Packrafting / Hiking / Snorkeling / Cave Exploration
Pack raft, Snorkel and Hike Canyons in Albania
Explore mysterious caves, snorkel in remote bays and pack raft an uncrowded lake and National Parks.
Duration
6 Days
GROUP SIZE
Up to 16 people
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel / Guest House
MEETING POINT
Tirana Airport
SEASON
Mar—Sep
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
No Snorkeling or hiking experience needed, just a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to handle 3-6 hours of activity a day.
- IMPORTANT COVID-19 TRAVEL GUIDANCE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
Click ‘see changes’ for specific Foreign Office travel advice plus any trip alterations and additional safety measures in place, as a result of COVID-19.
Travel to a part of Europe still untouched by mass tourism. Visit an ancient fortified city, explore the beautiful Karaburun – Sazan Marine National Park by speedboat, explore the spectacular Osumi Canyons and meet a local family in the Tomorr mountain.
The region is a diverse landscape of rugged hills, high cliffs, and endless, rolling agricultural land. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for growing grapes and other fruits. It’s the perfect place to get off the beaten path and have a unique Balkans experience."
Visas :Albania & North Macedonia
No visa required for most nationalities, including UK passport holders, most other EU nationalities, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand.
Vaccinations: Albania and North Macedonia
There are no specific health risks.
Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.
A Company you can Trust
- included
- Guides
Expert, friendly, English-speaking guides
- Accommodation
- Meals
Natural, fresh food
5 Breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
- Transfers
Airport and local transfers
- Equipment
- not included
- Flights to and from the meeting point
- Some meals as described
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Food
Albanian food is hearty and healthy, usually based around meat and vegetables much of which is sea-sonal 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 flavored with white vinegar and olive oil grown in Southern Albania and many dishes are served with wine from one the local vineyards.
- Accommodation
Accommodation is in twin rooms in small family ruined hotels or bed and breakfasts. Optional single room supplement is available.
- What is the weather like?
The best months for hiking and adventure activities in Albania are February to July and September to November when the weather is warm and sunny, reaching temperatures of around 30 degrees. August can be hotter, however this is usually broken up by cool coastal breezes.
- Location
The Republic of Albania is a mountainous and green country that’s only now appearing on many travellers radar thanks some of the best and least developed beaches on the Mediterranean. Destina-tions on this trip include the countries capital, Tirana, home to a thriving café culture, the Karaburun peninsula, at the heart of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, the UNESCO world heritage site of Berat, The Osumi gorge Monument of Nature, whose unique ecosystem keeps it green all year round, the Tomorr National Park and Ulza Regional Park, known for its green tourism and lovely man made lake.
- Start point?
Your guide will collect you from Tirana International Airport on day one. You can book any flight arriving before 12:00.
- Finish point?
At the end of your trip you will be returned to Tirana International Airport. You’re free to book any flight you like on the last day.
Day 1: Welcome in Albania
Fly to Tirana Airport in Albania. Drive to the bed and breakfast. At 5 pm you’ll meet the guide for a short city tour and a welcoming dinner.
Day 2: Pack raft in Ulza lake
Drive for around one hour to Ulza National Park and kayak around Lake Ulza, enjoying the fresh air and clear water of this protected nature reserve.
After a lunch of locally caught fish, depart to Vlora and check into your guesthouse for the night.
Free evening to explore the city by your own (dinner not included)
Day 3: Protected Waters and Mysterious Caves
Check out of your hotel and be ready to explore the national marine park.
Explore the beautiful Karaburun peninsula by speedboat, including the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, the only reserve of its kind in the country, home to turtles, seals and dolphins.
Visit the mysterious cave at Haxhi Aliu, used by traders and smugglers for millennia and now a national monument.
Snorkel in a remote bay, sunbathe on an untouched beach and then eat a picnic lunch on the sand.
Drive for around ninety minutes to Berat ancient city and enjoy a traditional dinner.
Day 4: Berat and the Osumi Canyon
After breakfast, take a drive (60 km, about 1,5 hours) to visit the Osumi Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Europe and swim in a natural pool surrounded by the canyon’s unique, green ecosystem.
Walk along the banks of the river Osum through an unspoilt landscape of pine forests and river plains, visiting local landmarks like the Crocodile Head, Love Waterfall and Devils Gate.
After plenty of time to rest and relax in this spectacular canyon, drive back to Berat. This is the chance to explore the city by your own. (dinner not included)
Day 5: Hike in the Tomor Mountains
After a short break in the hotel, take a short drive to the trailhead and then hike into the rugged Tomor Mountains. (about 5 hours hike up and down)
Visit a local family and eat a picnic lunch high above the surrounding landscape, before returning to a local winery where we have a chance to taste some of the best wines in Albania accompanied with some typical food.
Return to Berat.
Day 6: Exploration of Pellumbas cave
Today we will explore the Pellumbas villag. We will do a 3 hours hike (up and down to the Pellumbas cave). After the exploration of the cave we will enjoy a local lunch.
After 2 pm we will head to Tirana International Airport and say goodbye to your Albanian adventure.
Accommodation is in twin rooms in small family ruined hotels or bed and breakfasts. Optional single room supplement is available.
Not Included: The trip fare doesn’t include coffee and any kind of drink except water. You’ll have extra activities (optional tour) if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous trip, though you won’t need to pull out your wallet every few minutes on your Active Albania adventure tour!
- What's included?
Experienced English speaking guide
5 nights accommodation
5 Breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
Local transportation
Airport transfers
Pack rafting and snorkeling equipment
- What's not included?
The trip fare doesn’t include coffee and any kind of drink except water. You’ll have extra activities (optional tour) if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous trip, though you won’t need to pull out your wallet every few minutes on your Active Albania adventure tour!
- What should customers pack?
Recommended packing includes: – Comfortable boots – Lightweight, breathable clothing that’s suita-ble for hiking – Wind/waterproof jacket – Hat – Warm fleece or jumper – Bath suit – Water bottle – Sunglasses – Sunscreen – Head torch – Insect repellent – Hiking poles – Swimwear – Towel – A small backpack
- Private Room upgrade (upon request)
40 Eur/person.
- Price for an additional night pre/post trip?
45 Eur/person.
Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can cater to these.
The best months for hiking and adventure activities in Albania are February to July and September to November when the weather is warm and sunny, reaching temperatures of around 30 degrees. August can be hotter, however this is usually broken up by cool coastal breezes.
Active Albania provides:
✓ Pack rafting equipment
✓ Snorkeling equipment
No previous experience is needed, however a moderate level of fitness is required along with the ability to swim.
Yes! When booking this trip as a private trip, children from the age of 5 can join this adventure.
You’ll need to arrive into Tirana before lunchtime on day one, or the night before. On day five you can depart at any time.
Recommended packing includes: - Comfortable boots - Lightweight, breathable clothing that’s suita-ble for hiking - Wind/waterproof jacket - Hat - Warm fleece or jumper – Bath suit - Water bottle - Sunglasses - Sunscreen – Head torch - Insect repellent - Hiking poles - Swimwear - Towel - A small backpack
