Albania
$3600 per person (interest free payment plans available) | $600 deposit to reserve your spot
June 20-28, 2026
16 spots available
Hidden between rugged peaks and turquoise rivers, Albania is Europe’s best-kept secret — wild, raw, and unbelievably beautiful. This journey takes you deep into the heart of the Albanian Alps, where ancient trails connect remote mountain villages and life moves at nature’s pace.
We’ll trek the legendary Valbona–Theth Trail, stay in cozy guesthouses, and share homemade meals with locals who’ve lived in these valleys for generations. After the mountains, we’ll unwind along the Shala River, a paradise of clear blue water and lush forest — only accessible by boat.
This isn’t just a trip — it’s a chance to disconnect, breathe deeply, and experience one of Europe’s last untouched frontiers.
This journey will be guided by the energy and care of two leaders who complement one another beautifully.
🌿 Kook (Kaleigh McAndrews) – Founder of Kook’s Wild Ride, she has spent years designing and leading international adventures that are soulful, high-adventure, and deeply connective. Kook brings a contagious enthusiasm for discovery, a heart for building community, and a steady hand in weaving logistics with magic.
✨ Brynn – A grounded and compassionate guide, Brynn carries a gift for creating space where people feel safe, inspired, and at ease. Brynn has led Kook's trips to Guatemala, South Africa, and Peru and continues to take the trips herself knowing there is simply no richer way to travel than on one of these trips.
Together, Brynn and Kook create a container that is adventurous and soulful—holding both the thrill of exploration and the gentleness of connection. Their shared vision ensures that every traveler feels both supported and challenged to step into something bigger than themselve
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Activities:
☯ Arrival and taken to the hotel for relaxation and group reflection
☯ Afternoon small tour and introduction of the city
☯ In the evening we will enjoy an included cultural dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tirana
Today will be an exciting full day exploring the beautiful city of Tirana and its abundant country sides.
Activities:
☯ Morning scenic cable car ride up to Dajti Mountain
☯ Half day city tour around the Kinostudio neighborhood and more
☯ Lunch at a family-run countryside restaurant + light hike on the property
Petrela Hike Details:
Length: ~3.7 miles
Duration: 2–2.5 hours total
Elevation Gain: ~820 feet
Accommodation: Hotel Tirana
Activities:
☯ We will begin our drive to the north through the beautiful countryside until we meet Theth.
Drive time: We will spend a few hours driving to different sites throughout the day and will arrive at our hotel in the evening
Accommodation: Bujtina Polia Guesthouse
Today we will begin our scenic hike with a trail connecting Teth to Volbona- an ancient footpath that for centuries was the only link between these two remote valleys.
Hike Details:
Length: ~10.5 miles
Duration: 6 to 8 hours ish
Elevation gain: ~3,280 feet
Highest point: ~5,955 feet at Valbona Pass
In the afternoon, we descend into the peaceful Valbona Valley. A local van will bring us to a
traditional neighborhood where we settle into a local guesthouse.
Accommodation: Hotel Rezidenca
Today we venture deeper into the Albanian Alps, beginning with a drive to the town of Fierze. From there, we’ll board a private boat and cruise along the dramatic waters of Koman Lake before reaching the stunning, untouched shores of the Shala River, where we’ll spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Bee Guesthouse Shala
Today we will explore the valleys that surround the Shala River. These highlands are rich in legends, hidden treasures, an centuries of proud independance.
Activities:
☯ Day hikes
☯ Stop in a remote village to learn about the people and culture
☯ Evening to explore the quiet Shala River without the population of the tourist who visit during the day by boat
Hike Details:
Length: ~6.2–7.5 miles
Duration: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: ~1,310–1,640 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Bee Guesthouse Shala
After breakfast, we will return by boat to Koman and begin our drive back toward the lowlands. We will pause at a charming lakefront restaurant for a nice snack.
Activities:
☯ Visit Mrizi i Zanave- a pioneering slow-food farm and restaurant that has become a model of sustainability, culture, and pride
☯ Wine tasting
☯ Unforgettable farm-table dinner
Accommodation: Mrizi Zanave Fishte
Today, we’ll spend a full day along the Adriatic Sea exploring the town of Fishte. We’ll also visit nearby villages, where we’ll meet artisans, small farmers, and families who are preserving the beautiful traditions and ways of life that have been passed down for generations.
Activities:
☯ Visit nearby villages
☯ Farm-table lunch hosted by a local family
☯ Afternoon of rest and swimming
Accommodation: Mrizi Zanave Fishte
Depending on what time your flight is there may be time for morning shopping in Tirana. You will then be transported to the airport for your international flight home.
Privat English speaking guide the whole trip
8 nights of accommodation in selected boutique hotels, guesthouses, and local homes
Breakfast each day + 11 meals as mentioned in program (4 dinners, 5 lunches, and 1 light snack
Multiple cultural, cultural, and nature tours
Transportation throughout the whole trip in private cars and buses
Wine tasting experience
Fully inclusive 3-night trek through the Albanian Alps sleeping in guest houses
All entry tickets
Dajti cable car ride in Tirana
Fishing village village
So much more
International flights
Trip insurance- (highly recommended)
Any Table Drinks, Tea/ Coffee, Water, Chocolates, Beer etc.
Any Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Personal Insurance & emergency rescue charges if necessary
Personal Expenses, Medical and evacuation Cost, Travel Insurance and Laundry
Cost raised by re-routing, cancellation, political disturbance which are not under our control etc
Tips to the Guides, Porters and the drivers [Tips are expected]
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Which trip is right for me? What do I do about visas? How much do I tip? For questions frequent and otherwise, this is the spot.
Our adventures are designed for open-minded, adventurous travelers who crave connection and meaning. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group of friends — you’ll fit right in as long as you’re kind, curious, and up for an adventure.
Nope! Our trips are active, but accessible. You should feel comfortable walking, hiking, and being on your feet for parts of the day — but we always move at a relaxed, group-friendly pace. Each trip description will outline the activity level.
Absolutely. Most of our travelers come solo — it’s part of what makes these trips so special. We match roommates (unless you prefer a solo supplement), and you’ll instantly feel part of the crew.
Most of your major costs are covered — accommodations, guided experiences, local transport, and most meals. International airfare and optional extras are usually not included. See the “What’s Included” section on your trip page for details.
We keep our groups intimate — usually between 10–14 travelers plus your trip leader. This size allows us to form genuine connections and go off the beaten path with ease.
International flights to and from the starting destination are not included, but we can help you find great flight routes and timing suggestions once you’re booked.
Yes! All KWR trips are designed with flexible, no-interest payment plans. Typically, you’ll place a deposit to reserve your spot, followed by 2–3 equal payments leading up to the trip.
We understand life happens. Deposits are non-refundable, but depending on timing, partial credit may be applied to another trip. Check your confirmation email for your trip’s specific cancellation policy.
Yes! Every trip blends structured adventure with downtime. Think: beach afternoons, café hangs, or journaling in a hammock. We intentionally design space to breathe
Immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy daring adventures, and form long-lasting friendships with fellow travelers from around the globe.
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