9 Day Albanian Coast Adventure Tour

What to Wear

Wear a swimsuit and light, sporty clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt, adjusted to the weather conditions. Choose comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good grip and non-slip soles.

And of course, bring a good mood, it always helps.

All other technical equipment will be provided by us.

What to Bring

Bring sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses) and a spare change of clothes, including long trousers and extra T-shirts. A small backpack is recommended for carrying personal items during daily activities.

A 9-Day Journey Through Wild Albania

From Sea to Rivers, Mountains, and Ancient Cities

Your adventure begins the moment you land.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana & Journey South

You’ll meet your guides upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, where the journey officially begins. From the capital, the road carries you south toward the coast, passing changing landscapes until you reach the seaside city of Vlorë. After settling into your accommodation, the evening is yours to relax and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Karaburun Peninsula & the Ionian Sea

After breakfast, the sea takes center stage. A speedboat ride leads you along the Karaburun Peninsula, part of Albania’s only marine national park. The water shifts between shades of turquoise and deep blue as you explore hidden bays and remote beaches.

You’ll visit the legendary Haxhi Ali Cave, once used by sailors, traders, and smugglers, now a protected national monument. The day unfolds with snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and a picnic lunch on an untouched stretch of sand. In the afternoon, the journey continues south to Himarë, where dinner and a quiet night by the sea await.

Day 3 – Porto Palermo & the Southern Coast

The morning brings a slow exploration of Albania’s southern coastline. One of the highlights is Porto Palermo Bay, where the color of the sea feels almost unreal against the rugged, sun-burned cliffs.

Here, you’ll prepare for a kayaking session of around three hours, paddling through calm, crystal-clear waters. Lunch is enjoyed at a traditional restaurant, followed by a visit to Porto Palermo Castle, a fortress layered with Venetian, Ottoman, and Cold War history.

By evening, you arrive in the Sarandë area, where dinner and accommodation mark the end of a full coastal day.

Day 4 – Kakome Bays & Ionian Waters

Just beyond Sarandë lies Kakome Bay, a long sweep of white sand and deep blue water, once restricted due to its military past. Today, it feels untouched and serene.

The day is dedicated to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the Ionian Sea, with a picnic lunch enjoyed between activities. As the sun lowers, you return to Sarandë for dinner and rest.

Day 5 – Bistrica River, Gjirokastër & Përmet

A shift from sea to river changes the rhythm of the journey. The Bistrica River, just minutes from Sarandë, feels like stepping into another world, dense vegetation, cold blue water, and total silence broken only by paddles.

After the kayaking experience, the road climbs inland toward Gjirokastër, where lunch is followed by a visit to the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, towering above the historic stone city and guarding centuries of history.

By late afternoon, you continue to Përmet, where dinner and accommodation offer a peaceful end to the day.

Day 6 – Vjosa River, Thermal Baths & Skrapar

Morning brings one of Albania’s great natural treasures: rafting on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers. Waves, narrow passages, and wide braided sections create a powerful yet accessible rafting experience through untouched landscapes.

After lunch, the mood shifts to relaxation at the Benja Thermal Baths, set beneath stone bridges and canyon walls along the Langarica River. A short walk through Langarica Canyon reveals caves, forests, and sulfur springs shaped over centuries.

In the evening, the journey continues toward Skrapar, where dinner and overnight camping await.

Day 7 – Osumi Canyons & Berat

Depending on the season, the day offers either rafting or river hiking through the dramatic Osumi Canyons, one of Albania’s most iconic natural formations. Towering canyon walls, waterfalls, and cathedral-like rock formations surround you as you move through the gorge.

After a local lunch, you travel onward to the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, where accommodation and dinner close another unforgettable day.

Day 8 – Mount Tomorr & Tradition

This day slows the pace and deepens the connection with Albania’s cultural roots. You explore the foothills of Mount Tomorr, long considered sacred, in the traditional way, on the back of sturdy mountain mules, just as locals have done for generations.

The experience includes visits to traditional villages, seasonal regional cuisine, and wide views across valleys and peaks. By evening, you return to Berat for your final overnight stay.

Day 9 – Return to Tirana

After breakfast, the journey comes full circle as you travel back to Tirana, marking the end of the expedition.

Photography Service

Throughout the journey, moments are captured in some of Albania’s most beautiful and remote places. Relax and stay present, the memories are taken care of.

Photography service: €5 per person

All accommodation is included, with stays in hand-picked guesthouses and hotels located near the heart of each city.

Activities & Equipment

Albania Rafting Group provides everything needed for a complete and well-supported adventure, including:

• Professional guiding throughout the trip
• Kayaking equipment
• Rafting equipment
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Transportation during the tour
• Binoculars
• Anti-mosquito spray
• Waterproof bags for personal items
• Headlamps
• Local lunches during activities

Accommodation

All accommodation is included and provided in carefully selected guesthouses and hotels, conveniently located close to the city centers. These accommodations are chosen for comfort, location, and local character.

Guides

All guides are included in the trip price. Our team consists of experienced, English-speaking guides with extensive knowledge of the activities, regions, and local culture, ensuring both safety and an enjoyable experience.

Meals

All meals are included. We carefully select restaurants that focus on fresh, homemade, and locally sourced food. A wide range of dietary preferences is accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, meat, and seafood options.

Our guests always come first. Each trip is carefully planned and smoothly organized, while still allowing flexibility to adapt to your needs and schedule whenever possible. Creating the best possible experience is central to everything we do.

Occasionally, adjustments may be necessary due to weather conditions or availability, and any changes are made with your safety and comfort in mind. If you have specific requests, please let us know in advance and complete the form below so we can plan accordingly.

This tour is suitable for travelers in good general health who are comfortable with light to moderate physical activity. Participants should feel confident spending time outdoors and on the water. Please avoid participating under the influence of alcohol or substances that could affect balance or awareness.

For logistics, please keep all clothes and personal belongings packed in one backpack, making transport easy during the trip.