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Get all the details, highlights, and itinerary info for our inaugural Run The Balkans running tour.
Run The Balkans: Run The Hidden Gems of ALBANIA & MONTENEGRO
“Amazing Experience! Rogue was first class in terms of their organization and delivering a once in a lifetime experience. The trails and landscape of Iceland need to be seen to be believed. The trails were challenging but still great options for less and more experienced trail runners. If you are at all unsure (like I was) all I can say is “go for it!”. You will be very happy you did once you are out there sharing the experience.
Great running, great food, great guides, and a great group of other runners = an amazing experience! Very much looking forward to my next Rogue trip...”
The Albania-Montenegro mountain range connecting Theth to Durmitor is the last spot in Europe, save maybe Transnistria, where you can still get lost, see nobody, and surround yourself with some of the most stunning views and nature Europe has to offer.
Today Albania is one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Europe. The great unknown lures people in and the friendliness and hospitality, paired with amazing landscapes, do their part to make the visitor fall in love with the country.
run THE BALKANS Trip Highlights
Mountain Majesty: Explore the rugged beauty of Durmitor National Park and Theth Mountains National Park
Serene Lakes: Unwind by the tranquil shores of Lake Shkoder
Rushing Rivers: Run alongside the mighty Tara and Lum rivers
Coastal Charm: Experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea and Boka Kotorska Bay
Cultural Immersion: Discover the rich history and warm hospitality of Albania and Montenegro
Diverse Terrain: Challenge yourself on trails ranging from lush forests to rocky mountain paths
Breathtaking Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas that will take your breath away at every turn.
With our inaugural Run The Balkans trips, you’ll be one of the first runners to experience the Rogue Expeditions style in this thrilling destination.
Run THE BALKANS ITINERARY
Run The Balkans is a journey into the untamed beauty of Europe's last hidden gem. Our 8-day journey takes you through a landscape that time forgot, where traditional villages are found in deep valleys and centuries-old customs still thrive.
You'll run along paths trod by shepherds for generations, scale mountains that touch the sky, and descend into lush river valleys.
From the challenging ascents of Durmitor National Park to the serene shores of Lake Shkoder, every day brings a new adventure. You'll test your limits on volcanic rocks, cruise along dirt roads through sleepy villages, and navigate single-track trails that wind through old-growth forests.
And at the end of each exhilarating day, you'll refuel with hearty local cuisine, share stories with your fellow runners, and fall asleep to the sound of nature in cozy mountain lodges. Join us for an adventure that combines invigorating runs, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences in the Balkans.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.
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Welcome to the Balkans! We'll gather at Podgorica airport and waste no time in hitting the road to the stunning Theth Mountains. As we wind our way through the countryside, you'll get your first taste of the breathtaking landscapes that await us. We'll arrive at our cozy guesthouse nestled in the heart of Theth National Park, where we'll settle in, enjoy a welcome dinner, and brief you on the exciting week ahead.
Running: No scheduled running. Short evening shakeout optional.
Meals: Dinner (D) included -
Rise and shine for our first big run! After a hearty breakfast, we'll tackle the spectacular Valbona-Theth trail. This challenging route offers stunning views of the Albanian Alps and takes us through some of the most pristine wilderness in Europe.
In the afternoon, we'll explore the charming Theth village, learning about local culture and traditions.
Running: Valbona-Theth trail (9 miles / 3300 ft gain)
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D) included -
Today we'll run to the mesmerizing Blue Eye Lake, a natural wonder that lives up to its name. Choose your distance as we offer flexible options to suit all levels. After lunch, we'll bid farewell to Theth and make our way to Reka Crnojevica, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Skadar.
Running: Blue Eye Lake trail (options for 4, 7, or 11 miles / 700 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
Get ready for a unique running experience through the Reka Crnojevica Delta. We'll navigate trails that wind through lush wetlands, offering a stark contrast to yesterday's mountain scenery. After our run, we'll journey to the coastal town of Perast, a gem on the Bay of Kotor.
Running: Reka Crnojevica Delta (10 miles / 1500 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
Today's run takes us up to the historic fortresses overlooking Perast. We'll climb to Fort Sanik and Fort Saint Andrija, rewarding our efforts with panoramic views of the bay. The afternoon is yours to explore Perast's Venetian architecture, take a boat to the nearby islets, or simply relax by the water.
Running: Fort Sanik / Saint Andrija (6 miles / 2400 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
We'll swap our running shoes for life vests today as we experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Tara River. Choose between a 2-hour or 5-hour adventure through the river's stunning canyon. Afterwards, we'll drive to Durmitor National Park, our base for the next two nights.
Running: No scheduled run
Meals: B, L, D included -
Our final run is a real treat - the challenging but rewarding Planinica trail in Durmitor National Park. For those seeking a less strenuous option, we offer a beautiful run around Black Lake. We'll spend our last evening together reflecting on our Balkan adventure over a farewell dinner.
Running: Planinica (11 miles / 3000 ft gain) or Black Lake (distance varies) Meals: B, L, D included
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As our adventure comes to an end, we'll enjoy one last breakfast together before transferring back to Podgorica airport. If time allows, we might squeeze in a short recovery run around the lake before saying our goodbyes.
Running: Optional recovery run Meals: B included
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PRICING & DETAILS
DATES:
Week 1: June 13 - 20, 2025
COST:
A $600 deposit holds your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to departure. The total cost depends upon your sign up date:
Trip Price: TBD.
COST INCLUDES
Pre-trip guidance + communication
On-trip transportation and drivers
Seven nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star hotels or guesthouses (double occupancy)
Seven organized runs and hikes with flexible distance options
Experienced team of Rogue Expeditions + local Albaniana trip leaders & run guides
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
All drinking water + coffee/tea with breakfast
Rafting trip on Tara River
Airport transfer on departure day
Rogue Expeditions swag
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flight (please see flight requirements below)
Alcohol and beverages other than water (note: coffee is provided with breakfasts)
Travel Insurance (get it!)
Personal purchases/souvenirs
GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 runners.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
US citizens will need a passport with at least 6 months validity; no visas are required. Citizens of other countries should check with their consulate for details.
We will be arriving at Podgorica Airport (TGD). We are finalizing details for arrival and departure dates, and will update soon.
FAQS
You can find those here.
CONTACT
Allison Macsas at allison@roguexpeditions.com
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Customize Your Run THE BALKANS Adventure: Self-Guided & Private Tours
Self-Guided Run Tours
Love the idea of running in Albania and Montenegro, but want to take on Run The Balkans on your schedule? Send us a message about pricing for our Self-Guided Run The Balkans itineraries.
Private Run Tours
Want to Run The Balkans with your crew? Get in touch about reserving your private version of this Balkans running tour.