A wooden suspension bridge crossing a river with mountains and a church with a tall steeple in the background.

peaks of the balkans

Three countries. One trail. Real adventure.

Green mountains with rocky peaks under a blue sky, winding roads through lush greenery in a valley.

You’re travelling with Kingsbury Green Academy on a ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ adventure in the mountains of northern Albania, departing in July 2027.

This expedition has been designed to give students a genuine sense of adventure - combining trekking, teamwork and shared achievement in Europe’s last true wilderness.

It’s a journey that will challenge students physically and mentally, while building confidence, resilience and independence along the way.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Destination: PEAKS OF THE BALKANS, ALBANIA

Departure: 20th July 2027

Duration: 10 Days

Led by school staff from Kingsbury Green Academy & Bolder Expedition Leader(s)

A boat sailing through a deep green river flanked by steep, lush green mountains on both sides under a clear blue sky.

KEY documents & INFORMATION

ATOL certificate for a package school trip to Albania, issued to Mr. Simon Parry, with 17 passengers, issued on April 27, 2026, by Bolder Travel Ltd.

ATOL CERTIFICATE

Cover of a book titled "Peaks of the Bonkons: The Accursed Mountains, 10 Days" showing three hikers with backpacks walking through a grassy landscape at sunset, with mountains in the background.

ADVENTURE GUIDE

Flyer for a group trip to Peaks of the Balkans in Albania, July 2027, by Bolder, with a scenic background of mountains and trees, and details on the payment plan at Kingsbury Green Academy.

PAYMENT PLAN

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Over the coming months, Bolder & Kingsbury Green will guide students and families through a structured preparation process, including:

  • Training and preparation in the UK

  • Guidance on kit and equipment

  • Key travel and logistics information

  • Final documentation closer to departure

    We’ll share everything step by step.

Snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky with the sun shining brightly. People are walking on a bridge over a river in a forested area with evergreen trees.
Historic stone ruins with a red flag featuring a black double-headed eagle, set against a backdrop of green fields, distant mountains, and a cloudy sky.
A mountain village scene with a dirt path, rustic houses, trees, and a mountain range in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

FAQs

  • Students don’t need to be elite athletes - but they do need to be motivated, open to challenge, and comfortable being active as part of a team.

    This is a genuine adventure in a remote mountain environment. It’s challenging at times - but that’s exactly what makes the experience so rewarding.

  • All adventure involves some level of risk, and those risks cannot always be eliminated completely. What matters is how they are understood, planned for and managed.

    At Bolder, we take a structured and thorough approach to managing and minimising risk. Every trip is carefully planned and fully risk assessed, with experienced leaders, trusted local partners and clear operating procedures in place throughout.

    For Albania, this includes detailed planning around the route, accommodation, transport, activities, medical support and emergency arrangements. We also consider the experience and needs of the group, the competence of the people delivering activities, local conditions, and what support would be available if plans need to change.

    Risk management does not stop once the trip begins. Leaders and local partners continue to monitor conditions, review plans and make decisions throughout the programme, with support from Bolder’s wider safety management system.

    The aim is to give students a genuine sense of adventure and challenge, while giving schools and families confidence that the trip is being professionally planned, supported and managed from start to finish.

  • Trips are carefully planned and supported by experienced leaders, trusted local partners, and Bolder’s structured safety management system. Every trip is:

    • Fully planned and risk assessed

    • Supported by experienced school staff and local teams

    • Delivered with clear communication

    Students are guided throughout - with the right balance of independence and support.

  • Flight details are typically confirmed 3–6 months before departure.

    As soon as they’re finalised, we share:

    • Full flight itineraries

    • Departure and arrival times

    • Airport meeting arrangements

    We keep communication clear and timely, so there are no surprises.

  • Yes - and it’s an important part of the experience.

    We provide:

    • A structured preparation plan

    • Guidance on fitness and kit

    • Optional or school-led training sessions

    This helps students build confidence, meet their leaders and the rest of the team, and feel fully prepared before they travel.

  • The price includes everything students will need whilst travelling on their adventure. However they may wish to budget for:

    • Drinks and snacks

    • Occasional extras or souvenirs

    Please check your kit list where we’ll provide a clear recommended amount before departure.

  • Travel insurance for the trip itself is included – but pre-departure cancellation cover is not. We strongly recommend that families check whether they have appropriate cancellation cover in place (for example through an annual travel policy), or consider arranging this separately.

    The comprehensive travel insurance included as part of the trip, includes cover for:

    • Emergency medical support

    • Medical evacuation and assistance

    • Travel disruption

  • A reasonable level of fitness is required. On trekking days, students can expect to be active for several hours over long distances and/or altitude gains.

    Regular walking and time outdoors before departure will really help students enjoy the experience more. If possible, hill walking in the UK is excellent preparation.

    We will also support preparation through UK-based training and guidance to help students arrive confident and ready.

  • Accommodation is in traditional mountain guesthouses and homestays. Facilities are comfortable but simple, and part of the experience is staying in authentic places in remote mountain communities.

    Students should expect shared rooms and simple bathroom facilities in some locations.

  • For UK passport holders, visas are not currently required for short stays in Albania. However, please check entry requirements in full and for any changes for Albania on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website.

    If you hold a different passport, please check with the Albanian authorities or embassy for their requirements in relation to your nationality.

  • We recommend checking the latest NHS and Travel Health Pro guidance for Albania before departure. Families should speak to their GP or travel clinic if they would like personalised medical advice or vaccinations.

    Please allow enough time before departure if vaccinations are required.

  • That’s part of adventure - and exactly where growth happens.

    Our leaders are experienced in:

    • Supporting different ability levels

    • Adapting pace where needed

    • Helping students build confidence through challenge

    Students are supported throughout the experience and leaders adapt pace and support where needed. In the unlikely event that a student cannot continue due to illness or injury, appropriate supervision arrangements will be put in place and they will rejoin the group as soon as possible.

“This experience... influenced my career choices and my view of the
future of conservation and education. I wish that every
student, globally, could be involved in an expedition like this.”
— Sofia Bassios, Adventurer