Kayak, Snorkel and Hike Canyons in Albania
Explore mysterious caves, snorkel in remote bays and kayak an uncrowded lake. 6 days. 4 days off work.
Travel to a part of Europe still untouched by mass tourism. Visit an ancient fortified city, explore the beautiful Karaburun peninsula by speedboat and meet a local family in the Tomorr mountains.
Your hassle-free adventure includes:
- Experienced, English speaking guide
- 5 nights accommodation
- 4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
- Local transportation
- Airport transfers
- Kayak, snorkelling and river hiking equipment
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for €10 per person, per night (subject to availability). Please request this at the time of booking.
Perfect for: Active travellers who want to experience a range of different outdoor activities in one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Need To Know
The only extra costs are:
- Flights to and from Tirana
- Dinner on day three
- Any personal expenses such as drinks
- Clothing suitable for hiking
Albanian food is hearty and healthy, usually based around 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 the local vineyards.
Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can cater to these.
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.
All kayaking and snorkelling equipment is included.
Absolutely! The trip runs with a minimum group of 4 people and a maximum of 16, so you’ll be exploring with other like-minded travellers. Lot’s of people book our trips as a solo traveller - it’s a great way to meet people.
No previous experience is needed, however a moderate level of fitness is required along with the ability to swim.
Yes! When booking this trip as a private trip, children from the age of 5 can join this adventure.
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Recommended packing includes: - Comfortable boots - Lightweight, breathable clothing that’s suitable for hiking - Wind/waterproof jacket - Hat - Warm fleece or jumper - Water bottle - Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Headtorch - Insect repellent - Hiking poles - Swimwear - Towel - A small backpack
This trip will run with a maximum of 12 participants.
Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
The Republic of Albania is a mountainous and green country that’s only now appearing on many travellers radar thanks some of the best and least developed beaches on the Mediterranean. Destinations on this trip include the countries capital, Tirana, home to a thriving café culture, the Karaburun peninsula, at the heart of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, the UNESCO world heritage site of Berat, The Osumi gorge, whose unique ecosystem keeps it green all year round, the Tomorr National Park and Ulza Regional Park, known for its green tourism and lovely man made lake.
Start point
Tirana Airport - 20:00 or 21:30
Your adventure begins at Tirana Airport (TIA) with your airport transfer at either 20:00 or 21:30. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time. You will meet your host and fellow adventurers in the arrivals area.
Finish point
Tirana Airport - 18:00
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Tirana Airport (TIA) at 18:00, and you are free to book any flight departing after 20:00.
British Airways (Gatwick) and Whizz Air (Luton) both offer suitable return flights.
What to Expect
Day 1: Arrival into Tirana
Fly to Tirana Airport in Albania and get transferred to your guest house for the night before sitting down for a meal of traditional Albanian food with your fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Kayak Lake Ulza
Drive for around one hour to Ulza National Park and kayak around Lake Ulza, enjoying the fresh air and clear water of this protected nature reserve.
After a lunch of locally caught fish, return to Tirana for the night, before sitting down for a meal of traditional Albanian food.
Day 3: Protected Waters and Mysterious Caves
After breakfast, drive for around two hours to the historic city of Vlora on the Adriatic coast.
Explore the beautiful Karaburun peninsula by speedboat, including the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park. This is the only reserve of its kind in the country and little is understood yet of the biodiversity of the park; if you’re extremely lucky turtles, seals and dolphins have been sighted previously.
Visit the mysterious cave at Haxhi Aliu, used by traders and smugglers for millennia and now a national monument.
Snorkel in a remote bay, sunbathe on an untouched beach and then eat a picnic lunch on the sand.
Return to Vlore and check into your guesthouse, followed by dinner of locally caught fish and seafood.
Day 4: Berat and the Osumi Canyon
Check out of your hotel and drive for around ninety minutes to the ancient fortified city of Berat, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Osumi Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Europe and swim in a natural pool surrounded by the canyon’s unique, green ecosystem.
Hike along the banks of the river Osum through an unspoilt landscape of pine forests and river plains, visiting local landmarks like the Crocodile Head, Love Waterfall and Devils Gate.
Return to Berat and check into your guesthouse. Tonight you are free to explore the town and eat in any of the local restaurants (dinner not included).
Day 5: Hike the Tomorr Mountains
After breakfast, take a short drive to the trailhead and then hike into the rugged Tomorr Mountains.
Visit a local family and eat a picnic lunch high above the surrounding landscape, before returning to Berat.
After plenty of time to rest and relax in this lovely city, drive the short distance to the Cobo winery for dinner and a chance to taste some of the countries beautiful wine.
Day 6: Depart for Tirana
For departure before 1st April 2019 - you go directly back to the airport after breakfast to catch your return flight home.
For departures after 1st April 2019 - after breakfast, you depart to Pellumbas Village, Tirana for a hike and Black Cave exploration.
The Cave of Pellumbas, or the Black Cave (Shpelle e Zezë), is about an hour hike outside the village of Pellumbas. The cave itself is approximately 360 meters deep, and inside are impressive stalagmites and stalactites, as well as bats flying around the cave. The inside of the cave is completely dark after single upon entrance. Local lunch in the villages.
For the afternoon, you will get a short guided tour of Tirana city. You will then get dropped back at the airport in time to get your return flight home.
Accommodation
On night one you’ll stay in a shared twin room at the Artistic Tirana Guesthouse, a newly refurbished building in the heart of Tirana. On night two you’ll stay at Hotel Nika in Vlore, located just 150 metres from the nearby beach. On night three you’ll stay at Hotel Castle Park, set in a quiet area of woodland around 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Berat town. All have free Wi-Fi.
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for €20 per person, per night (subject to availability). Please request this at the time of booking.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Extras
Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.
| Single Room Upgrade | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Single Room Upgrade | · · · Per Person |
| Additional Night Accommodation | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Additional Night Accommodation | · · · |
