
Raft, Kayak and Hike Albania
- Albania
- 2 nights
Explore Albania and help save the Vjosa - Europe’s last wild, free-flowing river - whilst rafting it with local activists
What's Included?
- Maximum group size: 16Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Experience first-hand an adventure destination steeped in history and biodiversity
Raft the Vjosa, the last wild and free-flowing river left in Europe and now under threat by plans to build a hydroelectric dam
Kayak to breathtaking beaches, snorkel in crystal clear waters and hike through Albania's historic cities and villages
Itinerary
Day 1
Butrint to Ali Pasha Castle
Hiking3hrKayaking1hrSwimming1hrApartmentTwin shareLunch and dinner includedShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Meet your host at Saranda harbour and then kayak along the Ionian coast from the Butrint amphitheatre to the historic Ali Pasha Castle - both UNESCO world heritage sites. Head to Lukove, a small, traditional village and hike to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Krorez Bay where you can swim in the crystal clear water and get up close to its inhabitants - don’t forget your snorkel and underwater camera.
Day 2
Raft the Vjosa
Hiking3hrsRafting2.5hrsHomestayTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Head to the small town of Permet, the staging point for your expedition onto the Vjosa and tackle Europe’s last free-flowing river. Its entire 270km course is wild, untamed and adorned with beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands and oxbows as well as class III rapids - prepare for waves of up to four feet and narrow passages that can send the boat shimmying and water gushing over the sides. Wind down in the thermal baths of Benja and then hike to the Canyon of Lengarica where you can relax and enjoy a swim before heading to a local homestay and a barbecue of local food eaten to the sound of traditional music.
Day 3
Gjirokastra
Hiking4.5hrsBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Hike around the beautiful and culturally rich city of Gjirokastra, including the archaeological park of Antigonea, Saraqinisht village and the Spille Monastery. After lunch, it’s time to say goodbye, head back to the seaport and cross the water to Corfu airport. You can decide whether you're going to spend your last hours at the beach of Saranda or in Corfu before flying back home. (Ferry departs at 16:00)
Practical Stuff
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU)
- Pick up
- Saranda Seaport
9:45 - Drop off
- Saranda Seaport
16:00
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
Professional and certified English-speaking guides
1 night in an apartment and 1 night in a homestay
Munch on tasty food throughout
All transfers, including pick-up from Saranda harbour
All your rafting, kayaking and snorkelling equipment
All taxes and licenses
What's not included
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Ratings & Reviews
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Category rating
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Before You Travel
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Is Albania safe?
Generally, yes. Crime and violence does occur in some areas, but is not typically targeted at foreigners.
Why do we need to protect the Vjosa River?
Scientific knowledge of the river is still extremely limited and we know more about the eco-systems of waterways in South America and Asia than we do the Vjosa. Many endangered species, like the European eel and the greater flamingo, depend on the free-flowing waters of the Vjosa for their livelihood, however, the Albanian government is currently planning to build a series of hydroelectric dams upstream, which would threaten both the local wildlife and the livelihood of the river-bank's residents. By supporting the Vjosa's local businesses, we can help them continue their fight against the proposed plans to destroy this wild and beautiful place.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
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
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
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