South Albania multi activity vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

As the first tour operator in the region dedicated 100% to ‘sustainable travel’, our focus has always been creating small group adventures over longer stays, offering activities which are low impact on the environment – like hiking – but high impact in experience! The Balkans’ stunning national parks are fragile and endangered treasures in countries that are developing faster than they can legislate to protect their natural assets.

We frequent restaurants and homestays that offer locally sourced food, and we make a special effort to keep road journeys to a minimum using shared transportation.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Responsible tourism has been the backbone of our business since we started offering small group adventures to the Western Balkans in 2011 - and by booking this trip, you will secure a donation from us to local conservationists as part of our Book to Give Back scheme, operating since 2017.

Your visit will help sustain sensitive tourism and protection for these areas. As such, our tour guides will encourage you to behave in an eco-friendly manner at all times by supporting the Leave No Trace principles – traveling where possible along marked water channels and hiking paths, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find (unless it’s other people’s rubbish!), respecting wildlife and being considerate of other visitors and the local community.

We are committed to local conservation projects and have contributed actively as well as financially to local initiatives in the region. As one of the leading sustainable tour operators in the Balkans, it is up to us to lead by example, protecting the National Parks from over-development and ensuring their beauty can be enjoyed by the next generation.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our Southern Albania trip is something completely unique in this region; it's not just a commitment to supporting local communities and preserving cultural traditions - no other operator takes you to some of the locations on this trip, so these are regions that really do need support from Albania's growing tourism industry. We exclusively partner with passionate local guides and small locally-owned accommodations and activity providers, ensuring that a significant portion of our revenue directly contributes to the livelihoods of these communities. This not only enhances the authenticity of our tours but also supports the growth of the adventure travel economy in Albania, and its on-going recovery from decades of mis-management.

Our dedication to responsible tourism extends to engaging with local artisans and facilitating cultural exchange. By connecting our guests with traditional activities, we provide immersive experiences that not only deepen their appreciation for the local culture but also contribute to the preservation of Albania's rich heritage. The journey we will take you on not only showcases the breathtaking landscapes but also fosters meaningful connections and positively impacts the communities we encounter.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All our trips are hosted by local Tour Leaders who know the locale intimately, and we ensure that they are all paid appropriately for their services, well above the minimum wage. We are also committed to gender equality; over half our Tour Leaders are amazing women, whether you're hiking, kayaking or seeing the cultural sights! Our adventures are open to all abilities within reason. You're never too old or too young; all that's required is a can-do spirit and the flexibility to enjoy whatever adventures comes your way.

Additionally, the first two days of the trip actively support a local shepherds' collective that lies well beyond the reach of most tourist trails. This is an offer that can't be found via any other tour operator.