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.
Welcome to the Balkans! We meet at Dubrovnik airport and head straight for the village of Perast, set on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. The drive itself offers a first taste of the landscapes ahead. Once we arrive at our villa in this picturesque town, we settle in, share a welcome dinner, and go over the week to come.
Meals: Dinner
Running: No scheduled running; short evening walk along the promenade
Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Today’s run climbs to the historic fortresses above Perast and the Bay of Kotor—Fort Sanik and Fort Saint Andrija—with panoramic views as the reward before a steep descent back into the village for lunch along the water.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 9 mi (14 km), 1,000 ft (300 m) elevation gain
Accommodation: Guesthouse
A unique run through the Reka Crnojevica Delta takes us through lush wetlands, past the remains of an old fortress, and finishes at the Kom Monastery. From there, we board a small boat for a tour along the winding river en route to lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer to Theth, where the real mountain stretch begins.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 9 mi (14 km), 350 ft (105 m) elevation gain
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Our first taste of the towering Albanian Alps. We run along a riverbed toward the emerald waters of Blue Eye, climbing to the Grunas Waterfall before descending back to the river path for lunch. Afterward, we hike as a group to the Blue Eye spring itself—a natural wonder that earns its name.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 5 mi (8 km), 2,000 ft (600 m) elevation gain
Hiking: 3 mi (5 km), 550 ft (165 m) elevation gain
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Deeper into the Accursed Mountains of the Dinaric range. With massive peaks and deep river valleys on every side, we move through challenging mountain terrain as a group, climbing to a dramatic pass before descending into the Valbona Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 10 mi (16 km), 3,150 ft (960 m) elevation gain
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
The biggest mountain day of the trip. We hike across the border between Albania and Montenegro three times, ascending high passes with sweeping views, jumping into crystal-clear alpine lakes, and navigating technical, rocky terrain before descending into the neighboring valley.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 12 mi (19 km), 3,750 ft (1,150 m) elevation gain
Accommodation: Eco-village
One last run in the Grebaje Valley before the trip winds down, surrounded by peaks on every side. The evening closes with a hyper-local meal at the eco-village for a final dinner and awards.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 5.5 mi (9 km), 2,600 ft (790 m) elevation gain
Accommodation: Eco-village
One last breakfast together before the transfer to Podgorica Airport for onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Running: No organized run
Included:
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.