Safari day tour Permet: Canyons, thermal baths & villages

Mountain villages, a national park, and thermal pools in one afternoon

A 4x4 safari tour through the Permet region visiting the Church of Saint Mary in Leusë, the Fir of Hotova national park, and Benja thermal baths inside Lengarica Canyon, with an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide and a picnic included. The route covers high mountains, stone villages and canyons over four to five hours, ending with time to relax in the thermal pools.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Permet's nature and culture

• Visit Leusë village and Saint Mary Church
• Explore Fir of Hotova National Park
• Discover Lengarica Canyon and Benja thermal baths

The experience

The tour starts with a stop at Leusë, a stone village a few kilometers from Permet, to see the Church of Saint Mary: a basilica-style building from the late 18th century with Byzantine-era murals painted in 1812 and a carved walnut iconostasis from 1817. The frescoes depict biblical scenes and images of nature in a style that shows the high craftsmanship of its creators. From there, the 4x4 takes you into the Fir of Hotova national park, Albania's largest at 34,361 hectares, where the landscape shifts to vast meadows surrounded by centuries-old fir trees at heights of 800 to 1,000 meters. The park sits in the Lumica Valley and rises toward Kokojka Mountain, with fresh water fountains along the roadside and wildlife including brown bears, wolves, foxes, wild boar and deer deep in the forest.

The final stop is Benja thermal baths, located inside Lengarica Canyon. You can explore the canyon from inside or above before settling into the thermal pools: some sit in front of the canyon entrance and others are built into the rock face itself. The water is naturally heated, and the canyon walls frame the pools on all sides. A picnic is included during the day, and the air-conditioned vehicle means the drive between stops stays comfortable even in summer heat.

What’s included

• An air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle and guide for the full route.
• a picnic during the day.
• entry to the Church of Saint Mary in Leusë, the Fir of Hotova national park and Benja thermal baths.
• time to explore Lengarica Canyon and relax in the thermal pools.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

GroupUp to 5

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Funky Adventures

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a steady pace with walking at each stop but no strenuous hiking. The vehicle handles the mountain roads, and the thermal pools at the end give you time to rest and soak before heading back to Permet.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Church of Saint Mary in Leusë like?

The Church of Saint Mary is a basilica-style structure built in the late 18th century with Byzantine murals painted in 1812 and a carved walnut iconostasis from 1817. The frescoes show biblical scenes and nature imagery, and the church's facade resembles a monastery while the interior is built like a temple.

Can I swim or bathe in the thermal waters at Benja?

Yes. Benja thermal baths have pools both in front of and inside Lengarica Canyon where you can relax in the naturally heated water after exploring the canyon itself.

What wildlife might I see in the Fir of Hotova national park?

The park is home to brown bears, wolves, foxes, wild boar, hares, squirrels, wild goats and deer. Deer can be spotted on the pastures deep inside the forest, and the park's vast meadows are surrounded by centuries-old fir trees.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs four to five hours total, covering the village of Leusë, the national park and the thermal baths with time to explore each stop and relax in the pools at the end.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, a guide, and a picnic during the day. You'll have access to all three main stops and time to enjoy the thermal pools.