keep you safe along the way. Blend and Preveza. This trip is marketed correctly. It is a tough trip and will test your endurance fitness as there are long days in very hot conditions and lots of elevation gain and loss. However, the majority of the group coped well.

June 2025 Great Group and Awesome Adventure in the Balkans. 3 Peaks- all unique with their own flavor. Ages 18-53 with one 70 yo outlier:) that supported each other and made long days so much fun. Guides kept us positive and safe with good food and comfortable lodging in Beautiful Surroundings. Fortunate for good conditions that allowed completion of full itinerary but the challenge should be taken very seriously as not for the casual trekker. Well organized and looking for similar opportunities with MBA in the future. Adventure Awaits! Dr. Bill Fox- USA

Really enjoyed this trek! Great group of people, experienced guides and the accommodation was a lot better than I expected. Definitely challenging in the sense that it was more technical at some of the peaks – would really recommend hiking/walking poles even if you don’t use them normally. Made some amazing memories and will 100% be booking another MBA trip soon!

Very nice food and accommodation, friendly and helpful guides, enjoyable hikes through beautiful scenery and an incredible hiking group full of great people. Couldn’t have asked for much more from this trip, some fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.

Where to begin with this trip. . . if you’ve ever been curious about Albania and the region, now is the time to go. This place is going to get so popular. Scenery like France and Switzerland, food like in Türkiye, hospitality and love from people who aren’t jaded by obnoxious tourists, and prices shockingly affordable. The itinerary includes some absolutely beautiful treks, though be warned about the heat-we needed almost no warm clothes, even at the summits. Prepare for long days, some bumpy van transfers and literally breathtaking scenery. I’m so glad I booked this.

Lovely trip, a good challenge for those who are fit hikers, not for those who like a walk around a lake and a pub lunch though. The last day’s hike was the highlight, lots of interesting rocky areas to navigate, certainly not a stroll to the peak. The group was also a highlight, a nice blend of young and old, mainly from the UK and Ireland with a couple from the US. Would definitely recommend the trip, as much fun and challenging as Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro.

This is a fabulous trekking experience where you really get to taste the culture of the Balkans. The 4 hiking days are fairly tough at times but achievable and well worth the effort. Deni is an extremely competent and professional guide who was dedicated to the safety of the group in what can be dangerous terrain in certain conditions. The accommodation and food was not luxury but exceeded my expectations for mountain hut type living. All in all a great experience, very happy with all aspects and Deni and Igli are world class mountain leaders.

The tour was expertly lead by our experienced guides Deni and Igli. The trip was well organised (like all of the other Much Better Adventures trips I have joined) with a mix of mid-range to more basic accommodation as you’d expect when hiking in the mountains. The trek is challenging in places but worth the slog for the stunning views and in this case, the fantastic company. Not for beginners, and you need more than a basic level of fitness. Get in quick before this itinerary becomes more popular!

One of the most scenic places I’ve been. Many spots on this trip feel as though you’re in a scene from a movie. Our guides and group dynamic were excellent, it was a shame it had to end when I felt we were just hitting our stride. Would easily have enjoyed another week. Be prepared for all sorts of weather! Provides a great look at the Balkans, however brief. I’ll certainly be going back.

Fully enjoyed our time in the mountains, it was physically challenging but I felt taken care of throughout, a balanced blend between adventure and holiday. Food & accommodation were simple as described. More than enough considering how remote we were in the mountains! Do bring snacks if it’s important for you. Don’t skip anything from the packing list, weather is unpredictable

This trip caught our eye as a chance to tick off a couple of countries and challenge ourselves at the same time, so we went for it with fairly minimal expectations. It turned out to be the best decision and a week we have absolutely loved! From start to finish this tour was exceptionally well organised and ran very smoothly. The guides were knowledgeable, fun and ensured safety on the mountain at all times. The mountain accommodation is fab, with views that are second to none. Whilst slightly basic, it is warm, clean and dry and always serve up a hearty mountain dinner. It is an honour to stay with the local shepherd families. The mountains themselves are beautiful and HAVE to be seen. The hikes are tough and long days. Our group was fit and experienced with ultra-marathoners and mountaineers (Triglav, Olympus, Himalayas, Aconcagua) and we all found it a challenge, the description of “Tough” is accurate and should be respected. Overall, if you love hiking, the mountains and experiencing new cultures and countries then this trip is a must. Huge thank you our wonderful guides Deni and Igli for the best week!

Beautiful mountains, great group, lovely accommodation (with better facilities than advertised). Brilliant guides, special shout out to Deni who beasted us up the mountains, ensuring we achieved what we set out to achieve around weather windows.

A fantastic trip. Make no mistake, the hiking is tough particularly the final day to the summit of Zla Kolata but the it’s worth every step. The restaurants on the final day are superb. Highly recommended if you like a challenge but not for beginners.

Beautiful mountains, great group, lovely accommodation (with better facilities than advertised). Brilliant guides, special shout out to Deni who beasted us up the mountains, ensuring we achieved what we set out to achieve around weather windows.

Fully enjoyed our time in the mountains, it was physically challenging but I felt taken care of throughout, a balanced blend between adventure and holiday. Food & accommodation were simple as described. More than enough considering how remote we were in the mountains! Do bring snacks if it’s important for you. Don’t skip anything from the packing list, weather is unpredictable

A fantastic trip. Make no mistake, the hiking is tough particularly the final day to the summit of Zla Kolata but the it’s worth every step. The restaurants on the final day are superb. Highly recommended if you like a challenge but not for beginners.

This trip was everything I wanted and more. The scenery was stunning and the hikes were challenging, in a good way. Our group was fantastic and the guides did an excellent job keeping us safe and making it fun. Looking forward to booking the next one!

This was my first group trip and my first visit to the Balkans, and it was great to explore these three contrasting and very scenic peaks, and also to experience the cuisine and culture of Albania and Kosovo. Although the tour was was well within my comfort zone physically and technically, I was certainly glad not to have to worry about all the complex transport logistics and planning, and the company of our friendly group was great. Our guides, Deni and Renis, communicated very well throughout the trip and really tried to maximise our chances of bagging the three peaks despite some stormy weather. We were delighted that our very early start on Korab and minimal break-times on Gjeravica paid off! Zla Kolata was definitely the highlight thanks to the dramatic limestone terrain. Other reviews have commented on meagre lunches, but the meals provided suited me, with generous and tasty breakfasts and dinners, and lighter packed lunches supplemented by my own snacks. There were lots of opportunities to buy soft drinks, coffees and beers and on the trail too. Accommodation was more luxurious than expected, with hot showers, electricity and WiFi every night.

This trip was everything I wanted and more. The scenery was stunning and the hikes were challenging, in a good way. Our group was fantastic and the guides did an excellent job keeping us safe and making it fun. Looking forward to booking the next one!

I have nothing but great things to say about this trip, special thanks to our amazing guides who were next level awesome. I felt safe and looked after the whole trip. I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys a challenge in a beautiful setting.

Had the best time on this trip. Our guides Nik and Noli were amazing, they were great at accommodating the varying pace of the group. The views were gorgeous and the local people we met on the way were really friendly. I got the stomach bug on the last night in the mountains – was very lucky that some people in the group had rehydration tablets – but it didn’t ruin the trip at all. The boat trip and last night in Tirana were a really fun way to end the trip. 100% would recommend this trip !

Would definitely recommend hiking in the Balkans, yet this tour didn’t quite hit the spot for me. Not particularly challenging IF you’re used to multi-day hikes in the mountains (but don’t underestimate it if you’re not). The accommodation was generally better than expected, although there were a few issues with room allocations. Lots of great food for dinner but breakfast/lunch was so so. White bread just doesn’t do it for me when hiking. The group was lovely and our guides were good, but they could’ve done a better job at accommodating what was a very heterogeneous group when it came down to hiking experience/skills. Missing our window for the last peak because they wouldn’t split the group was very disappointing. The last day was a bit tedious (and hot!), but lunch at Mrizi i Zanave was amazing. Could’ve done with just the starter at dinner though, as it was simply too much food for one day of not doing anything physical.

Just 10/10 scenery from start to finish. The views are incredible. The guides are full of little facts and historic stories of their country. Everything runs as described and was very well put together. I may still not have my breath back, but that could be the fitness, or maybe the vistas

A brilliant week in the Balkans! Deni and Renis were great guides who kept us well-informed and worked really hard to ensure we all had an enjoyable experience. The group dynamic was good and the accommodation was of a really good standard with hot showers, towels and WiFi. The trip catered well for vegetarians too. I did take quite a few snacks for energy but I certainly wasn’t left hungry. Highly recommend to anyone who loves walking in a more remote part of the world. It was the challenge I was looking for so thanks MBA for another great trip!

This trip had plenty of highlights – sparsely populated trails (unless you count the sheep and cows) with tons of history laced through them, incredible mountain views, comfortable guesthouses, and good company. The pace is fast and the days are long but for anyone interested in exploring a less trekked part of the world, I couldn’t recommend it more.

A brilliant week in the Balkans! Deni and Renis were great guides who kept us well-informed and worked really hard to ensure we all had an enjoyable experience. The group dynamic was good and the accommodation was of a really good standard with hot showers, towels and WiFi. The trip catered well for vegetarians too. I did take quite a few snacks for energy but I certainly wasn’t left hungry. Highly recommend to anyone who loves walking in a more remote part of the world. It was the challenge I was looking for so thanks MBA for another great trip!

This trip had plenty of highlights – sparsely populated trails (unless you count the sheep and cows) with tons of history laced through them, incredible mountain views, comfortable guesthouses, and good company. The pace is fast and the days are long but for anyone interested in exploring a less trekked part of the world, I couldn’t recommend it more.

Would definitely recommend hiking in the Balkans, yet this tour didn’t quite hit the spot for me. Not particularly challenging IF you’re used to multi-day hikes in the mountains (but don’t underestimate it if you’re not). The accommodation was generally better than expected, although there were a few issues with room allocations. Lots of great food for dinner but breakfast/lunch was so so. White bread just doesn’t do it for me when hiking. The group was lovely and our guides were good, but they could’ve done a better job at accommodating what was a very heterogeneous group when it came down to hiking experience/skills. Missing our window for the last peak because they wouldn’t split the group was very disappointing. The last day was a bit tedious (and hot!), but lunch at Mrizi i Zanave was amazing. Could’ve done with just the starter at dinner though, as it was simply too much food for one day of not doing anything physical.

Beautiful part of the world and incredible landscape. Some accommodation need improving (double beds to be shared with a stranger should not be a thing), transport is very basic with van with no air cons or not enough seats. Our leading guide Deni was very good but the assistant guide did add no value and did not know the itinerary.

It is a tough hike, so I recommend you train beforhand!
Bring lots of snacks as you will need them.

Balkans are so beautiful, you will honestly be amazed at the scenery you see every day. It is a tough hike, so I recommend you train beforhand! Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and fun guides, who allowed the fast ones to go fast/do extra whilst ensuring the rest of the group was doing well. They helped us through some tricky terrain – last day is a bit hairy but we were kept safe at all times. Every night was spent in a comfortable bed after a shower. Bring lots of snacks as you will need them. The last day was lovely, and a well-deserved rest. Overall a great trip, even if I did need a few good days to recover!

Brilliant guides – Nik and Noli. Appreciated the contact from Zbulo prior to arriving as well, including the more detailed packing list and the creation of the WhatsApp group

Tips for future guests:
*Take way more sun cream than you think you will need – as typically reapplying every hour due to the sweat
*electrolytes are a must to replace salt – take a full container of sport electrolytes
*proper hiking sunhat with wide brim- the trail is exposed and shade is minimal- and a cap means the back of the neck is exposed
*a sun hoodie may be a good idea, I wished I had one to give my skin a bit of a rest from the sunlight
*take personal snacks (min 2 protein/trail bars per day) plus sugar snacks such as gummies. I was eating a family pack of gummy sweets each day as a little pick up. While lunch is good, it typically is a repeat of breakfast, so makes a nice change and bulks up food intake. For reference: I burnt 3000 calories from the hiking one day, not including the usual calorie burn of being alive!
*take spare shoes- my hiking boots broke and thankfully I had good quality broken in trail runners as a back up, without these, I don’t know what I would have done, as limited opportunities to find alternatives.
*in July, sleeping bag not required. All the guest houses had beds made.
*take a cooling towel/bandana to soak in springs/ water and drape over neck, really makes a difference when cooling down
*some of the roads are bumpy and hairpins, take sea bands if suffering from car sickness

Guides: Blend and Igli were fantastic! So professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Blendi and Igli really made the trip as good as it was by being excellent guides who adapted to both the weather and the needs of the group throughout the trip. Being less confident on some of the steeper descends, I never felt rushed and really benefitted from the unwavering patience and skill of our guides. Not only were they knowledgeable and supportive, they were also great fun and we all trusted them completely.

I couldn’t recommend this trip more to any regular hikers who want a bit of a challenge! The hikes were insanely beautiful and incredibly well organised. Blendi and Igli really made the trip as good as it was by being excellent guides who adapted to both the weather and the needs of the group throughout the trip. Being less confident on some of the steeper descends, I never felt rushed and really benefitted from the unwavering patience and skill of our guides. Not only were they knowledgeable and supportive, they were also great fun and we all trusted them completely. Thunder and lightning meant we were unable to summit the last peak, but we still had a fantastic day of hiking regardless. All the hikes were accessible if you had a good level of fitness and there was varying hiking experience in the group. However, almost everyone in our group had experience of multiday hikes or participated regularly in other endurance sports, so had the fitness and stamina to keep up with the demands of nearly 8 hours of hiking steep terrain for 4 days in a row at a decent pace in considerable heat.The accommodation was clean and comfortable and the food was great throughout too. We all took extra energy bars/dried frui and nuts/sweets too which kept us going. It truly was a very special trip, made even more so by the wonderful group of hikers I was lucky enough to share the adventure with!

Guides: You guys were fantastic! Thank you! t was good that there were 2 guides and meant we were not all walking at the same pace.

I was also really glad I had my walking poles!

Absolutely loved this trip. All the hikes were brilliant with spectacular scenery. All the accommodation was really good and much better than I had been expecting. Our guides, Kreshnik and Noli were great and kept everyone going. I would 100% recommend this trip! I was also really glad I had my walking poles!

Beautiful hikes that are tough but manageable as long as you’ve got a good level of fitness. The hikes still feel unexplored compared to most I’ve done. My first MBA holiday and the advantages of having to do minimal organising and having a great group of people to hike with (not to mention great guides) makes it a sure thing that I’ll be booking another sometime soon.

Packing list: – emphasise the need for good high factor sun cream – emphasise the need for plenty of snacks

A few top tips others may find helpful:

– Pack zinc oxide tape – for minimising the risk of blisters. There will be many of these.

– Suncream – bring plenty of a high factor, the sun is very strong!

– Make sure the spare trainers you bring are trail shoes, due to the mileage we were doing, we had a couple of people’s hiking boots give up, so having a back up pair of shoes was great, if push came to shove.

– Take trekking poles – I’ve never used them on my mountain hikes before, but they were so useful on this trip.

– Pack electrolyte tablets for your water

– Bring plenty of snacks!

This was my third Much Better Adventures trip (after Mount Toubkal and Kilimanjaro), and it was the biggest challenge out of the three. We had incredibly hot weather, which put us through our paces (July), and I think I came home twice as fit as I left. This is definitely one for those used to being on their feet all day hiking. The pace was also quite quick as there was a lot to fit in each day.

The trip itself was incredible, the views and trails were stunning and very quiet. This trip is a perfect sense of achievement mixed with a real awe inspiring week away. I shall be returning to explore and learn more!

A few top tips others may find helpful:

– Suncream – bring plenty of a high factor, the sun is very strong!

– Pack electrolyte tablets for your water

– Bring plenty of snacks!

Get booking now!

Anton and Igli are absolutely top notch. Our guides Anton and Igli were absolutely brilliant and supported everyone to get the very best out of it. They knew I was a bit uncertain over the exposed sections and put me at ease -There is always an option to miss them out if you’re really uncomfortable. Unfortunately I couldn’t summit the final peak due to picking up a tummy bug, but on reflection that didn’t spoil the trip.
Food and accommodation were great – nice contrast of basic, local guest house lodgings and more comfortable hotels. The restaurant lunch on the last day was unexpectedly incredible.

Blend and Igli were brilliant guides and we had a fantastic group who all got along so well.

The treks were challenging at times, especially in the heat,

I had an incredible time on this trip. It was my first time with Much Better Adventures and I was not disappointed.

The treks were challenging at times, especially in the heat, but for anyone who likes hiking and has had some experience, I highly recommend it.

I can’t wait to book my next trip with you guys!

What a week that was, went on a private group of friends / family and our guide Nedih was 10/10, amazing guide and very knowledgable about the history of the Balkans.
Views were amazing, walks were tough (only because long) but rewarding. Food throughout the week was top notch everywhere we went, and so much of it!
Will definitely be booking another at some point in the future!

The hiking was tough but doable, we were in our feet for 8 -9 hours a day but with plenty of rest stops
Recommend bringing extra energy bars.

Absolutely awesome hiking trip in the Balkans led by Blendi and Igli and with 14 fun other solo travellers. The hiking was tough but doable, we were in our feet for 8 -9 hours a day but with plenty of rest stops. We missed the final peak due to thunderstorms but it was still 20km to make it over the pass. The accommodation and food is very authentic. Portions plentiful but recommend bringing extra energy bars. The guides shared lots of history about the countries and we saw lots of evidence of the conflicts as well as rebuilding efforts. Overall, the group bonded really well and we had such a fun and memorable time.

Anton und Igli haben hervorragende Jobs gemacht! Sie hatten stets alle Gruppenmitglieder im Blick, haben auf alle Rücksicht genommen. Wussten, aus welchen Quellen wir trinken konnten, haben uns viel über Albanien, Geschichte, Menschen und das Leben dort vermittelt! Besser kann man es nicht machen!

Macht genauso so weiter! Es wird nicht mein letzter Trip gewesen sein, den ich bei muchbetteradventures gebucht habe !
Der Trip durch Albanien und die Grenzüberschreitungen in den Kosovo und nach Montenegro waren meine Herausforderung für den Sommer 2024. Wir waren eine tolle Reisegruppe, hatten super Guides, die Aussichten waren spektakulär, die Wege ab und an herausfordernd, die Gastgeber in den Unterkünften sehr aufmerksam und allesamt klasse. Ich kann den Trip nur jedem ans Herz legen

Beautiful hikes that are tough but manageable as long as you’ve got a good level of fitness. The hikes still feel unexplored compared to most I’ve done. My first MBA holiday and the advantages of having to do minimal organising and having a great group of people to hike with (not to mention great guides) makes it a sure thing that I’ll be booking another sometime soon.

Firstly, the area is amazing. Endless, dramatic, unspoilt, beautiful mountains. The days are long and physically demanding but well worth the effort. Our guides were excellent throughout, setting a realistic pace and managing group expectations well. They also allowed time for inevitable additional stops so we never felt rushed. This helped to develop a great group dynamic. Transport was reasonable, well organised and always waiting for us although for some reason, the Albanians were not keen on using the air conditioning which made things uncomfortably hot at times. Food was plentiful and fresh although not a huge variety on the trail, given the remoteness of some of our locations. One of the great aspects of this trip was the final day. We hadn’t even thought about it, staying focused on completing the challenge. So to be taken on a relaxing and stunning 2 hour river boat trip was a fantastic treat in stark contrast to the other days. This was topped off by a delicious taster menu meal in what must be one of Albania’s best restaurants (Mrizi i Zanave). Overall, a fantastic experience that I would recommend for those who love rugged mountainous country.

Absolutely awesome hiking trip in the Balkans led by Blendi and Igli and with 14 fun other solo travellers. The hiking was tough but doable, we were in our feet for 8 -9 hours a day but with plenty of rest stops. We missed the final peak due to thunderstorms but it was still 20km to make it over the pass. The accommodation and food is very authentic. Portions plentiful but recommend bringing extra energy bars. Prepare for high temperatures on the hikes, overnight and in bus transfers… that was the only downside. The guides shared lots of history about the countries and we saw lots of evidence of the conflicts as well as rebuilding efforts. Overall, the group bonded really well and we had such a fun and memorable time.

Balkans are so beautiful, you will honestly be amazed at the scenery you see every day. It is a tough hike, so I recommend you train beforhand! I did but not enough probably. Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and fun guides, who allowed the fast ones to go fast/do extra whilst ensuring the rest of the group was doing well. They helped us through some tricky terrain – last day is a bit hairy but we were kept safe at all times. Every night was spent in a comfortable bed after a shower. Bring lots of snacks as you will need them. One slight criticism, there could have been more food at breakfast and dinner, and for packed lunches, I needed more in general. Also it was 40 degrees during the day and still hot at night, so no need for all the warm clothes in the summer. Bring 50PF sunscreen, everyone got burnt. The last day was lovely, and a well-deserved rest. Overall a great trip, even if I did need a few good days to recover!

Absolutely loved the Balkan 3 Peaks challenge with MBA. Everything surpassed our expectations – the food, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, group, guides etc. The mountain trails we hiked were very remote untouched. The first two days we only saw two other small groups. Day 3 was a busier trail as it made up part of the ‘Peaks of the Balkan’s’ trail. The nature was a highlight of mine, real sensory immersion: vibrant wildflowers, chirpy birdsong, humidity haze, freshwater springs, crackling thunder, fragrant alpine & bear bell jingles. All of our accommodation hosts were exceptionally friendly and welcoming (* except day 4 at the B&B in Cerem). Every night we feasted on extremely tasty local home cooked food. Breakfast was also pretty good. I ate 2-3x what I do in a normal week, partly because my body needed the carbs, and partly because the spreads were that delicious. The accommodation was all very nice, fairly rustic and simple but very comfortable! Our guides were very knowledgeable, fun, easy going and made the right calls when we experienced adverse weather. They even took us on a night out in Tirana on the last night, cementing the bond of the group. Huge shout out to Blende and Dea! A few notes of caution: – We didn’t summit the final Peak (in Montenegro) due to thunderstorms. This was the right call as the lightening came in suffering and was quite scary. Apparently it’s quite common in the months outside of July and August that groups won’t summit all 3 peaks due to the weather for health and safety reasons, so be prepared for that – I found the walk very physically demanding. In fairness, I didn’t train for it much, but am a fit person and have done plenty of hiking before. I climbed Kilimanjaro and personally found the B3P tougher. Part of the reason I found it hard was the speed at which we walked (was very fast), the short breaks and the nature of the hikes (3-4 days you are basically climbing up and down the mountain in one day, with no flat ground, so is very straining on your legs) – The itinerary is packed so there isn’t much down time to chill, especially if you’re sharing rooms with group members you don’t know already – Their packing list is pretty accurate, I would recommend poles (I don’t usually use them but found them very useful for the inclines/ declines)

Guides: Blendi and Dea made the trip such an incredible experience! Would definitely recommend working with them for future trips.

Recommendation: I had never used walking poles before, but they were very useful, and would definitely recommend for the more uneven terrain.

Had a fantastic week with MBA, and it completely exceeded all expectations I had before arriving. The hikes, the food, the scenery – all absolutely incredible. Even being taught Albanian card games and a night out in Tirana made the trip very memorable – thank you Blendi and Dea!
As others have already said, the hikes are definitely challenged but also manageable. I had never used walking poles before, but they were very useful, and would definitely recommend for the more uneven terrain.
Would 100% recommend this trip – I’m already planning the next one!

Deni and Noli are excellent guides. They worked to create the experience memorable, challenging, and fun for each member. I appreciated the nightly briefing for the next day. It gave the group an idea of what to expect.

AMAZING
The Balkans 3 Peaks Challenge is an experience of a lifetime. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. We hike over mountains, through valleys, and past lakes. It is truly a beautiful experience.
It is a physical challenge with much elevation gain each day on the hikes. Be prepared for the exercise.

Absolutely fantastic. Highly professional, friendly and capable. They dealt with everything extremely well, and worked really well together. Could not have asked for a better set of guides.

Superb trip – strongly recommend
Superb trip – would strongly recommend! The walks are challenging but achievable, and are worth it for the outstanding views and scenery. The local guides (Deni and Noli) could not have been better – friendly, conscientious and fun.

Our guides (Deni and Noli) were just fantastic and definitely made the trip! They were both so knowledgable about the area and I always felt safe in their hands. They had a good balance between being professional but also being able to have a good laugh with the group. They massively went above and beyond to make the trip the best it could.

The accommodation was fantastic and all owners of the guesthouses made us feel so welcome. The food was outstanding with plenty of choice.

Such a great trip!
This trip was incredible. Our guides (Deni and Noli) were so knowledgeable, caring and entertaining. The itinerary was the perfect balance of hiking, exploring and cultural emersion as well. The accommodation was fantastic and all owners of the guesthouses made us feel so welcome. The food was outstanding with plenty of choice. It was overall a great trip, massively outliving my expectations!

Deni and Noli were the best guides ever. I could’t have asked for more in terms of kindness, laughs and support. 10/10! They’ve made me want to visit the Balkans again and again.

Take the challenge seriously, we sometimes did slightly more mileage or ascent than was in the itinerary. I definitely could have trained a little more or been a bit fitter than I was.

A big challenge but totally worth it!

This trip was amazing but definitely challenging. Some steep ascents and hairy descents at times. Every step you are surrounded by absolute beauty. The Balkans truly are amazing.

Our guides, Deni and Noli, were the best. They always made sure we were doing ok and taught us so much along the way. The guesthouses were very welcoming and comfortable and the food was delicious and plentiful.

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Both of the guides -Mirjeta and Albanor – were excellent. The group worked really well together and there was a great mix of looking out for each other and having fun. The landscapes were amazing and we felt lucky to have had the opportunity to see them. Mirjeta was really lovely and her enthusiasm for and love of the region was very infectious.

This trip was amazing, I travel a lot and this was easily one of, if not the best trip I have been on. Our guides Mirjeta and Noli were amazing guides and even better people! I would 10/10 recommend people to explore the Balkans, the region is an underrated gem for any adventure lover – I hope to visit this region again someday!

Great trekking trip through the Balkans! Our guides Blend and Albanor expertly and efficiently led us through these countries and a range of terrain. The trip featured great accommodation food and transportation and was well thought out. Thank you!

THIS TRIP IS AWESOME. I like to think of myself as quite a well seasoned hiker, I love hiking abroad and have been to the himalayas ect however this trip filled my mountain needs and hiking expectations perfectly! Just the right amount of challenging and what an experience to hike between 4 countries and 3 peaks! The views and scenery are unreal. Our local guides were amazing as was the accommodation and the food, both better than I expected! I can’t complain about this trip! Amazing!

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Both of the guides -Mirjeta and Albanor – were excellent. The group worked really well together and there was a great mix of looking out for each other and having fun. The landscapes were amazing and we felt lucky to have had the opportunity to see them. Mirjeta was really lovely and her enthusiasm for and love of the region was very infectious.

Had a fab time, would definitely recommend! Incredible views across all the days and the restaurant for lunch after the ferry ride was a particular highlight. I would encourage people to take the difficulty seriously whilst all of the group were able to complete all the climbs many were experienced runners, hikers or had good fitness levels. Additionally walking poles I would list as strongly recommended but not essential to help take the strain on some of the descents.

This was a fantastic trip, a fun challenge but definitely manageable if you’ve got some hiking experience. The 3 peaks are all different experiences and the days are varied. As a vegetarian who doesn’t eat eggs, food was plentiful. Our guides Blendi and Tesi were both lovely, they went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great time. The ferry ride and lunch on the last day were both also above expectations and a brilliant way to finish the trip. 100% recommend.

Fantastic trip is a fantastic location with fantastic guides! Each day’s hike wasn’t super strenuous, but when 4 days were done back to back and in the hot sun, it was a lot. Food was simple and delicious. The restaurants the last day were incredible.

A really great experience in a lesser travelled part of Europe. The nature, scenery and views were incredible. The hikes were physically demanding in parts with some steep ascents and descents, the hot weather in August also adding to the difficulty. But overall challenging but enjoyable 😊 We were well fed and looked after throughout the entire trip. Bring cash both Lek and Euros (the smaller the notes the better), as opportunities for ATMs and card payments are very limited.

My first holiday with MBA and I’ll definitely be doing more! This was a really great holiday. It was physically tough but not too tough – enough to feel tired at the end of the day but not completely exhausted. The mountains are absolutely stunning – the highlight for me was the view from the top of Montenegro – mountains forever! The food was good and lots of it (I’m vegetarian and this was fine) but definitely good to take snack bars from home as there’s nowhere to buy stuff like that. The accommodation was all really nice and the guides were great. We had two guides which was good as previous reviews mentioned they only had one, but we definitely needed two due to large range of walking speed within the group. In summary, this is a great holiday if you like hiking in the mountains and fancy going somewhere a bit different. Great to see mountain life that hasn’t changed for centuries and so much cheaper than the french/Swiss Alps etc.

I loved this trip! The scenery is absolutely stunning and virtually untouched. The accommodation in local guesthouses was very comfortable and the food provided was delicious. Our guides Deni and Adriatik were great, very knowledgeable about the local area and made sure everyone was catered for. They made this trip all the more special. Bring warm clothing for evenings as it can get chilly!

Completed Balkan Three Peaks in the end of August and it was one of the best trips for me so far. Great experience lead by fantastic guides Deni and Tesi. Challenging but certainly achievable. Unfortunately we couldn’t reach the summit of the last peak due to the weather but plenty of other highlights along the way. Very well organised which must have been difficult due to the logistics. Can certainly recommend

Fantastic trip is a fantastic location with fantastic guides! Each day’s hike wasn’t super strenuous, but when 4 days were done back to back and in the hot sun, it was a lot. Food was simple and delicious. The restaurants the last day were incredible.

Completed Balkan Three Peaks in the end of August and it was one of the best trips for me so far. Great experience lead by fantastic guides Deni and Tesi. Challenging but certainly achievable. Unfortunately we couldn’t reach the summit of the last peak due to the weather but plenty of other highlights along the way. Very well organised which must have been difficult due to the logistics. Can certainly recommend

My first holiday with MBA and I’ll definitely be doing more! This was a really great holiday. It was physically tough but not too tough – enough to feel tired at the end of the day but not completely exhausted. The mountains are absolutely stunning – the highlight for me was the view from the top of Montenegro – mountains forever! The food was good and lots of it (I’m vegetarian and this was fine) but definitely good to take snack bars from home as there’s nowhere to buy stuff like that. The accommodation was all really nice and the guides were great. We had two guides which was good as previous reviews mentioned they only had one, but we definitely needed two due to large range of walking speed within the group. In summary, this is a great holiday if you like hiking in the mountains and fancy going somewhere a bit different. Great to see mountain life that hasn’t changed for centuries and so much cheaper than the french/Swiss Alps etc.

Excellent trip through stunning landscapes, very enjoyable group dynamic, accommodation was always welcoming and food in the evening plentiful, there were some very long walking days, although we only did 2 of the 3 peaks due to snow the alternative 3rd highest peak we did in Montenegro was probably the most challenging of the week. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for good few day hiking.

We had a wonderful trip in the Balkans in late July 2023. Fabulous weather, perhaps some days a bit hot but overall it was glorious with amazing views and lots of water consumed. Blend led us up all of the 3 peaks but with a group of 14 I’d suggest that another guide would make the trip (for both the group and the lead guide) optimal. I’d also suggest bringing plenty of snacks as there really are very few opportunities to stock up along the way. The food provided is basic with definitely enough carbs to fuel the hikes (very little meat though which I missed). The accommodation in Kosovo (the Happy Hotel) we all loved – amazing food there! The ferry ride across the lake on day 5 is absolute bliss – we were even treated to some local entertainment! It’s definitely a tough few days on the mountains but 100% worth the effort!

We had a wonderful trip in the Balkans in late July 2023. Fabulous weather, perhaps some days a bit hot but overall it was glorious with amazing views and lots of water consumed. Blend led us up all of the 3 peaks but with a group of 14 I’d suggest that another guide would make the trip (for both the group and the lead guide) optimal. I’d also suggest bringing plenty of snacks as there really are very few opportunities to stock up along the way. The food provided is basic with definitely enough carbs to fuel the hikes (very little meat though which I missed). The accommodation in Kosovo (the Happy Hotel) we all loved – amazing food there! The ferry ride across the lake on day 5 is absolute bliss – we were even treated to some local entertainment! It’s definitely a tough few days on the mountains but 100% worth the effort!

What an absolutely fantastic trip! Everything about this week was absolutely exceptional, from the scenery, the food, and the people to the organisation of all the logistics. Myself and my wife booked the trip as we love active holidays and this certainly was that. We tacked on an extra day in Tirana before the trip to get to know Albania a bit before heading out to the country and mountains. It is a stunning city with a really vibrant bar and restaurant scene and all the people we met were lovely and hospitable. Onto the trip proper and our guide, Mirijeta, was great from the start. She was really clear with communications on where to meet and what to expect throughout the holiday. We were also amazingly lucky to have a group of really enthusiastic, fun and engaging people tackling these mountains with us. The weather didn’t quite play ball, so we only managed one of the planned peaks but other mountains were not hard to come by and we still tackled some challenging hikes to other accessible peaks. Absolutely none of them disappointed, the scenery is absolutely stunning and the accommodation in all of the locations were superb and each was memorable for various great reasons. Food was superb throughout, with loads of fresh produce and hearty carb-heavy meals. I managed to put weight on during this holiday despite the walking! This is the second trip we have done with MBA and it was brilliant. I fell in love with Albania and will be going back as soon as possible but the best thing about the trip was the people we met both as part of the group but also every step along the way. Everyone is welcoming and hospitable and they want you to have a good time. I recommend doing this trip before the country starts to boom with tourism as it rightly should.

I really enjoyed The Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge with MBA. It has everything you want from a holiday – gorgeous scenery, challenging hikes, welcoming hosts, good food and excellent company! I highly recommend this trip, it’s very well-organised, and Albania and Kosovo are well worth a visit, I will definitely come back.

I took part in trip in June 2023. The group dynamic was amazing and everyone was very supportive. The hikes were challenging but truly a memorable experience. Our group was fortunate wirh Wodnerful weather. If you decide to do this trip, make sure to pack extra cash because you’ll need it for snacks and extra food along the way. I would advise $10 – $20 as the food is tasty but the amount given doesn’t match energy you’ll burn each day.

I trekked with a fantastic group of people and made many good memories along the journey. The mountain accommodation is simple but sufficient whilst the Hotels in Gjakova and Tirana are outstanding. The food across the entire trip was plentiful and delicious with lots of local produce. Our June departure was hit with rain and snow in the peaks which unfortunately led to summiting only one of the three peaks. I believe that in the right weather conditions this trip would be outstanding in so many categories!

This was my 8th trip with MBA! From the Annapurna massif to the road to Petra, I have been impressed with all of the tours I have booked with MBA, and now I am proud to add the Balkans to the list! What a fantastic and beautiful trip! With the intention to conquer all three peaks, we only managed to hit two, Mt Korab (Albania/North Macedonia) and Mt Gjeravica (Kosovo). Unfortunately, due to the high levels of ice and snow, we had to miss out on Mt Zla Kolata (Montenegro) but managed to tackle the challenging Mt Rosi (third highest peak in Montenegro). I believe the Balkans are truly underrated and should be classified as a top destination for all keen trekkers and hikers. With friendly locals, delicious cuisines and constantly surrounded by magnificent sceneries, it goes to show that you can find pure joy and satisfaction in the most unlikely places of the world. With that said, I do believe there are a few things that can be improved on, in order to enhance the experience for future trips: 1) Need of an additional tour guide. With a group of 14 individuals, it is difficult to manage and I believe another tour guide will help. On trips as challenging as this one, not all the hikers are at the same level, leading some to be slower than others. There were times when during the day hikes, the slower hikers got left behind and had to catch up, making them feel somewhat invisible and left out. 2) Food is fuel and when trekking, you burn a lot of calories. On some days, I believe there wasn’t enough food for the lunches and needs to be addressed. A better and much larger range needs to be provided. 3) Transportation was a slight issue. We took many different buses to and from the trails and it would be great to have a dedicated bus driver and vehicle throughout the whole trip. 4) Lastly, during the hiking days, the tour guide’s concept of time was off-putting. Such as, when saying “20 minutes to the summit” actually turned out to be an hour, it can be mentally exhausting and slightly frustrating. However, this was the first time he was leading this group on the trip, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He was a brilliant and happy tour guide. So in a nutshell, the trip was great, but I urge you not to underestimate how challenging this trip can be. Tackling three peaks over 2500m in a span of 4 days is no joke and requires serious strength, both mentally and physically. Be sure to come prepared, hyped up and ready for the amazing challenge that lays ahead!

The Western Balkans are unpolished gems for anyone seeking outdoors adventure and with a passion for challenging hikes amidst breathtaking scenery. The trip was epically great – the perfect combination of great company, mountain air, staggering scenery, challenging terrains and the opportunity to experience life in Albania and Kosovo. I personally cannot wait to return to explore more of these beautiful countries. Brilliant trip – can’t wait for my next adventure with MBA!

I enjoyed Mt. Kotor, because it was very challenging, but we reached the peak and it felt like a great achievement. The third day hike was also excellent, through beautiful fields and a nice break from going uphill on other days 🙂

Albania and Kosovo are gorgeous and are well-worth a visit! Doing this trip is a great way of discovering these beautiful countries.

Excellent trip! totally recommended, hiking in the Balkans is a beatiful experience, the scenery was unbelievale – it felt as it you were in Switzerland or the French Alps. A lot of hills, so it is not just a walk in the park but it is totally worth it! Our guide Mirjeta was very good and accommodating and the group dynamic was great, so it was a really good trip overall, despite the weather (it rainned a lot).

The Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge was truly exceptional. The hiking routes are breathtaking and along untouched, pristine environments. The communication, organisation and group dynamics were excellent with a fantastic mix of personalities. Blend, our guide, was excellent – informative, patient, and friendly. The 4 days of hiking are difficult but accessible to anyone with experience hiking in uneven terrain with elements of scrambling. A good level of fitness is required. The only improvement I could suggest would be for an additional guide, as a single guide is unusual for a group of 14 in case there are difficulties with more than one participant. Overall, an excellent adventure, and one I would recommend to all.

A fantastic trip in the Balkans! We went on the first MuchBetterAdventures Balkans 3 Peaks Challenge and had a great time. The weather (rain and snow) meant it wasn’t safe to do all 3 peaks, but plans were adjusted and we still had 4 great days of hiking, with challenging walks and stunning views. The difficulty rating of the trip shouldn’t be underestimated – we didn’t do all the peaks and still found it physically challenging. The elevation and multi day nature of the trip made for weary legs! There were some snow crossings and steep sections. (Walking poles were optional on the kit list, but we wished we’d bought them with us.) The food was super fresh and lots of it! Tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and eggs. All the hosts, staff and local people we interacted with were so friendly, welcoming and generous. The accommodation was simple but always clean and comfortable. Our guide was wonderful – kind, funny and an experienced hiker. She did a great job bringing our group together. We found 2 spots of some wild ‘swimming (pools in the river to dip in). Very refreshing!

I absolutely loved the trip on the whole. We visited some amazing, beautiful places and did some tough, challenging hikes. Our group got on really well and our guide was excellent. I do have some things that I feel could be improved for future – 1. The website said ‘cash for tips’ only, and our guide said we would not need much cash. However, we needed cash most days for additional food and drinks during the hikes, and all drinks during the evening. I wish we had taken more cash. 2. The website also explained the types of dinner and wine was included in the dinner listing, so I’d assumed wine with dinner was included. However this was not (and we didn’t have enough cash as above to buy it!) 3. Some of the lunches were far too small. Snacks were listed as an optional item to bring with us on the trip, and places to buy more snacks were limited once we started hiking. From the hotel we were given one small sandwich and we hiked for 10 hours! We were all very, very hungry on this day in particular. Generally I found the lunch options limited. 4. I think there should have been 2 guides on this trip for a group of our size. The guide we did have was very good, but he could not stay aware of what was happening at the back of the group. 5. Our guide also hadn’t done a couple of the routes before. He led us very well and it didn’t affect anything, but as someone who gets a bit nervous on rockier paths I would have felt safer with someone who knew the mountains very well. Again, a second guide would have helped with this. On the whole I absolutely loved the trip and I would do it again – hopefully this review helps people in future!

The Balkan 3 Peak challenge is amazing. Quite tough to get to the top but very rewarding when you do. The local people are very kind and welcoming, and the guide was very experienced and reassuring throughout the trip. I would definitely go again.

Excellent trip through stunning landscapes, very enjoyable group dynamic, accommodation was always welcoming and food in the evening plentiful, there were some very long walking days, although we only did 2 of the 3 peaks due to snow the alternative 3rd highest peak we did in Montenegro was probably the most challenging of the week. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for good few day hiking.

Mirijeta was superb, a really excellent guide and really lovely person. The accommodation was great and the food was fantastic, it was just really smooth and well organised, loved all of it.

That they should definitely go, and to bring hiking poles just incase there is snow!

It was a great trip even though we only did 1 out of 3 peaks in the itinerary because of snow and it rained on us most days. Our guide was amazing and took great care of us. Stunning scenery. Really fun group of people. Staff at the guest houses were friendly. I will definitely be back to Albania.

I really enjoyed The Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge with MBA. It has everything you want from a holiday – gorgeous scenery, challenging hikes, welcoming hosts, good food and excellent company! I highly recommend this trip, it’s very well-organised, and Albania and Kosovo are well worth a visit, I will definitely come back

I trekked with a fantastic group of people and made many good memories along the journey. The mountain accommodation is simple but sufficient whilst the Hotels in Gjakova and Tirana are outstanding. The food across the entire trip was plentiful and delicious with lots of local produce. Our June departure was hit with rain and snow in the peaks which unfortunately led to summiting only one of the three peaks. I believe that in the right weather conditions this trip would be outstanding in so many categories!

he Balkan 3 Peak challenge is amazing. Quite tough to get to the top but very rewarding when you do. The local people are very kind and welcoming, and the guide was very experienced and reassuring throughout the trip. I would definitely go again.

The Western Balkans are unpolished gems for anyone seeking outdoors adventure and with a passion for challenging hikes amidst breathtaking scenery. The trip was epically great – the perfect combination of great company, mountain air, staggering scenery, challenging terrains and the opportunity to experience life in Albania and Kosovo. I personally cannot wait to return to explore more of these beautiful countries. Brilliant trip – can’t wait for my next adventure with MBA!