Vlorë:2-Day tour-Apollonia-Berat-Divjake-Belsh with Rafting

Planning a quick yet fulfilling trip to Albania? This 2-day tour, offered by AIDA VOYAGER, promises a balanced mix of ancient ruins, charming towns, stunning nature, and even a splash of adventure. It’s designed for travelers who want a lot in a short span—without feeling rushed or missing out. We’ve looked into this experience, and here’s what makes it appealing—and what to keep in mind.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to explore Apollonia’s ancient ruins—a real highlight for history buffs—and to enjoy the exciting rafting in the Osumi River, which adds an active, memorable dimension. Also, the small group size, limited to just 10 participants, promises a more personal, engaging experience.

On the flip side, this tour packs a lot into just two days, which can be a lot for some travelers. If you’re not a fan of tight schedules or long travel days, it’s worth considering whether you prefer a more leisurely pace. But if you’re eager to see a broad slice of Albania’s diverse sights quickly, this could be a perfect fit.

This experience is ideal for those who want culture, adventure, and stunning scenery all wrapped into one trip. Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this tour offers a well-rounded sample of what Fier County has to offer.

Key Points

• Compact and comprehensive: covers major highlights of Albania’s interior and coast in 2 days
• Authentic sites: visit the well-preserved ruins of Apollonia and UNESCO-listed Berat
• Active adventure: includes an exhilarating rafting trip on the Osumi River
• Comfort and convenience: transportation in a modern, air-conditioned minivan and small group size
• All-inclusive pricing: accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and rafting are covered
• Flexible booking: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind

You can check availability for your dates here:

Day 1: From Vlora to Apollonia, Divjake, and Belsh

The journey begins in Vlora, a lively coastal city, where you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. Traveling in a small group keeps things intimate, allowing more direct interaction with your guide and fellow travelers. This setup makes the long hours of travel feel more like part of the adventure rather than a tedious hurdle.

First stop: Apollonia—one of Albania’s most significant ancient sites. Walking through these ruins, you’ll see remnants of temples, theaters, and baths that evoke the city’s past importance as a center of Hellenistic culture. The Archaeological Museum adds valuable context, helping you picture the city’s heyday. Many visitors mention how impressive the ruins are and appreciate the opportunity to wander freely through history.

After soaking up the history, the route takes you to Divjake National Park. The park is a natural jewel, with lush landscapes and abundant birdlife. For nature lovers, it’s a peaceful walk amid the sounds of birds and rustling leaves—an ideal break from the more structured sightseeing. The biodiversity here offers chances for birdwatching and enjoying Albania’s unspoiled natural beauty.

Next, you’ll visit Belsh, a small town renowned for its picturesque lakes and natural vistas. Here, a traditional Albanian lunch awaits—an authentic taste of local cuisine, often praised for its freshness and flavor. Many reviews highlight the delicious homemade-style food, which adds depth to the experience, making it not just sightseeing but a taste of local life.

By evening, you arrive at your hotel, where a restful night and breakfast prepare you for the next day’s adventures. The accommodations are described as comfortable, focusing on a stress-free experience after a day filled with exploration.

Day 2: Berat and Rafting in Osumi River

The second day kicks off with breakfast before heading to Berat, often called the “City of a Thousand Windows.” It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its unique architecture—white Ottoman houses stacked along the hill, with narrow winding streets. The Berat Castle offers panoramic views over the city and is a highlight that travelers consistently praise for its authentic charm.

Exploring Berat’s neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica provides insight into the city’s cultural fabric. Many visitors note the authentic architecture and the sense of stepping back in time. Your guide will help you understand the historical significance of these districts, making the experience richer.

The standout activity of the day is rafting on the Osumi River. This adventure allows you to get your adrenaline pumping while enjoying some of the most breathtaking canyon landscapes in Albania. The rafting experience is designed to be accessible to most, with safety gear provided and professional guidance. Reviews from past participants describe the rafting as exciting yet safe, and many mention how spectacular the scenery is—cliffs, lush greenery, and rushing waters make for an unforgettable experience.

After the rafting, you’ll return to Vlora by late afternoon, ending a day packed with cultural sights, natural beauty, and adventure.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and Considerations

The all-inclusive cost of $272 per person provides excellent value, especially considering the hotel stay, meals, entrance tickets, and rafting are covered. This means no surprise costs, and you can relax knowing everything is organized.

Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, ideal for longer drives. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures a more personal experience and easier interaction with your guide. The guide speaks multiple languages—English, French, Italian, and Albanian—making communication accessible for international travelers.

The tour’s schedule is packed but thoughtfully paced, with most activities scheduled during daylight hours. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, and beachwear for the rafting and possibly quick dips if you decide to cool off.

Notably, the tour is not suitable for young children under 7 or travelers with certain health issues, including back problems, diabetes, or altitude sickness. It’s also not wheelchair accessible or suitable for the elderly over 70.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the stunning views and the well-organized itinerary. Travelers appreciate the authentic experience of visiting Apollonia and Berat, with comments like “wandering through ancient ruins felt like stepping back centuries.” The rafting adventure consistently receives praise for being thrilling yet safe, often described as a highlight of the trip.

One traveler mentioned, “The combination of history and nature was perfect—I loved how the tour balanced sightseeing with the active element of rafting.” Others mention the friendly guide and small group atmosphere as key to making their experience memorable.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to maximize their Albanian experience in a short time. It’s perfect if you enjoy history, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activity. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and long drives, you’ll find this a rewarding way to see some of the best sights in Fier County.

However, those with mobility issues or seeking a more relaxed, leisurely pace might find the itinerary a bit full. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have specific health concerns, this tour might require some thought.

For its price, this 2-day tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Albania’s cultural treasures and natural beauty, all with the convenience of organized transport and accommodations. The combination of ancient ruins, charming towns, and adrenaline-fueled rafting makes it a well-rounded adventure.

It’s an especially good choice for travelers eager to pack as much as possible into a short time, and who appreciate authentic experiences over superficial sightseeing. The inclusion of a professional guide and small group size adds a layer of intimacy and insight that large tours often lack.

If you’re looking for an interesting, active, and authentic snapshot of Albania—this tour delivers on all fronts.

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $272 per person, covering transportation, hotel, meals, entrance tickets, and rafting.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts for 2 days, with most activities scheduled during the daytime.

What is included in the price?
Comfortable, air-conditioned transport, a professional multilingual guide, hotel with breakfast, lunch on both days, entrance tickets to museums, and rafting on the Osumi River.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7, especially those with back problems, disabilities, or health issues like diabetes or altitude sickness.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring?
A camera for photos and beachwear for rafting. No alcohol or drugs are allowed.

What languages are provided?
The tour runs in Albanian, English, French, and Italian.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants, fostering a more personal experience.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, the hotel is described as comfortable, with breakfast included.

Is this tour a good value?
Absolutely. Given the inclusions and diverse experiences packed into two days, it offers excellent value for travelers wanting a comprehensive Albanian adventure.

This 2-day Albanian tour is a smart choice for travelers wanting a quick but meaningful look at the country’s highlights. Expect a mixture of ancient history, natural beauty, and active fun—all in a small-group setting that keeps things personal. For those eager to see historic sites like Apollonia and Berat, enjoy scenic drives, and try rafting in Albania’s stunning landscape, this experience hits the mark.

Designed for curious explorers who don’t mind a packed schedule, it’s a cost-effective way to see some of Fier County’s most compelling sights. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll come away with vivid memories—and plenty of photos. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, it’s worth considering for your next Albanian trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: