The mountains connecting Albania and Montenegro are one of Europe’s last wild corners. Not because they’re hard to reach, but because the rest of the world simply hasn’t caught on yet, and that’s exactly why we run here and why we keep coming back. Over 8 days, ancient shepherd paths lead through limestone gorges and high alpine passes into villages where the food is hearty and the hospitality genuine. A boat ride down the Crnojevića River and a rafting trip on the Tara sit between the running days, and six runs take us from coastal fortress trails above the Bay of Kotor deep into the Accursed Mountains—crossing the Albania-Montenegro border three times on the wildest day of the week.
Come join our 8-day guided trail running tour across Albania and Montenegro, covering 6 runs through coastal fortresses, river deltas, and the high passes of the Accursed Mountains! The trip is based in a mix of alpine homesteads, restored farmhouses, and boutique hotels, moving from the Bay of Kotor inland to Skadar Lake, then into the Albanian Alps before finishing in Montenegro's Grebaje Valley. Distances run from 5 to 19 km (3 to 12 mi) per day with multiple route options most days. A boat tour along the Crnojevića River and a rafting trip on the Tara River fill out the rest days between the bigger mountain stretches.
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Not included:
In order to join this Montenegro and Albania running tour, excellent fitness is required, as well as some experience trail running or hiking in mountain terrain.
The most you’ll cover within a day is up to 19 km (12 mi), with up to 1,150 m (3,750 ft) of elevation gain, on the biggest day—which is a hike, not a run. On the running days, the longest distance is around 14 km (9 mi) with significant elevation gain, with multiple shorter distance options also available.
Two days are point-to-point mountain hikes rather than runs: Day 5 (16 km / 10 mi) and Day 6 through the Accursed Mountains (19 km / 12 mi). These hiking days require the fitness to complete the full route, or the option to transfer by van to the next stop instead. You’ll be moving through mountain terrain on consecutive days, so comfort with sustained elevation changes day after day matters more than raw speed.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Europe trail running tours here!
Expect diverse and demanding terrain throughout this Montenegro and Albania running tour. You’ll cover mountain trails, forest paths, rocky ground, and some road sections, with single-track trails and dirt roads making up most of the route. Many trails are technical and remote, especially in the Albanian Alps. Trail running experience is recommended.
Yes, several activities beyond running are included in the trip price: a rafting trip on the Tara River, a boat tour along the Crnojevića River, and a stop at the historical Fort Saint Andrija. The itinerary also builds in time to relax and recover in scenic spots like Skadar Lake and the Valbona Valley, along with chances to take in the local culture and cuisine along the way.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
Montenegro and Albania running tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
The price for this Montenegro and Albania running tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can leave us a note at checkout if interested.
The starting point of this Montenegro and Albania running tour is Dubrovnik, Croatia, or you can head straight away to the small town of Perast in the Kotor Bay in Montenegro. Either way, most people fly into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
You’ll meet your guide at Dubrovnik Airport on Day 1 and waste no time hitting the road towards Montenegro. Airport transfers on arrival and departure are included in the price.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
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