Tour Info
About This Tour
Discover one of Albania’s most extraordinary outdoor adventures: rafting on the Vjosa River, the only Wild River National Park in the country and a protected UNESCO site. Known as the last wild river in Europe, the Vjosa flows freely for 227 km from the Pindus Mountains in Greece, carving through untouched landscapes and sustaining more than 110,000 species, including 50 endangered ones.
The Albania Rafting Group, pioneers who introduced rafting to Albania in 1999 and founders of the Albanian Rafting Federation, organizes daily departures from Berat. Over the years, the team has transformed the Vjosa region into a thriving hub for adventure tourism, offering 10 outdoor activities including rafting, kayaking, packrafting, hydrospeed, SUP, river tubing, e-bike tours, and canyon exploration.
Our 1-hectare adventure base also features Safari tent accommodation, perfect for those who want to extend their nature experience
You Should Wear:
- Swimwear
- Comfortable sports clothes
You Should Bring:
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Extra under wears
We Provide (Albania Rafting Group):
- Premium NRS River Tubes (world-class quality)
- Neoprene pants
- Thermal jacket
- Life jacket
- Dry Bidons for your phones
Vjosa River Rafting – Day Trip from Berat
Meeting – 08:45
Meet your guide at Castle Park Hotel (free parking) or the Hanging Bridge, Gorricë.
Depart with our minibus along the newly improved scenic road that now connects Berat and Përmet in 1,5 h . Enjoy panoramic views, mountain ridges, and abandoned villages like Tërpan, Buz, Ballaban, with a brief stop in Gllava.
Arrival & Preparation
At our adventure base, gear up with: neoprene suit, thermal shirt, helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit shoes.
A short 15-minute transfer takes you to the rafting start point.
Rafting on the Vjosa National Park
Enjoy a fun and safe descent on Europe’s last wild river. Navigate playful rapids, swim in crystal waters, and admire the dramatic landscapes. Our certified guides share stories about the river’s nature and culture throughout the journey.
Lunch
Relax under our Safari tents and enjoy a fresh regional lunch.
Return to Berat
Arrive back in Berat around 17.00, following the same scenic route.
If you would like to stay at Castle Park Hotel—well-known for its excellent service, traditional food, and as the home of Slow Food in Berat—the price is 40 € per person, including breakfast.
- Adults: €79 per person
- Children (under 12 years): €65 per person
- Water shoe rental (optional): €3 per person
All prices include professional rafting equipment, certified guides, transfer and lunch (if specified in your package). Additional services are detailed in the trip description.
Hotel Castle Park Berat – Home of Slow Food & Authentic Albanian Hospitality
Hotel Castle Park Berat is a unique boutique hotel and gastronomic destination, proudly serving as the home of the Slow Food Community of Berat. The hotel is owned and managed by Alma Spathara, President of Slow Food Berat, ensuring a deep commitment to local traditions, sustainable gastronomy, and authentic Albanian hospitality.
Located just 1.2 km from the historic city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hotel Castle Park is nestled in a peaceful pine forest, surrounded by fresh mountain air and offering breathtaking views of the holy Mount Tomorr. This privileged location makes the hotel an ideal escape for travelers seeking nature, culture, and tranquility close to the city.
The hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities, designed to meet the needs of families, couples, and small groups. Whether you are visiting Berat for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a cultural tour, Castle Park offers comfort, privacy, and relaxation.
What truly sets Hotel Castle Park – Slow Food House of Berat apart is its farm-to-table cuisine and warm, personalized service. Guests enjoy traditional dishes prepared with local, seasonal products, following the Slow Food philosophy and celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Berat and southern Albania.
More than just a hotel, Castle Park Berat offers an authentic Albanian experience, where nature, gastronomy, and heartfelt hospitality come together. It is the perfect base for exploring Berat, Mount Tomorr, local wineries, and nearby cultural and adventure attractions.
The meeting is at Hotel Castle Park ,Berat or at the city center of Berat at the hanging bridge at 8.45
- Round-trip transportation from Berat to Përmet in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rafting on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers
- Certified professional rafting guide, ensuring maximum safety and an authentic adventure experience
- Full professional rafting equipment, including rafts, helmets, life jackets, wetsuits, and safety gear
- Traditional lunch served in a Safari-style tent, surrounded by nature for a unique outdoor dining experience
- Drinks during lunch
- Rafting shoes (if you do not have suitable footwear, they can be rented in advance through our website for an additional fee)
- Drinking water – guests are required to bring their own reusable water bottles or thermoses
(We provide free drinking water refill stations. This policy helps us protect the Vjosa National Park by reducing single-use plastic waste and supporting sustainable adventure tourism.)
At Albania Rafting Group, our guests are our top priority. While all trips are carefully scheduled and professionally organized, we offer flexibility to tailor your adventure to your individual needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible rafting and adventure experience on the Vjosa River or Osumi Canyon.
Please note that some itinerary adjustments may be required due to weather conditions or activity availability. If you have any special requests, let us know in advance so our team can customize your experience.
Attention & Safety Information
Albania Rafting Group introduced rafting to Albania for the very first time over 25 years ago and is a pioneer of adventure tourism in the country. All rafting trips are organized and led by professional guides certified by the Albanian Rafting Federation, in full compliance with Albanian laws and safety regulations.
Albania Rafting Group provides all necessary professional rafting equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, including:
- White-water rafts
- Neoprene wetsuits
- Helmets
- Life jackets
- Paddles
- All additional safety and technical gear
Difficulty Level & Suitability
⚠️ Important:
Rafting trips in Albania are designed to be safe and suitable for beginners. The routes we operate do not involve high-risk difficulty levels, making them ideal for first-time rafters and families.
Rafting in Albania is possible year-round, depending on river conditions and professional safety assessments made by our certified guides.
Age Requirements
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult
- Children over 12 years old: welcome from April to October
- Children aged 4–11 years: welcome from May to October, subject to river conditions and guide approval
Health & Physical Requirements
For safety reasons, all participants must:
- Be in good general health
- Have consulted a doctor during the year if they have any medical concerns
- Not be pregnant
- Have a maximum body weight of 120 kg
Medical Restrictions
Participation is not permitted for individuals with the following conditions:
- Any form of cardiac disease
- Hypertension
- History of fainting, loss of consciousness, or loss of sensation
- Spinal or musculoskeletal problems that limit safe physical activity
- Respiratory disorders
- Neurological or nerve-related conditions
Our guides always reserve the right to refuse participation if safety conditions are not met.
