Active Albania – Explore, Paddle, Hike & Discover
If you’re looking for an immersive and adventurous way to experience Albania, this 8-day active tour is designed for you. Blending stunning landscapes with rich cultural insight, it’s a fantastic mix of outdoor thrills, heritage, and hospitality — perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a more energetic escape.
Beginning in the north, you’ll paddle across Shkodra Lake, hike to the breathtaking Blue Eye of Theth, and explore majestic mountain trails and waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll dive into Albania’s traditions — from ancient Kanun law to modern agritourism at the iconic Mrizi i Zanave slow-food farm.
Further south, wander the UNESCO streets of Berat, enjoy award-winning wine tastings, and experience Osumi Canyon by raft or river walk depending on the season. The adventure wraps up with a boat tour from Vlora to explore the fascinating Sazan Island and the pristine beaches of Karaburun Peninsula.
Expect full days, unforgettable views, hearty local meals, and plenty of hands-on experiences — all guided by a passionate local team. With comfortable accommodation, private transport, and activities suitable for ages 6+, this is an active but accessible way to discover one of Europe’s last hidden gems.
Included
This action-packed 8-day adventure showcases the very best of Albania’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and outdoor spirit. From paddleboarding on tranquil lakes to hiking dramatic canyons, you’ll explore rugged landscapes, taste traditional cuisine, and uncover the stories behind Albania’s most iconic locations.
Fly from the UK to Mother Teresa International airport where you will be met and transferred to your overnight hotel in Shkoder ready to begin your adventures!
Begin the day with a scenic drive from your accommodation to Shkodra Lake, taking in stunning views of the Albanian countryside. After a quick introduction, by our local guide, you’ll hop onto Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs). Glide across the calm waters of Shkodra Lake, paddling through hidden coves and along the lake’s lush shoreline. As you paddle across the tranquil waters, you’ll navigate through picturesque patches of water lilies, which float delicately along the lake’s surface. Your guide will point out local wildlife, including rare birds, and share stories about the lake’s significance to the region. A picnic lunch will be served on the lake’s shore.
If the weather doesn’t allow us to do the SUP at Shkodra Lake, we will switch gears and take a scenic bike ride around the lake to the charming village of Zogaj. Along the way, we’ll stop for a short visit at a local home, where a woman proudly continues the tradition of weaving, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, we will return to our hotel, and you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight: Shkoder
Meals Included: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
Thethi is one of the most unique villages in the Shala Valley, surrounded by breathtaking nature and incredible spots to explore. Our journey begins with a drive to Nderlyse, where we’ll start a short hike toward the Blue Eye of Capre. The trail offers stunning views, with mountain peaks soaring over 2,000 meters, draped in dense pine forests. After a refreshing hike, we’ll arrive at the Blue Eye, a pristine, crystal-clear pool. For the brave, there’s the opportunity to take a dip in its icy but incredibly clean waters.
After we visit the Blue Eye, we’ll hike back to Theth and prepare for the next adventure. This time, we’ll hike through village paths and mountain trails to reach the majestic Grunasi Waterfall. Prepare to be amazed by the rainbow-like colors created by the vegetation around.
On our way back, we’ll stop at the Isolation Tower, where we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the ancient Kanun laws that once ruled these lands, including stories of the blood feuds that shaped the region’s history.
Overnight: in Theth
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a healthy and delicious breakfast in Theth, we’ll take a break from outdoor adventures to immerse ourselves in Albania’s farming and culinary traditions. Our destination is Mrizi i Zanave, a renowned agritourism farm celebrated for its “0 km” ingredients and dedication to slow food. Here, we’ll tour the farm’s processing centers for dairy products, meat, and vegetables, learning about their sustainable farming practices. The farm’s wine production is another fascinating aspect, with stories of local winemaking waiting to be told.
Following the tour, we’ll enjoy a meal featuring a daily menu of traditional Albanian cuisine, presented in modern and creative ways.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Tirana for hotel check-in and embark on a walking tour of Albania’s vibrant capital. Along the way, we’ll visit key landmarks that illustrate Tirana’s past and present, with a special focus on the city’s communist era, which plays a central role in its history.
Overnight: in Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch at Mrizi i Zanave
Today, we will drive south through the picturesque Albanian countryside to the historic town of Berat, renowned for its unique architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. During our visit, we will explore:
• The 4th-century BC fortress of Berat, offers panoramic views and rich history.
• The charming old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, known for their traditional houses and stunning views across the Osumi River.
Afterward, we’ll head to a nearby village for lunch and a wine-tasting experience at one of Albania’s most esteemed wineries, which has recently won two international awards for its wines.
We’ll spend the afternoon in Berat, soaking in the atmosphere of this magical town as it transitions into the evening.
Overnight: in Berat
Meals Included: Breakfast and Wine Tasting
Get ready for one of the tour’s highlights: an unforgettable experience at Osumi Canyon. Depending on the season, we will either embark on an exciting rafting adventure or enjoy river wading through the canyon. Osumi Canyon stretches for 16 km and offers breathtaking views of towering 100-meter-high cliffs, narrow straits, cascading waterfalls, and other natural wonders. All necessary equipment will be provided for the adventure, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
After the adventure, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with stunning canyon views, providing a perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of this incredible landscape.
Overnight: Berat
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Today, we’ll have an early start to prepare for our exciting Boat Tour in Vlora. The boat will first take us to Sazan Island, an abandoned military island filled with remnants of its past. After exploring Sazan, we’ll stop at one of the beautiful beaches on the Karaburun Peninsula, located in the bay of Vlora. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the stunning Ionian Sea, famous for its crystal-clear blue waters.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Vlora and check in to our hotel. In the evening, we’ll take a stroll along the long promenade of Vlora by the Adriatic Sea, soaking in the beautiful coastal views and vibrant atmosphere. At 20:00, we will gather for a farewell dinner featuring seafood in Vlora.
Overnight: in Vlore
Meals Included: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Transfer to Mother Teresa International Airport for your return flight home – ready to plan your next trip to this amazing country!
We like to keep it simple. Once you have found the itinerary you want – or want us to tailor-make one just for you, just get in touch either by filling in the enquiry form on this page, emailing info@experiencealbania.co.uk or calling 0203 822 0299.
One of our experienced team will chat it through with you sort dates, pricing and availability etc. Only when you are happy with everything will you need to make a payment for your holiday.
We don’t have this because, quite simply, every holiday is different. Even if you like one of our ‘off the shelf’ itineraries, the chances are you’ll want to tinker with it a little bit. Plus availability changes regularly. All sorts of reasons really.
In a nutshell, we provide a quality service and are here for you. We want this relationship with our customers to start from the very beginning and this is the best way!
Absolutely! As a UK company based in Cornwall, you can rest assured that your money is safe and your holiday secure.
We are an authorised Trading Brand of our registered company; the Kernow Travel Company. We hold our own ATOL Licence which is number 12020 – you can check that on the ATOL website.
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0203 822 0299
info@experiencealbania.co.uk
