Albania & HIKING DISCOVERY TOUR September 12 - 23, 2021

AT# 2117 Trip rating = Vigorous

https://www.outdoors.org/outdoor-activities/difficulty-ratings

INTRODUCTION Despite its small size, Albania offers many activities for its visitors. From mountains to the sea, from archaeological parks to UNESCO heritage towns, from contemporary art museums to incredible hikes: Albania has it all. The country is an exciting destination located on the Balkan trail and is one of the best places to enjoy outdoor activities. The most famous, and perhaps most beautiful, hiking trail in Albania is the one from Valbona to Theth through the Accursed Mountains. It is a not-to-be missed chance to admire one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Balkan Peninsula and to experience the beauty of the Albanian Alps. The hike, called Peaks of the Balkans, because it also crosses over into the neighboring countries of Kosovo and Montenegro. This trail follows an old mule track, is almost 20 km long, but it can be completed in one day because it takes a total of eight hours with several stops to enjoy the views and take pictures. Both Valbona and Theth have been declared national parks of Albania and are two of the most beautiful areas of the country. Grunas Canyon is one of the most incredible natural places you’ll see in Albania. It can be found on the south side of the Thethi National Park. While hiking you can admire this gorgeous two-km-long and 50-meter-deep canyon. The path that leads to the canyon is simply gorgeous and offers incredible views over the Thethi River, which with its crystal clear water is the most beautiful river in the country. Theth is perhaps the most famous place in Albania to hike, and once here you’ll easily understand why: it is the most beautiful place in the Albanian Alps surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. The Blue Eye is a natural pool formed by the erosion of the cliff by the river that created several waterfalls and swimming holes. Come and explore with us!

ITINERARY Day 1 September 12 - Tirana Arrival Arrive in Tirana. Transfer by private vehicle to hotel Overnight in 3 to 4 star hotel to be determined Meal: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 September 13 – Transfer Tirana to Shkodra, Visit in Shkodra

During the transfer to the hotel close to Shkodra’s centre, you can gather first impressions. If the weather allows it you have the choice to swim at the Balkans’ biggest lake or visit the Rozafa Castle. Learn about its legend and enjoy fabulous views which excite your curiosity for the days of travel through the Albanian Alps. In the city, the cafés burst with people who flock for a stroll on the pedestrian area. Lined with bourgeoisie townhouses, a reminder of the city’s rich past, it has a certain Italian atmosphere to it. Immerse in the buzz of the bazaar, at the Marubi photo library in Albania’s past, visit the museum, or enjoy an espresso with the locals. When daylight fades you can choose between restaurants that offer carefully crafted traditional meals

• Transfer from Tirana to Shkodra (90 minutes)

Overnight in Shkorda - Hotel Tradita https://hoteltradita.business.site/ Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 September 14 - Journey into the Accursed Mountains Rise early for a private transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam. The picturesque reservoir looks similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Alps. The custom-made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze. After lunch, you travel by minibus past traditional villages, composed of wooden shingle-covered stone houses, into the highlands and the Valbona National Park. On a first warm-up walk, you continue on foot along the crystal clean stream and on quiet berry-lined trails through the forest to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at your cosy accommodation in a small hamlet. You will have itchy feet when you see the jagged peaks from the terrace; the next day will be “the day”.

• Elevation gain - 820’. Elevation loss - 164’. Distance - 4.3 mile, Hiking time - 3 hours • Transfer by private car to ferry port Koman (55 km, 90 min) • Boat ride through the canyons of the Koman Lake (46 km, 3 hours)

Transfer from Fierze via Bajram Curri (optional lunch stop) to the trailhead in Valbona (35 km, 75 min)

• Luggage transport by car • Warm-up walk (about 3 hours) with swimming opportunity

Overnight at Valbone Hotel / private ensuite - Vila Dini villa-dini.valbone.hotels-al.com/en

or Guesthouse Kol Gjoni https://www.zbulo.org/...magic.../family-run-guesthouse-kol-gjoni-valbona... Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4 September 15 Valbona – Queen of the Mountains Start your hike to Kukaj, (there is a short transfer to trailhead) an isolated hamlet where only two families reside, below bunkers that once protected the border and are now scattered in the riverbed. The windy path takes you over lush meadows ablaze with the colours of a variety of spring flowers to a shepherd hut at 1,650m. In the communist period, this was a no-go area and the building used as a military barrack. Admire the wild and romantic jagged mountain scenery, sample fresh milk products should the shepherd be present or opt to climb higher to an old crossing at the Montenegrin border. At 2,040m a weathered border pyramid is a reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching the last glimpse at the Alps highest peak Jezerca (2,694m) you descent on a different path to another guesthouse. When daylight fades, you can watch the alpine glow over dinner in the idyllic garden.

• Elevation gain - 2460’. Elevation loss - 2296’. Distance - 7.5 mi. Hiking time - 5:30h • Hike to hamlet Kukaj and over flower-rich meadows to shepherd hut on 1 mi, return on another

trail to the guesthouse in Rragam – extension to Montenegrin border (about 2 hours)

• Luggage transport by car Overnight at guesthouse Rragram (private ensuite - to be determined). Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5 September 16 The Grand Crossing: Hike from Valbona to Theth Accompanied by a local and a mule that carries your load you set out for the transfer hike across Valbona Pass (1,811m) – another highlight and the highest point of your journey. After passing the village Rragam few steep segments need to be tackled. You can pause regularly near springs and on colourful meadows to enjoy the splendid views. Reaching the pass, the surrounding peaks appear on par, and sweeping

views of both valleys fascinate even the seasoned hiker. Enjoy the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth. The fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the sun in the afternoon for you. By the time the woods thin out Mt. Arapi (2,217m) is visible and soon the houses of the village are reached. Spread below are the different hamlets. On a broad path, you enter another inviting guesthouse in the centre of the village.

• Elevation gain - 2460’ Elevation loss - 3690’ Distance - 9.3 mi Hiking time - 6 to7 hours • Short transfer by car to the trailhead

Transfer hike on caravan route accompanied by horsemen across the Valbona Pass to Theth

• Luggage transport on a horse

Overnight at Guesthouse Theth / private ensuite Bujtina poliahttp://bujtina-polia.theth.hotels-al.com/en/ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 6 September 17 – The Peja Pass For the hike up the Peja Pass we use transport to and from the trailhead. The trail starts near the source of the Thethi River and follows an ancient caravan path. Stay in the previous night’s guesthouse.

• Elevation gain - 3117’ Elevation loss - 3117’ Distance - 4.3 m Hiking time 5:45 hours

Overnight at Guesthouse Theth / private ensuite Bujtina Polia http://bujtina-polia.theth.hotels-al.com/en/ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 7 September 18 - Meadows above the Clouds - Denelli

To reach Deneli, you start from the guesthouse and walk through the green Ulaj neighbourhood. After crossing the river the trail ascend leads through light forest and on a path in the cliffs to the football field size plain in the middle of the mountains.

• Elevation gain - 3281’ Elevation loss - 3281’ Distance - 6.2 mi Hiking time - 6:30 hours • Hike on a cliff walk to the shepherd hut on a mountain plateau

Overnight at Guesthouse Theth / private ensuite) Bujtina Polia http://bujtina-polia.theth.hotels-al.com/en/ Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 8 September 19 – Gashi National Park

An exciting hike to the border with Montenegro will take you to the valley of Cerem, 3871’ Reach the starting point near the Gashi National Park (8.7 mi / 45 min transfer). Without special permission you were not allowed to enter the area after 1947. It was inhabited year-round under communist rule, Today's residents live there only in summer. From the village you hike across colorful meadows and through shady beech forest to the pass. It not only separates Albania and Montenegro, but also the western and eastern Alps, providing a variety of landscapes. On the way you can enjoy the view of the Kollata massif and Montenegro's highest peak Zla Kollata, 8313’. Above is an alpine settlement. At the end of the border ridge walk, stop at a typical local inn before returning to Dunish.

Elevation gain - 2133’ Elevation loss - 5413’ Distance - 6.2 mi, hiking time – 5 hours

Overnight at Guesthouse Theth / private ensuite Bujtina Polia http://bujtina-polia.theth.hotels-al.com/en/ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 9 September 20 – In the Heart of the Albanian Alps A walk through the village and the green gardens reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit the iconic church, well-kept fields and dive at the lock-in tower that offered protection for men threatened by blood feud into the history of the “kanun”. It is the perfect place to learn about the highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins, impact and present-day relevance. Onward along the water channels, you ascend to the waterfall. On a cliff above the river, archaeologists discovered stone-aged terraces. You can rest there, enjoy picnic lunch and gaze into the adjacent 50m deep Grunas Canyon. Along the river, a well-worn bridle path leads downstream to Nderlysa where you stay on a farmstead. You can use your free time to sample mulberries, grapes, and plums in the garden, harvest corn and milk sheep with the family, learn to cook a typical dish, explore the surroundings, or swim.

• Elevation gain - 492’ Elevation loss - 1312’ Distance - 4.97 mi Hiking time 3:30 hours Walk through the village to waterfall, canyon and blood feud tower. Hike on bridle path to Nderlysa. Free afternoon with swimming possibility and many other options

• Luggage transport by car

Overnight at a guesthouse in Nderlys / private ensuite Bjeshka Guesthouse

https://bjeshkaprek.wixsite.com/shtepipushimittheth/the-hotel Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 10 September 21 The “Blue Eye”. Shkodra

The hike through the canyon leads to a karst spring called “Blue Eye”. The bravest can take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl around you – truly a hidden oasis to relax at. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity, and road access busy everyday life seems completely forgotten. After a meal at the guesthouse the minibus takes you to the Edith Durham Memorial, over a scenic pass road to the Boga Valley and Shkodra (3h).

• Elevation gain - 902’ elevation loss - 902’ Distance 5.5 miles, Hiking time 3:30 hours • Return hike along the river to a karst spring (3-4h). • Transfer by public minibus over the Thoria Pass (5396’) to Shkodra (3 hours)

. Overnight at Shkoder 3 or 4 star boutique hotel (to be determined) Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Day 11 September 22 - Transfer to Tirana Depending on departure time possibility to further explore the capital

Overnight 3 or 4 star hotel in Tirana (to be determined) Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 12 September 23 Departure to USA Airport transfer Tirana Meals: Breakfast

ABOUT YOUR TOUR:

Lodgings – We provide 11 (in country) nights in high quality hotels located in specially selected regions. Rooms are based on double sharing with limited single supplements available. Guesthouses/hotels in larger villages such as Theth and Valbona often (but not always) have WIFI available.

Meals – Meals are generally taken within your hotel with packed lunches provided. Meals in Albanian guesthouses are usually prepared with fresh, local produce. Vegetarian needs can be met however specialist’s diets such as gluten free, vegan, etc. may sometimes be difficult to manage as this is still developing country.

Transport – We will be transferred between different locations as noted in the itinerary. Our luggage will be transferred between hotels/guesthouses as needed.

Personal Money - Outside of the meals not included in your tour price (see itinerary), you may wish to have some Leks for other purposes such as purchasing extras like wine / beer / gin, local souvenirs and miscellaneous items.

Exchanging money between your currency and the local currency is easy. Some options are:

Bring USA Dollars from home for exchange (there are many money changers)

Use your bankcard here in Albanian bank machines (good rates of exchange and low fees – pending your bank card arrangements from home)

Pay with your credit card (VERY limited in Albania except for higher end purchases and better hotels/restaurants)

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET SERVICES IN ALBANIA Guesthouses/hotels in larger villages such as Theth and Valbona often (but not always) have WIFI available. TIPPING Tipping in the developing world is important for the local people. To save you hassle, tipping for meals and transport services (buses, etc) is included. Tips for local guides are also included. Tips during meals not included in your itinerary are up to you. The normal rate is 10% and this fee is never included in your final bill – it´s added on by yourself.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ALBANIAN TRAVEL Like everywhere, common sense with money, personal handbags, cameras, etc. is advised. For up to date health information about Albania, consult the website:wwwnc.cdc.gov and also speak to a medical specialist that deals with travel to this region. We recommend you carry all your prescriptions from home and don´t always expect to find the same items in a local pharmacy. Also include an extra pair of glasses.

HERE´S A FEW MORE TIPS: Visas (at time of print) are not required for US, Canadian, Commonwealth, British or European

nationals. Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity.

Transport on this tour will be in the form of a private mini bus.

Refrain from drinking local water and use bottled water as it is widely sold.

Restaurant prepared food in our experience is tasty, clean and well cooked. Delhi belly is never a problem if precautions are taken such as using anti-bacterial hand cleaner and not touching animals.

You can feel safe walking the streets day or night in Albania – particularly in the areas of this trip. They are accustomed to many foreign visitors and in fact, many live and own property in Albania. At night however we recommend always walking with another person.

Our hotels are very clean, modern and designed for international cliental

Remember to practice good personal hygiene and wash hands throughout the day.

Be prepared to carry tissue / toilet paper for bathroom stops (hotels have toilet paper)

Toilets range from traditional ´hole in the floor´ to sit down models. Our hotels have modern toilets. .

Leaders’ right to change itinerary: While the itinerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.

Leaders’ expectations of participants: When you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined in this prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Prior to your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities. This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in Albania through shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience. It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it will be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant’s being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.

Tying trip to AMC mission: AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations.

AMC Membership If you would like to join AMC, and save $100 off the cost of the trip, please visit the website:

https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/join-appalachian-mountain-club-today?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl-frl5fy6AIV0ffjBx1W7QkcEAAYASACEgJE-PD_BwE

What trip price of $2385(AMC member); $2485 (non AMC member) includes:

11 nights twin or double share accommodation in selected hotels/guesthouses as per itinerary

Meals as indicated on itinerary (all in country dinners /6 trail lunch, 2 sit-in lunches / all breakfasts)

All entrance fees and attractions / visits as per itinerary

Transfers by air-conditioned private coach as per itinerary

All local taxes, administrative fees and park entrances

Tipping for all included meals, coach drivers and guides are included

Medical Evacuation Insurance

AMC overhead expense fee

What trip price does not include:

International flight to/from Albania

Beverages at dinner

Lunches as stated in itinerary

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Optional activities during free time

Trip cancellation insurance

Housekeeping tips, room service charges and other room charges of a personal nature etc.

Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip fee includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, trip cancellation, or loss of baggage. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, will be provided to participants in their formal acceptance letters. These letters will be sent out once we have reached our minimum number of qualified applicants.

Cancellation Policy: The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the premise that your cancellation may not raise the cost to other participants or the leaders. Once you are notified the trip is declared to run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee is $100. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead. Should the leaders be able to replace you with another acceptable participant, you may be charged a reduced penalty. This will generally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip payment(s) in a timely manner will be considered a cancellation. Before Oct 1, 2020, the minimum cancellation fee is $100. After Oct 1, 2020, the minimum cancellation fee is $300 On rare occasions AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to force majeure [e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, changes in local regulatory environment, etc.] In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded less any trip expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC

Adventure Travel is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (including non-refundable air tickets, visa fees, gear or medical expenses, etc.

How air travel is to be handled: While international participant airfare is not included in the trip price (est $700 to 900), leaders may assist participants in making suitable reservations. Participants will be told when and where they must join the group for the official start of the trip’s planned activities. Once your air tickets are purchased they are your responsibility – do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so by the leaders. The leaders will send out a document with a list of suggested flight from your home airport which will work to get you to Albania in time for the start of the trip. The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval (Fall 2019). The final price of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. If the trip’s financial position is strong enough at the start, the leaders may make partial refunds during the trip, in the form of payments toward some meals and/or free time activities which would otherwise not be included. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase. All Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued after the trip’s financial accounting is complete.

Conditioning and activity/fitness level: Participants should be comfortable hiking up from 3 to 7.75 hours and with elevation gain of up to 3200 feet. Participants should have recent previous experience hiking on rolling/hilly/rocky/mountainous terrain.

Application process or how to apply: To apply, you must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential Health Questionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, enclosing a registration deposit of $1000. You will be considered qualified for the trip when the leaders have determined by conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You will be formally accepted, and your check will be deposited. Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we offer them a spot on the trip AND they accept.

Payment Schedule: Final Payment due no later than June 1, 2021 Please make payments by check payable to the “Appalachian Mountain Club” and mail to: Ginette Beaudoin 66 Graham Street Biddeford, ME 04005

Safety: As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with volunteer leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and camps, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, or on a bike. When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions.

Risks of trip activities: Participants should be adequately prepared for cold and hot weather hazards such as wind chill, hypothermia, dehydration, rain, sun exposure and insect bites by ensuring they have sun protection, personal first aid kit, bug repellant and extra layers in their day pack during each day’s activities. .

YOUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS: LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led several Austrian Alps adventure trips through the years for both hiking and cross country skiing. She has also lead Adventure travel trips to Yosemite, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Easter Island, Peru, Minnesota, Tuscany, Dolomites, Spain, France, Patagonia, Bolivia, Azores Islands, Australia and New Zealand for the AMC. She has hiked to over 30 high Alpine Huts throughout Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland and has hiked the NH 4000 footers. Her interests include hiking, photography, cross country hiking, snowshoeing, travel, and introducing others to adventure travel. ADDRESS: 66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005 PHONE: (207) 590-4431 EMAIL ADDRESS: ginette4000@yahoo.com CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to New Zealand, Australia, Dolomites – Italy, Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota, Peru, Easter Island, Australia, New Zealand, and Morocco. Anna leads hiking trips in the White Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Waterville Valley and Craftsbury Vermont for snowshoeing and cross country hiking. She has also co led the Claybrook ski trip on previous years. During the summer of 2014, she and the trip leader backpacked the Haute Route from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland as well as Kepler Track in New Zealand. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training. ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474 PHONE: 781-648-2492;

EMAIL: annatp12@gmail.com

Gear/Packing list: You will be required to provide your own daypack, weather proof outerwear, hiking poles, as well as broken in hiking boots

Clothing: Polypro tops (long and short sleeve) and bottoms Fleece top Soft Shell or similar jacket and pants Raingear, top and bottom, Gore Tex or similar; not vinyl Wool or fleece hat Waterproof mittens/gloves Sock liners

Hand warmers Slippers Casual wear for lodge and sleeping Wool socks and footwear appropriate for hiking

Gear: Hiking poles and good hiking boots Sun Screen, sun glasses Gaiters, warm hat or headband Daypack, water bottles, thermos Camera with extra battery and memory card Headlamp and extra batteries

Personal: Prescription and OTC personal medications Personal first Aid kit Contact lens supplies Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc Plastic bags, thick ones and large enough to keep things dry inside your daypack Alarm clock or just use the one on your smart phone