Albania Wild Rivers & Canyons: 6-Day Adventure Tour + Guide

Summary

Six days exploring Albania’s wild rivers, canyons & villages

You’ll hike ancient mountains with local guides, raft wild Albanian rivers like Osumi Canyon and Vjosa, kayak through gorges, soak in thermal baths near Benja village, and share meals with locals in Berat and Permet. With all equipment included plus hotel pickup and traditional food along the way, you’ll find moments here that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a glass of homemade raki before I even put my bag down in Berat — that’s how this Albania adventure started. Our guide, Ardit, grinned at my hesitation and said, “It’s tradition!” The old castle walls glowed gold at sunset while we ate slow-cooked lamb and tried to remember everyone’s names. I’d never heard so many languages at one table. There was a kind of hush in the air that first night — maybe nerves or just the way the city feels after dark.

The next morning we wound up into the Tomorr Mountains on roads that felt like they belonged to goats more than cars. A shepherd waved us through with his staff and his daughter handed out tiny apples from her apron. We rode mules for part of it (I’m not sure who was more nervous — me or the mule) and stopped for a picnic facing Mount Tomorr. The cheese tasted like grass and sunshine. Ardit told stories about mountain spirits; I only half-listened because the wind kept changing direction and carrying new smells — pine, woodsmoke, something sweet I still can’t name.

Rafting Osumi Canyon was colder than I expected — water straight from glacier melt will do that — but you forget about your toes when you’re staring up at those cliffs. Our guides kept us laughing between rapids, telling legends about the Love Waterfall (I won’t spoil it). After lunch back in Berat (eggplant stew this time), we crashed early. The next day brought kayaking on the Vjosa River at Këlcyrë Gorge. They suited us up in neoprene and helmets; I looked ridiculous but nobody cared. Paddling through those canyons felt like being inside a painting — blue water, green walls, birds everywhere.

I didn’t expect to love the thermal baths in Benja as much as I did. Maybe it was just relief after all that paddling, or maybe it was watching locals play cards on the rocks while steam curled around us. Last day: Cave of Pellumbas hike — slippery stones, bats overhead, sunlight slicing through cracks in the rock. Lunch in a village where someone’s grandmother pressed bread into my hand with a wink.

This six-day Albania adventure tour is messy and beautiful and full of surprises — not always comfortable but always real. Sometimes I still think about that first night in Berat when everything felt possible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Berat Exploration

• Arrival in Tirana and drive to Berat
• Explore Berat Castle and old town
• Traditional Albanian dinner

Day 2 — Tomorr Mountains and Village Visit

• Drive through remote village and meet shepherd
• Hike and picnic near Tomorr Mountain
• Overnight in Berat

Day 3 — Osumi Canyon Rafting or Hiking

• Rafting or river hiking in Osumi Canyon
• Wild swimming and waterfall visits
• Return to Berat

Day 4 — Kayaking in Vjosa River

• Kayaking in Këlcyrë Gorge on Vjosa River
• Relax at Benja thermal baths
• Overnight in Permet

Day 5 — Rafting Adventure on Vjosa River

• Morning rafting on Vjosa River Class 3 rapids
• Return to Berat for evening

Day 6 — Pellumbas Cave Exploration

• Hike to Cave of Pellumbas
• Lunch in local village
• Return to Tirana for departure

Top questions

Is equipment included for rafting and kayaking?

Yes, all rafting and kayaking equipment is provided by experienced guides.

How physically demanding is this Albania adventure tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; activities include hiking, rafting, kayaking.

Are meals included during the tour?

Traditional meals are included as part of the experience in local villages and hotels.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins with pickup at Tirana Airport before heading to Berat.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in hotels such as Castle Park in Berat and Hotel Alvero in Permet.

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

The minimum drinking age is 18; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes—please advise at booking if you need vegetarian meals.

What should I pack for this multi-day Albania tour?

Packing suggestions include boots, breathable clothes for hiking, swimwear for water activities, sunscreen, hat, towel.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes—public transportation options are available near some stops along the route.

What’s included

Your six-day journey includes airport pickup from Tirana; all transport by minivan or off-road car; river hiking gear; rafting and kayaking equipment; accommodation each night in comfortable hotels; guidance from local experts throughout; plus traditional meals (with vegetarian options) shared in villages or prepared by local hosts along the way before returning to Tirana at the end.