Small Group Hiking Tour of Theth & Blue Eye in 2 Days

If you’re dreaming of escaping into wild, untouched mountain scenery, this 2-day small group hiking tour of Theth and the Blue Eye in Albania might just be the adventure you need. We haven’t personally done this trip, but based on reviews and detailed itineraries, it looks like a fantastic way to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes Albania has to offer.

What really stands out about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who keep everything smooth and informative, and the views—from rugged mountains to the shimmering Blue Eye—that promise some truly picture-perfect moments. A potential consideration is that the tour involves some moderate hiking (about 6 hours on Day 1), so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

This tour is perfect if you’re after an active escape that combines culture, nature, and a touch of adventure. It caters well to travelers who want a well-organized, immersive experience in the Albanian Alps, with comfortable overnight stays and scenic hikes. If you’re looking for a trip that’s both manageable in scope and packed with stunning sights, keep reading.

Key Points

• Expert-led experience: Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and care.
• Stunning scenery: Expect dramatic mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and the famous Blue Eye.
• Well-organized itinerary: The tour covers key highlights with a good balance of hiking and relaxation.
• Comfortable stays: Accommodation is in simple, traditional guesthouses with shared rooms.
• Includes transportation and entry tickets: Hassle-free travel from Tirana or Shkodra.
• Moderate difficulty: Suitable for those with some hiking experience and good physical fitness.

What You Can Expect from the 2-Day Itinerary

Starting Bright and Early in Tirana

The adventure kicks off at 6:00 am from Tirana or Shkodra, with a pick-up that makes life easy since you’re not fussing over how to get there. The early start means you’ll capitalize on cooler morning air and arrive at your first scenic stops with plenty of time to soak it all in.

Scenic Drive Through Northern Albania

The drive to Shkodra and Qafë Thore is part of the charm. You’ll pass through vibrant fields, rivers, and the vast Shkodra Lake, which are already a treat for the eyes. As you wind higher into the mountains, the landscape turns wilder, more remote, and increasingly beautiful. The road between the main highway and Theth is described as bumpy but worth it for the views, and the sense of being in a place far from the hustle.

One review describes the scenery en route as “spectacular,” especially the area around Qafa e Thores, which sits at 1700 meters and offers a perfect vantage point of the Albanian Alps. This place is often touted as the “photo spot” of the trip, and we can see why — think rugged peaks, aromatic wild herbs, and a sense of wilderness that feels untouched.

Arriving in Theth & Culture

The arrival in Theth feels like stepping into a mountain village straight out of a postcard. You’ll stay overnight in a guesthouse that’s simple but cozy, with shared rooms that bring travelers together in a communal setting. After settling in, the tour takes you to the old church and the Lock in Tower, iconic symbols of the area with stories centuries old, offering a glimpse into local culture amidst spectacular scenery.

The Blue Eye Hike — A Showstopper

The highlight for most travelers is the hike to the Blue Eye, a natural wonder formed by melting snowwater erosion. The trail is about 6.2 km each way, with roughly 700 meters of elevation gain, making it a moderate trek that’s accessible to those with some hiking experience. The trail offers about 3 hours of walking each way, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views, the fresh mountain air, and the lush surroundings.

Once you arrive, the Blue Eye itself is an extraordinary sight—an intense blue circle of water, seemingly carved out of a postcard. The water temperature is about 5°C, meaning a splash or a dip might be tempting for the brave, though it’s not guaranteed to be everyone’s cup of tea given how cold it is. Still, just gazing at the vivid colors and feeling like you’re inside a postcard makes it worth the effort.

A reviewer shared their amazement at the scenery, saying “you will be captivated by the bright blue and green colors, like being inside a picture,” and many note that the entire hike is “easy to moderate,” making it accessible for most with a reasonable fitness level.

Day Two: Waterfalls and More Views

Waking up in Theth with those mountain vistas in the background is a treat. After breakfast, the tour continues with a hike to Grunasi Waterfall, a curtain of white water cascading over grey rocks, which is described as “spectacular.” The 6 km hike involves around 270 meters of elevation gain and takes about 3 hours round-trip. It’s a gentle yet scenic walk, perfect after a day of trekking the previous day.

The waterfall is quite photogenic, and reviews mention it as a highlight, with one describing it as “water tumbling down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls.” The trail is a loop, which means you return to the same starting point, making the whole experience manageable and enjoyable.

Returning to Shkodra and Tirana

The journey back is smoother, with scenic roads winding down from the mountains into the valleys. The trip concludes with a drive back to Tirana or Shkodra, which takes about an hour, leaving you plenty of time to reflect on the trip or plan your next Albanian adventure.

What About the Cost?

At $494.52 per person, this tour packs in quite a lot: transport, accommodation, an expert guide, and entry tickets to key sites. The value is evident when you consider how much effort and logistics are covered — you’re getting a guided experience that’s well-structured. The accommodation is in simple, comfortable guesthouses, meaning it’s not luxury, but cozy and authentic. Meals outside the included breakfast are roughly 12-15 Euros, so it’s worth budgeting for lunches, dinners, and snacks.

What’s Included

• Breakfasts to fuel your hikes
• Shared accommodation in guesthouses
• Transport from Tirana/Shkodra to Theth and back
• Entry tickets for the sites visited
• Tour leader to guide and support throughout

What’s Not Included

• Lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks
• Souvenirs or personal expenses
• Additional local transfers not specified

The Experience You’ll Be Taking Home

The numerous reviews highlight how much visitors appreciated the guides’ friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility. One reviewer mentioned, “they adapt the program to your needs,” which is a real plus if you want some flexibility on your trip. The scenery, from waterfalls to mountain peaks, consistently receives praise, with travelers describing Theth as “simply breathtaking” and the Blue Eye as “a postcard come to life.”

Many mention the good value for money, especially given the quality of the guides and the stunning sights. The tour also seems to be well-organized, with pickups and drop-offs handled smoothly, meaning you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than logistics.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for active travelers who enjoy moderate hiking and are comfortable with physical activity. It’s perfect for those who want an organized trip that combines outdoor adventure with cultural insights. If you’re traveling solo or as a small group, the intimate setting and small group size (max 10) foster a friendly vibe.

It’s also great if you love nature, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, but don’t want to endure overly technical hikes. Families with older children can also enjoy it, provided they’re fit enough for 6 hours of hiking on Day 1. It might not suit those seeking luxury accommodations or a very leisurely pace, but if you’re after authentic, scenic exploration, this is a solid pick.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It requires some hiking experience and good physical condition. The hikes are moderate, with about 6 hours on Day 1 and 3 hours on Day 2, so a reasonable fitness level is recommended.

Do I need to bring my own food?
Breakfasts are included, but lunches and dinners are not. They usually cost around 12-15 Euros, so plan to budget for those meals outside the tour package.

Are accommodations comfortable?
You’ll stay in simple, traditional guesthouses that are cozy and authentic, with shared rooms accommodating 2-5 travelers. Private rooms are available for an extra 40 Euros per night.

How is transportation arranged?
All transport from Tirana or Shkodra to Theth on Day 1 and back on Day 2 is included. The roads can be bumpy, but the guides are experienced drivers.

What about weather?
The tour operates in good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I do this trip alone?
Yes, the small group nature makes it suitable for solo travelers, and many reviews mention traveling alone and enjoying the company.

Is the Blue Eye hike difficult?
No, it’s considered easy to moderate, suitable for most hikers with some experience. The trail is about 6.2 km each way with an elevation gain of 700 meters.

What is the best time to go?
While the reviews include visits in May with lingering snow and aromatic lavender fields, the full experience is typically best in late spring to early summer when weather is mild.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is physically demanding, so it’s best suited for travelers with good mobility and endurance; children should be of an appropriate age and fitness level.

This 2-day small group hiking tour of Theth and Blue Eye offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insight. The guides’ warmth and knowledge shine through, making it a trip that’s not overly rushed but still packed with highlights. The stunning mountain vistas, waterfalls, and the Blue Eye itself are the kind of sights that linger long after the trip ends.

It’s a particularly good choice for active travelers who want a well-organized, authentic experience without sacrificing comfort or safety. If you’re after an adventure that pushes your limits a bit but rewards you with some of the most splendid scenery Albania has to offer, this tour fits the bill.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or seeking that perfect mix of challenge and relaxation, this trip promises a memorable taste of the Albanian Alps. Just be sure you’re ready for some moderate hikes and keep an eye on the weather to make the most of this mountain escape.