Albania
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Shkoder: Theth National Park Day Tour with Local Guide
Shkoder: Theth National Park Day Tour with Local Guide
5.0
(187 reviews)
Explore the Albanian Alps and Theth National Park! Visit the Blue Eye, Nderlysa’s stone groves, Grunasi Waterfall and Canyons, Thethi’s Church, and the Lock-in Tower for authentic local experiences.
From €65 / person
No dates available yet
From €65 / person
No dates available yet
Why we picked this experience
Small group
Intentionally limited group size for real interaction and questions
Scenic moments
Designed around photogenic spots with time to capture memories
Authentic local flavours
Taste food or drink carefully sourced from the host or trusted local places
Highlights
Drive through the heart of the Albanian Alps
Admire stunning landscapes on a scenic drive through Boga Valley and Qafa Thores pass, with photo stops at breathtaking viewpoints
Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth
Trek through stone groves and forest paths to a vivid turquoise spring, a hidden natural gem nestled deep in the Alps
Discover Grunas Waterfall & Canyon
Follow an easy mountain trail to a 25-meter waterfall surrounded by cliffs and mossy rocks, perfect for a refreshing misty pause
Step into Theth’s cultural heritage
Visit the iconic Church of Theth and the Lock-In Tower to uncover stories of ancient traditions and the mountain way of life
Enjoy lunch in a mountain village
Taste traditional Albanian dishes made from fresh local ingredients in an authentic guesthouse setting
Full description
Discover the soul of Albania’s wild north on this unforgettable day tour to Theth National Park. Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up in Shkodër and a scenic drive through the majestic landscapes of the Albanian Alps. Enjoy two scenic stops: one at a panoramic balcony in Boga Valley, and the other at the 1760-meter-high Qafa Thores Pass, offering unmatched views of rugged peaks.
From there, journey into the remote village of Nderlysa to begin a guided 50-minute hike to the Blue Eye, a mesmerizing turquoise spring fed by icy mountain streams. Surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks, it’s a picture-perfect spot. Take a moment to cool your feet in the crystal waters before continuing on to the next natural wonder.
Next, hike along a gentle trail leading to Grunas Canyon and Waterfall. Cross a wooden bridge and marvel at the canyon walls carved by centuries of water flow before reaching the 25-meter-high Grunas Waterfall, an ideal place to take a break and snap some incredible photos.
After your hike, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a traditional guesthouse or local restaurant (not included in the price), where mountain hospitality and hearty flavors await. Think fresh river trout, homemade cheeses, and the best stuffed peppers you’ve ever tasted.
In the afternoon, uncover Theth’s rich cultural side with visits to Theth’s stone church and the Lock-In Tower, once used to shelter families during blood feuds. These historic landmarks offer a deeper understanding of local customs, history, and mountain life.
For the adventurous, there’s even an optional zip-line ride in Theth (€20), a thrilling way to end your alpine journey. Finally, return comfortably to Shkodër, filled with unforgettable memories of Albania’s wild north!
Meeting point
Shkodër city center
Get picked up from any address within the center of Shkodër. To help us coordinate your pickup smoothly, please be sure to provide a valid WhatsApp number when making your reservation. This will allow us to stay in touch and share real time updates on your itinerary.
(Exact location details will be provided after booking)
About your host
Marjan
Hi, I’m Marjan, your guide and storyteller for the day! I grew up exploring the trails, peaks, and rivers of Theth, and I love sharing this special place with visitors. Whether it’s guiding you safely to hidden springs and waterfalls or introducing you to Theth's best cooking (trust me on the stuffed peppers), I make sure your day is both fun and meaningful. With me, you'll get more than just a hike, you’ll get local stories, cultural insight, and a few laughs along the way!
Hi, I’m Marjan, your guide and storyteller for the day! I grew up exploring the trails, peaks, and rivers of Theth, and I love sharing this special place with visitors. Whether it’s guiding you safely to hidden springs and waterfalls or introducing you to Theth's best cooking (trust me on the stuffed peppers), I make sure your day is both fun and meaningful. With me, you'll get more than just a hike, you’ll get local stories, cultural insight, and a few laughs along the way!
Things to know
Important information
- Fitness Required: These hikes are moderately challenging and require good physical condition. The trails include uneven terrain, elevation gain, and sections that may be slippery or steep.
- Pack Smart: Bring water, sun protection, and layers suited to changing mountain weather.
- Weather Matters: Conditions can shift quickly in the mountains. We hike rain or shine, but in case of severe weather, we’ll offer alternatives or reschedule.
- Respect Nature: These trails pass through protected areas please follow Leave No Trace principles and stay on marked paths.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (center of Shkodër)
- Transport from Shkodër to Theth and return
- Professional local guide
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Optional Theth Zip-Line (€20)
What to bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Swimwear and towel
- Snacks and water
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart conditions
- Adults over 70 years
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Customer reviews
Laura
Marjan‘s trip is the perfect way to see the highlights of Theth. He collected us at our hotel in Shkoder - followed by a scenic drive, with two short stops, to the hiking start at Blue Eye. He accompanied us on the hike - which was great, because he‘s knowledgeable about the area and fauna and was able to answer a lot questions. He’s then took us on a short hike up to the waterfall. Extra highlight: his choice for lunch: Villa Gjeçaj Restaurant. What a treat. Everything was exceptional. Granted, the food has been amazing everywhere we have been - but cook Vitore Pjetergjokaj is a star! Best stuffed peppers ever!! Afterwards, we visited the church and the watchtower, where Marjan was again able to give us loads of insight. Since we were hiking to Valbone the next day, he was kind enough to leave us at our hotel in Theth! It was a perfect day, and I would highly recommend the trip - and even staying in Theth!
Chris
Marjan was a wonderful guide. We hiked to the Blue Eye and the waterfall. He was able to guide us safely down the tracks and walked at a pace we could all manage. We stopped at some great viewpoints as well as a church at which Marjan gave the history of the place. Lunch was delicious and reasonably priced. There were 4 people on our tour and that was perfect. Thanks Marjan for a fabulous day.
Stefano
Great trip with local guide Marian. Smooth pick-up, great communication and comfortable van. Small group, big fun! Hike was not hard, I'd say 6 out of 10. However, if you're out of shape or have mobility issues, are a chain-smoker, or show up in flip-flops, please don't complain. I would absolutely recommend this trip for a fun day in nature.
Aaron
Marjan was fantastic, excellent driver, full of interesting information without being overwhelming, one of the best tour guides I’ve had. Definitely worth the money and he enhanced the experience
Tarek
Amazing experience we had. Marjan, our guide and driver 😁, was very helpful in every step of the journey. Not only we felt very safe on the road , but also he is very friendly and he gave us very interesting information on the history and culture of Theth and beyond. We hoped that we had more time to stay there, to know and enjoy more. Maybe staying there a night or two would be great but we did have the opportunity to enjoy the main attraction with the time we had. We highly recommend it and surely will do it again next time. Thanks again Marjan!