VJOSA EXPLORER

We had a perfect trip rafting with our 3 kids (9, 12 and 13). Fun rapids plus deeper sections that we could jump in and have a swim. Highly recommended - guide and organisation was first rate.

Hospitality and professionalism at its best! Vjosa Explorer boys are top du top. Fiorent drove us to the river we did rafting with Ilir and Aldo, their smiley and full of kindness faces make the whole journey a joyful experience. Professionalism and energy make the trip look like a simple walk in the park. Rafting on its own is a superb experience on the last wild river in Europe. We went back in town with an Albanian furgon experience and ready to continue our day in the mountains for a village, history, forest and food exploring with Jonid ( who is an exceptional driver). Sceneries are mesmerising, the air is fresher than fresh, and you think to be in another parallel world. Almost on top of the mountain, we meet with Shaqo, fourth-generation guardian of the forest ( knight of those mountains). Highly recommend trying some of his wife butter and his rakia. On top of the mountain is Frasher, a famous village that used to have 42 neighbourhoods 150 years ago and worth visiting the museum of the most famous Albanian brothers 'Vellezerit Frasheri.' Jonid's smooth driving takes us to Sulo's house for lunch/dinner. His mom is the Michelin star chef of the area, and his father is a great storyteller. Sulo is a tornado of energy and a real young local entrepreneur. He goes above and beyond to make his guests happy. I highly recommended trying the wild rose jam from them. What a family, mmmmm food and breathtaking views from their garden. Driving back, we stop to say hi to Liku, a hardworking beekeeper with a big moustache. You can tell from the first moment that generosity and he go along very well with each other. His bees fly around the wild vegetation of the mountains and no comment on the quality of his honey. We arrive in Permet after 10 pm and there still time for another bar sitting ( national sport in Albania) and more local stories. Avenir after 15 years in the UK has returned and invested in a super cool mini boutique hotel. It was about midnight when I went to sleep immensely impressed by the authentic day in this beautiful part of Albania. Vjosa Explorer team was like a big orchestra playing all sorts of experiences for a modest fee. Hands Up to their hospitality! Please do send them my best regards when you go to visit.

Amazing experience. I recommend everyone to do tours with them.

Rafting done with Vjosa Explorer & it was definitely worth it! WOW!