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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 mountains are among the highest peaks of the Dinaric Alps spanning the Balkans. Known as the Accursed Mountains with several myths and legends of the names origin, this region is a place where you can still get lost, see nobody, and be immersed in the most stunning views and untouched 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 Valbona National Park and the Accursed Mountains
Serene Lakes: Unwind by the tranquil shores of Lake Shkoder
Rushing Rivers: Run alongside Crnojevića and the Lum River
Coastal Charm: Experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea and Boka Kotorska Bay
Cultural Immersion: Discover the rich and complex history and warm hospitality of Albania and Montenegro
Diverse Terrain: Challenge yourself on trails ranging from lush forests to rocky high mountain passes
Breathtaking Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe
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 one of Europe's last hidden gems. 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 mountain passes within the Accursed Mountains to the serene shores of Lake Shkoder, every day brings a new adventure. You'll test your limits on steep mountain ascents, cruise along dirt roads through sleepy villages, and navigate single-track trails that wind through old river beds.
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 Dubrovnik airport and waste no time hitting the road towards the stunning village of Perast situated on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. 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 beautiful villa in this picturesque town as we settle in, enjoy a welcome dinner, and brief you on the exciting week ahead.
Running: No scheduled running. Short evening walk along the promenade
Meals: Dinner (D) included -
Today's run takes us up to the historic fortresses overlooking Perast and the Bay of Kotor. We'll climb to Fort Sanik and Fort Saint Andrija, rewarding our efforts with panoramic views of the bay before a steep descent back into the village for a delicious local meal along the water's edge.
Running: Fort Sanik / Saint Andrija (9 miles / 1000 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, passing remains of an old fortress and finish at the Kom Monastery. After our run, we'll hop on a small boat and enjoy a tour along the windy river en route to lunch. In the afternoon we will make our way to Theth, where the real mountain adventures await.
Running: Reka Crnojevica Delta (9 miles / 350 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
Today will be your first introduction to the towering Albanian Alps! We will stretch the legs out running along a river bed towards the emerald waters of Blue Eye. En route we’ll climb to the Grunas Waterfall before descending back towards the river path and finishing with lunch. After refueling we’ll hike as a group to the mesmerizing Blue Eye Lake, a natural wonder that lives up to its name.
Running: Grunas Waterfall (5 miles / 600m) Blue Eye Hike (3 miles / 550 ft)
Meals: B, L, D included -
Today kicks off our journey deeper into the Accursed Mountains of the Dinarica mountain range. With massive peaks and deep river valleys surrounding the region, we’ll move through the challenging mountain terrain together as a group, climbing to the iconic and breath-taking mountain pass before descending into the neighboring valley of Valbona.
Hiking: Theth to Valbona (10 miles / 3150 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
With a reluctant departure from the beauty of Valbona we’ll embark on a challenging, yet breathtaking group hike for our biggest mountain day yet! Moving through the Dinaric mountains, we will start in Albania and hike across the border back and forth to Montenegro not once, twice, but three times. Ascending high mountain passes with sweeping views of iconic peaks, jumping in crystal-clear alpine lakes, navigating technical and rocky terrain and descending to the neighboring valley… today’s a big one!!
Hiking: The Accursed Mountains (12 miles / 3750 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
Tired yet? We hope so! After some massive days out in the mountains, we knew we couldn’t leave them just yet. Waking to the fresh mountain air with surrounding peaks in the Grebaje Valley, we’ll enjoy one last hike/run in the valley and a fresh, hyper-local meal at the eco-village before making our departure back to Montenegro for our final dinner and awards.
Running: Grebaje Valley Climb (5.5 miles / 2600 ft gain)
Meals: B, L, D included -
As our adventure comes to an end, we'll enjoy one last breakfast together before transferring back to Podgorica airport.
Meals: B included
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PRICING & DETAILS
DATES:
Week 1: June 3 - 10, 2025
Week 2: June 13 - 20, 2025
Week 3: June 23 - 30, 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: $4,595.
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
Boat tour along the Crnojevica 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 Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) and departing from Podgorica Airport (TDG).
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.