4.7

Raft, Kayak and Hike in Albania

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

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • Hotel4 nights in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse
  • Meals5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
  • TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
  • EquipmentEverything you need for kayaking, rafting and river hike (seasonal)
  • Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly

Fromexcluding flights

Highlights

  • 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 (opens in new tab), which finishes up on the Albanian Riviera

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Welcome to Albania!

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Your host will pick you up either at Tirana Airport or in central Tirana. From here, you'll drive south journeying past high mountains and green valleys to reach the ancient, fortified city of Berat. This charming small city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to it's well preserved Ottoman houses. Visit the old castle here and catch some awesome views over the city, before getting to know your travel companions this evening over a traditional Albanian meal.

    Day 2

    Explore the sacred Tomorr Mountains

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Embark on a journey through the rugged landscapes of Albania in off-road vehicles, traversing the remote mountains that hold a profound place in Albanian folklore. Lace up your boots to hike through one of the last sanctuaries for wild wolves and bears remaining in Europe, stopping for lunch in a small village along the way. Take in the breathtaking views of Mount Tomori, one of the country’s most magnificent mountains, before indulging in a wine-tasting experience at a nearby local winery.

    Day 3

    Osumi Canyon

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 3 detail

    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

    Glamping
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    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 (opens in new tab). 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 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

    Rafting the Vjosa River

    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Experience more of the incredible Vjosa River today, newly established as a protected National Park (opens in new tab), on a morning rafting adventure. You'll tackle Class II to III rapids (depending on the season & water levels) through stunning sections of the river surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. You'll head back to Berat for your final evening.

    Day 6

    The Cave of Pellumbas

    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 6 detail

    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.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa (TIA)
Pick up
Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Arrive any time on Day 1
Drop off
Tirana International Airport (TIA)
17:30 on Day 6

Detailed Logistics

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.

Trip level explained

Level 2

Easy-Moderate

You can expect several active days exploring the outdoors, so bring your adventurous spirit. No prior rafting or kayaking experience is necessary; all you need is a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to engage in a few hours of activity on these days. Your expert guide will be there to show you the ropes and assist you in navigating the water-based activities. Confidence in swimming is essential to ensuring your safety during the water-based sections of the trip.

For the hike on Day 2, a decent level of fitness and stamina is required, as it’s a 5 hour hike covering 10km. While a couple of steady climbs pose challenges during the day, the breathtaking views along the way make the journey truly worthwhile.

Please note that the length of the rafting and kayaking activities can change depending on the water level during the trip - for more information, please see the FAQs.

If you don't exercise regularly, please consider factoring in some moderate physical activity in the weeks leading up to the trip to ensure you're ready to enjoy the experience.

What if i need to skip an activity?

Of course, you can always opt out of some activities should you prefer to take the trip at a slower pace. If you would like to skip an activity just speak to your guide who can make alternative arrangements or recommendations for you.

What will I need to carry?

You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items and a water bottle each day.

Climate Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep as cool as possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke (opens in new tab). Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • 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

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

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

  • 5 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 3 dinners

  • 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

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

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

  • Hotel Castle Park, Berat, Albania

    Berat

    Stay

    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.

  • Safari Tents, Permet Glamping, Vjosa River, Albania.

    Permet Glamping

    Stay

    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.

What You'll Eat

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 t…

Food and Dietary info

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.

Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Double / Twin)
£107/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Single)
£71/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Single)
£49/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Double / Twin)
£63/per night

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2026
£160/per person

Transfers

Berat to Tirana Airport
£89
Tirana Airport to Tirana City
£36

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

4.8296 reviews
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Sarah W.

    It was an active, varied and fun itinerary which enabled us to enjoy the stunning scenery and explore central Albania.

  • Jane T.

    Great trip with guide Endri. Very gentle adventure within everyone's capability. Lovely way to see Albania. Great quality accomodations, especially the glamping.

  • Kathleen M.

    Amazing trip in beautiful surroundings. What a fun trip. Our guide Endri and his team were fantastic. The activities were great and they were able to accommodate all levels of ability. Accommodation was nice and the food was plentiful! Thanks for such a memorable experience

  • Kai V.

    Overall, a well-organized tour with a very nice and funny guide (Arti).

  • Katie M.

    Absolutely loved this trip in beautiful Albania. My highlights were the kayaking and the thermal springs. Arti was a great guide- he was so knowledgeable and always willing to help with whatever you needed and make suggestions to make the trip as great as possible. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone 😊👌💚

  • Emma O.

    Brilliant. Our guide Arti was fantastic - really looked after us. The group was great and activities a lot of fun. Highly recommend.

  • Rebecca A.

    I was quite nervous about doing my first solo trip, but I was worrying unnecessarily. From start to finish our guide (Arti) was amazing. Arti made sure everything ran smoothly, and I felt fully supported throughout the trip. Nothing like as too much trouble for Arti! Also, I need to mention our rafting and kayaking instructor, Aldo. He was reassuring and encouraging throughout.

  • Noémie D.

    I just fell in love with Albania! The places they took us to throughout the trip were absolutely amazing. What an incredible experience and what a lucky chance I had to discover this beautiful country. Arti was such a sweetheart and an amazing guide. The good was absolutly amazing. I highly recommend this experience!

  • Johanna C.

    We had a fabulous, well organised trip to inshore Albania. The hiking & kayaking & rafting were straightforward - I would imagine they would have been a different experience at another time of year but we went in August when the river was low. Great guides, great hotel & glamping lodges.

  • Adrian O.

    What a great trip. Fantastic guide, Arti, great group of people and a well constructed and organised trip. Enjoyed the variety of experiences, the scenery, the people and the food. Taken to and experienced places you never would have found without the local knowledge. Every day well organised with just the right mix of experiences, food, social time and a few surprises. Highly recommend.

Don’t miss a new review

Customer Photos

4.8296 reviews
  • 5 stars (240)
  • 4 stars (48)
  • 3 stars (7)
  • 2 stars (1)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 296 reviews
  • It was an active, varied

    Sarah W. October 2026
    It was an active, varied and fun itinerary which enabled us to enjoy the stunning scenery and explore central Albania.
  • Fabulous

    Jane T. October 2026
    Great trip with guide Endri. Very gentle adventure within everyone's capability. Lovely way to see Albania. Great quality accomodations, especially the glamping.
  • Amazing trip in beautiful surroundings.

    Kathleen M. October 2026
    Amazing trip in beautiful surroundings. What a fun trip. Our guide Endri and his team were fantastic. The activities were great and they were able to accommodate all levels of ability. Accommodation was nice and the food was plentiful! Thanks for such a memorable experience
  • Tour 23.9 - 01.10 with Arti

    Kai V. October 2026
    Overall, a well-organized tour with a very nice and funny guide (Arti).
  • Fantastic trip with the best guide

    Katie M. October 2026
    Absolutely loved this trip in beautiful Albania. My highlights were the kayaking and the thermal springs. Arti was a great guide- he was so knowledgeable and always willing to help with whatever you needed and make suggestions to make the trip as great as possible. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone 😊👌💚
  • Brilliant. Our guide Arti was

    Emma O. September 2026
    Brilliant. Our guide Arti was fantastic - really looked after us. The group was great and activities a lot of fun. Highly recommend.
  • The perfect adventure

    Rebecca A. September 2026
    I was quite nervous about doing my first solo trip, but I was worrying unnecessarily. From start to finish our guide (Arti) was amazing. Arti made sure everything ran smoothly, and I felt fully supported throughout the trip. Nothing like as too much trouble for Arti! Also, I need to mention our rafting and kayaking instructor, Aldo. He was reassuring and encouraging throughout.
  • Amazing trip

    Noémie D. September 2026
    I just fell in love with Albania! The places they took us to throughout the trip were absolutely amazing. What an incredible experience and what a lucky chance I had to discover this beautiful country. Arti was such a sweetheart and an amazing guide. The good was absolutly amazing. I highly recommend this experience!
  • Raft, Kayak & Hive in Albania

    Johanna C. September 2026
    We had a fabulous, well organised trip to inshore Albania. The hiking & kayaking & rafting were straightforward - I would imagine they would have been a different experience at another time of year but we went in August when the river was low. Great guides, great hotel & glamping lodges.
  • Highly Recommend

    Adrian O. September 2026
    What a great trip. Fantastic guide, Arti, great group of people and a well constructed and organised trip. Enjoyed the variety of experiences, the scenery, the people and the food. Taken to and experienced places you never would have found without the local knowledge. Every day well organised with just the right mix of experiences, food, social time and a few surprises. Highly recommend.
  • Adventure and Albanian hospitality

    Kathryn A. September 2026
    If you like adventure activities in beautiful unspoilt nature, this trip is a definite must! Our guide Arti was great at keeping us organised, yet was relaxed and felt part of the group, nothing was too much trouble. There was a good range of activities, it’s hard to pick a highlight - the river hike, cliff jumping and hiking Mount Tomorr were particular favourites. Make sure you come hungry! The food was plentiful and included a range of local foods. The accommodation exceeded my expectations, especially the glamping. Everything felt well organised, with so many laughs and good memories with the group - I’d recommend this trip without hesitation.
  • Raft, Kayak, and Hike Albania

    Kyndall R. September 2026
    I loved this trip. The days are packed with activities or travel so the trip is over by the time you know it. All of the guides were very sweet and willing to answer any questions. All of the activities were great! My groups was amazing as well. Lots of laughs and cherished memories. I will be booking again!
  • This trip was amazing!! Lots

    Deyana T. September 2026
    This trip was amazing!! Lots of food, cool experiences, friendly people and great accomodation. I will be definitely going on another MBA trip soon.
  • Albania exceeded my expectations

    Matthew C. September 2026
    Smooth trip from beginning to end, we got off our flight and was greeted by our host Arti straight away. Arti made the trip fun and easy, he was with us throughout the entire time and always helped with anything he could. It was very hit and the river was running low for Osumi canyon, so we did the river hike instead of rafting and it was a great experience, we still managed to do the rafting on day 4, so this change actually enhanced our experience as it meant we got to fit in another different activity. The scenery, people and activities were amazing. We had a nice mix of rest time and activities. I'd recommend this trip everyone!
  • Albania was awesome!

    George S. September 2026
    Great time with a great group, and Endri was a superb guide. It’s hard to say which was truly the “best” activity, but both the kayaking and rafting were up there for top spot. We always had another more “chill” activity in the late afternoon after the more active morning. I would highly recommend this activity!
  • Absolutely amazing trip to Albania!

    Cristina S. September 2026
    Absolutely amazing trip to Albania! 🇦🇱✨ A beautiful country full of incredible nature, crystal-clear rivers, mountains, adventure and such warm, welcoming people. Everything was even better than I expected — from the guide to the breathtaking landscapes and rafting to discovering Tirana and learning about Albania’s fascinating history and culture. It felt authentic, adventurous and still wonderfully unspoiled. A huge thank you to everyone who made this trip so special. I’m leaving Albania with amazing memories, a big smile and definitely the feeling that I want to come back! ❤️🇦🇱 Faleminderit, Albania! 🙏
  • Wonderful Trip

    Carl September 2026
    This was a great adventure. The whole team work so hard to make sure you have an amazing experience. Special mention to Endri who is an incredible guide, very knowledgeable about his beautiful country. The scenery was breathtaking, the food was plentiful and incredibly tasty. I celebrated my 50th birthday out there, I wanted to do something different to my usual trips away and I’m so glad I did. I was presented with a fabulous cake and my fun and friendly travel buddies sang happy birthday for the umpteenth time 😂 This is definitely a trip you need to do for a great intro to kayaking and rafting
  • Probably one of the best

    Nicholas W. September 2026
    Probably one of the best group holidays I’ve ever been on, lots of fun ,fantastic instructors,nothing was a problem,those guys work really hard,will recommend them to everyone ❤️
  • Amazing Albanian rafting Co

    Caroline September 2026
    Just Wow. Don’t hesitate. BOOK. Went with friends and met others on the adventure that enriched the trip - and you will have lucked out if your guide for the week is Endri. Endri is a wonderful human as well as expert as all the activities. Accommodation and food also all incredible. Thank you. Will see you again Albania 🇦🇱
  • Wow!

    Jo M. September 2026
    Just got back from the most incredible week in Albania with our host and guide Endri Hoxha. The hotel accommodation was great, but the Glamping site was incredible, with the most amazing view of the mountains. All of the food provided was outstanding and my favourite meals being the Italian dinners at the Glamping site! Top marks to the ‘secret chef’! All of the activities were great fun and a chance to see the outstanding beauty of Albania. We went as a group of nine but we met five other people that were in our group. Everyone bonded really quickly. A truly unforgettable week and memories made that will last a lifetime. Huge Thanks to Endri and the Team 😊🥰
  • Fun times

    Anne-Marie S. September 2026
    I like to be outdoors and always doing something- this trip ticked all the boxes from making friends, laughing loads, emersed in an amazing culture and seeing a beautiful country.
  • This was one of the

    Louise T. September 2026
    This was one of the best experiences of my life! I’ve never used Much Better Adventures before. Endri our leader was extremely attentive and made the experience so much fun, even adding in local area and cultural attractions. The team were absolutely faultless and I would even do the trip again
  • Amazing Week with absolutely adventure Albania

    Tracey September 2026
    What an absolutely incredible week with Absolute Adventures! 🇦🇱❤️ From rafting and kayaking to hiking through some of the most beautiful scenery, the whole trip was an experience we’ll never forget. It was the perfect mix of adventure, fun, laughter and making memories. The guides were amazing from start to finish, but a very special mention has to go to Endri, who was quite simply THE BEST! 🌟 He went above and beyond all week, made everything so much fun and was a huge part of what made the trip so special. One of the best parts of the whole experience was the group of people we shared it with. A bunch of strangers came together at the start of the week and somehow turned into the most amazing group. So many laughs, brilliant moments and memories made along the way. Albania was spectacular, the adventures were unforgettable, the organisation was fantastic and the people made it. Thank you Absolute Adventures, Endri, Bouchi and all the team and our fabulous adventure family for a week we’ll be talking about for a very long time. ❤️🇦🇱 Would 100% recommend — an absolute adventure in every sense!
  • Raft, Kayak & hiking beautiful Albania

    Simone G. September 2026
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What can we say about Endre and Much Better Adventures other than WOW — what an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! ❤️🇦🇱 We were lucky enough to spend five unforgettable days exploring some of the most breathtaking parts of Albania, and Endre was such a huge part of what made the whole trip so special. From hiking through the mountains and exploring canyons, to kayaking and rafting on the Vjosa River, every day was packed with adventure, stunning scenery and so many unforgettable moments. Endre was knowledgeable, calm, patient, professional and, most importantly, brilliant fun to be around. He somehow managed to keep our crazy group of 8 organised, safe, entertained and pointed in the right direction — which was definitely no small task! 😂 He knew exactly when to encourage us, when to reassure us and when to simply stand back and let the chaos unfold! Nothing was ever too much trouble, and Endre genuinely went above and beyond at every opportunity. One very special example was helping us arrange a surprise birthday cake for our friend’s 50th birthday — such a thoughtful touch that meant so much to all of us and made an already unforgettable trip even more memorable. 🎂❤️ He also went beyond our expectations of the itinerary itself, adding those extra little touches, experiences and moments that made the trip feel so much more personal than simply following a set schedule. What really stood out was how much Endre clearly loves Albania. His passion for the country, its people, scenery and culture shone through in everything he did. Because of him, we felt like we experienced the real Albania rather than simply visiting it. And somewhere along the way, we completely fell in love with Albania ourselves. ❤️🇦🇱 By the end of the five days, Endre honestly felt less like our guide and more like one of the gang. There were endless laughs, ridiculous moments, unforgettable adventures and memories that we will be talking about for years to come. A huge mention also has to go to Much Better Adventures. From the organisation and communication to the itinerary, accommodation, activities and local experiences, everything was so well thought out. The trip felt exciting and adventurous while still being incredibly well organised and safe throughout. It was the perfect balance of challenge, fun, culture, amazing food, breathtaking scenery and experiences we simply would never have found on a normal holiday. This was our first trip with Much Better Adventures, but it certainly won’t be our last. They have created something really special — giving you the opportunity to properly experience a country, supported by brilliant local guides who clearly care about making the trip exceptional. Endre, thank you for putting up with all 8 of us 😂, for keeping us safe, joining in with the fun, going above and beyond for us and showing us just how incredible Albania really is. You were a huge part of what made this holiday so unforgettable. We genuinely couldn’t recommend Endre or Much Better Adventures highly enough. An absolutely fantastic guide, an incredible company, one very special adventure — and a country we have completely fallen in love with. 🇦🇱⛰️🛶❤️ Thank you for the memories! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Fantastic Adventure!

    Louise August 2026
    Had an absolutely fantastic time in Albania! Stunning landscape , brilliant people…. Endri our guide packed in a full schedule and ensured we had the best time. The whole trip was really well organised and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting an active holiday with some little gems inserted in -wine tasting, a picnic up a mountain, lunch with dancing, thermal springs and a pelican !!! Thank you Endri for such a fab holiday ….
  • Fully packed itinerary of active fun

    Tamara J. August 2026
    What a great trip we had discovering the absolute beauty that is Albania - while have a whole heap of fun. The trip itinerary is packed full of things to do and our guide took us to brilliant lunch spots as well. Albania is just so natural and largely unspoilt with stunning river carved scenery. The glamping is v luxurious with en-suite and comfy beds. Do think about the time of year you go - I loved the gentle kayak and rafting of summer so you can cool off in the water and take in the scenery but those more up for a thrill/challenge will prefer booking for the spring. Our guide Endri was brilliant at making sure we were having a good time while being both driver, guide and river guide! Multi-talented. Book this trip!
  • Albania is a great country to visit

    Richard J. August 2026
    A really packed and interesting tour. Endri our guide was superb. Really organised and we learnt a lot about Albania from him.
  • Albania-Raft, Kayak and Hike

    John Q. August 2026
    Great place to visit, learnt a lot about the history and the activities were aimed at the right level considering there were 9 people in the group.
  • An amazing trip in Albania

    Noha G. August 2026
    This trip was such a blast. The mix of hiking and water activities kept things fun and never boring, and honestly kayaking was the highlight for me with river hiking as the close second. Beautiful walk in the canyon with very relaxing floatIng down the canyon. Picnic lunch on hiking day was the best! And the visit for Villa Goliku was extremely fun with amazing hospitality, geeat food and dancing! Our guides Endri and Emiljano were amazing. They really went out of their way to make sure everyone was happy, comfortable, and safe the whole time. They showed us this country with so much passion that we all fell in love with Albania. Also a shoutout the group itself, everyone was so nice and fun, which honestly makes or breaks a trip like this. A few tips if you're planning to go: - First hotel has no elevator, so pack light if you can - The glamping site was gorgeous and had the sweetest resident dogs (free cuddles!), but heads up, you share the tent and bathroom with others, so worth knowing in advance if that's not your thing. Tents also get pretty hot during the day even with AC on (which is expected in August) - Bring mosquito repellent and extra clothes since you'll be in and out of the water a lot Overall, it was such a fun and beautiful experience. Would 100% recommend, especially with guides this good and a solid group of people around you.
  • Awesome Albania 🤘

    Narden M. August 2026
    ​I had an amazing week in Albania with my awesome group of new friends and our guide, Endri. He not only led all the fun adventures we went on, but also immersed us in the history, legends, and traditions of Albania. He even had a few surprises for us throughout the week! ​Kayaking and rafting were my highlight adventures, but I also really enjoyed the trip to the hot springs and lunch at Villa Goliku, where Vlentina and Viktori were so happy to see us and welcomed us like we were their grandchildren coming to visit, we just fell in love with them and their hospitality. ​Albanians are some of the most friendly and hardworking people I've met. Make sure you get cash out at the airport; the LEK is a closed currency, so you cannot order it before the trip, and most places do not take card. ​Do book yourself an extra day off afterwards, either to laze around a pool or relax at home on the sofa!

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

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)

FAQs

For departures between March to June, you'll go rafting within the canyon as the typical water levels at this time of year allow a safe environment for using rafts. For departures between 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!

The length of the rafting and kayaking activities can change depending on the water level during the trip. In the earlier months of the year from March - June, the activities are likely to be a bit shorter than advertised. However, in the summer months of July to October, the activities are likely to take around 2.5 hours. Whatever time you travel, your host will always ensure that your day is full, and that you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. 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 hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to 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.

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 (opens in new tab). You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

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 (opens in new tab), 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.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information (opens in new tab) and also talking to a travel nurse.

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 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.

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 (opens in new tab) for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

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.

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 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 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 (opens in new tab) to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab).

Want to Know More?
Ask our AI Assistant

Get instant answers about this adventure

Suggested prompts

Departure dates

Secure your spot

10% deposit to book (limited exceptions)

Pay in instalments, no interest or fees

Going solo?

Log in to see how many others are booking solo too

Don’t see a date you like?

Get an email alert when new dates are added for this trip

Subscribe to alerts

We've Got Your Back

Book with confidence and peace of mind.

Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Feeling adventurous? Here's £100 towards it.

Sign up to our newsletter and we'll email you a £100 code for your first trip. You'll also get weekly trip inspiration, expert advice and last minute deals.

First-time bookers only on trips of £1000 or more. See full terms. See how we handle your data in our Privacy Policy.