Vjosa River Tour: A Journey Along Europe’s Last Wild River

Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in central Tirana. The day is at leisure for you to relax at the hotel or explore the city’s vibrant streets, charming cafés, and local shops at your own pace. Overnight in Tirana, at Vila e Arte (or similar).

After breakfast, your guide meets you at the hotel and we begin our journey south toward Përmet. Our first stop is Bylis Archaeological Park, one of Albania’s most important ancient cities. Once a flourishing Illyrian and Roman settlement, Bylis is renowned for its grand theatre, early Christian basilicas, and fortified city walls offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. As we walk through the ruins, we gain insight into the region’s rich history. In the afternoon, we continue the scenic drive to Përmet, a town celebrated for its natural beauty and warm hospitality. After checking in at our hotel, we enjoy a dinner featuring authentic local dishes, giving us a taste of the region’s culinary traditions. Overnight in Përmet, at Hotel Alvero (or similar). 

We start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. For those seeking adventure, an optional white-water rafting experience on the Vjosa River is available in the morning. Guided by professional instructors, you’ll navigate the pristine rapids of Europe’s last wild river. This is a thrilling yet beginner-friendly experience. Lunch is served at a riverside fish restaurant, where we will savor fresh dishes while soaking in the serene views of the Vjosa River. In the afternoon, we visit the Benja Thermal Springs, a natural spa surrounded by mountains and the picturesque Ottoman bridge. The rest of the day is free to relax or independently explore Përmet. Overnight in Përmet, at Hotel Alvero (or similar). 

After breakfast, we continue our journey with a scenic hike to the traditional village of Leusa, overlooking Përmet. The trail offers peaceful mountain views and insight into rural Albanian life. On arrival, we visit the medieval church of Leusa, admired for its beautifully preserved frescoes. Afterward, we enjoy a traditional village lunch prepared with local flavors and hospitality. In the afternoon, we explore the village further before hiking back to Përmet, passing through its old town. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Përmet, at Hotel Alvero (or similar). 

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “stone city.” Explore the Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans, and wander through the bazaar, where cobbled streets and Ottoman-style houses reveal the city’s history. After free time for lunch and crafts shopping, we return to Përmet for a cheese factory visit, where you’ll learn about local production and sample fresh artisanal varieties. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at Kantina Bejko (or similar), discovering the unique flavors of southern Albania. We end the day with dinner at a slow food restaurant, where traditional dishes are prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Overnight in Përmet, at Hotel Alvero (or similar). 

Following breakfast, we head north to the Karavasta Lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Mediterranean and home to rare birdlife, including the Dalmatian pelican. Enjoy a short boat trip through this protected ecosystem, followed by free time for exploration, swimming, or lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, we continue to Tirana, Albania’s lively capital. On a guided city tour, we visit landmarks such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the New Bazaar, Mother Teresa Square, and the vibrant Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite, now a hub of cafés and local culture. We celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner and live folk show at Oda Garden Restaurant (or similar). Overnight in Tirana, at Vila e Arte (or similar). 

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before your private transfer to Tirana International Airport, scheduled according to your flight details.