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)
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

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

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

  • 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

Single Supplement

Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2025
…/per person
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

4.8241 reviews
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Gabriela S.

    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!

  • Noel B.

    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.

  • James N.

    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!

  • Holly L.

    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 !

  • Laura B.

    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.

  • Haydn R.

    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

  • Jonathan B.

    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!

  • Juliette P.

    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.

  • Ezra J.

    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.

  • Marsha L.

    Absolutely wonderful trip lead by our amazing guide Dori who led us on this expedition filled with culture, cuisine, history, beautiful scenery, and of course adventure. All accommodations were fabulous and food was outstanding and never ending. It was so great to experience all the beauty of Albania with the help of all the kind and helpful people at The Albania Rafting Group. I can’t say enough good things about the staff who did everything to ensure everyone had an amazing experience. Can’t recommend this trip enough. Dori was the best!

Customer Photos

4.8241 reviews
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Showing all 241 reviews

  • 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.

  • Absolutely wonderful trip lead by

    Marsha L. April 2026
    Absolutely wonderful trip lead by our amazing guide Dori who led us on this expedition filled with culture, cuisine, history, beautiful scenery, and of course adventure. All accommodations were fabulous and food was outstanding and never ending. It was so great to experience all the beauty of Albania with the help of all the kind and helpful people at The Albania Rafting Group. I can’t say enough good things about the staff who did everything to ensure everyone had an amazing experience. Can’t recommend this trip enough. Dori was the best!

  • Such a fun trip!

    Avni S. April 2026
    Really enjoyed the whole experience. It was well organised and our guide Arti was also great! He was always happy to answer any questions and ensure the group was taken care of. Alma and the rest of the Albania Rafting Group team were also very welcoming. Highlight of the trip was entering into a local rafting competition and coming home with a 2nd place medal 🥈

  • Great NYE week

    David P. January 2026
    A great blend of activities and local history. Host was wonderful and accommodating, instructions were fun friendly and knowledgeable and a great group of people. The only down side was the temperature of the rafting water, but what did we expect in December. Food was all fresh and local and plenty of it! Already recommended this adventure to a friend and love to come back and visit Albania again

  • Great trip nd wonderful host and guides

    Andrea D. January 2026
    I had such a great time exploring Bernat and Permet. These are places I would have to spend extra time researching how to get there, what to do and where to go. I unfortunately did not have the time to do that so I am so happy this trip is possible. I got to experience a wonderful aspect of Albania and our host Alma was more than gracious, kind and hospitable to us all. The food and activities were wonderful! Even freezing on my first rafting trip I was well taken care of by our fabulous guides! I’m so happy I got to experience rafting for the first time and we enjoyed a great evening on New Years Eve! Thank you to Dor for being our constant guide and to all our wonderful guides and drivers. Thank you!

  • Fantastic Adventure

    Owen T. January 2026
    I had a great time in Albania. The rafting was great, although I hadn’t appreciated how cold it would be on the first day. I really enjoyed the hiking and the cycling too. The food was also excellent and plenty of it. Alma was an excellent host. Highly recommended.

  • Truly Amazing!!

    Karena G. December 2025
    Our recent trip to Albania exceeded all expectations, largely thanks to the exceptional coordination by Alma and her team. The logistics were handled with total precision, every transfer, meal, and activity was perfectly timed and well thought out. The food and places we were taken were just amazing. Alma’s local knowledge and warmth made the experience feel truly special. It’s rare to find a trip where you don’t have to worry about a single detail, but this team made it look easy. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy throughout the entire journey. We left with amazing memories and a deep appreciation for this beautiful country. Thank you for an unforgettable trip!

  • Fantastic holiday

    Rebecca P. December 2025
    I would definitely recommend this trip. Our host Alma and her team went out of their way to make sure we had a good time. We had so much fun doing the activities and the food was amazing! Albania is a beautiful country with friendly and welcoming people. Wish we had had longer there and definitely plan on going back.

  • Really fun way to spend

    Jeffrey K. December 2025
    Really fun way to spend a week in Albania. The hiking, canyoning, and rafting each offered a unique way to experience Albania’s natural beauty. I also appreciated the down time set aside for communal meals, the winery visit, and evenings hanging out with the group. The itinerary was full, but never felt overwhelming. Alma, Erind, and everyone involved in making the trip happen were an absolute pleasure. Their passion and desire to share the best of Albania with us were evident throughout. And finally - come hungry; the food is delicious and plentiful.

  • Amazing Hiking and Rafting Trip!

    Anita D. November 2025
    What an amazing trip! Alma and all the team at Albania Rafting were incredible. Their hospitality, warmth and care for everyone in the group was above and beyond what I was expecting. The freshly prepared organic food they served us daily was delicious, everything was locally grown and sourced. All of the activities were so much fun and we were all amazed at just how beautiful all the different places we visited were. I really could not recommend this trip enough. We met the most wonderful people, did the most exhilarating experiences and laughed all the way through it. Incredible adventure if I could more than five stars I would!❤️

  • Brilliant trip!

    Nessa H. November 2025
    We had such a brilliant time with Alma, Zammo, Erind, Benni and team at Castle Park and Albania Rafting Group. Such a warm welcome, spectacular scenery and delicious, home-made food. The guides were so helpful and informative about the history of each place we visited and, most importantly also fun! The hiking and rafting were super fun, Albania is beautiful - will be back! Would highly recommend this trip, Alma looks after everyone so well and has thought of everything. 5*

  • Incredible

    Marnie M. November 2025
    Absolutely incredible adventure, couldn’t have gone better. Albania is stunningly beautiful, such a hidden gem. The activities were brilliant, super mix of mountain hiking, water hiking and rafting - all challenging but very manageable. The crew were outstanding…Alma and her team were amazing, so much fun and went to so much effort to make it such a memorable adventure. Can’t recommend them enough. The highlight of the trip was the food, it was sensational. Loved the group dynamic, so much craic. It was my first time travelling with Much Better Adventures and was so impressed. Now to book next years trip!

  • Albania Rafting Trip

    Mary C. November 2025
    Absolutely superb trip. Alma was a class operator with everything laid on for a most wonderful experience from the expertly led hike , stunning local food and produce, exhilarating rafting and a professional team of guides who were warm welcoming and knowledgeable. Accommodation in Berat was lovely and the glamping in Permet was incredible with ton of the range spec for a really comfortable stay. A wine tour was an added bonus and visits to local cultural points of interest eg the local Castle quarters were fantastic additions. Erind and Benny in particular were excellent guides drivers and hosts. We wanted for nothing and only take away fabulous memories of fun laughter and joy! Thank you to you all. Mary K, Dublin

  • Outstanding Vacation!

    Kristine R. November 2025
    Alma and her crew provided an amazing and memorable time with us. The vacation in Albania was one to remember- the place was clean, food was delicious, and the activities were organized that you needed not worry about anything except to have fun and be merry and meet like-minded individuals to partake in the adventures. Alma and the rafting company really outdone yourselves. If it were up to me, I would stay here longer than 5 days and would recommend to anyone in a heartbeat. Thank you for a wonderful birthday. This was phenomenal and I would go back again.

  • Definitely worth it a lot

    Abdennour M. November 2025
    Definitely worth it a lot and lot of puppy's to pet the adventure was great the staff was amazing and the food was out of this world

  • 2nd MBA trip as good as the last

    Alice A. November 2025
    Absolutely loved our time in Albania. This was our second Much Better Adventures Trip and it definitely won’t be the last. Everything we did met our expectations and more. Loved the rafting, kayaking and all the additional activities such as wine tasting and thermal baths, these were great as gave us a chance to get to know our fellow adventurers even better. Lots of travelling but was prepared for this and definitely needed travel sickness tablets so thank you to previous reviews for this! There was a lot of rain the night before we were supposed to do the river walking. When we got to the river and it was much higher than Arti was expecting so he apologised and said his boss had said it was too dangerous to do this so they were exploring rafting instead. Arti kept us up to date and took us for a walk to some caves while the rafting team travelled to us and we ended up with a bonus rafting session (for the time of year) instead of river walking that afternoon. It meant we had lunch at 5pm but they gave us snacks and no one minded at all as it felt like such a bonus. Everyone in the group was so fantastic, as we have experienced with MBA trips before, no one could help the weather so we just went with the flow but Arti made this easy for us and it was very much appreciated. Fabulous people, wonderful food and activities. Just an all round excellent action packed 5 day break.

  • Great adventure

    Lara B. October 2025
    I enjoyed the tour a lot!😃 The organisation was great, there was a happy vibe in the group, Arti and the other locals involved were very friendly and helpful, the accommodations were very comfortable and the food was delicious! :) Only negative point: There was almost always a lot of food wasted, since we had so much food left over. I think it’s necessary to raise awareness for the topic in albanian culture as it has a great impact on the environment.

  • Brilliant week in Albania

    Christopher L. October 2025
    Rafting Albania were fantastic hosts for the entire trip and I can easily say its one of the best holidays I've had in a long time. Arti, our guide for the trip, is a lovely guy with lots of stories and personality as well as being a thorough and professional guide who will facilitate every request as best he can. His father drove us around central Albania with enthusiasm and a love for picking fresh fruit on the side of the road. The group I was with were all brilliant people who brought their own spice to the table. The views can be described as nothing other than breathtaking and the accommodation can be described as nothing other than comfy as hell (with brilliant local catered food). The clamping in day 4 amongst the mountains was the highlight of the trip. Between activities we stopped in small local towns and places of note affording an experience in rural Albania most tourists will not get to experience. If you decide to book this trip oby my recommendation, make sure to say hello to Chocco the dog at the Castle park hotel for me. (He's a good boy)

  • Top tier experience

    Lena F. October 2025
    Wonderful way to experience Albania’s beautiful natural spots. Artemis was a great guide very helpful and friendly, always kept the group in high spirits. Accommodation was very cute and rustic. Albania rafting group was professional while maintaining a super fun environment. Vegetarian food options throughout the trip were excellent! Arty took care of everything.

  • Great Trip

    Nicola B. September 2025
    Great trip away, really fun group and our guide Arti really looked afrer us well. The equipment provided was good and all activities were great fun. Will definitely use MBA again and wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Accommodation was rustic but clean and could do with a little updating. Hotel food was excellent & plentiful. Scenery was stunning. thoroughly enjoyed Albania.

  • Our guide Arti (and his

    Chris C. September 2025
    Our guide Arti (and his Dad) were an awesome team to show off the mountain trails, canyons, rivers and hot springs of central Albania. Every day was active without being overly challenging and accommodations were comfortable. Include a great bunch of fun-loving guests to get to know over the week and you have all the ingredients of a trip to remember. It was my first MBA trip - but not my last.

  • fantastic trip. so many exciting

    Vibeke K. September 2025
    fantastic trip. so many exciting experiences and activities. a trip you could easily go on 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.

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Departure dates

  • Wednesday 24th June 2026

    to Monday 29th June 2026

    Last minute - Host approval required

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