Seven-Day Adventure Itinerary in Northern Albania

• Day 1: Explore the Albanian Alps in Valbonë Valley National Park
  3 hours (101 km) from Tirana

  Begin your adventure in Albania by heading north to Valbonë Valley National Park, known for its stunning peaks, waterfalls and scenic hikes. Take a guided tour or choose your own trail to explore this beautiful park.

• Day 2: Rafting in Vjosa River
  3 hours and 20 minutes (136 km) from Valbonë Valley National Park to Vjosa River

  Enjoy an adrenaline rush by rafting in the beautiful Vjosa River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe. With crystal-clear waters and gorgeous canyon scenery, this is the place for an unforgettable rafting experience.

• Day 3: Hiking and Zip-lining in Theth National Park
  4 hours (156 km) from Vjosa River to Theth National Park

  Theth National Park is known for its natural beauty and traditional stone houses. Hike along the Shala River, through the Valbona Pass, and zip-line through the forests with incredible views of the valley below.

• Day 4: Visit the Historic Castle of Kruja
  2 hours (74 km) from Theth National Park to Kruja

  Visit the Historic Castle of Kruja, a 5th-century fortress that served as the center of the Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Explore the castle, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Old Bazaar.

• Day 5: Scuba diving in the Ionian Sea
  2 hours and 30 minutes (123 km) from Kruja to Ionian Sea

  The Ionian Sea is a popular destination for scuba diving as it has many underwater caves and shipwrecks that are perfect for exploring. Take a guided tour and marvel at the crystal-clear waters and marine wildlife.

• Day 6: Canyoning in the Osumi Canyon
  3 hours and 20 minutes (209 km) from Ionian Sea to Osumi Canyon

  Osumi Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of Albania, is a must-visit spot for adventure seekers. Enjoy canyoning and rappelling down the waterfalls, or hike along the beautiful river and take a dip in the natural pools.

• Day 7: Relax on the beautiful Albanian Riviera
  4 hours (199 km) from Osumi Canyon to Albanian Riviera

  After a week of adventure, relax on the stunning Albanian Riviera coastline. Take a swim in the turquoise waters, sunbathe on the sandy beaches, and sample delicious local seafood.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Guided tour in Valbonë Valley National Park (6 hours, €45)
• White water rafting in the Vjosa River (4 hours, €50)
• Zip-lining in Theth National Park (2 hours, €30)
• Entrance Fee to the Castle of Kruja (€5)
• Scuba Diving in the Ionian Sea (5 hours, €80)
• Canyoning in the Osumi Canyon (3 hours, €40)
• Total Estimated Costs (€300)

Transportation

To travel around Albania, you can rent a car, take a bus, or use taxis. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads in some parts of the country. Car rental will cost around €25-€40 per day, while buses are much cheaper, but may not always be punctual with their schedules. Taxis are also readily available in major cities.

Useful Tips

Add a few extra days to your trip to spend more time exploring the stunning Albanian Riviera, or cut a day or two if you are short on time. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for hiking and water activities, and pack appropriate clothing for the changing weather conditions in the mountains.

Airports

The main airport in Albania is the Tirana International Airport (TIA), located in the capital city. The airport code is TIA, and it is approximately 17 km from the city center.