Canyons to Coast Adventure in Albania

Albania has so much going for it: the scenery was spectacular, like nothing I've seen since travelling in New Zealand, the people were helpful and kind, the food and drink was cheap and the activities were great fun.

The water based activities were epic, not going to forget floating down a canyon on my back surrounded by Jurassic Park canopy trees and vines. Felt very safe, especially on the rafting, which while not the most adrenaline fuelled, still needed expert touch and our guide was so good at reading the water. Our guides on land always made sure we stopped for supplies or bathrooms when we asked, answered our endless questions, and were generally great craic. Occasional wishful thinking about journey distances or how many hills we still had to climb!

The trip is moderate difficulty and I'd say that's accurate - especially the hike on Day 2 and especially in June, which apparently doesn't count as summer yet! I found that one very tough, quite a lot of uphill in 30C+ temperatures was hard work. The other activities are definitely moderate and accessible, unless you hit a gust of wind in the kayaks when your arms WILL get tired!

There are also moments when you will be offered to swim in waterfalls. When you realise that this involves having to climb down into a canyon, meaning you'll have to climb OUT again, don't be discouraged- these waterfalls are fantastic and a forever memory!

Hotels were comfy, very clean, always had wifi and air conditioning. Food was plentiful and yummy, tsatsiki/greek salad/meatballs/lots of cheese - when I say plentiful, on first night we didn't realise that all the masses of food they'd brought us was just the starters! Almost no one could do mains and we skipped pudding, which was sad! But the food, especially the included meals, did get repetitive, as yummy though it was, varied it was not. The vegetarian in our group had it worse with endless repetitions of stuffed veggies! Wouldn't recommend for vegans! Very good if you avoid pork as a large Muslim population.

Basically, I had a great time, met lovely people, got to do many a fun thing and got to explore a new country that I'd never been to and is slowly being discovered by the holiday taking world - go while it's still quiet and all yours because that won't last forever!

I loved this trip and all the activities were well organised with great guides. My only complaint was that we had to change hotels a lot more than on the itinery. All hotels were good but when the group was split between two hotels it made things a little complicated. We didn’t do the glamping and it wasn’t a problem as we were happier in town where the bars, restaurants amd supermarkets are. We had a comfortable air conditioned minibus most of the time. June was very hot but it meant we loved our dips in waterfalls and rivers even more.

Albania was a fabulous place to explore. It was great to have local knowledge in order to visit some amazing places. The activities were great fun.

The hiking, rafting and kayaking activities were the highlights but the food and accommodation really let this trip down. Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy and the quality is not yet up to the standard that most British travellers would expect.

We had a fantastic week in Albania, exploring all the natural wonders to the picturesque towns and cities. The trip is action packed with lots to see and do, and we thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking, rafting and hiking activities. Albania is a beautiful country with a view at every turn, which makes taking a nap on the bus journeys impossible.

Our guide, Arti, was amazing, nothing was too much trouble and always on hand to answer any questions. It was great to learn about Albania from Arti and gave the trip a cultural balance. A special shout out to our driver Bledy who drove us everywhere and always had a warm smile to greet us.

As a vegetarian, food was decent, there are some vegetarian dishes, fruits and salads which was fine for us. We took some of our own snacks to supplement. Just remember not to drink tap water and ask for filtered/bottled water.

Can't wait to go back!

I had a good time in Albania, there were a lot of activities on the itinerary which were great. I would have loved to learn a bit more about the country’s culture and history on the trip.

What an experience! From the breathtaking view from the mountains to the thrill of exploring the canyons, some remote and exhilarating hiking trails and stunning beaches. This trip has it all! The people are friendly and welcoming to their country, you’ll feel right at home! And the food is absolutely delicious! The staff on the trip were awesome and went above and beyond to give us a true Albanian experience! Such a happy traveller - I just wish I had longer! Do yourself a favour and book the trip now! You won’t regret it :)

I spent a week in Albania with 7 other internationals hiking and doing water activities. The guide and driver, planning and fellow travellers were top notch. Albania is extremely hot in July, I would probably recommend going in a different month, but enjoyed it very much even then.

Good and personal attention from the group leader and the driver. Most activities were wet (kayacking, rafting...), which made us forget the extreme heat of the summer season. A nice international group, nice memories that will last forever. Beautiful country and nice experience to enjoy the local hospitality. Food absolutely delicious.

Our guides Arti and Jimmy looked after us well and couldn't do enough for us. As well as the listed activities we saw and swam in waterfalls and canyons, learned about the history of Albania, went to out of the way and not so out of the way restaurants, had delicious food everywhere. It was great to get to see the coast on the final two days and although our last hike didn't go to plan, the sea was glorious. If I were to do this trip again I would like to do at a time when the white water rafting was at a higher level (it was only level 1-2 in July) and the weather not so hot (we hit 41 degrees one day!).

Albania is truly a land of majestic canyons, rivers and mountains. The people are warm and welcoming and the food is yummy. The more remote the place, the tastier the food gets. Only thing is tourism is still in its developing stage so be prepared for delays, inexperience or inadequate preparation for adventures or accommodation that seasoned travellers might come to expect. Bring hiking sticks and sun protection. Also for vegetarians and vegans, do pack some of your own protein sustenance.