8-day guided Hidden Valley trek

Things were very well organized, luggage transfer, airport pick up.
the food and accommodation was better than I expected. The scenery beautiful, loved the quiet and quaintness. Our hosts were very hospitable and the guide was very informative. highly recommend.

This trip is a beautiful hike in the mountains. I suggest bringing walking poles and being ready to do steep climbs up and down for 14 km day after day. The guest houses are nice and the food is good. It was fun to stop along the way and get coffee or tea or even Raki. It was great to be able to talk with the local people and ask them questions about their life.

Our guide Blendi handled our diverse group of 5 individuals, ages between 22 and 86 with great skill and was very informative. The hospitality of the locals was warm and inviting and the food along the way was all fresh from their gardens. My advice: take along very good hiking boots. Our daily hikes were between 10 and 14 kms. As I discovered, at the age of 78 but in excellent condition, is that 14 kms was extremely tiring to me, so tiring that I tripped and feel down right before arrival. Fortunately, nothing serious happened.

Wir hatten eine wunderbare Zeit auf dieser Tour, was auch vielleicht etwas an der Gruppe lag.
Die Tagesetappen waren gut zu schaffen.
Oft waren wir glücklich einen Guide zu haben, da der Weg manchmal schlecht zu finden gewesen wäre. Außerdem kannte Nedih die ganzen Schleichwege und schöne Aussichten.
Viele Informationen rund um die Tour und Albanien wären ohne Guide verloren gewesen.
Sollten wir nochmal in Albanien wandern, immer nur so

This is an absolutely fantastic trip. The trekking is done at a good pace allowing you to experience and enjoy beautiful country. I had never done a trip like this before however, it exceeded all my expectations . Our guide , Nedih, the farm stays, food and my travel group all amazing. If you enjoy travelling or trekking it’s a must.

Thank you, loved it. Massive thanks to Nedih for everything. I’ll definitely be looking to do something similar next year, possibly with a higher difficulty rating.

This tour is truly fantastic. The trekking is wonderful and the organization is perfect. What really made the difference for me was our guide, Nidih, with his extremely in-depth knowledge of Shqipërisë (Albanian) history, geography and culture. A truly top-notch trekking guide! Our group was also a fantastic collection of very varied individuals that I had the greatest pleasure to meet. Would do it again in a heartbeat!

Would recommend this trip to all hikers, especially those who want a satisfying outing but without the crowds and somewhat more demanding terrain of the northern alps. Except for six others, we had the valley to ourselves and only saw them at breakfast and dinner. Many opportunities to inteact with the residents along the route. Our guide was totally knowledgeable and attentive.

A special note about Blondi, our guide: Unfortunately, my knee started to be a problem at the end of the second hike and I had to miss the rest of the hike. He accomodated in every way and I had a fine time. Also, the phone call to check up on me was most appreciated. That drive out while the rest hiked to Permet will be one of the most entertaining memory of my decades of travel.

Hiking in the Zagoria valley exceeded my expectations. Fun, varied trails, history/culture along the way, and amazing plant and insect biodiversity at the end of May. Highly recommended!

Constructive criticism: the trip would be better, IMO, if everyone was on the same page communication-wise. Selling the trip through resellers who provided different info/itineraries/etc to clients caused some confusion about e.g. pickup spot/time, how to communicate to the guide directly, etc. Also, some of the Zbulo trello info is out-of-date. I would not recommend anyone to travel in Albania with Euro instead of Lek…in my experience, many places were not happy to receive Euros (or use a poor exchange rate) and some wouldn’t take them.

We really enjoyed the luxury of having two guides. The two young women were very ambitious and extremely helpful. It was also nice that they were infected by our interest in nature, plants and birds and were happy to learn more. The trip was very well planned and fully met my expectations.

I expected to be hiking in some mountains with this tour. However we got so much more. Incredible experience that was a blend of immersion in the people, culture, history, and nature of Albania. Great guides and group enjoying the remote and urban environments. ‘Wow’ is how I would describe the experience.

Highly recommend! An excellent way to begin to learn about Albanian culture and history. The hiking is moderate and well paced. Zbulo are the most professional hiking tour company I’ve ever engaged with and there was plenty of information provided before and during. They also have great relationships with the local communities they work with. The food was a very welcome surprise and absolutely delicious. As a solo woman hiker I would recommend this hike to everyone.

Thank you so much team Zbulo!

Es war eine gut organisierte Tour. Unsere Erwartungen, die wir aufgrund der Reisebeschreibung hatten, wurden mehr als erfüllt. Unser Guide Anton hat uns das wunderschöne Land mit seinen gastfreundlichen Menschen auf seine unvergessliche, wissende, geduldige und fröhliche Art nahe gebracht, so dass wir am Ende der Tour z. B. zumindest ein Minimum an albanischen Höflichkeiten äußern konnten.
Wir würden Zbulo jederzeit wieder auswählen.
Mario und Editha

Highly recommend the Hidden Valley trek – excellent natural environment, well organised and professionally run, delicious food, and incredible way to begin to learn about Albanian culture and history. As a solo woman hiker this was excellent.

Seeing remote parts of Albania

To consider their ability to hike in heat, it was fine for me but the group was very varied in their abilities. I think Nedih managed it well but for my ability I think peaks of the Balkans would’ve suited me more

Wow, where to start?! It was my first group hiking tour, and so was quite surprised how much I like it. Part of that is of course luck with regards to my co-hikers. Overall, it is Menduh’s infinite knowledge and enthusiasm for hiking and introducing to the particular culture and history of Zagoria Valley, plus his knowledge of plants and people. It was great to meet people through Menduh and have him also as a translator when we stopped for coffee or Raki or met our hosts in the village.

With regards to the hike, the hike from Sheper to Permet was my favorite, despite the dogs we encountered. But again, I learned so much from this and feel more confident about hiking and dogs now. And, the hosts make a huge amount of the trip as well. The teacher’s house in Limar and the homestay in Sheper were my favorite, despite little comfort. It’s the people and the soul in their meals that made this an unforgettable experience, not to speak about the moon rising above the mountains. I hope that this kind of tourism can contribute zo keep Zagoria Valley (and its nature-culture relying on shepherds) alive in a sustainable way and provide both, The Valley people and visitors with new perspectives.

Ask for Menduh 😉

Don’t hesitate for a second about this trip. The hikes are incredible, the landscapes magnificent, the guest houses unique and the hosts friendly. The food is of excellent quality and the trip with Zbulo is extremely well organized. Everything was perfect. Would definitely do it again!

As previously written I can only tell and confirm that this trail can be considered as a “well oiled machine”.

Different (planned or unexpected) stops by local people where we were very well received and got coffee as well as other local products. During a trail (when possible) visiting a school, churches, cultural and architectural buildings, and more. For me it could not be better.

The same as mentioned on the previous screens.

And specially emphasize that Albania’s people had so long suffered during all the dictatorial years, while we lived here in prosperity not knowing what the local situation had to endure.

Beeing in this beautifull nature and in the lovely homestays far away from the civilization.

I also liked the mixture of the different type of accomodations.

The people where all very friendly and helpfull.

And our guide Mirjeta was absolutely brillant!!! The eplained us so many about the culture and had a good feeling for the different desires of the people in the group. So everybody in the group really enjoyed.

It was a fantastic travel!

Hiking in a beautifull nature far away from civilization. Simple but lovely homestays at very friendly people.

The landscape!!! What a wonderful variety!

Our sweet and great guide Mirjeta! So calm, friendly and well organized. And with a sense of humour.

The owners of the guest houses were so friendly and warm.

The people were we dropped in for coffee surprisingly and who welcomed us with wet and dirty clothes in their homes, incredibly compared to Germany …

Our wonderful group! So funny, we had a great time together and laughed a lot.

Just do it! It will be among the best experiences in your life!

However, be prepared to live much more simple and share rooms and bathrooms. Nevertheless, it’s worth it so much!

1. The landscape and nature, especially the amount and variety of flowers! And the remoteness of “hidden valley”, we only met 2 other hikers in 4 days!

1. living in the simple homestays and see how people live – Menduh never got tired of translating questions and answers. And he told and explained a lot about every aspect of life in Albania and its history.

1. the meals – the best dinner and breakfast we had in Limar! in retrospect breakfast in Peshtan was a bit poor, after having experienced what the other and more remote homestays provided 😉

everything is organized perfectly, nature is great, be prepared for getting wet feet when using the toilet (because it’s next to the shower) -> better bring flip flops

The originality of the way how the host families live and make their living by producing all food themselves. The honest and warm way how nearly all hosts (except the man in Hoshteve) wellcomed us and treated us during our stay.

You definitely need to be in good physical condition. I reached the limits of my physical endurance 3-4 times. But I made it! And the Raki consume, as well as the long and deep sleep in the nights helped to recover very quickly.

All the hidden stops you would not have found travelling on your own. I loved the coffee stops during the hike when people just opened their terraces/houses for us. Also the family at the fish farm. That was awesome. It is great to have a well connected guide 🙂

Great tour in the backcountry. Hidden spots you would not find on your own.

For me personally the second part Permet via Kosove to Borozke was more exciting. Perhaps somehow more a ” timetrip” and slightly more impressive views and nature than in the Zagoria trail.

Simply a great experience for people who loves to be close to the nature and traditional ways of farming and food producing snd incredible friendly openminded people.

(Translated by Google) A perfectly organized and impressive hiking tour

We did the Hidden Valley tour through the Zagoria Valley at the beginning of October: wonderful, untouched nature, warm and welcoming hosts, and fresh, local food at our accommodations. Our professional and very empathetic guide, Anton, explained the background of the country and its people to us in many conversations. Everything during the 7 days was perfectly organized. The Zbulo staff were always easy to reach beforehand and answered all our questions quickly and thoroughly. We highly recommend a tour with Zbulo!

(Original)
Perfekt organisierte, eindrucksvolle Wandertour
Wir haben Anfang Oktober die Hidden Valley Tour durch das Zagoria-Tal gemacht: Wunderbare, unberührte Natur, herzliche Gastgeber und frisches, lokales Essen in den Unterkünften. Unser professioneller und sehr einfühlsamer Guide Anton hat uns in vielen Gesprächen Hintergründe zu Land und Leuten erklärt. Alle Abläufe während der 7 Tage waren perfekt organisiert. Die Mitarbeiter von Zbulo waren im Vorfeld stets gut zu erreichen und haben alle unsere Fragen schnell und ausführlich beantwortet. Eine Tour mit Zbulo können wir unbedingt empfehlen!

Meeting the guesthouse and tea hosts was the highlight for us. All were lovely interesting people. Petro, our guide made meeting these people easy. The hiking was strenuous for us, but also enjoyable, in the beauty of the Zakovia River Valley, with the support of many hospitable people

Albania is a beautiful country with friendly people. The tour company ensures you are taken care of and enjoy great food and great hospitality.

Peco was a friendly guide and knew the region very well. It would have been nice if he had explained the landscape and flora/fauna a bit more and brought me into the conversations with local homestay hosts.

Hidden valley scenery, albania food, raki, ease of the itinerary, ease or communication with Zbulo. Albania is a beautiful country with friendly people. The tour company ensures you are taken care of and enjoy great food and great hospitality.

Zu siebt als Damentruppe ( alle 60+ ) brachen wir neugierig nach Albanien auf. Wir wussten fast nichts über dieses Land , was sich unter der kundigen Führung unseres Reiseleiters rasch änderte. Ricardo ein junger bemerkenswerter Mann, fit und empathisch, begleitete uns professionell auf allen Etappen unserer Tour .Er überzeugte uns mit viel Hintergrundwissen und Wärme für Albanien. Unvergleichliche Natureindrücke , Kunstschätze und lukullischer Genuß, und das in einer harmonischen Gruppe machten diese Reise zu einem wunderschönen Erlebnis.

I recently came back from a hiking trip organized by Zbulo!-Discover Albania. It was the hidden valley Zagorie tour and I loved every minute of it. The owners were very responsive from the first moment, I contacted them and everything worked out perfectly during the trip.
Homestays were amazing, our guide was very friendly and helpful. Besides all this, Albania is a stunning country…I would love to go back!

We did a hiking tour of the countryside of Albania with Zbulo Discover and really loved it. Albania is still far from overcrowded tourism and this is what we appreciated. Very authentic tour organised by nice staff of Zbulo. Thanks a lot. Highly recommended.

A group of three of us just returned from a trip to Albania. The main purpose of our visit was hiking in the southern highlands. We booked this through Zbulo. They also arranged an English speaking guide for us, Mario. He and Zbulo were excellent and we cannot praise them enough, both in terms of organisation but also Mario’s improvisation when one of us suffered a minor injury. Suffice to say, we would love to go back to Albania with Zbulo. Next time to do a more challenging hike in the north.

Hiking in South Albania is all I could have wanted. It was thoroughly wonderful, with beautiful sights and very friendly people – and brilliant, homegrown, home cooked food.
I’ve always been fascinated by Albania, ever since it was briefly mentioned in My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, which I re-read many times as a kid. It was there, across the water, when we went on holiday in Corfu and it had such a weird reputation: gangsters, a Norman Wisdom fanbase, a former king called Zog and its own communist dictator who made Stalin look a wuss. And a language unlike any other.
So a trip with our own Albanian guide was the natural choice and it proved perfect in so many ways. Not only was Mario thoroughly fluent in English but he was also very well-read and informative. The back-office support was also very good indeed so that even when he left us we were met by friendly taxi-drivers who took us to our next hotel without any fuss or worry. Zbulo! even sorted out a fresh taxi to the airport when the first got stuck in traffic.
Travelling in the Albanian mountains is a tricky affair – you need four wheel drive vehicles and, in our case, pack animals. This was all arranged without any fuss – Mario had it all sorted. If you’re looking for an unspoilt wilderness, then this is it. I saw more varieties of flowers, birds and insects than I thought possible and this can only be because there are no pesticides. And yes, there are wolves, bears, jackals and lynx. It’s not just a claim – every single night every single four-legged beast has to come inside a paddock protected with a thorn fence.
Coming down to Gyrokastra was extraordinary. We were taken around one of the main sites of this UNESCO heritage site – a massive house that had been in the same family since the 18th century. And our guide was the owner, who only got it back from the Communists in the 1990s.
And, just in case we hadn’t had enough culture, we came down the coast to Butrint, the internationally recognised archeological site, complete with extraordinary fortifications, an amphitheatre and superb museum.
And then we hit the beach. I mean, this holiday really did tick all the boxes. Wonderful. And I’m going back.