TOKA PROGRAM

Albanian Alps

19th – 23rd June 2024

We are excited to invite you to explore with us the Albanian Alps

A transformative journey to the heart of the Albanian Highlands – a realm steeped in myths, legends and breathtaking landscapes.

This adventure will take us through stunning hikes across the alps, offer cultural insights and moments of serenity through yoga, breath work and fireside ceremonies.

TOKA Project is a wellness and collective experience created to bring together a likeminded group of individuals to foster new connections, immerse in the local culture, inspire inward reflection, recharge and play amidst the wild beauty of the Albanian nature.

We are excited to partner up with Balkan Trek for this adventure. A team of professional explorers with international experience in mountaineering, first aid and rescue services. Balkan Trek will not only accompany us in discovering this Albanian territory with their 4x4 fleet but also help us experience this trip in total safety.

Program

Wednesday, 19th of June

15:00 Check in at the hotel in Shkoder:
Located in Shkoder, one of the oldest and most historic places in Albania, Hotel Tradita is a traditionally decorated boutique hotel.

Please make your way to Shkoder from the airport. It’s a one hour taxi ride trip. We will provide the taxi contact.

17:00 Visit the Marubi Museum:

We will head to the Marubi Museum for a private tour. The Marubi Museum is a one-of-a-kind Albanian photographic museum. The core of the collection is the impressive work of the Marubi 'dynasty', Albania's first and foremost family of photographers. The collection includes the first-ever photograph taken in Albania, by Pjetër Marubi in 1858, as well as fascinating portraits, street scenes and early photojournalism, all giving a fascinating glimpse into old Albania and the rise and fall of communism.

19:00 Rozafa Castle Visit -  "Returning to Illyria"

We will be stepping into the realm of legends and ancient history with our visit to Rozafa Castle! Situated majestically on the top of a hill, surrounded by jaw dropping views, this ancient fortress holds within its walls tales of sacrifice and defiance. Legend has it that Rozafa sacrificed herself to ensure the castle's construction, embodying the spirit of resilience, sacrifice and selflessness. Moreover, Rozafa Castle bears witness to the legacy of Queen Teuta, the fierce Illyrian Queen who bravely challenged and fought the Roman Empire. Through the stories of Rozafa and Queen Teuta, we will embark on a journey through time, exploring the enduring myths and triumphs that have shaped Albania's spirit and rich history.  

20:30 Opening Ceremony, Dinner and Live Music

The restaurant prides in staying true to the art of preparation of Albanian dishes and its meze serving style. From the clay dishes used for the baking and cooking, the preparation of pita bread, to the fish and meat dishes that taste best when accompanied with Albanian drinks, the chefs pride in helping guests savour the essence of Albanian cuisine.

Thursday, 20thJune

9:00 Breakfast

10:00 Departure from the hotel

Departure from the hotel to start our journey into the highlands.We will start our adventure in 4x4s to Lake Koman, where we will be taking a boat for a stunning journey along Lumi Shala.

15:00 Lunch at Neomalsore

We will stop for delicious home grown organic food and swim in the crystal clear waters of Lumi Shala.

19:00 Dinner and Fireside Circle

Unwinding with some local food, fireside conversations and star gazing.

Friday, 21st June

07:00 After breakfast

After breakfast we will start our journey early through River Shala to Valbona Valley. The journey through the river by boat will take us 1 hour. We will then be picked up for a short drive to Valbona.

10:00 Valbona to Theth Hike

(estimated hike 6-7 hrs, 1795m elevation difficulty level: medium)

This hike offers some spectacular scenery as we hike one of the areas most celebrated trails, which has for centuries connected the glacial valleys of Valbone and Theth, crossing over the 1795m high Valbone pass, which is only accessible during the summer months due to heavy snowfall. From the pass we can take in some of the region’s most spectacular views before descending towards alpine meadows, forests and finally to Theth village where we will be spending the night.

19:00 Dinner and Fireside Circle

Unwinding with some local food, fireside conversations and star gazing

Saturday, 22ndJune

10:00 Yoga & Breathwork

Restorative Yoga & Breathwork

11:30 Breakfast/Brunch

14:00 Explore

We will continue to explore the beauty of the area by visiting the waterfall and Thethi Blue Eye

18:00 Closing Dinner and Live performance

22:00 Full Moon Ceremony by the fire

Sunday, 23nd June

09:00 Breakfast and departure to Shkoder

11:00 Short visit to Rozafa Castle and Shkodra Lake

15:00 Drop off at the airport

Need to know

Due to the nature of this trip participation is limited and requires upfront planning. We kindly ask you to RSVP by 31st of March with full payment.

Dates

Starts

19th June 2024

Ends

23rd June 2024

Costs

Single Occupancy

€1,995

APPLY NOW

Shared Room (*per person)

€1,595

APPLY NOW

The area we are visiting is quite wild and unbuilt. As such, accommodation options are limited.
We are encouraging participants toshare the rooms where possible.

  • Cost includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, wellness classes, cultural trips to ancient locations, boat trip and transport. Please note that the transfer Tirana airport – Shkoder and beverages are not included.
  • Accommodation is simple and cozy, allocated on a first come first serve basis.
  • Flights are not included. We would advise to book asap as prices do increase.

o Tirana Airport

  • There are 4 direct daily flights with BA, EasyJet, WizzAir and Rynair
  • 1-hour drive from the airport to Shkodra
  • The drop off at the airport is included in the price

Lots of love,
The TOKA team
In partnership with Balkan Trek