Discover
Your specialist for active tours to Albania and the Balkans
Upcoming Departures
I would like to express our complete satisfaction with our 8-day self-guided experience on the Peaks of the Balkans. The Zbulo team did an impeccable job, demonstrating an outstanding level of professionalism, organization, and efficiency at every stage.
We were the first group of Brazilians (a group of 6) to complete the trekking with the agency, and we
I would like to express our complete satisfaction with our 8-day self-guided experience on the Peaks of the Balkans. The Zbulo team did an impeccable job, demonstrating an outstanding level of professionalism, organization, and efficiency at every stage.
We were the first group of Brazilians (a group of 6) to complete the trekking with the agency, and we were extremely impressed by the quality of the service. From the initial logistics of transfers and accommodations to the border-crossing permits, detailed maps, and emergency support, everything was executed with absolute precision, providing a strong sense of safety throughout the entire trek.
I would also like to highlight the excellent service provided by everyone involved: drivers, support staff, and the owners and staff at the guesthouses and hotels—all of whom were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
A special thanks to Eda and Ricardo, who supported us from the planning phase and initial Q&A all the way through to the trekking guidance, always with promptness and clarity; to Arsina, for her seamless assistance throughout the trail; and to Zamir, who handled our arrival and departure airport transfers and delivered a remarkably clear, comprehensive, and welcoming initial briefing.
Your work was fundamental to the success and peace of mind of our expedition. Zbulo has truly solidified itself as our top recommendation for future trips to Albania and the region.
Thank you all very much for your professionalism and outstanding service!
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
Great hiking trip, well organized and really good guides!
All perfect. Wonderful warm hearted guides Daniel and Donjeta.
Beautiful landscapes. Unique experience.
Grand choices of route, accomodations (except sanitary situations), perfect communication
We had a very good time, hiking the valley of the Zagoria. Everything was well organised and we had the opportunity to find places we would have never found without Zbulo. The hikes were moderate for average 50-year-old men and women. Thanks to the whole team of Zbulo!
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Ancient caravan routes and homestays in southern Albania’s Zagoria Valley
We had a fantastic trip thanks to Zbulo. All shuttles and luggage transfers were on time, friendly even with minimal English. It was nice to have everything organized and take. Care of. Some of the guest houses were better than others but that’s part of the experience.
The navigation device they supplied didn’t work well so we had to use our own phones. The
We had a fantastic trip thanks to Zbulo. All shuttles and luggage transfers were on time, friendly even with minimal English. It was nice to have everything organized and take. Care of. Some of the guest houses were better than others but that’s part of the experience.
The navigation device they supplied didn’t work well so we had to use our own phones. The vouchers were helpful in keeping the itinerary organized.
Only feedback would be to suggest staying in Shkodër before and after tip over Tirana. It’s a much more lively place.
Meals were hit and miss. A lot of the same meals at every guesthouse. More variety would have been really appreciated.
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
I liked the hostels and restaurants. The guide did amazing. She knows so much and could tell us a lot about the country, hikes and culture. I had a fantastic trip with Zbulo.
I would recommend the trip to others. 👍
My only wish is that Zbulo participates in keeping the environment and trails clean.
Being a role model for others and encouraging the local co
I liked the hostels and restaurants. The guide did amazing. She knows so much and could tell us a lot about the country, hikes and culture. I had a fantastic trip with Zbulo.
I would recommend the trip to others. 👍
My only wish is that Zbulo participates in keeping the environment and trails clean.
Being a role model for others and encouraging the local community to keep things clean.
Motivating travelers to help pick up trash here and there. Offer trashbags and trash-picking-sticks in return for a free drink for example.
8-day guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
I am impressed by the attention and care from Zebulom!
It was an incredible journey.
My thanks to Zamir and Arsina, as well as the team members I didn’t interact with directly.
Heartfelt thanks.
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
The Peaks of the Balkans hiking trip met all my expectations. Two excellent guides (that allowed them to offer two hike choices on many days), beautiful and challenging hikes, unique and authentic accommodations. Food provided was good with plenty of it. We had very good weather which added to my experience. All transfers were handled perfectly so it was low
The Peaks of the Balkans hiking trip met all my expectations. Two excellent guides (that allowed them to offer two hike choices on many days), beautiful and challenging hikes, unique and authentic accommodations. Food provided was good with plenty of it. We had very good weather which added to my experience. All transfers were handled perfectly so it was low stress for us. Our group developed a good, fun cohesiveness that made it especially memorable. I thought it was very good value for the cost. My only recommendation to those considering the trip is to do adequate training to match the hike statistics. There are many steep sections with few switchbacks that require a high level of fitness. Being in my 70’s, it pushed me to my limit, in a good way.
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
WHY CHOOSE US
Zbulo has been at the forefront of Adventure Tourism and Active Holidays in Albania since it was founded in 2013. Our team was involved with the development of most of the trails and regions popular with hikers visiting the country and its border regions today, making us true mountain tourism experts and helping us to provide the best service to our clients. Our committed office staff and experienced, professional guides, trained to the highest standards, aim to create transformative travel experiences for you.
LOCAL ENCOUNTERS
Dive below the surface and really get to know your destination. Create true emotional connections through unique encounters with the locals and fill your holidays with deep experiences.
SIGNATURE PRODUCTS
We have been involved with the scouting and development of touristic regions and trails in Albania and its neighbouring countries for many years. This allows us to carefully curate them to create the best possible, original tours for our clients.
NATURAL & CULTURAL GEMS
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the nature and culture of Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. Discover unrivalled biodiversity and dramatic scenery, as well as ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture and the archaic highlander way of life!
HIGHEST TRUST
Hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and continuous positive feedback from our guests don’t lie. Choose the most trusted travel specialists Albania has to offer to make your next trip the holiday of a lifetime.
TRAVEL WITH US
GUIDED TOURS
Join one of our guided tours that take you to the highlights of Albania and the Balkans. Travelling in small groups accompanied by one of our experienced and passionate guides is the best way to experience the breathtaking scenery, stunning nature and wonderfully hospitable people of Albania and its neighbours. Check our calendar of tour dates to find out about the next departures of your perfect active holiday!
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Self-guided trips put you in charge of your own adventure. While you travel without a guide, every other aspect of your trip is being taken care of by us: your accommodation is booked, transfers arranged, and you will be equipped with a GPS and a roadbook with all the information your need for a smooth and unforgettable trip, while giving you flexibility and freedom to go your own way. Sounds like something for you? See all our self-guided trips in one handy overview to find the one that suits you best, or maybe you got a specific itinerary in mind and would like to build your own trip instead?
OTHER SERVICES
BORDER CROSSING PERMITS
As you are planning to take on the cross border trails of the Peaks of the Balkans, the High Scardus or the Via Dinarica, you have surely come across the need for border crossing permits. These permits are part of a special application system used by hikers and cyclists who wish to cross the “green borders” between Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro or North Macedonia. Even if you don’t book a trip with us and prefer to explore these trails independently, we can assist you with obtaining your permits.
TRAIL AND GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
PEAKS OF THE BALKANS GUIDE AND FAQ
While our main focus is providing you with the best tours possible, we understand that for some people it’s simply the best fit to explore independently. In order to do that, you need quality, reliable information to plan your trip, which can be hard to come by, even as Albania and the region gets more popular. We have put together a handy “Guide to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail“ which answers traveller’s frequently asked questions, as well as some general information about Albania, mountain safety information and a recommended packing list.
WHO WE ARE
MEET THE TEAM
Zbulo consists of a small team of dedicated office staff, guides who accompany you in the field to bring you closer to the natural and cultural wonders of Albania and the region, all lead by Ricardo Fahrig and Endrit Shima, the hearts and minds behind Zbulo. Learn more about our team, find out how to work with us, or drop us a line if you need to contact us.
WHY ZBULO
With over a decade of experience in creating unforgettable active holidays for thousands of satisfied clients in Albania and its neighbouring countries, you can count on us to make your dream trip to the Western Balkans come true.
TRAVEL WITH US
Whether you are looking for a traditional guided group tour to the most beautiful places of Northern or Southern Albania, a trek through the Peaks of the Balkans border triangle with Kosovo and Montenegro, or a self-guided adventure on foot or by bike, you're in the right place.
BORDER PERMITS
We can assist with Border Crossing Permits for the Peaks of the Balkans or High Scardus Trail for independent hikers.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Do you want to get to know Albania and its trails better? Planning to hike the Peaks of the Balkans or High Scardus Trail? We have compiled some helpful information for you.
MEET THE TEAM
Want to see the faces behind the name? Have a looks who will be putting together your trip to Albania and Beyond.
our trips
8-day guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day guided Hidden Valley trek
Guided homestay trek along ancient caravan routes in the Zagoria Valley
8-day guided High Scardus Trail
Guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day self-guided Albanian Alps
Classic circuit with Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth and the Blue Eye
8-day self-guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Ancient caravan routes and homestays in southern Albania’s Zagoria Valley
8-day self-guided High Scardus Trail
Demanding self-guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day cycling highlights of southern Albania
Selected highlights of southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
10-day complete cycling route through southern Albania
The complete UNESCO cycling route through southern Albania
8-day relaxed cycling in southern Albania
A gentler ride along southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day guided Hidden Valley trek
Guided homestay trek along ancient caravan routes in the Zagoria Valley
8-day self-guided Albanian Coastal Trail
Coastal paths, olive groves and hilltop villages between the Ionian Sea and Llogara
8-day self-guided Hidden Valley trek
Ancient caravan routes and homestays in southern Albania’s Zagoria Valley
8-day cycling highlights of southern Albania
Selected highlights of southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
10-day complete cycling route through southern Albania
The complete UNESCO cycling route through southern Albania
8-day relaxed cycling in southern Albania
A gentler ride along southern Albania’s UNESCO cycling route
8-day guided High Scardus Trail
Guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro
12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
8-day self-guided Albanian Alps
Classic circuit with Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth and the Blue Eye
8-day self-guided High Scardus Trail
Demanding self-guided trek through Albania’s eastern highlands, including Mount Korab
8-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans trek
Hiking beyond borders in Albania and Montenegro – the highlights
11-day self-guided Peaks of the Balkans
Hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
