Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions or simple idle curiosity. We love to talk about Valbona and welcome your interest!

For an immediate response internationally, please contact Catherine, in any of these ways:

Catherine Bohne

Tel: (USA) 718. 541. 9624

or (Al) 355 (0)67 30 14 638

Email: catherine@journeytovalbona.com

Skype: journeytovalbona

Snail: Catherine Bohne

Journey to Valbona
143 Seventh Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215 USA

You can also contact the Selimaj family directly, but please be aware that part of the charm of Northern Albania is arguably its remoteness. This same remoteness can, understandably, make communication challenging to say the least. The Valbona Valley has no landlines, no internet, and a mailing address which amounts to “23 kilometers down the road, thataway, from Bajrum Curri.” While your interest is definitely eagerly awaited, you may not receive the most rapid response (especially if the weather is bad. Did we mention the old-world charm?)

Alfred Selimaj
Tel: +355 (0)67 30 14 637

Email: alfredi_valbone@hotmail.com

Snail: Alfred Selimaj
Quku i Valbones
General Post Office
Bajrum Curri, Tropoje District
Albania

Staff Photos: There are a team of people ready to help you on your journey. This who they are. Gezohem qu e njohem!

Alfred Selimaj is the eldest son of this generation of the Selimaj fis (aka: clan), as well as the official president of the Valbona Valley Tourism Association. He grew up in the Valbona valley and is an experienced mountaineer. On returning to the valley in 2005, it was his vision of Rilindja (rebirth) which gave rise to the burgeoning tourist industry in the valley. He has been building Rilindja for the past five years.

Catherine Bohne is an American, who has been traveling for a long time, whether in Croatia, or Swaziland, Kurdistan or in the Wilds of Brooklyn — but Albania is her favorite! She handles communications, research and (with a degree in biology) she’s also most happy functioning as the main p.i.t.a. regarding issues and ideas environmental.

Naim Selimaj lived for many years in the United Kingdom. He is the historian of the group – don’t let his affable exterior distract you from his peculiarly encyclopedic local knowledge which he’s happy to talk about at length. He is currently the most frequent host of Rilindja Hotel.

Sose Selimaj is Alfred’s mother, and the indefatigable heart and backbone of all things Selimaj.

Eri Selimaj is based in Tirana, where he is studying tourism, economy and literature at university. He also works as a guide and on developing hiking itineraries, as well as beginning to mark and map the local trails. He also may be Albania’s answer to Andy Goldsworthy!

Kujtim Demiri (with Mrs. Demiri) is a taxi driver and tourist handler based in Durresi, who can meet you at arrival, get you organized, and guide you on your way to Valbona!