Three days are more than enough to experience one of the richest and most beautiful itineraries southern Albania has to offer. From the cobbled streets of Berat to the majestic Osum Canyon, this 3-day trip to Albania blends cultural heritage, wild nature, and adrenaline in a balanced journey. Designed with the help of a tour operator who knows every turn of this route, this trip is not just a weekend getaway it’s a memory-filled experience, steeped in legend, scenery, and energy that makes you want to return. If your time is short but your desire to explore is high, this itinerary is the perfect invitation for a meaningful escape.
Dita 1: Tirane – Belsh – Berat
If you’re starting your journey from Tirana, a perfect first stop is the small town of Belsh, just about an hour away. Surrounded by karst lakes and green hills, Belsh offers a peaceful natural setting to ease into travel mode. A coffee by the main lake or a short stroll in nature helps you tune into the weekend rhythm.
From Belsh, continue towards Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic cities, included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Once there, take your time to explore the Mangalem neighborhood, the Gorica Bridge, and Berat Castle, where Ottoman and Byzantine history merge above the Osum River. Culture lovers shouldn’t miss the Onufri Museum inside the castle—an iconographic gem.
For dinner, Berat offers a wide range of traditional restaurants and warm local hospitality. If you’re choosing where to eat, check out this top list of restaurants in Berat based on local experiences and quality.
After a day full of history and flavor, we recommend staying overnight in one of the hotels or guesthouses near the historic center perfect for soaking in Berat’s calm evening atmosphere. To choose the right accommodation for you, see this Top 5 places to stay in Berat for 2025.
Dita 2: Berat – Bogova Waterfall – Çorovoda (Skrapar)
Start your second day with breakfast in Berat, then head toward Skrapar with a magical stop at Bogova Waterfall. Just about an hour from Berat, this waterfall is one of the most beautiful and refreshing in Albania, dropping from around 20 meters into a natural crystal-clear pool. Getting there requires an easy 30–40 minute hike through forested paths, ideal for those who love being close to nature. If you’re feeling bold, take a quick dip in the ice-cold waters an unforgettable sensation!
Next stop: Çorovoda, the heart of the Skrapar region, surrounded by some of the area’s most fascinating natural and historical sites. Don’t miss:
- Zaberzan Bridge – a classic arched stone bridge over the Osum River, great for scenic photos.
- Pirogoshi Cave – one of Albania’s largest, with dramatic formations and a mysterious underground vibe.
- Gradec Canyon – a wild segment of the Osum, flanked by abandoned bunkers and rocky landscapes.
- Bride’s Hole (Vrima e Nuses) – a rock formation tied to a local legend about a bride who vanished to escape a forced marriage.
- Abaz Aliu’s Footprints – a sacred spot for Bektashi followers, said to bear the saint’s marks on stone.
Wrap up the day at a guesthouse like Perla e Tomorrit near Poliçan, a perfect place for traditional food, fresh air, and peaceful mountain views. It’s an ideal rest stop before the adventure-filled third day.
Day 3: Mount Tomorr – Rafting in Osum Canyon – Return to Tirana
The final day brings two exciting options depending on your time, energy, and travel style.
Option 1: From mountaintops to River Rapids
To balance exploration with adrenaline, you can take a vehicle or off-road motorbike ride from Perla e Tomorrit to the sacred Mount Tomorr. The road leads to the Teqe of Abaz Aliu or the Çuka e Partizanit peak, offering breathtaking views. This is a quick and efficient way to connect with the spiritual and natural power of the mountain.
After the descent, head to the Osum Canyons for the highlight of the trip: rafting. The 2-hour river adventure is suitable even for beginners (Class II difficulty). You’ll float past waterfalls and stunning rock formations while feeling the pulse of nature all around you.
For more epic canyon destinations, explore this guide to the most beautiful canyons in Albania a must-read for nature lovers.
Post-rafting, enjoy a light lunch with local products before heading back to Tirana.
Option 2: Hiking mount Tomorr (Requires Extra Day or Adjustments)
If you prefer a more immersive experience, opt for a full-day hike to the summit of Mount Tomorr. This route requires time and physical effort and cannot be combined with rafting on the same day. You’ll either need to add an extra day to the trip or shorten parts of the Day 2 itinerary to make it work.
Whether you choose mountaintop serenity or canyon thrills, Day 3 becomes the emotional high point of the journey. From the spiritual heights of Tomorr to the wild waters of Osum, this weekend transforms from a simple escape to a truly memorable adventure.
A complete escape for body, mind, and soul
This 3-day trip to Albania from Tirana to the Osum Canyons is more than just a weekend getaway it’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. From the museum city of Berat to the hidden waterfall of Bogovë, from Skrapar’s legends to rafting through canyons shaped by time, every moment of this trip gives you something to hold onto. Whether you hike up Mount Tomorr or paddle through Osum’s waters, one thing is clear: you’ll return with vivid memories and maybe even a deeper connection to Albania’s roots and wild heart.
👉 If journeys like this match your travel style, follow our page for more unforgettable weekend ideas, nature guides, and worthy destinations. Albania still has so much to reveal and we’ll be here to discover it together.
