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We’re currently experiencing technical issues affecting our online booking and messaging system. In the meantime, please download the detailed itinerary for full trip info or you can email us at info@wildernesstravel.com. We appreciate your patience!

Browse All Trips

NEW TRIP

Off the Beaten Path in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro

Hiking the Heart of the Balkans

Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro

10 Days

From $4,895

Level 4

Moderate to Strenuous

Book Online Download Itinerary Call 1-800-368-2794

Overview

Book Online Download Itinerary

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Overview

Discover a mountain realm on one of the last frontiers of Europe! The steep Albanian Alps stretch across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, rising to nearly 9,000 feet and graced with glacial lakes, rock pinnacles, ancient beech forests, and stone-built villages. We’ll hike in Albania’s Valbona and Theth national parks and in Montenegro’s Grbaja Valley, an awe-inspiring cirque in the Western Balkans. Along the way, cultural delights abound, including a visit to Kosovo’s historic Gjakova, once a stop on the Silk Road, lunch at a family homestead, and dinner at Mrizi I Zanave, Albania’s famous Slow Food restaurant.

Arrive: Tirana, Albania

Depart: Tirana, Albania

Highlights

  • Explore the alpine trails of Valbona and Theth national parks and the dramatic mountain cirque of Montenegro's Grebaja Valley
  • Stay in guesthouses in traditional mountain villages
  • Hike up the “three-border peak” of Mt. Trekufiri (7,762')
  • Visit the 14th century Visiko Decani Monastery, explore Gjakova, with its Ottoman-era bazaar
  • Savor the cuisine at Mrizi I Zanave, Albania's organic Slow Food restaurant

Overview

Book Online Download Itinerary

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All Days

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Cocja

Shkodër, Albania

Day 1 (1 night)

The boutique Hotel Cocja has a great location on a quiet side street next to the walking district of historic Shkodër. Guest rooms are spacious and stylish, and there is a lovely courtyard for enjoying breakfast.

Alternate Accommodation: Hotel Tradita

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Stanislav Simicic

View Profile

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated a Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking over 10 miles in a day and being on your feet for 5-6 hours a day. You will also need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group, including steep ascents and descents, as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

Average Hiking Day

  • 6 miles
  • 4 hours
  • 1,800 feet gain/loss


Challenge Day

  • Day 6: 10+ miles, 5 hours, 1,500 feet gain/2,900 feet loss
Review Trip Level Details

Client Testimonials

"Exceptional organization given the rural areas involved and rugged roads! As with our past Wilderness Travel trips, our three guides showed outstanding team work with at least one of the obvious goals of giving each of us the best trip possible. It was apparent that they did a lot of preparing beforehand to provide a first tour of the Balkans that I would have thought they'd been putting on for WT multiple times over together. Each of our three leaders were outstanding with their mix of both personable and professional behavior."

Pamela S.

Baltimore, MD

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Croatia, Slovenia

Level 2+

11 Days

From $6,695

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Itinerary

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.

LEARN MORE
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In Tirana, Albania&rsquo;s capital, we meet the Trip Leader this morning at the \nHotel Rogner and, after a welcome briefing in the garden caf&eacute; of the hotel, we set out for a walking tour of Tirana. We&rsquo;ll head to the new bazaar (green market) then continue toward Blloku, which holds monuments of various eras, from the Ottoman-era Ethem Bey mosque to the Brutalist buildings of the Communist period&mdash;and now the skyscrapers of capitalism. After lunch at a restaurant, we drive to charming Shkod&euml;r, Albania&rsquo;s more traditional capital and one of Europe&rsquo;s oldest cities. The city is nestled along stunning Lake Shkod&euml;r and known as the gateway to the Albanian Alps. The 14th century Rozafa Castle is perched above the lake and we&rsquo;ll stop there for views (weather permitting). Afterwards, we gather for our Welcome Dinner. For those who are up for a walk after dinner, we can immerse ourselves in the Albanian evening tradition of <em>\n\n\n\n\nxhiro<\/em>, similar to Italy&rsquo;s <em>passegiatta<\/em> or Spain&rsquo;s <em>paseo<\/em>, a pleasant dinnertime walk to see and be seen between bustling cafes and bars.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"(or Hotel Tradita)","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Komani Lake \/ Valbona National Park ","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"4 miles, 2.5 hours, 800 feet ascent\/150 feet descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time\/Boating Time: ","ItinBlock":"Leaving Shkod&euml;r, we make a scenic drive on a pot-holed road along the gorges of the Drin River to fjord-like Komani Lake, a picturesque reservoir surrounded by sheer rock walls. We&rsquo;ll board a public ferry here for a two-hour ride, with magnificent views across the turquoise waters below towering rock faces. On the other side of the lake, we drive further into the mountains for a warm-up hike along a crystalline stream through ancient beech forests. If the water level is too high, we&rsquo;ll instead hike up to a viewpoint in the upper valley. The jagged peaks towering above us give us a preview of what we&rsquo;ll see in the days to come. The Albanian Alps are also known as the Accursed Mountains, and one explanation for that curious name is that local people thought the jagged glacial karst landscape had been created in a day by a mischievous devil, while another explanation is that it&rsquo;s a name given by the weary Slavic soldiers who had to cross these steep peaks. We&rsquo;ll enjoy a hearty dinner and overnight in the Rezidenca B&amp;B, our home for three nights in the sublime mountain setting of Valbona National Park.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>The Balkans<\/strong>: The Balkan Peninsula forms the rift between what was once known as the Occident and the Orient, the line between Western Europe and the Ottoman world. Vibrant, modern cities like Tirana contrast sharply with historic medieval towns, and rural areas where time moves at a slower speed. Visitors often note the fascinating changes they experience in the lively mix of peoples and tradition.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"3.5 hours\/2 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Cerem \/ Mt. Kolata \/ Valbona National Park ","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"8.7 miles, 5 hours, 1,800 feet ascent\/3,000 feet descent\r\n","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time: ","ItinBlock":"\r<p>We drive up into the mountains of Valbona National Park on a bumpy road built during the 41-year rule of the Communist-era leader Enver Hoxha. For almost 50 years, nobody was allowed to enter this mountain realm without special permission, but today we&rsquo;ll enjoy a beautiful hike across flower-carpeted meadows and beech forests right to the now-open border with Montenegro. Mt. Kolata (8,313'), the highest peak in Montenegro, provides breathtaking views along the way. Local people still live among these peaks, in harmony with nature as humankind did many years ago, and along the trail, we&rsquo;ll visit a family in their mountain home. After reaching Bor Pass, which separates the Western Alps from the Eastern Alps, we&rsquo;ll descend from our hike, stopping for some highland hospitality at a guesthouse before returning to our hotel.<br><br>\r<strong>Peaks of the Balkans Trail:<\/strong> Almost all of our hikes take place on this long-distance trail that links three countries and four national parks. The origin of the Peaks of the Balkans Trail started with the Balkans Peace Park Project, launched by a British NGO after the Kosovo War in 1999. The goal of the project was to unite the local communities across borders through a common goal and interest. This was picked up by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in 2013, and assisted by a number of local tourism organizations and hiking clubs (including our Trip Leader, Vlatko!) to officially turn it into the Peaks of the Balkans trail.<\/p>\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Valbona National Park \/ Kukaj ","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: \r\n","EstimatedLength":"6 miles, 4.5 hours, 2,050 feet ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time: ","ItinBlock":"A short drive takes us to the trailhead and as we start our hike, we&rsquo;ll see some of the concrete bunkers built during Enver Hoxha&rsquo;s rule. Our winding path quickly climbs through lush meadows ablaze with flowers to a simple shepherd&rsquo;s hut above the treeline. During the Communist era, this was a no-go area and the hut was a military barrack. Up here, we can admire the wild and romantic mountain scenery of the Valbona Valley. We have the option to hike higher to an ancient crossing at 6,610 feet on the Montenegrin border, where a weathered border pyramid is the only reminder of Albania&rsquo;s four-decade-long isolation. Clouds permitting, we should have vistas across the most dramatic parts of Montenegro&rsquo;s mountains, including the Albanian Alps&rsquo; highest peak, Jezerca (8,838'). We&rsquo;ll descend the isolated hamlet of Kukaj, with a visit to one of the families that resides here before returning to the hotel. Tonight we can admire the alpenglow from the hotel&rsquo;s veranda at dinner.<br>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<strong><br>Albanian Isolationism<\/strong>: After World War Two, Albania&rsquo;s authoritarian ruler, Enver Hoxha, shut the mountainous country off from the outside world for four decades, banning all religion and international travel. He was convinced that the rest of the world wanted to overthrow his Communist rule, so had 500,000 concrete bunkers built in case of attack. During this time, Albania was considered by many to be the &#8220;North Korea of Europe.&#8221;","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"30 minutes","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Visoki Decani Monastery \/ Gjakova, Kosovo ","ActivityOverview":"Driving Time: ","EstimatedLength":"4 hours, split among several legs","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"\r<p>Leaving the beautiful Valbona Valley, we cross the border to Kosovo&mdash;Europe&rsquo;s youngest country, having just gained independence in 2008. Kosovo is known as Metohija by Slavs and Dukagiini by Albanians, and both peoples consider it their cultural cradle. Today is a day of cultural activities, as we visit mosques and monasteries and learn about the country&rsquo;s recent turbulent history from both perspectives. We&rsquo;ll enjoy a guided visit to the Orthodox monastery of Visoki Decani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled among chestnut groves at the foot of the Accursed Mountains. Here we&rsquo;ll learn about monastic life and the 7th century origins of this church, which houses the largest medieval fresco ensemble in Europe. After lunch, we finish the day in the historic city of Gjakova, whose impressive arched bridges bear witness to the former wealth of this town. We&rsquo;ll walk through the reconstructed bazaar where for centuries, craftsmen supplied highlanders traveling from far way. We&rsquo;ll also visit a caravanserai, and if we are lucky, the imam of the local Hadumi Mosque will be available for a talk. His mosque is a gem of Islamic architecture and a masterpiece of engineering.<\/p>\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Mt. Trekufiri \/ Lake Ohrid \/ Vusanje, Montenegro ","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"roughly 10 miles, 5 hours, 1,500 feet ascent\/2,900 feet descent (hiking details may change based on road conditions)","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"This morning we drive by 4WD vehicle up into the hills beyond the Visoki Decani Monastery and higher up on a new road that will connect Montenegro&rsquo;s coast with Kosovo&rsquo;s hinterland. The exact starting point of this hike can change from season to season, depending on whether there is sometimes damage to this road from the previous winter&mdash;be prepared with a healthy sense of adventure! At the trailhead, we are surrounded by mountain splendor as we hike along the border of Kosovo and Montenegro and to the three-border peak, Mt. Trekufiri (7,762'). After enjoying the sweeping 360-degree views, we&rsquo;ll continue, this time hiking along the borders of Albania and Montenegro, passing an abandoned border station and descending into Montenegro on foot to arrive at the glacial waters of Lake Hrid. The lake&rsquo;s glassy surface reflects the spruce and pine forests that surround it and we have an opportunity for a swim. Transfer to and overnight at the Moonlight House, a guesthouse in the tranquil village of Vusanje in the Ropojana Valley.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"3 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Grebaja Valley \/ Popadija Katun \/ Vusanje","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"5 miles, 4 hours, 1,650 feet ascent\/2,950 feet descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time: \r\n","ItinBlock":"Montenegro&rsquo;s magnificent Grebaja Valley might be the most inspiring mountain cirque in the Western Balkans, with Mt. Taljanka (6,748') perched right at the top. Traveling by 4WD vehicle, we reach the hamlet of Popadija Katun, where we hike the last section of the trail up to Montenegro&rsquo;s border with Albania. We&rsquo;ll have vistas of the twin peaks of Popadija and Taljanka, while across from us rise the sheer rock walls of the Karanfiji Massif (8,074'). The hike is steep at first but offers breathtaking views. We&rsquo;ll descend through a gentle beech forest, and at hike&rsquo;s end, celebrate in a local beer garden before returning to our guesthouse in Vusanje. Those who would prefer a rest day today can enjoy the small mountain town of Plav and Lake Plav.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Ropojana Valley \/ Gjeshtares Lake \/ Theth National Park ","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"7 miles, 5.5 hours, 2,150 feet ascent\/2,950 feet descent","ActivityLevel":"\r\nDriving Time:","ItinBlock":"\r<p>For our last mountain hike, we head by 4WD vehicle through glacier-carved Ropojana Valley, a world of towering peaks, waterfalls, and a seasonal glacial lake. We&rsquo;ll visit the karst spring, called Oko Skakavice, and continue to Gjeshtares Lake, where a weathered border stone serves as the only reminder of Albania&rsquo;s once-sealed borders. Today as we hike through the beautiful Ropojana Valley, we may meet shepherds moving their flocks to high pastures. A serpentine former caravan path leads us down into the village of Theth in Theth National Park. In this mountain valley, there&rsquo;s a local watering hole where we can have a drink before heading to our hotel, a serene retreat in Theth, a village encircled by green pastures and imposing peaks.<\/p>\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1 hour","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Thoria Pass \/ Shkod&euml;r \/ Mrizi I Zanave \/ Fisht&euml; ","ActivityOverview":"Driving Time:","EstimatedLength":"3.5 hours","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"\r<p>Leaving the mountains behind today, we&rsquo;ll drive over the winding Thoria Pass (5,396') and back down into the lowlands to Shkod&euml;r. After a city tour of Shkod&euml;r and lunch, we head out into the countryside to experience the cuisine of Albania's famous Slow Food restaurant, Mrizi i Zanave, which is also a small and simple agriturismo. After our days in the mountains, this will feel like a different world, where Chef Altin Prenga has reinvented traditional cuisine for the modern age. The property is part restaurant, part farm, part winery, and serves incredibly tasty food, all grown and produced on site. It&rsquo;s a wonderful setting for our Farewell Dinner. We&rsquo;ll arrive in the early afternoon, which gives us time to relax after much great hiking, and we&rsquo;ll take a tour of the farm to learn about Albanian cuisine and see where tonight&rsquo;s dinner and tomorrow&rsquo;s breakfast will be coming from.<\/p>\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Tirana \/ Depart ","ActivityOverview":" Driving Time:","EstimatedLength":"1.5 hours","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning transfer brings us from Fishte to the Tirana airport, where flights depart from 12:30 pm onward. Alternatively, the transfer can take you to Tirana, which adds another 30-40 minutes driving time.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Tirana, Albania \/ Shkod&euml;r \/ Valbona National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"\r<p>After a walking tour of Tirana, we head to charming Shkod&euml;r, Albania&rsquo;s more traditional capital and one of Europe&rsquo;s oldest cities. Moving into the Albanian Alps, we&rsquo;ll hike across flower-carpeted meadows and beech forests to the now-open border with Montenegro. Local people still live among these peaks, and we&rsquo;ll visit a family in their mountain home. Our welcoming guesthouse for three nights is in the mountains of Valbona National Park, laced with glacier-fed springs, rock formations, and dense forests.<\/p>\r\n","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Gjakova, Kosovo \/ Vusanje, Montenegro","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Crossing the border into Kosovo, Europe&rsquo;s youngest country, we&rsquo;ll visit the city&rsquo;s mosques and monasteries, including the World Heritage-listed monastery of Visoki Decani, nestled among chestnut groves. Our hike up the trail on the &ldquo;three-border peak&rdquo; of Trekufiri ends with a descent on foot right to our guesthouse in Montenegro. Another hike brings us through Montenegro&rsquo;s magnificent Grebaja Valley, the most inspiring mountain cirque in the Western Balkans, with massive jagged spires soaring up from the valley floor and splendor on par with the Dolomites.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Theth National Park \/ Shkod&euml;r \/ Mrizi I Zanave","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"\r<p>Our last hike is through the glacier-carved Ropojana Valley down to the charming village of Theth in Theth National Park. On Day 9, we celebrate our journey with a final overnight at Mrizi I Zanave, Albania&rsquo;s famous organic Slow Food farm-restaurant and also an authentic agriturismo. 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In her time in California, she became a passionate advocate for nature conservation, and on return to Bulgaria, she joined her country&apos;s anti-nuclear and environmental movement. Today she works for Greenpeace in Bulgaria and Ukraine, leading the project for the green reconstruction of Ukraine. She loves the mountains of her native country and is especially keen to share their beauty with travelers. Denitza also enjoys sharing Bulgaria&apos;s folk music, both the dances and the songs. As a youth, she danced with one of the folk groups in Varna. ","BioLong":"Denitza Petrova was born in Varna, a town on Bulgaria&apos;s Black Sea coast. She graduated with a degree in sociology from Sofia University and spent her college summers in California, later completing a two-year stint in outdoor education in the Santa Cruz Mountains (Camp Campbell Outdoor Science School). In her time in California, she became a passionate advocate for nature conservation, and on return to Bulgaria, she joined her country&apos;s anti-nuclear and environmental movement. Today she works for Greenpeace in Bulgaria and Ukraine, leading the project for the green reconstruction of Ukraine. She loves the mountains of her native country and is especially keen to share their beauty with travelers. Denitza also enjoys sharing Bulgaria&apos;s folk music, both the dances and the songs. As a youth, she danced with one of the folk groups in Varna. "}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Pamela S.","GuestLocation":"Baltimore, MD","GuestReview":"Exceptional organization given the rural areas involved and rugged roads! As with our past Wilderness Travel trips, our three guides showed outstanding team work with at least one of the obvious goals of giving each of us the best trip possible. It was apparent that they did a lot of preparing beforehand to provide a first tour of the Balkans that I would have thought they'd been putting on for WT multiple times over together. 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Please refer to the attached <em>Extra Service Request Form<\/em> for more information.","Custom_FI_Note":"","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"the Balkans","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<div><strong>Reading List: <\/strong>Elevate your travel experience by delving into this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-hiking-the-heart-of-the-balkans\">curated collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure.<\/div>","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"<strong>CARRY-ON<\/strong><div>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, prescription medications, and any paperwork required to enter Albania, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.<\/div>","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"<strong>HIKING POLES<\/strong><div>If you choose to bring hiking poles, they must be packed in your checked luggage as they are not permitted in carry-on bags.<br><\/div>","Custom_Daypack":"<strong>DAYPACK<\/strong><div>To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail.To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail.<\/div>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<strong>ARRIVING IN TIRANA<\/strong><div><br><div>You will meet your Trip Leader at the reception of the Hotel Rogner at 10:00 am on Day 1. As check-out from the hotel is also at 10:00 am, if you were staying in the Hotel Rogner before the trip, please arrive to the meeting with your luggage ready to depart, and dressed for a walking tour of the city.<\/div><div><br><\/div><div>Transfer from the airport to your hotel and to the meeting place is on your own, and we recommend using an official airport taxi from Tirana Airport.<\/div><\/div>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<strong>DEPARTING TIRANA<\/strong><div><br><\/div><div>On Day 10, a group transfer will take you from the group hotel in Fishte to the Tirana airport. For those not departing that same day, a stop can be made in Tirana following that.<\/div>","Custom_Extra_Services":"<div><strong>PRE-TRIP AND POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS<\/strong><\/div><div><br><\/div>If you are arriving or departing on a different day and have arranged extra hotel nights through Wilderness Travel, please look for an Extra Services Confirmation in this packet.","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our Trip Leaders (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_ESC-Outfitter_Contacts_Left_Override":"","Custom_name_slug":"balkans-albania-kosovo-montenegro-peaks-hiking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Hike the best sections of the Peaks of the Balkans trail from the Albanian Alps to Montenegro&apos;s magnificent Grebaje Valley.","Custom_List_Description":"Hike the Albanian Alps and Montenegro's magnificent Grebaje Valley, visit ancient villages, discover Kosovo's mosques and monasteries.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Balkans Hiking Tour | Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Tirana International Airport N&euml;n&euml; Tereza (TIA)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Anytime prior to Day 1<br><strong>Meeting Place &amp; Time:<\/strong>You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Hotel Rogner at 10:00 am on Day 1.<div><br><\/div><div>You must arrive in Tirana the day before the trip begins, as the group meets at 10:00 am on the first day. We are happy to help book you into the meeting hotel (depending on availability), or at a nearby hotel for any extra nights you may need in Tirana. Note: Check-out from the Hotel Rogner is also at 10:00 am, so if you were staying in the meeting hotel before the trip, you should arrive at the meeting with your luggage ready to depart, and dressed for a walking tour of the city.<\/div><div><br><\/div><div><div>We recommend using an official airport taxi to transfer from Tirana Airport to your hotel. This drive takes 20-25 minutes to the city center depending on traffic. Taxis will be found directly outside after customs and are available 24\/7. Taxi rates can be trusted, however there is also a small dispatcher booth with an official price list, if you wish to check the current rate before getting in a taxi.<\/div><\/div>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Tirana International Airport N&euml;n&euml; Tereza (TIA)<br><strong>Date &amp; Time: <\/strong>Day 10, after 12:30 pm <br><br>On Day 10, a group transfer will take you from the group hotel in Fishte to the Tirana airport. For those not departing that same day, a stop can be made in Tirana following that.","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Tirana.<div><br><\/div><div>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 970-818-8459 in the US or Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.exitotravel.com\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<div><br><\/div><div>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once tickets are purchased, please forward a copy of your email flight confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/div><\/div><\/div>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"hiking-the-heart-of-the-balkans","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Albania. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos. <br><br>","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"Albania's national currency is the LEK, but Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas. The taxi from the airport will most likely quote their price in Euros. In Albania, paying in cash is more popular than paying by card. Likewise, in both Montenegro and Kosovo, the Euro is used as the currency even though neither is in the EU yet! <br><br>The most convenient way to obtain Euros is to use your debit card at ATMs. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $200 or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency (please do not use a personal check). The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone:<\/strong> The international dialing code for Albania is 355, for Montenegro is 382 and for Kosovo is 383. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use. <br><br><strong>Email &amp; Internet Access:<\/strong> Internet access is available at most of our hotels and lodges. but service can be spotty and unreliable.","Custom_Electricity":"Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo have 230-volt current. Plugs usually have two prongs. You will need to bring a voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"\r<p>While traveling in this area, we highly recommend sticking to bottled water for both drinking and brushing teeth, and avoiding ice if you are unsure how it was made. Your trip leaders will do their best to ensure bottled water is available. It is always recommended to wash hands well and often.<\/p>\r","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-hiking-the-heart-of-the-balkans\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>Passport<\/li><li>One other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>Expense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"We ask that you pack everything in one piece of luggage as this simplifies the transportation of luggage en route. <br><ul><li>Soft-sided suitcase, with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel). Soft-sided bags with wheels are fine.<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail.<\/li><li>(Optional) Small roll-up bag to carry home purchases.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Clothing":"Bring clothes you find most comfortable for walking. On a warm sunny day, you might want to hike in shorts and a t-shirt, but remember that rain and cold weather can occur at any time. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. You'll want a change of clothes for the evening, but nothing dressy is necessary. Casual wear is fine, and coats and ties are not required. <br><br>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only.<br><ul><li>Good quality rain\/wind shell jacket with hood, and rain\/wind pants. Gore-Tex and equivalent fabrics are waterproof and breathable and are a practical choice. Make sure your jacket has a hood and sealed seams to prevent leaking. Pants with leg zippers are practical because you can take them off without removing your boots. Ponchos aren't suitable.<\/li><li>Fleece jacket or heavy wool sweater<\/li><li>Fleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>Long-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are ideal.<\/li><li>T-shirts<\/li><li>Hiking pants, one or two pairs. Jeans are not suitable because they are made of dense cotton, and once wet, will stay wet. Pile pants or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice.<\/li><li>Hiking shorts, two pairs. Quick-drying nylon shorts are great.<\/li><li>Shade hat with a wide brim<\/li><li>Medium hiking boots. Your boots must be waterproof, warm, comfortable, and broken in! Please choose them carefully. Ankle support is very important. Blisters caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common and painful problem normally encountered on hiking trips.<\/li><li>Comfortable walking shoes for towns<\/li><li>Underwear, socks<\/li><li>Bathing suit<\/li><li>Sleepwear<\/li><li>Casual city\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Reusable water bottle, 1 qt. capacity.<\/li><li>Good quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair is handy if your first pair gets lost.<\/li><li>Assorted plastic bags to compartmentalize items<\/li><li>Waterproof cover for your daypack<\/li><li>Money belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><ul><li>Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>Insect repellent (optional)<\/li><li>Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>Blister kit. Look for long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>Prescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Off the Beaten Path in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro","Custom_Lodging":"9 nights hotels and simple guesthouses","Custom_Meals":"All meals included","Custom_Difficulty":"Moderate to strenuous hiking, 4 to 10 miles a day, elevations below 7,500 feet, some rocky trails and rugged road travel","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"Because the prices published for our program are set so far in advance of the trip dates, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases and\/or currency fluctuations that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, we do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs or exchange rates. If this is the case, your final invoice will reflect the difference in trip cost.","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_Travel_Insurance_Override":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"\r<p>This trip is rated a <strong>Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking over 10 miles in a day and being on your feet for 5-6 hours a day. You will also need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group, including steep ascents and descents, as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.<br><br>\r<strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><\/p>\r<ul>\r<li>6 miles<\/li>\r<li>4 hours<\/li>\r<li>1,800 feet gain\/loss<\/li>\r<\/ul>\r<p><br>\r<strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><\/p>\r<ul>\r<li>Day 6: 10+ miles, 5 hours, 1,500 feet gain\/2,900 feet loss<\/li>\r<\/ul>\r","Custom_Terrain":"\r<p>While the Accursed Mountains are not exceptionally high, they are steep and rugged, and this trip, while not technically difficult, is aimed at those who have at least some experience mountain hiking. At lower elevations, the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations they can be uneven, with large rocks or loose scree, so participants must have good balance and be confident on their feet. Hiking poles are highly recommended. After the first two days, each hike includes serious elevation gain and\/or loss, and there are no alternate hiking options available. Trails typically have a steep ascent to begin, then follow a ridgeline before taking a steep descent back to the valley floor.<\/p>\r","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude is generally not a problem on this trip. However, some people still experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.","Custom_Weather":"In Albania, the climate is Mediterranean on the coast (mild, rainy winters, hot, sunny summers), while slightly more continental and cooler in the mountainous interior, depending on the altitude. In the lowlands, the average summer temperature is 75&deg;F, with mild winters at 45&deg;F. In the mountainous interior, the dominant factor is elevation, with big daily fluctuations in temperatures between daytime and night. The snow line in the Albanian Alps is at 4,900 feet, compared to the Swiss Alps at around 8,500 feet. In June, the meadows are covered in wildflowers and by September, the last snowfields disappear and foliage begins to turn red, indicating the arrival of autumn. As in all mountain regions, there is a chance of summer rainfall and the possibility of thunderstorms.","Custom_Accommodations":"The hotels, mountain lodges, and guesthouses we use on this trip are somewhat basic given how far off the typical tourist path they are, but they are the best-available accommodations in the rural mountain areas we visit. They are well located, comfortable, and offer hearty homemade meals to fuel us as we hike through this gorgeous and lightly touristed region. It is important to arrive with an open mind and sense of adventure as we explore valleys without the tourist infrastructure you might expect in the Alps of Western Europe. Since guesthouses are often in historic rural buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.","Custom_Cuisine":"Located on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, Albania has a cuisine typical of a Mediterranean country, and you'll recognize elements from Italian, Greek, and Turkish cuisine. Mixed grills of meat and vegetable (<em>zgara<\/em>) are typical, as well as<em> byrek<\/em>, a savory pie with layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with various meat, vegetables, and herbs. Typical salads include chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, topped with white brine cheese. In the mountain villages, vegetable or beef stews offer nourishment, along with homemade cheeses and fresh-baked breads, and on the coast, there is catch-of-the-day fish. Lunches on Days 4, 6, 7, and 8 will be enjoyed picnic-style on the trail.","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"\r<p>This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.<\/p>\r","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer a plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex. Please visit our Travel Insurance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/resources\/travel-insurance\/\">webpage<\/a> for more information. You can purchase travel insurance with your final payment using the link above. <\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>\t<div>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>\t<div>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to blog@wildernesstravel.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>\t<div>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Portal_Help":" If you're experiencing any issues with accessing your portal or completing your online forms, please refer to the sections below for assistance. For further support, contact us at <strong>1-800-368-2794<\/strong>.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Issues Accessing Forms<\/strong><br>If you are having issues accessing or completing your forms we suggest trying two things:<div><br><\/div><div>\t1. Update Your Browser:<div><br><\/div><div>The portal works best using Chrome or Firefox. Please make sure you are using the latest version of either program.<div><br><\/div><div>\t2. Clear Your Browser Cache:<div><br><\/div><div>How to clear your cache (depending on the browser):<div><div><br><\/div><div>Chrome:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right of your screen) &gt; Click on History &gt; Click Clear browsing data on the left sidebar<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the option Cookies and Other site data &gt; Click Clear Data<div><br><\/div><div>Firefox:<br>\t1. Click the 3 vertical lines (top right of your screen) &gt; Library &gt; History &gt; Clear Recent History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the options Cookies, Cache, etc. &gt; Click Clear Now<div><br><\/div><div>Safari:<br>\t1. Press Command+Y &gt; Clear Browser History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select the time range &gt; Click Clear History<div><br><\/div><div>Microsoft Edge:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right) &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy, Search, &amp; Services<br>\t2. Under &ldquo;Clear browsing data,&rdquo; select Cookies and Cached files &gt; Click Clear<div><br><\/div><div>If you are still having issues, we apologize! Just let us know and we will send you the forms as fillable Adobe PDF documents instead. <\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Submitting Forms<\/strong><br><ul>\t<li>Please Click &ldquo;Complete Form&rdquo; to submit your form<\/li>\t<li>&ldquo;Save for Later&rdquo; will save a draft if you need to return later. But reminder that our office will not receive the form until you click &ldquo;Complete&rdquo;<\/li>\t<li>Terms &amp; Conditions Form - Please remember to first submit your signature and then click the &ldquo;Complete&rdquo; button to submit.<\/li><\/ul><div><strong>Making a Partial Payment<\/strong><\/div><ul>\t<li>The &ldquo;Pay this Amount&rdquo; field is editable. If you wish to make a partial payment or split a payment across multiple credit cards, you can edit the amount to pay to a partial amount, and then return to the same screen to pay the balance remaining.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Mandatory_Emergency_Evacuation_Insurance":"Please note: Insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this trip. Wilderness Travel offers a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan through Travelex Insurance that meets this requirement. For more details, visit our website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a>. Alternatively, you can purchase a different policy on your own, as long as it includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person. You can compare options at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.insuremytrip.com\">insuremytrip.com<\/a>.","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option crafted by our Area Specialists to showcase the best of each destination. While many travelers book this tour as is, our specialists can help customize it to fit your interests and travel style. We can adjust the duration, add extensions, include special activities, and customize excursions. Contact us to explore your options!","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"Early reservations are recommended as accommodations can sell out quickly. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred travel dates and how many people will be in your group so we can check availability and send you a proposal itinerary with pricing. We can hold a provisional booking for one week, after which a deposit is required to secure your spot. Once we receive your deposit, we'll send a Welcome Packet with your confirmation letter, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet. See our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for payment details. If you have any questions, or wish to start the booking process, please call 1-800-368-2794 or email ","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific departures they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>At time of reservation: $600<br>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}