The Routes of the Impossible - From Albania to Kosovo
Balkan Wildlife 8 days Charm & Character

The Routes of the Impossible - From Albania to Kosovo

In the Footsteps of the Impossible Routes, from Tirana to the Remote Valleys of the Cursed Mountains.

From€1,400per person
10 years of local expertise4.9/5 (71 reviews including 71 Google)

Duration

8 days

From

€1,400/pers.

Ideal seasons

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Style

Expeditions

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

Discover the spectacular landscapes of Albania and Kosovo during a 4x4 adventure, inspired by the Dutch version of the "Routes of the Impossible" itinerary.

Begin your journey in Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, before venturing towards the Dukagjini mountains.

Travel along winding roads and cross picturesque villages, heading towards the Gjeravica valley, a site renowned for its breathtaking panoramas.

The stages of your journey

D1
GjakovaHotel Çarshia e Jupave 3*
D2
DoberdolLeonard Guesthouse
D3
GjeravicaGrand Gjeravica Hotel
D4
HaljaHalja Cabin
D5
PristinaHotel 4 Llullat
D6–8
TiranaHôtel Metro 4*

Highlights

Extreme 4x4 Expedition
Authentic Isolated Villages
Artisanal Rakia Tasting
Rugova Canyon
Unique local encounters
Preserved mountain landscapes

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival in Tirana and transfer to Gjakova

Upon arrival at the international airport of Tirana, meet our local agent, who will accompany you for your bus transfer to Kosovo.

Head to the city of Gjakova, located at the foot of the Albanian mountains, and soak in its authentic atmosphere.

Hotel Çarshia e Jupave 3*
Jour 2
D2

4x4 Adventure to the Cursed Mountains and Doberdol

Gračanica → Doberdol

4h30100 km

After your breakfast, meet your drivers and jeeps, then hit the road towards Albania and the Accursed Mountains.

After an hour of driving, begin an off-road adventure to the village of Cerem, where you will enjoy a traditional mountain lunch.

Continue then towards Doberdol, the most inaccessible village in all of Albania, nestled in the heart of an isolated valley.

Enjoy the authentic atmosphere of your rustic guesthouse in Doberdol.

Leonard GuesthouseBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 3
D3

Adventure between Albania and Kosovo – From Tropoje to Gjeravica

Doberdol → Gjeravica

3h3090 km

After breakfast, take the muddy and spectacular mountain roads through Sylbica, then cross the forest to reach Tropoje, a village with a controversial past in Albania.

Then return to Kosovo and reach the village of Nivokaz, where you will meet Ali, owner of the Vidadus distillery. He produces his own rakia, liqueur and gin from local plants in the region.

Share a lunch with your host, then visit the distillery to discover the fermentation process and Vidadus products. Enjoy a tasting of several artisanal liqueurs and gin.

Then continue on the road towards the village of Gjeravica, located at the foot of Kosovo's highest mountain.

Settle into your hotel for the night, offering an incredible view of the surrounding landscapes.

Grand Gjeravica HotelBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 4
D4

Adventure at Milishevc and Immersion in Rugova Valley

Gjeravica → Halja

4h30100 km

After breakfast, take magnificent mountain roads to the village of Milishevc, perched at altitude.

Make a panoramic stop at a mountain pass offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Arrive at Milishevc and enjoy lunch in a splendid setting.

Continue your adventure by descending into the Rugova valley, one of Europe's largest canyons. Follow the road to its deepest part, along a cliff road that will take you to the foot of an isolated valley.

Reach the Hajla cabin, located in one of Kosovo's most remote places.

You will stay in a guesthouse whose road was entirely built by its owner, Fatos. An engaged photographer, animal rights advocate and member of the Lynx Protection League, he will share with you his experience and passion for this wild region.

Chat with Fatos, who will explain life in this isolated place, and with a bit of luck, observe his wild fox coming to feed at nightfall.

➡️ (The day can be modified with an overnight stay at the Ariu guesthouse in the village of Reka e Allages.)

Halja CabinBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 5
D5

Last off-the-beaten-path route and discovery of Pristina

Halja → Pristina

3h50 km

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning at Hajla cabin to relax and appreciate the surrounding natural setting.

Then take the road for one last off-road journey, which will take you to one of the peaks of Rugova, offering exceptional panoramic views of the region.

Reach the city of Peja and say goodbye to your local guide before heading to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, recognized as the youngest country in Europe.

Explore this political and economic capital, where unique architectural contrasts and urban vibrancy blend together.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the city's dynamic atmosphere, the perfect way to conclude your adventure in Kosovo.

Hotel 4 LlullatBreakfast
Jour 6
D6

Discovery of Prizren and return to Tirana

Pristina → Tirana

4h275 km

After breakfast, head to Prizren, the cultural and historical capital of Kosovo, surrounded by mountainous landscapes.

Stroll through its old Ottoman center, crossed by the Lumbardhi river, and admire its cobbled streets and tea salons of the old bazaar, which give the city a unique Ottoman charm.

Discover three major religious buildings:

  • The Sinan Pacha Mosque

  • The Saint George Orthodox Cathedral

  • The Notre-Dame of Perpetual Help Catholic Cathedral

Take advantage of free time to climb to the Prizren Fortress, offering breathtaking views over the city.

Continue on towards Albania and reach Tirana, the Albanian capital.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of the city and enjoy this final stage of your journey.

Hôtel Metro 4*Breakfast
Jour 7
D7

Visit to Tirana, a metropolis in full transformation

After breakfast, head out to discover Tirana, a city in constant evolution.

Once dull and grey, Albania's capital has experienced post-communist international growth, transforming into a lively and colorful metropolis.

Today, Tirana is a fascinating city, symbolizing both the past and future of Albania. Explore the city's iconic sites:

  • Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana

  • Et'hem Bey Mosque (1824), a jewel of Ottoman architecture

  • Clock Tower (1822), offering panoramic views of the city

  • Government buildings, witnesses to the country's political history

Immerse yourself in the unique and dynamic atmosphere of Tirana, a city where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.

Hôtel Metro 4*Breakfast

Price per person

8 pers.€1,720/pers.
10 pers.€1,450/pers.
13 pers.€1,400/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
  • Lunches and dinners during hotel stays
  • Tips
  • Insurance
  • Return flight
  • All activities mentioned in the program and entrance fees to monuments

Included

  • Minibus transfers between cities
  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Transport with 4 Toyota Land Cruiser from day 2 to day 5 with local drivers, including their meals and accommodation
  • Nights in 3* and 4* hotels and guesthouses with breakfast on a twin room and shared room basis (local standards, subject to availability)
  • Full board during off-the-beaten-path journeys (lunch and dinner in guesthouses)
  • Rakias tasting at Nivokaz

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

Si vous souhaitez annuler votre voyage, vous devez en informer Breathe in travel avant le départ par e-mail, en expliquant les motifs de votre annulation et en joignant vos documents de voyage. En cas d'annulation, les frais suivants seront retenus par Breathe in travel sur le montant versé :

  • 60 à 31 jours avant le départ : 30% du paiement effectué ;

  • 30 à 22 jours avant le départ : 50% du paiement effectué ;

  • 21 à 15 jours avant le départ : 80% du paiement effectué ;

  • 14 à 0 jours avant le départ ou si la personne ne se présente pas le jour du départ : 100% du paiement effectué

Un montant de 11,5% du circuit ne sera pas remboursable pour tout dossier confirmé.

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Kosovo for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.

Passport

To enter Kosovo, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).

Tourist stay without visa

Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Kosovo.

This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of entry into the territory.

Authorities may also request:

  • a return travel document (return flight or onward journey),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • a hotel booking or a residential address during your stay.

Entry formalities

Upon arrival in Kosovo, travelers must present themselves to immigration services and may be required to provide:

  • information relating to their passport

  • details of their flight or means of transport

  • the address of their first accommodation in Kosovo

An entry stamp will be affixed to your passport by Kosovo immigration services. It is recommended to keep this stamp, as it may be requested when leaving the territory.

Traveling with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.

In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other nationalities

Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of Kosovo in their country of residence, or the competent Kosovo authorities.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and foreign medical expenses.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them for the entire duration of their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

No, French nationals can stay up to 90 days within 180 days in Kosovo without a visa. A valid passport required for at least 3 months after entry. Please note: some Kosovo stamps may cause issues in Serbia (do not enter Serbia from Kosovo without taking precautions).

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 100 and 170 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (250-500 euros return) are additional. Kosovo is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We tailor each trip to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.

Alan Huet, Custodian of Secret Balkans
10years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Western Mountains

Custodian of Secret Balkans, based in Pristina

“
Kosovo often surprises travelers. Those who come out of curiosity usually leave deeply moved by the warmth of the locals and the country's energy.

— Alan

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance★ 4.9/5