4.8

Raft, Kayak and Hike in Albania

  • Albania
  • 5 nights

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

From…excluding 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!

    Driving
    2hrs
    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

    Hiking
    5hrs · 10km · 262m up · 562m down
    Driving
    1.5hrs
    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

    Hiking
    2.5hrs · 300m up
    Driving
    1.5-2hrs
    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

    Kayaking
    2.5hrs · 8km
    Driving
    3.5hrs
    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. 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

    Rafting
    2.5hrs
    Driving
    3.5hrs
    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, 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

    Hiking
    1.5hrs
    Driving
    2hrs
    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)
…/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Tirana (Single)
…/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Single)
…/per night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Berat (Double / Twin)
…/per night

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2026
…/per person

Transfers

Berat to Tirana Airport
…
Tirana Airport to Tirana City
…

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

4.8262 reviews
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Lisa J.

    This trip was the perfect mix - lots of varied activities and also felt like a really fun holiday. We had such a good group and Arti, our group leader, really made the trip. It was highly organised, such fun and a perfect mix of activities which were engaging and highly enjoyable. The group guides were highly knowledgeable and professional and everything ran seamlessly with great communication. Albania is so beautiful with so much to offer. Rafting and swimming along in the pristine Vjosa river will be an abiding memory. If you're considering this trip, I would definitely recommend booking it.

  • Eleanor C.

    Photo's don't do this trip justice. I'm not sure I can fully explain how much fun this trip was. Our group was fantastic. Doing different activities daily meant there was no opportunity to get bored. All accommodation was very comfortable, activities were well organised and we were extremely well fed. The untouched beauty of the Albanian landscape left me awestruck. It is hard to pick a favourite part but lunch while taking in the surroundings of the Tomorri mountains or hopping out of the rafts for a swim in the Vjosa river would definitely be up there. Arti out guide was exceptional. Relaxed but well organised he put the whole group and ease and made sure that each experience was a positive one. He even spent time advising us on places to go and routes to travel after we left the group. For unmatched beauty, great fun and something a little bit different, I cannot recommend this trip highly enough.

  • Alex T.

    The trip was absolutely fantastic! The activities, food and accommodation were all great. Big shout out to our guide Arti. He was very informative during the different activities and always made sure the group knew when to meet and what was planned ahead of time. We did activities such as river hiking, kayaking and rafting as well as a few other trips which were all well explained and very enjoyable. Overall a great experience.

  • Tristan G.

    Albania completely blew me away. The scenery is incredible and every day offered something different. From kayaking through stunning canyons, to rafting, hiking and relaxing in the thermal pools, the itinerary was well balanced and never felt rushed. The views throughout the trip were honestly some of the best I've seen. A massive shout out to Arti. He was an excellent guide and made the trip what it was. He was knowledgeable, organised and genuinely cared about everyone in the group. Every morning he made sure we knew the plan for the day, checked in on everyone and was always happy to answer questions or help out. You could tell he was passionate about showing people his country. The activities themselves were all really well run. The equipment was in good condition, the local guides were great fun and everything felt safe and professional. The hike wasn't as difficult as I expected, but I'd definitely recommend bringing proper hiking shoes with good grip because the terrain is rocky and uneven in places. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and exactly what I expected for an adventure trip. It's not luxury accommodation, but it has everything you need and the setting is beautiful. Waking up to the mountain views each morning was pretty special. The dogs and puppies wandering around the property were an added bonus. My only suggestion would be the glamping tents. Even with the air conditioning running they became very hot during the day. Some extra insulation to keep the heat out would make a big difference. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Great people, great guides and an itinerary that showed off some of the best parts of Albania. It's such a hidden gem, although I'm not sure it'll stay that way for much longer. If you've been thinking about visiting, I'd absolutely recommend this trip.

  • james w.

    Was an amazing trip would definitely recommend this trip. Our tour guide Dori was amazing! The only down side was that we never got to do kayaking which I was looking forward to there was a lot of confusion to why we didn’t saying that we needed experience which the website doesn’t state but overall an amazing trip with some great new friends

  • Larry B.

    Had an awesome time on this trip! The river adventures were the highlight — rafting was beautiful and just plain fun. Hiking outside Berat was great too, and the river hike was gorgeous. Food was really good the whole way through. Our guide Dori was fantastic. Solid value overall — highly recommend.

  • Jennifer A.

    I had the BEST travel experience on this trip! The in-country travel group (Albania Rafting Group) took such great care of us! From the transport to the lodging to the food and the general hospitality - everything was great! Our guide Endri was truly the BEST. He really made our time in Albania so fun and memorable! All our activities and outings were so enjoyable. It was a good balance of activities and downtime, that allowed for our group to really bond. The food was amazing! Highly recommend! Two thumbs up!

  • Ciarán O.

    I can’t recommend this tour enough, Albania is the most underrated country I’ve been to and the tour was pitched perfectly to our group. The group jelled so well together and our guide Endri was superb. He was always there to support us and guide us. Everyday was excellent and there’s not a thing I would’ve done differently.

  • Sue K.

    10/10 recommend this trip! Albania is a beautiful country, the food is delish-you will Not go hungry! The activities were perfect-active but not scary or dangerous. The best part was Endri, our top notch guide. We all fell in love with him. He is genuine and authentic and a good communicator. Everything you’d want in a guide-he is just a lovely human and set a nice tone for the group. Already miss all of my new friends!

  • Rahn B.

    Albenia tour July 2026

Customer Photos

4.8262 reviews
  • 5 stars (206)
  • 4 stars (48)
  • 3 stars (7)
  • 2 stars (1)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 262 reviews

  • A brilliant trip

    Lisa J. August 2026
    This trip was the perfect mix - lots of varied activities and also felt like a really fun holiday. We had such a good group and Arti, our group leader, really made the trip. It was highly organised, such fun and a perfect mix of activities which were engaging and highly enjoyable. The group guides were highly knowledgeable and professional and everything ran seamlessly with great communication. Albania is so beautiful with so much to offer. Rafting and swimming along in the pristine Vjosa river will be an abiding memory. If you're considering this trip, I would definitely recommend booking it.

  • The best way to see Albania

    Eleanor C. August 2026
    Photo's don't do this trip justice. I'm not sure I can fully explain how much fun this trip was. Our group was fantastic. Doing different activities daily meant there was no opportunity to get bored. All accommodation was very comfortable, activities were well organised and we were extremely well fed. The untouched beauty of the Albanian landscape left me awestruck. It is hard to pick a favourite part but lunch while taking in the surroundings of the Tomorri mountains or hopping out of the rafts for a swim in the Vjosa river would definitely be up there. Arti out guide was exceptional. Relaxed but well organised he put the whole group and ease and made sure that each experience was a positive one. He even spent time advising us on places to go and routes to travel after we left the group. For unmatched beauty, great fun and something a little bit different, I cannot recommend this trip highly enough.

  • Great trip in Albania!

    Alex T. August 2026
    The trip was absolutely fantastic! The activities, food and accommodation were all great. Big shout out to our guide Arti. He was very informative during the different activities and always made sure the group knew when to meet and what was planned ahead of time. We did activities such as river hiking, kayaking and rafting as well as a few other trips which were all well explained and very enjoyable. Overall a great experience.

  • A week I'll never forget

    Tristan G. August 2026
    Albania completely blew me away. The scenery is incredible and every day offered something different. From kayaking through stunning canyons, to rafting, hiking and relaxing in the thermal pools, the itinerary was well balanced and never felt rushed. The views throughout the trip were honestly some of the best I've seen. A massive shout out to Arti. He was an excellent guide and made the trip what it was. He was knowledgeable, organised and genuinely cared about everyone in the group. Every morning he made sure we knew the plan for the day, checked in on everyone and was always happy to answer questions or help out. You could tell he was passionate about showing people his country. The activities themselves were all really well run. The equipment was in good condition, the local guides were great fun and everything felt safe and professional. The hike wasn't as difficult as I expected, but I'd definitely recommend bringing proper hiking shoes with good grip because the terrain is rocky and uneven in places. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and exactly what I expected for an adventure trip. It's not luxury accommodation, but it has everything you need and the setting is beautiful. Waking up to the mountain views each morning was pretty special. The dogs and puppies wandering around the property were an added bonus. My only suggestion would be the glamping tents. Even with the air conditioning running they became very hot during the day. Some extra insulation to keep the heat out would make a big difference. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Great people, great guides and an itinerary that showed off some of the best parts of Albania. It's such a hidden gem, although I'm not sure it'll stay that way for much longer. If you've been thinking about visiting, I'd absolutely recommend this trip.

  • Amazing trip

    james w. August 2026
    Was an amazing trip would definitely recommend this trip. Our tour guide Dori was amazing! The only down side was that we never got to do kayaking which I was looking forward to there was a lot of confusion to why we didn’t saying that we needed experience which the website doesn’t state but overall an amazing trip with some great new friends

  • Had an awesome time on

    Larry B. July 2026
    Had an awesome time on this trip! The river adventures were the highlight — rafting was beautiful and just plain fun. Hiking outside Berat was great too, and the river hike was gorgeous. Food was really good the whole way through. Our guide Dori was fantastic. Solid value overall — highly recommend.

  • The BEST

    Jennifer A. July 2026
    I had the BEST travel experience on this trip! The in-country travel group (Albania Rafting Group) took such great care of us! From the transport to the lodging to the food and the general hospitality - everything was great! Our guide Endri was truly the BEST. He really made our time in Albania so fun and memorable! All our activities and outings were so enjoyable. It was a good balance of activities and downtime, that allowed for our group to really bond. The food was amazing! Highly recommend! Two thumbs up!

  • I can’t recommend this tour

    Ciarán O. July 2026
    I can’t recommend this tour enough, Albania is the most underrated country I’ve been to and the tour was pitched perfectly to our group. The group jelled so well together and our guide Endri was superb. He was always there to support us and guide us. Everyday was excellent and there’s not a thing I would’ve done differently.

  • 5+ stars!

    Sue K. July 2026
    10/10 recommend this trip! Albania is a beautiful country, the food is delish-you will Not go hungry! The activities were perfect-active but not scary or dangerous. The best part was Endri, our top notch guide. We all fell in love with him. He is genuine and authentic and a good communicator. Everything you’d want in a guide-he is just a lovely human and set a nice tone for the group. Already miss all of my new friends!

  • Albenia tour July 2026

    Rahn B. July 2026
    Albenia tour July 2026

  • Worth every penny

    Cailum July 2026
    Everyday was a 10/10 adventure. Host Endrie was incredible.

  • Albenia July 2026

    Rahn B. July 2026
    Agree with Rene. Endri, you are the King. Not Butchi😂. It is wonderful to see how proud you are in your wonderful country Albenia. It is clear you love your job and you do the very best to make sure you give it all to make sure we get the maximum from these tour. Your charm and kindness are totally natural and it gives great vibe and wonderful energy. As to you all. This was my tour number Three with MBA and I must say that you all, are the best group I been with. So thank you all for the opportunity to spend wonderful time together. Be good for each other. Take care and keep travelling this wonderful planet. Hope to catch up one day somewhere on the mountains🙏If any of you ever make it to Australia, you are most welcome to see Mudgee. A wonderful nest in the hills 230km North West of Sydney. This including you Endri. Would love to have you as a guest in my Country🙏 Cheers:hands_heart:

  • Amazing trip with the Albania Rafting company!

    Joanna P. July 2026
    I have just finished one of these trips with the fabulous Endri as our guide. It was a wonderful trip in such a beautiful country. The canyons we walked, rafted and kayaked through were stunning and made all the better for the support and encouragement we received from Endri and the other guides. Endri helped us feel safe whilst encouraging us to have lots of fun and push ourselves to be more adventurous. The group I went with were like a supportive, big family. . . with Endri as the head. Willingness to help us from all the staff,with lifts to local towns whenever needed (including a cocktail bar) really helped us to bond. The food was fabulous; local, healthy and REALLY tasty, always brought with a smile. (Thank you ladies at Permet). I can't forget the lovely cats and dogs at the sites too, all so friendly and the puppies so cute. Huge thank you to Endri, and the rest of the team, for such an amazing time and helping me to push myself to have such brilliant adventures.

  • Exceptional trip!

    Chris P. July 2026
    Great group, superb guide and an active introduction to beautiful Albania! The Vjosa is a stunningly beautiful river which we loved kayaking and rafting down. The other activities were all well organised and perfect for our group. Loved the Castle Park hotel, Berat, the hike in the Tomorr mountains and the walk to the church in Permet. Our group, from US, UK, Ireland and Australia, all got in so well and were so well looked after by our guide, Endri. The food was always plentiful, fresh and superb. Highly recommend this tour as an introduction to Albania.

  • A surprising and beautiful adventure

    Mary S. July 2026
    Fun activities, delicious and plentiful food and knowledgeable guide Dori to share her beautiful country with us!

  • Amazing Albania!

    fiona h. July 2026
    A group of 4 active great friends took this trip recently and had a truly amazing time. Beautiful country steeped in history and simplicity. Food grown locally tasting incredible for every meal. Our guide Dori knew so much about the country and she shared many insights into Albania life - she was a knowledgeable, fun person to have as our leader for the trip! Would recommend this trip and MBA to anyone

  • Albania rafting, hiking but no kayaking

    Jane H. July 2026
    There was no kayaking which was very disappointing. The explanation was poor and did not match with your website site that states no experience was needed. The itinerary kept changing and communication of this was chaotic. It was a lovely group and I had a great time but these issues affected the overall experience which is a real shame.

  • An adventure awaits

    Jenny H. July 2026
    Our guide Dori ensured that we were well looked after at every stage of our adventure. There was a good variety of activities and the food was plentiful!

  • Great adventure with Albania Rafting Company :)

    Jessica W. June 2026
    I highly recommend the Albania rafting group. I booked a raft, kayak and hike 5 night trip and enjoyed the entire experience. My guide Arti was with us the entire time and was awesome. Arti was friendly, accommodating, diplomatic, knowledgeable and fun. He was a wonderful host and you would be lucky to get him as your guide. I traveled solo and we had a group of 10 different personalities and it was so fun to get to know everyone and do the daily adventures together. They definitely keep you busy and entertained. There is not a lot of down time. The Castle Park Hotel was our accommodation for 2 nights and it was very comfortable. The room, bed, AC, food, water pressure, views. . . all of it was great. The glamping tents were very comfortable. There were 2 of is per tent and there was plenty of room. I thought there was going to be a separate bath cabin based on some of the things I read but no. . . each glamping tent had it's own full bathroom with a great shower. And great AC! The porch of the tents were nice to lounge on a bit. I loved the river hiking, hiking Mt. Tomorr, kayaking the Vjosa and white water rafting. For white water rafting I had Kevi as my raft guide and he was so funny. He kept us safe but also having fun and laughing. Arti and Kevi took pictures during our activities and shared them in What's app at the end of each day. It was nice not to have to worry about carrying my phone with me to get pics. Thank you so much to Arti, Kevi and the Albania Rafting Group for the wonderful memories and a great trip!

  • Solo Traveler first trip with MBA

    Stephanie L. June 2026
    My first trip with MBA to Albania was incredible! I didn't do much research beforehand and wasn't sure what to expect, but the views, culture, and activities blew me away. The entire experience was well-organized with excellent communication. A huge shoutout to our professional guides—they went above and beyond, handling a few minor, unexpected issues with incredible flexibility. Highly recommend!

  • Refreshingly Oruginal

    Karen D. June 2026
    What a fantastic tour with great guides, locations and activities. Castle Park Hotel was traditionally decorated and fabulously atmospheric with great service and how surprised I was to stay in a fantastic Lodge (far superior to Glamping) Clean, well-equipped and spacious. Thiz Tour Show-cased Albania in all it's dramatic, wondrous, individuality. We loved it and will back. Thank you to guides, Arti, Buci, Kevin and Gary.

  • amazing!

    Gabriela S. June 2026
    everyone made the trip amazing, all staff were so lovely! we had arti as our main guide and he made the trip. buci kevi and gary were also great, all went out of their way for all of us - thank you!

  • Highly recommend!

    Noel B. June 2026
    Our holiday in Albania and adventure vastly exceeded expectations and offered exceptional value throughout. From the moment we arrived, everything felt well organised and thoughtfully planned, with a good pace that allowed us to enjoy each day without ever feeling rushed. The range of activities was well chosen, giving us a wonderful balance of excitement, relaxation and time to take in the surroundings. Rafting was a real highlight: fun, exhilarating and made even better by the beautiful scenery all around us. It was clear that safety and enjoyment had both been carefully considered, which made the whole experience feel reassuring as well as memorable. A particular standout was our guide, Dori. She was exceptional, natural and genuinely interesting company, having lived through Albania's communist era, and by the end of the week she felt like a friend. She went over and above to ensure everyone felt welcome and included, including adapting activities to accommodate my fear of heights. Her knowledge and lovely demeanor added so much to the trip. The food was another delight: plentiful, fresh, delicious and full of local flavour. Overall, this was a superb holiday that combined adventure, warm hospitality and excellent organisation in a truly memorable way.

  • Great trip, well-run tour, beautiful country

    James N. June 2026
    This trip was fantastic. The rafting, kayaking and hiking was organised really well. Our tour guide, Dor, was incredibly accommodating and did a fantastic job taking care of us. The scenery is just stunning and it really is a beautiful country, much more untouched than I imagined with very heaps of natural beauty. Oh and the food! Delicious, huge variety and more than enough to go around. This was a great trip and I highly recommend it!

  • Amazing from start to finish

    Holly L. June 2026
    My trip was fantastic from start to finish. Amazing accommodation in both picturesque Berat and Permet, and the glamping was both luxurious and peaceful. Our fantastic guide Dor put in 200% effort and made the trip into one of the best I have had. Albania is stunning and the hikes were really breathtaking. The kayaking and rafting was amazing and led by expert guides who balanced adrenaline with safety perfectly. I was incredibly well fed with locally produced delicious meals at every opportunity. Having travelled a lot, I can honestly say this was one of by favourite trips. Amazing tour guide Dor and Rafting Albania really excelled, and I will certainly be returning to Albania again. Thank you !

  • Beautiful country, fun activities, uneven customer service

    Laura B. May 2026
    We had a lovely group of 10 who all got along well and had similar fitness levels (though some of us would have enjoyed more activity/movement as there were a few days with significant time spent in the car/van just getting around). It takes a long time to cover relatively short distances in Albania given the roads. Infrastructure otherwise is decent, with surprisingly clean bathrooms. The kayaking on the Vjosa was more fun than the rafting, first in Skrapar on the Osumi and then on the Vjosa in Përmet. All of the time on the water was relatively tame, but the landscapes were beautiful. The thermal baths, really mineral baths, in Përmet were crowded and full of algae - not terribly pleasant. Activity highlights were (1) the hike in the Tomorri Mountains outside Berat, with a mountaintop cooked lunch, the supplies brought in by the mule accompanying us, and (2) the unscheduled visit to a bee farm and honey tasting outside Permet (which was added to compensate us for having to change hotels from night 1 at the Boutique Osumi to night 2 at Castle Park). The Albania Rafting Group drivers and river guides were all fine. At both the Castle Park and glamping site in Përmet there were badly behaved dogs running loose, begging for food at the table, and interacting with the guests. Luckily none of our group disliked or were scared of dogs. The glamping site in Përmet is brand new and very comfortable. Meals were generally good and my dietary requirements were met, but other travelers in the group struggled in this regard and there was a lot of miscommunication, particularly for the meals at the glamping site. Our guide Dory tried very hard to please our group, but frequently misunderstood questions and provided inaccurate information regarding the itinerary. Her English was quite good, but she likely had difficulty understanding some accents. We never visited any caves and did not need headlamps. There was an unscheduled stop at the beach/Karavasta lagoon and a lovely seafood lunch on the way back to Tirana on the last day of the tour.

  • A great week in scenic Albania

    Haydn R. May 2026
    I traveled solo and would recommend both the trip and MBA to others. Albania is stunning and the trip was a great way to see it, the rafting was really fun and the hike had some incredible views (even with the rain clouds). Eating a cooked luck on top of a mountain under a shelter from the rain was really cool! Of course the people on the tour make it and Dori and our drivers/camping managers/guides really made it fun and super informative too! Thanks and until the next one

  • Great Week Exploring Albania

    Jonathan B. May 2026
    I throughly enjoyed the adventure with my girlfriend Nicole and the group we had lead by the lovely Dor. A definite couple of highlights include the amazing raft through the Osumi Canyon, wish we could go back and replay! Also some fun evenings in the Glamping filled with cards and Buchies Laughs!

  • Albania is a hidden gem!

    Juliette P. May 2026
    We had a fabulous holiday, with a lot of fun activities, wonderful scenery and great people and our guide was brilliant. We would highly recommend the holiday to others.

  • Amazing!

    Ezra J. April 2026
    We had a wonderful time on this trip. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly and made sure that all of our needs were met. The food was excellent and the scenery majestic. It was a trip that has inspired me to come back to Albania again.

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. 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, 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 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 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 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.

Want to Know More?
Ask our AI Assistant

Get instant answers about this adventure

Suggested prompts

Departure dates

Secure your spot with a deposit, then pay in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees.

2026
2027

Wednesday 19th August 2026

to Monday 24th August 2026

…

Don’t see a date you like?

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

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.

Unlock £100 off your next adventure

See how we handle your data in our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

£100 off your next booking. One per person. New email subscribers only. Terms and conditions apply.

Still Undecided? 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

A few other trips to tickle your fancy 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

  • Explore places you couldn't yourself

    Explore places you couldn't yourself

    All trips are led by certified expert guides, unlocking life experiences in places most never see.

  • Go with the outdoor specialists

    Go with the outdoor specialists

    Choose from 200+ award-winning active outdoor adventures in wild places, whatever your mood.

  • Join a small like-minded group

    Join a small like-minded group

    75% join our trips as solo travellers, with most in their 30s-50s. 95% give our group dynamic 5 stars.

  • Hassle-free from start to finish

    Hassle-free from start to finish

    We've sorted the logistics, so you can just rock up and have a blast in the wild.

Our Purpose

To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.

Book With Confidence

Find out how your booking with Much Better Adventures is protected through our ABTOT membership
ABTOT logoABTA logoATOL logo

Positive impact adventure travel

B Corp Logo
Responsible travel has always been at the core of what we do. Travelling with Much Better Adventures means not just better trips for you, it's better for local communities, better for wildlife and better for the planet.
Learn More

Sign up to our newsletter

Get adventure inspiration, expert advice and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails. See how we handle your data in our Privacy Policy (opens in new tab). Unsubscribe any time.

Much Better Adventures Logo
© Copyright Gentianes Solutions Ltd.Registration Number 06916506 (England and Wales)