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Raft, Kayak and Hike in Albania

Dive into spectacular natural scenery on an active adventure through untamed rivers, mythical mountains and epic canyons

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Trip Ref #9614

Raft, Kayak and Hike in Albania

Dive into spectacular natural scenery on an active adventure through untamed rivers, mythical mountains and epic canyons

DURATION
5 nights
LOCATION
Albania
ANNUAL LEAVE
4 days off work
SEASON
Mar-Dec
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Tirana International Airport, Albania
ACCOMMODATION
Classic

Hotel

OVERALL RATING

4.7

Based on 110 reviews
DIFFICULTY
Moderate

No previous experience is needed but you should be in relatively good shape and a confident swimmer.

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 round off your adventure with some coastal hikes to pristine beaches? See our Canyons to Coast Adventure in Albania, which finishes up on the Albanian Riviera

Day 1

Welcome to Albania!

Berat, Albania. Photo: GettyImages-1193543436

Driving

2hrs

Your host will pick you up either at Tirana Airport or in central Tirana, then drive south for about an hour and a half to reach the ancient, fortified city of Berat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the old castle here and get to know your travel companions this evening over a traditional Albanian meal.

Day 2

Explore the sacred Tomorr Mountains

Hiking in the Tomorr Mountains, Albania. Photo: Host/Albania Rafting Group

Hiking

6hrs · 16km · 400m up · 400m down

Driving

1.5hrs

Head out in off-road vehicles to explore the remote mountains of Albania. At the heart of Albanian folklore, they have deep spiritual significance in the country. Hike through one of the last wild wolf and bear sanctuaries left in Europe, stopping for lunch in a small village. Enjoy the views of Mount Tomori, one of the country’s most magnificent mountains, then unwind with wine tasting in a local winery.

Day 3

Osumi Canyon

Osumi Canyon, Albania, Getty

Hiking

2.5hrs · 300m up

Driving

1.5-2hrs

Enter Osumi Canyon – one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Europe. You’ll either river hike or raft along the River Osum (this depends on the time of year and corresponding water level; please read the FAQ below for more information). There will be plenty of chances to wild swim whilst surrounded by the canyon’s unique ecosystem, which stays lush and green all year round. After lunch in Corovoda, you’ll drive back to Berat.

Day 4

Kayaking the Vjosa River

Vjosa River, Albania. Photo: Sam Bruce

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 before paddling a beautiful and calm stretch of the Vjosa's turquoise waters. Hop back into the minibus to head to the town of Permet to check in to your hotel, and then relax at the thermal baths in Benja.

Day 5

Rafting the Vjosa River

Rafting, Vjosa River, Albania. Photo: Host/Albania Rafting Group

Rafting

2.5hrs

Driving

3.5hrs

Experience more of the incredible Vjosa River today, newly established as a protected National Park, on a morning rafting adventure – you'll tackle Class 3 rapids through spectacular mountain scenery. You'll head back to Berat for your final evening.

Day 6

The Cave of Pellumbas

Berat, Albania. Photo: Host/Albania Rafting Group

Hiking

1.5hrs

Driving

2hrs

Depart beautiful Berat, and begin the journey back to Tirana. En route, you'll stop off to hike a short, steep and scenic trail which will lead you to the mysterious cave of Pellumbas, filled with huge stalagmites and dripping stalactites (be sure to watch out for low-flying bats!). After lunch in one of the local villages, you’ll return to Tirana for your journey home.

Included

Guides

Local, expert, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

4 nights in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse

Meals

5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

Transfers

To and from the airport and everything in between

Equipment

Everything you need for kayaking, rafting and river hike (seasonal)

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Personal expenses

Some meals as described

Travel insurance

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4 – Day 5

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

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.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance by requesting this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel, Berat, Albania Albania Rafting
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.

Hotel Permet Albania AlbaniaRafting
Permet

You'll spend one night in a hotel in the small southern town of Permet, next to the banks of the Vjosa river. Rooms will be on a twin-share basis.

The Area

map

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.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

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
  • Car sickness tablets (optional)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Per Person

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

Payable Before Departure

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

Per Night

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Single)

Per Night

Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Single)

Per Night

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

Payable Before Departure

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

Per Night

Berat to Tirana Airport

Payable Before Departure

Berat to Tirana Airport

Between Tirana Airport and the city

Payable Before Departure

Between Tirana Airport and the city

Gabriel

Absolutely incredible. This country and its people deserve the tourism boom they’re currently in. Unbelievable scenery straight out of a movie, great activities and very nice people all throughout the trip. Really took us outside of our comfort zone while keeping it safe. Will be coming back!

Natasha

This was the most AMAZING trip!! Albania is so beautiful, made perfect by our time spent with Arti and the Rafting Company. Alma and her family are incredible hosts, the kayaking and rafting was more beautiful than the pictures let on. I want to do it all again!

Timothy

An exceptional Albanian experience with a great mix of activity and leisure. The passionate hosts are experienced and well-resourced and showcased their country with pride. Highly recommended.

Hollie

The trip was incredibly varied with some great activities and a jam-packed agenda. The activity level should be easy as other than some steep climbs, there isn’t anything particularly physical.

The hosts were brilliant at taking lots of photos of everyone, which was brilliant and meant people didn’t need to worry themselves about it.

The food was good - traditional so a little tricky for fussy eaters or non-meat eaters.

Slightly more relaxation time would’ve been nice, but the agenda was very well thought through.

A lot of driving time - I’m not sure if there are other hotels that could be slightly better placed? Felt like a lot of time was spent in cars - often longer than the activity itself.

Everyone was helpful and welcoming. We were lucky in having a really good group.

The wine tour was an unexpected delight and the river hiking was by far the best experience.

Kate

This is a fantastic trip to a wonderful country. Scenery is breathtaking and the range of activities is perfect. Our group was amazing and we all gelled incredibly well. So much thanks to our leader, Arti, and all his local hosts. Albania is a beautiful place of natural wonder with hospitality, welcome and food to match. Great trip!

Rhys

This was an amazing experience. I had no idea that this part of Albania was going to be so scenic and the water activities so much fun. Many thanks to Arti, Elfa, and the crew for making it possible.

Amelia

The perfect trip for anyone keen to experience the rural wonders of Albania alongside the country's most experienced rafting guides. The weather in October was blissful and there were too many itinerary highlights to name: the mountain picnic, the off-roading, swimming in turquoise rivers... The group and the guides were so much fun, with lots of late nights sipping raki. A really well organised tour. Completely fell in love with the place.

Stuart

Public review

Charles

Excellent trip, I felt I certainly "got my moneys worth".

A good variety of activities, with a stunning backdrop of mountains, valleys and rivers. The trip was well organised from start to finish, our group guide Arti was knowledgeable and relaxed, ensuring we had the best possible experience. The accommodation was good and food was plentiful. I travelled solo, but was fortunate to meet an excellent group of people to share the trip with. I highly recommend this trip and look forward to booking my next Much Better Adventures experience soon.

Hannah

Really enjoyed this trip! It was awesome. Arti and the crew were very good, kept us safe at all points. I’d bring a small water bottle with you at all times with a carabiner so you can keep yourself hydrated during the water activities. The river hike is more like coasteering so don’t be put off if you’re all hiked out or worried about the heat. We were there in July and it was very warm. All the hotels are lovely, air conditioned and comfortable . Especially the one you’re in for the penultimate night. Albania is a beautiful country and we had so much fun.

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.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 135kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. 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, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

No previous experience is needed, however a moderate level of fitness is required along with the ability to swim.

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

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.

For departures between the months of March to June, you'll go rafting within the canyon as the typical water levels at this time of year allow a safe environment in which to use rafts. For departures between the months of July to October, you'll go river hiking. This involves hiking along the river bed within the canyon, jumping into pools along the way. A wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket are provided for this activity, but you'll need your own pair of trainers with a good grip – ones that you don't mind getting soaked through!

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information [here] (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/) and also talking to a travel nurse.

For current advice about travelling in Albania, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

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.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

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.

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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

March 2024

Wednesday • 27th March 2024

to Monday • 1st April 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Wednesday • 24th April 2024

to Monday • 29th April 2024
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Last minute offer - save 5%

Wednesday • 1st May 2024

to Monday • 6th May 2024
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Wednesday • 8th May 2024

to Monday • 13th May 2024
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Wednesday • 22nd May 2024

to Monday • 27th May 2024
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Wednesday • 12th June 2024

to Monday • 17th June 2024
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Wednesday • 19th June 2024

to Monday • 24th June 2024
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Wednesday • 26th June 2024

to Monday • 1st July 2024
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Wednesday • 3rd July 2024

to Monday • 8th July 2024
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Wednesday • 10th July 2024

to Monday • 15th July 2024
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Wednesday • 7th August 2024

to Monday • 12th August 2024
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Wednesday • 11th September 2024

to Monday • 16th September 2024
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Wednesday • 18th September 2024

to Monday • 23rd September 2024
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Wednesday • 9th October 2024

to Monday • 14th October 2024
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Wednesday • 23rd October 2024

to Monday • 28th October 2024
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Wednesday • 13th November 2024

to Monday • 18th November 2024
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Wednesday • 27th November 2024

to Monday • 2nd December 2024
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Wednesday • 18th December 2024

to Monday • 23rd December 2024
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Wednesday • 12th March 2025

to Monday • 17th March 2025
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Wednesday • 26th March 2025

to Monday • 31st March 2025
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Wednesday • 9th April 2025

to Monday • 14th April 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 23rd April 2025

to Monday • 28th April 2025
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Wednesday • 30th April 2025

to Monday • 5th May 2025
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Wednesday • 7th May 2025

to Monday • 12th May 2025
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Wednesday • 14th May 2025

to Monday • 19th May 2025
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Wednesday • 21st May 2025

to Monday • 26th May 2025
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Wednesday • 28th May 2025

to Monday • 2nd June 2025
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Wednesday • 4th June 2025

to Monday • 9th June 2025
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Wednesday • 11th June 2025

to Monday • 16th June 2025
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Wednesday • 18th June 2025

to Monday • 23rd June 2025
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Wednesday • 25th June 2025

to Monday • 30th June 2025
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Wednesday • 2nd July 2025

to Monday • 7th July 2025
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Wednesday • 9th July 2025

to Monday • 14th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 16th July 2025

to Monday • 21st July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 23rd July 2025

to Monday • 28th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 30th July 2025

to Monday • 4th August 2025
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Wednesday • 6th August 2025

to Monday • 11th August 2025
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Wednesday • 13th August 2025

to Monday • 18th August 2025
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Wednesday • 20th August 2025

to Monday • 25th August 2025
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Wednesday • 27th August 2025

to Monday • 1st September 2025
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Wednesday • 3rd September 2025

to Monday • 8th September 2025
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Wednesday • 10th September 2025

to Monday • 15th September 2025
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Wednesday • 17th September 2025

to Monday • 22nd September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 24th September 2025

to Monday • 29th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 1st October 2025

to Monday • 6th October 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 8th October 2025

to Monday • 13th October 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 15th October 2025

to Monday • 20th October 2025
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Wednesday • 22nd October 2025

to Monday • 27th October 2025
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Wednesday • 29th October 2025

to Monday • 3rd November 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 5th November 2025

to Monday • 10th November 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 19th November 2025

to Monday • 24th November 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 10th December 2025

to Monday • 15th December 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 24th December 2025

to Monday • 29th December 2025
Guaranteed to run

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