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Raft, Kayak & Hike Albania’s Wild Heart

Discover Albania’s untamed rivers, sacred mountains, and canyon wonders on a handcrafted journey that blends adrenaline with authenticity.

  • Albania
  • 5 nights
  • Easy

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • ACTIVITIES & CERTIFIED GUIDES:
    All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides.
  • TRANSFERS:
    To and from the airport and everything in between
  • HOTEL:
    4 nights in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse
  • EQUIPMENT:
    Everything you need for kayaking, rafting and river hike (seasonal)
  • MEALS:
    5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
  • SMALL LIKE-MINDED GROUPS:
    Solo-friendly by design, join our groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
  • Kayak and raft along the mighty Vjosa, the last truly wild river in Europe – a unique and richly biodiverse ecosystem
  • Venture deep into the sacred Tomorr Mountains on remote trails, featuring incredible vistas and welcoming villages
  • Explore the verdant natural wonder that is Osumi Canyon, swimming in natural pools and waterfalls along the way
  • Want to explore more of the country, including the Albanian Riviera? Check out our 8-night Ultimate Adventure

Day 1: Welcome to Albania!

Driving time: 2hrs
Touch down in Tirana, where your host will meet you either at the airport or in the city centre. From here, you’ll drive south through high mountains and green valleys to the ancient, fortified city of Berat. Set on the banks of the Osum River, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Ottoman houses with rows of large windows that earned it the nickname ‘Town of a Thousand Windows’. Stretch your legs with a gentle wander through the cobbled streets and up to the hilltop castle nearby. This evening, tuck into a traditional Albanian meal at Castle Park Hotel – your base for the next two nights.

Day 2: Explore the sacred Tomorr Mountains

Hiking 5hrs · 10km · 262m up · 562m down Driving 1.5hrs
You’ll venture deep into the wild Tomorr Mountains by 4x4, travelling through rugged landscapes steeped in Albanian folklore. These remote peaks are still home to bears and wolves. Lace up your boots for a hike through pine forests and sweeping valleys, stopping for lunch in a small mountain village. Soak up the views of Mount Tomori – one of Albania’s most magnificent mountains – before heading to a local winery for a relaxed tasting. Dinner isn’t included tonight, so you’re free to eat at the hotel or venture into town to try one of the local restaurants.

Day 3: Explore the Osumi Canyon

Hiking 2.5hrs · 300m up Driving 1.5-2hrs
Leaving Berat, you’ll head south towards Osumi Canyon – one of Albania’s most dramatic natural sights. Known for its towering cliffs, lush greenery and the milky turquoise river that carves through it, the canyon is an adventure hub. Depending on the season and water levels (see the FAQ for details), you’ll either river hike or raft along the Osum River, with chances to explore hidden caves and waterfalls along the way. After lunch in Corovoda, you’ll drive back to Berat.

Day 4: Do some Kayaking at the Vjosa River

Kayaking 2.5hrs · 8km. Driving 3.5hrs
Take another scenic road journey through the remote interior of Albania to Këlcyrë Gorge, for a truly memorable kayaking adventure on Europe’s last wild river. Have lunch in Tepelena – a historic southern town with an Ottoman-era castle and sweeping mountain views, set where the Vjosa and Drino rivers meet – before paddling a beautiful and calm stretch of the Vjosa's turquoise waters. Hop back into the minibus to head to outskirts of the town of Permet to check in to your glamping site with incredible views of the mountains, and then relax at the natural geothermal mineral baths in Benja.

Day 5: Time to go Rafting at the Vjosa River

Rafting 2.5hrs. Driving 3.5hrs
Today, you’ll take to the Vjosa again – this time on a raft, starting from the village of Kaludh. Depending on the season (check the FAQ below for details), you’ll tackle Class II–III rapids as you paddle through Albania’s first wild river national park, flanked by untouched mountain scenery. You'll head back to Berat for your final evening.

Day 5: Time to go Rafting at the Vjosa River

Rafting 2.5hrs. Driving 3.5hrs
Today, you’ll take to the Vjosa again – this time on a raft, starting from the village of Kaludh. Depending on the season (check the FAQ below for details), you’ll tackle Class II–III rapids as you paddle through Albania’s first wild river national park, flanked by untouched mountain scenery. You'll head back to Berat for your final evening.

Logistics

Starts: Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Arrive any time on Day 1
Ends: Tirana International Airport (TIA)
17:30 on Day 6
Transfers: Arrive at any time on Day 1 and your host will arrange a transfer from Tirana Airport to the hotel in Berat. The transfer time is approx 1.5 hours and if travellers are on flights arriving at similar times, then there may be a short wait in order to group the transfers together.
Pickups can also be made from a location in central Tirana for anyone who has arrived earlier and is staying in the capital - this is usually the Dinamo Stadium near the Grand Park of Tirana. Your host will confirm the pickup time and location with you in advance.
On Day 6 you'll be dropped off at the airport in time to catch any flight leaving after 19:00.
If you are arriving or departing outside those days your host can arrange private airport transfers for an extra cost. See Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Tirana from major airports across the UK and Europe.

Albanian cuisine

Albanian food consists of hearty and healthy dishes of meat and vegetables, much of which is seasonal and sourced locally. Popular dishes include turkey, lamb or goat pershesh, served with a local bread known as kulac, a meat and leek pie made with thin pastry called byrek and freshly caught fish served in a Mediterranean style. Fish dishes are often flavoured with white vinegar and olive oil grown in Southern Albania, and many dishes are served with wine from one of the local vineyards. Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just let your host know on booking. Note that vegan options can be limited in Albania, so bringing a supply of your favourite vegan snacks could be a good idea.

BERAT

You'll spend four nights in Berat, staying in twin-share rooms at Hotel Castle Park. Set in a scenic area of woodland, it's located around 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Berat town.

PERMET GLAMPING

In Permet, you'll stay at a unique eco-glamping site located in a serene spot near the Vjosa River – the perfect launchpad for your adventures. Your group will stay in large safari tents, designed to keep cool in summer and warm in winter, which have 2-3 rooms in each, plus a private bathroom and shower cabin. Rooms will be allocated on a twin-share basis, and have real beds with comfy mattresses and soft pillows. There is also a restaurant and bar on site where breakfast, meals and drinks are served. Occasionally, depending on the make-up of the group, you will stay in cabins at this site, which have similar amenities.
Upgrades For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge at the hotel and whilst glamping (please note that at the glamping site in Permet, you will be expected to share a bathroom). You'll need to request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability, see Optional Extras for the price.

The best months for hiking in Albania are February to June, and September to November, when the weather is warm and sunny, reaching temperatures of around 30 degrees. July and August can be hotter, however, this is usually broken up by cool coastal breezes.

Itinerary Activities

  • Visit the city of Berat, a UNESCO Heritage Site
  • Guided hike through a wild wolf and bear sanctuary
  • Guided river hike or raft along the River Osum
  • Guided kayaking in the Këlcyrë Gorge
  • Visit mineral baths
  • Guided rafting on the Vjosa River
  • Guided hike to the cave of Pellumbas

Guides

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

  • 4 nights in hotels
  • 1 night in glamping safari tent

Meals

  • 5 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 3 dinners

Transfers

  • Arrival transfers from Tirana International Airport at any time on Day 1/early hours of Day 2, or from central Tirana
  • Group departure transfers to Tirana International Airport on Day 6
  • All transfers during the trip

Equipment

  • All equipment for kayaking, rafting and river hiking (seasonal) is provided

What’s included?

  • All kayaking and rafting equipment
  • Wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets for river hike

What do I need to bring?

  • Small backpack with rain cover
  • Suitable walking shoes for hiking
  • An additional pair of trainers that can get wet (for use when rafting, kayaking and if doing the river hike)
  • Breathable, light-weight, waterproof clothing
  • Swimwear
  • Plenty of spare underwear and clothes for getting wet
  • Quick drying travel towel
  • Wind-stopper jacket
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Suncream
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Head torch for the cave visit
  • Car sickness tablets (optional)
PRE / POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION

Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Double / Twin)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Double / Twin)

£66 Per night

Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Single)

£51 Per night

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Single)

£75 Per night

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Double / Twin)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Double / Twin)

£112 Per night

Optional Private Room Upgrade – 2025

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade – 2025

£163 Per person

Optional Private Room Upgrade – 2026

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade – 2026

£168 Per person

Berat to Tirana Airport

Payable Before Departure

Berat to Tirana Airport

£93

Tirana Airport to Tirana City

Payable Before Departure

Tirana Airport to Tirana City

£38

 
WILL WE GO RAFTING OR DO A RIVER HIKE WHEN AT OSUMI CANYON?

For departures from November to June, you’ll generally go rafting within the canyon, as the typically higher water levels at this time of year create a safe environment for rafting. For departures between July and October, when there has been less rainfall, you’ll go river hiking. This involves hiking along the riverbed within the canyon and jumping into pools along the way.

In summary, the season and water levels determine the activity: rafting in the wetter months, river hiking in the drier months – so you’ll enjoy the canyon at its best, whatever the time of year.

Please note that these months are intended as a general guide and may vary depending on weather conditions and rainfall.

Water levels on the Vjosa River change throughout the year, affecting both the duration of the activity and the grade of rapids, due to the speed and volume of water flowing. In general, the more rainfall there has been, the higher the grade of the rapids.

Seasonal overview: Spring (March–May): Shorter rafting (1–1.5 hrs) with more challenging rapids (Class III–IV). Summer (June–September): Longer rafting (around 2.5 hrs) with gentler rapids (Class II–III). Autumn (October): Dependent on rainfall – usually moderate rapids (Class III–III½). Winter (November–February): Shorter rafting (1–1.5 hrs) with more challenging rapids (Class III–IV).

Please note that these months are intended as a general guide and may vary depending on weather conditions and rainfall. Whatever time you travel, your host will ensure your day is full and that you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Kayaking takes place in the beautiful Këlcyrë Gorge, which is ideal for paddling year-round. Water levels change with the seasons, so the pace and length of the experience can vary: higher water usually means a faster, shorter journey, while lower water allows for a slower, more leisurely one.

Seasonal overview: Spring (March–May): Faster-moving water and a lively paddling experience. Summer (June–September): Calmer flows, with longer time on the water. Autumn (October): Variable conditions depending on recent rainfall. Winter (November–February): Cooler weather and a brisker pace on the river.

Please note that these months are intended as a general guide and may vary depending on weather conditions and rainfall. Whatever the season, your hosts will ensure you enjoy a full day out, with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well hydrated, wearing suitable clothing, and using sun protection is essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, especially if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

You’re always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone’s experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don’t just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

Explore Beyond the Map

Led by certified expert guides.

Outdoor Specialists

We open up wild places for you to discover

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You just enjoy and buckle up!