Balkans

Running tour

Run Europe’s wild Accursed Mountains where ancient trails await the adventurous.

June 3-10, 2025

June 13-20, 2025

June 23-30, 2025

Duration:   8 days
Level:   Experience Required
PRICE FROM:   $4,795

tour highlights

Balkans Vert
as featured in:
Balkans Montenegro
Balkans Gallery2
Balkans Mtns
Balkans Gallery4
Balkans Lake

In the remote valleys of the Accursed Mountains, where ancient shepherds’ trails cross borders three times in a single day, every run becomes a journey through Europe’s last true wilderness.

Here, in a land where peaks pierce clouds and crystal alpine lakes mirror medieval monasteries, you’ll push your limits on technical mountain passes before descending to villages where centuries-old customs and legendary Balkan hospitality await.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN DUBROVNIK / TRANSFER TO PERAST

Overview

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.

meals included:​
Dinner
Running:
No scheduled running. Short evening walk along the promenade
Overview

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.  

meals included:​
breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Running:
Fort Sanik / Saint Andrija (9 miles / 1000 ft gain)
Overview

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.

meals included:​
breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Running:
Reka Crnojevica Delta (9 miles / 350 ft gain)
Overview

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.

meals included:​
breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Running:
Grunas Waterfall (5 miles / 600m) Blue Eye Hike (3 miles / 550 ft)
Overview

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.

meals included:
breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Hiking:
Theth to Valbona (10 miles / 3150 ft gain)
Overview

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!

meals included:
breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Hiking:
The Accursed Mountains (12 miles / 3750 ft gain)
Overview

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.

meals included:
breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Running:
Grebaje Valley Climb (5.5 miles / 2600 ft gain)
Overview
As our adventure comes to an end, we’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before transferring back to Podgorica airport.
meals included:
breakfast

dates & pricing

June 3-10, 2025
$4,795
June 13-20, 2025
$4,795
June 23-30, 2025
$4,795
Speak With Our Trip Experts

inclusion + DEtails

NOT INCLUDED

TESTIMONIALS

FAQS

Why choose a running tour in the Balkans?

The Albania-Montenegro mountain range offers one of Europe’s last untouched wilderness experiences. This Balkans running tour takes you through stunning landscapes where you can still find solitude and breathtaking nature.

Albania, now one of Europe’s safest and most welcoming destinations, combines the allure of the unknown with incredible hospitality and landscapes that will make you fall in love with the region.

The run tour price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, 7 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the final day, transportation, drivers, experienced running guides, local logistics team, organized supported runs, a rafting trip, drinking water, and Rogue Expeditions swag.

Almost everything is covered for your Balkan running adventure!

The cost does not include alcohol, tips, personal purchases, or transport to/from unscheduled destinations.

This Balkans run tour is designed for experienced runners with a good fitness level. The longest run is about 9 miles with significant elevation gain, and some days involve long hikes up to 12 miles with 4,000 ft of elevation gain. Multiple distance options are always available for our run days, but the two days of hiking are point to point and require the fitness to complete the full route (or skip and transfer by van to the next accomodation). You should be comfortable with consecutive days of mountain terrain and significant elevation changes.

Expect diverse and challenging terrain throughout your Balkans running tour. You’ll encounter mountain trails, forest paths, rocky terrain, and some road running. The routes include single-track trails, dirt roads, and possibly some paved sections. Be prepared for rough and technical terrain, especially in the Albanian Alps.

Your Balkans run tour includes activities such as rafting on the Tara River, exploring historical sites like Fort St. Andrija, and experiencing local culture and cuisine. You’ll also have time to relax and recover in beautiful settings like Skadar Lake and the Valbona Valley.

Accommodations vary throughout your Balkan running adventure, including guest houses, hotels, and eco camps. Examples include Hotel Alpet in Theth, Villa Perast in Perast, and Neo Kulla in Valbona Valley. Expect comfortable but sometimes basic accommodations, especially in more remote areas.

Weather can vary significantly given the diverse terrain. Generally, expect mild to warm days and cooler nights. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes and potential rain during your Balkans running tour.

Albanian and Montenegrin cuisine is hearty and perfect for fueling mountain activities.  You’ll feast on an array of traditional mountain dishes of lamb or goat, fresh seafood near the coast and fresh vegetables. Enjoy the warm homemade breads, excellent local cheeses, creamy yogurts, and local olive oil. Most special diets can be accommodated, but please check with us in advance about any specific dietary requirements.

We’ve done our best to create a cancellation policy that balances flexibility with our advance costs. For detailed information on cancellations, transfers, and refunds, please review our full Booking Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover potential cancellations.

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We appreciate your interest in Rogue Expeditions and look forward to helping you plan the running adventure of a lifetime.

Someone from our team will be in touch within a matter of hours. If you have questions or would like to start planning your next running tour, contact us at +1 860 559 7598.

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