Top 5 Valbone Car Tours: See Albania Like a Local
Valbone, in the Albanian Alps, is seriously one of those spots that folks are only just now finding out about. The place, almost like your own backyard, is simply jaw-dropping and offers something seriously special for folks wanting adventure off the beaten path. To check out Valbone right, though, forget sticking to those packed tourist buses, very few seem worth the effort. Rather, what could be a fun choice, maybe actually one of the best, is going with a car tour. You get a sense of freedom and control of your trip, as a matter of fact stopping wherever tickles your fancy and soaking in all that beauty at your pace. If it wasn’t clear enough, so let’s look into the five very best Valbone car tours you just might adore.
1. The Valbone Pass Scenic Drive
The Valbone Pass drive might just be the poster child for incredible drives in Albania, is that something you agree with? It’s almost a must-do if you’re there. This very exciting route hands you views for days of rugged mountains and verdant valleys. The start point is often in Valbone itself, and folks snake through switchbacks all the way up to the pass, still the highest point around. As you would expect, bring your camera, as a matter of fact you will be snapping every two minutes.
What gives this tour its special touch is surely the many chances you’ll have for stops. Like your own backyard, imagine pulling over at different lookout spots to absorb everything. Very few forget to stretch the legs, actually grabbing photos, maybe even picnicking up there, might be just ideal for a travel journal. What about a side trip? Arguably, that will offer a local shepherd to see, or nearly stop at a small village nearby, might just give some character to your whole driving experience, kind of mixing scenery with local life.
2. Shkoder to Valbone: A Lakeside Start
Rather than hopping straight into Valbone, imagine kicking stuff off from Shkoder, that’s kind of a historic city sitting beside the serene Shkoder Lake. This whole option gives you a real contrast from urban to alpine scenes in a very short amount of time, and the drive itself is a highlight. Leave Shkoder, go north. Soon enough, pretty views pop up.
The early legs of the tour trail closely with Shkoder Lake’s stunning shore. We are nearly positive it offers picturesque vistas and charming little hamlets all hugging that water’s edge, kind of drawing visitors further away. The actual change from peaceful lakeside panoramas as that trip progresses is usually breathtaking when switchbacks snake their own path closer into heartier mountains – very close by. At nearly one with nature there you can just grab your car towards villages off-beaten which offer different types food, artisan shops together unique viewpoints most folks may otherwise look right over; something certainly does speak volumes pertaining real spirit pertaining northern Albania.
3. The Theth National Park Loop
When you want to do a circuit that includes some awesome natural wonders, Theth National Park, could be your jam. Right next to Valbone, Theth is like its little sibling, so that features a very distinct flair and beauty. Very likely, This journey has the perk to be going past pretty isolated areas. Be absolutely certain though about those bits on roads! They might sometimes be rather rough as you know what. This round would probably want, if not ask, you be doing it in any four-wheel drive.
The focal area here isn’t simply getting through places yet also really exploring different highlights along the way – perhaps going inside something like Theth Church. In all honesty with its striking skyline; seeing Lock-in Tower’s old look-out post and going towards Blue Eye swimming haven nestled among the gorgeous waterfalls are typically super favorites on peoples touring check sheet which makes total memories about nature close hand when taking any routes thru heart amongst Albanian Highlands . Just think though- pack good supplies and maybe respect weather as they get fickle real rapid way up there while heading deep this paradise like locale – so get pleasure safely instead being under ready unprepared .
4. Exploring Hidden Gems: Valbone’s Surrounding Villages
Let’s face it, Valbone itself does draw lots folks. What still goes unsaid by plenty touristy advice? Very well; circling it provides similarly intriguing experience as most villages just outside boast that specific rural type life including their very unique attraction sets only few even find; Arguably, you too might even admire this choice far and wide. Think heading afar village-centric ones by yours truely for example Rragam village! That little spot offers unique culture plus stunning mountains landscapes that make perfect photo opportunities that any serious instagram enthusiasts is gonna go crazy all-day every one during tour! Don’t skip going towards Cerem either folks!! Where traditions really do hold supreme court along side incredible trekking destinations
When tooling slowly from rural small district you can actually find artisans crafting pieces just since forever by tradition which now create something that actually represent both the historic identity as present creativity occurring; At either dining spaces also found in small quarters close proximity tourists too end actually loving what authentic flavors or classic meals which use naturally produced ingredients making them seriously special so most end saying are “that memorable.” Furthermore; You are offered opportunity just interacting daily by talking face someone during simple talk time also gives some special kind close intimacy connection locals who may provide extra interesting information about what you travel-over their backyard– not every guide surely knows!
5. The Komani Lake Ferry and Drive Combo
For one twist, maybe include some ferry time through stunning scenery before kick-starting drive straight to Valbone is more the angle wanted here! Here too one might hop into traveling thru Komani Lak- a seriously unique body terrain water carved thru valleys at cliffs, typically providing somewhat almost other-planets like scenic- so rather picturesque especially; This is simply not trip only involving point “A straight b”– since ferry one allows taking slow- paced moments getting better photos views over open parts, honestly; which tends show its value! Next- whenever ashore comes its where vehicle already can just ready itself right now- and then from such spots travelers begin their ride close Albanian heart heading the mountains area over place know call The Valbone.
When touring starts here too chances coming during meeting rural neighborhood also available during that whole long route given some opportunity grabbing authentic snack right some old tavern stop along ways which can seriously complete perfect type ” cultural – plus viewing” combined thing people ever actually dream having out somewhere distant lands while riding solo style during journeys away hometown! If you looking somewhat that quite distinct also scenic-based journey while trying maximize exploration within Valbon area with a splash scenery “plus”- consider this lake combination which is possibly turn this time touring this scenic territory simply un forget