6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe
Experience Hidden Waterfalls, Mountain Lakes, Yoga, Qi Gong & Kung Fu-Inspired Wellness.
AlbaniaAbout this retreat
Why this retreat
Explore the Albanian Alps through a special combination of mountain hiking, yoga, and authentic Shaolin practices. Albert, a Shaolin Kung Fu master who grew up in these mountains, guides you to special places with a personal connection to the landscape. Along the way, experience Qi Gong, meditation, and Kung Fu training in nature, while Andrea’s restorative yoga helps you unwind after your adventures. Hike to a mountain waterfall and the source of the Valbona River, swim in clear mountain waters, and pause at welcoming village cafés. Stay in a family-owned 4-star hotel with newly renovated rooms, private mountain-view balconies, and an outdoor pool, enjoying generous breakfasts and delicious three-course dinners. A spectacular ferry journey across Lake Koman completes the experience, with hotel pickup and return transport from Tirana included—a journey combining adventure, local insight, and time to recharge.
Highlights
- Guided hikes to special places with Kung Fu Master Albert, who grew up in the Albanian Alps
- Discover a mountain waterfall and the source of the Valbona River
- Authentic Qi Gong, meditation, and Kung Fu with a Shaolin master
- Restorative yoga with your yoga teacher Andrea to unwind after hiking
- efreshing swims in clear mountain lakes
- Stops at charming village cafés surrounded by nature
- Five nights in a family-owned 4-star hotel surrounded by mountain nature with an outdoor pool
- Newly renovated rooms with private balconies and stunning mountain views
- enerous breakfasts and delicious three-course dinners
- pectacular ferry journey across Lake Koman
- Hotel pickup and return transport from Tirana included
What's included
- 2 meals/day
Not included
- Flights
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages, extra coffee
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Enjoy a relaxing stay in a charming, family-run 4-star mountain hotel in the heart of Valbona Valley, surrounded by the spectacular Albanian Alps. All rooms are newly renovated and feature a private balcony with stunning mountain views. The outdoor swimming pool and peaceful gardens offer inviting spaces to unwind between hikes and wellness sessions. Your stay includes half board, with a generous breakfast buffet and delicious multi-course Mediterranean dinners featuring several appetizers and a choice of main course. With its warm hospitality and tranquil setting close to the hiking trails, the hotel is a welcoming base for your mountain retreat.
Optional upgrades
Want something extra for your stay? Ask and we'll check what the leader can add.
Food
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean and traditional Albanian cuisine throughout your stay. Half board is included, with a generous breakfast buffet and a delicious multi-course dinner featuring appetizers, fresh salads, a choice of main dishes and dessert. Lunch is not included. Your hosts will suggest local options and can arrange group lunches at traditional mountain restaurants. Vegetarian meals and special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon advance request. Please let us know your needs when booking.
Location
Valbonë, Kukës County, Albania
Stay in the heart of the Valbona Valley in the Albanian Alps, surrounded by dramatic peaks, green forests, and the crystal-clear waters of the Valbona River. Mountain paths lead to waterfalls, river springs, and peaceful villages where life follows a slower rhythm. Discover special places with Shaolin Kung Fu Master Albert, who grew up in these mountains and shares his personal connection to the region. Explore Rragam village, pause at charming mountain cafés, and experience warm Albanian hospitality. Between adventures, enjoy fresh mountain air and quiet riverside moments—an inspiring setting for hiking, Shaolin practices, and deep relaxation.
Direct flights to Tirana International Airport (TIA) are available from many countries. We recommend arriving on July 21, one day before the retreat, as we depart early on July 22. We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in Tirana. All group transport during the retreat is included. We return to Tirana on the evening of July 27, so please plan your departure for July 28 or later. We’re happy to recommend a hotel in Tirana and arrange airport transfers upon request at an additional cost.
About the retreat leader
Albert Kola is a Shaolin Kung Fu, Qi Gong and Tai Chi master with over 30 years of experience and founder of the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy Albania. In 2024, he trained alongside Shaolin monks in China. Having grown up in the Albanian Alps, he combines his expertise in movement and mindfulness with his local knowledge as an experienced hiking guide.
Getting there
- Nearest airport
- Tirana
- Airport transfer
- Airport transfer can be arranged upon request (extra fee. 50 EUR).
- Visa
- No visa needed from most countries.
- Comfortable clothing for yoga, Qi Gong and outdoor activities
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
- A light jacket, warm layers and a waterproof jacket for changing mountain weather
- Swimwear and a small towel for the pool, mountain lake and river
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A reusable water bottle and a small daypack for hikes
- Personal medication and insect repellent
- Some cash in Albanian lek for lunches, drinks and personal expenses
Cancellation & policies
Cancel up to 14 days before the retreat begins for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the retreat begins are non-refundable.
Minimum age 16
Packages & dates
Meet the team
Albert Kola is a Shaolin Kung Fu, Qi Gong and Tai Chi master with over 30 years of experience and founder of the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy Albania. In 2024, he trained alongside Shaolin monks in China. Having grown up in the Albanian Alps, he combines his expertise in movement and mindfulness with his local knowledge as an experienced hiking guide.
Andrea Berner is an experienced yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher from Germany and co-founder of Retreats Albania. She teaches Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Yin and Kundalini Yoga, alongside breathwork and meditation. With a background in law and many years of international experience, she brings a warm, personalized approach to her teaching, helping guests reconnect with their bodies, relax and find inner balance.
Your retreat leader
Frequently asked questions
How many days is 6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe?
6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe runs for 6 days in Valbonë, Kukës County, Albania. Exact arrival and departure dates are confirmed with the retreat leader when you book.
Where does 6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe take place?
This retreat takes place in Valbonë, Kukës County, Albania. The retreat leader shares full directions and travel guidance once your booking is confirmed.
How much does 6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe cost?
Prices start from $1,559 per person. Your final rate depends on the package, dates, and group size you choose — the retreat leader confirms the exact total before you pay anything.
What's included in 6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe?
Your stay covers 2 meals/day. The retreat leader confirms the full list of inclusions, meals, and any optional extras after you book.
How do I book 6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe?
Send a booking request with your preferred dates and number of guests — no payment is taken upfront. The retreat leader reviews availability and confirms final pricing with you directly, with no RetreatBird booking fees.
Can I cancel my booking?
Cancel up to 14 days before the retreat begins for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the retreat begins are non-refundable.
Who leads 6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe?
6 Day Yoga, Hiking & Wellness Retreat in the Albanian Alps, Europe is led by Albert Kola, based in Albania.
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