Berat in 1 Day for Friends - Guided canyon exploration in Osum Canyon (summer swimming + hiking)
In Collaboration with Visit Albania Tour Operator. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Guided full-day trip from Berat exploring Osum Canyon (summer canyon exploration + swimming), the historic town of Poliçan, a Bektashi holy site in Skrapar, and a refreshing hike to Bogovë Waterfall. Includes picnic lunch, bottled water, air-conditioned transport and an experienced guide.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Visit Albania Tour Operator, inspired by the tour Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall Tour/By Vato . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided canyon exploration in Osum Canyon (summer swimming + hiking)
- Scenic picnic inside the canyon
- Hike and swim at Bogovë Waterfall
- Historic stop in Poliçan and Bektashi site in Skrapar
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided tour (approx. 7 h 30 min) — meet in Berat, visit Poliçan and a Bektashi sacred site, explore Osum Canyon with picnic, then hike and swim at Bogovë Waterfall. Return to Berat in the late afternoon.
Meet at Visit Albania Tour Operator (VATO) — briefing & pickup
Meet your guide at the VATO office in Berat for quick introductions, safety briefing and confirmation of pickup details. Be ready with swimwear packed and footwear for the canyon.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early so the guide can confirm any pickup details; group check-in is quick but punctuality keeps the day on schedule.
- Carry your phone in a small dry pouch (even for the meetup) so you can join the group's WhatsApp/photogroup for live photos later.
- If you requested hotel pickup, confirm the exact meeting point with the operator in advance; if not, this office is centrally located in Berat's Mihal Komnena street.
Drive to Poliçan — roadside stops & historical overview
Short scenic drive toward Poliçan with a stop to overview the town founded for weapons production in communist times. Your guide will point out former factory sites and share local history from a respectful distance.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this drive to ask your guide about local off-the-beaten-track food spots — they can recommend later stops in Berat.
- Poliçan's old factory buildings are best viewed from the roadside; avoid entering restricted zones and follow the guide's advice for safe photo spots.
- If you want a group shot with the industrial backdrop, have someone bring a wide-angle lens or use panorama mode on phones.
Visit Bektashi holy site (Skrapar) — legend of Abass Ali
Brief cultural stop in the Skrapar area to learn about a local Bektashi holy site and the Legend of Abass Ali — your guide will explain religious and cultural context respectfully.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly out of respect (shoulders covered) and follow guidance when approaching sacred spots — your group should remain quiet and observant.
- Ask your guide about local Bektashi customs — small gestures of respect make for meaningful interactions and photos.
- This stop is short: bring sunscreen and a light hat because the viewpoint areas can be exposed in July.
Transfer to Osum Canyon (Corovodë)
Drive from Skrapar area toward Corovodë for Osum Canyon. Scenic countryside views en route; short comfort stops if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the transfer to charge phones and swap camera SD cards — the canyon sections later are photo-heavy.
- Grab a bottled water from the guide's cooler before arrival; July can be hot and you'll need hydration for hiking and swimming.
- If anyone wants a stronger pace for canyon exploration, let the guide know now to group hikers by speed.
Osum Canyon exploration & picnic lunch (summer canyon route)
Guided 3-hour exploration of Osum Canyon. In July the group will descend and do the canyon exploration that includes short swims, easy scrambling, scenic viewpoints and a picnic lunch inside/near the canyon.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring water shoes or quick-dry sandals — parts of the canyon trail are wet and rocky; regular trainers will get soaked and heavy.
- Use a waterproof phone case for canyon selfies; appoint one person as the group's photographer to avoid multiple devices risking water damage.
- The picnic is included — ask the guide for local specialties (cheese, flatbread) and split group portions. Keep trash with you until the guide points to a disposal spot to protect the canyon.
Transfer from Canyon to Bogovë area
Short scenic transfer from Corovodë/Osumi Canyon toward the Bogovë Park trailhead where the hike to the waterfall begins.
Tips from local experts:
- Take this time to slip into dry clothes if you changed at the canyon; a small towel and spare shirt make the next hike pleasant.
- Keep small change handy — some roadside cafes near Bogovë sell cold drinks and snacks if you want extras before the waterfall.
- Trust the guide for the exact trail entry point — local paths can be tricky; follow the guide's directions for safety and best viewpoints.
Hike to Bogovë Waterfall — swim & chill
Pleasant 45–60 minute hike through the picnic-pleasant forest of Bogovë Park to the waterfall. Time to swim (cold but refreshing), jump (for the brave) and relax before returning to the vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Water is cold even in July — wear swimwear under quick-dry clothes and take small steps entering the water to acclimatise.
- Shoes with grip help on the mossy rocks; if you plan to jump, check depth with the guide first and never jump alone.
- There are often locals selling simple snacks; bring small cash (lek) if you want homemade treats after the swim.
Return drive to Berat — wrap-up & drop-off
Relaxing return transfer to Berat. Final group photos, Q&A with your guide and drop-off at central Berat or your requested meeting point.
Tips from local experts:
- Chat with the guide on the return for local restaurant and nightlife tips in Berat — perfect for a celebratory dinner with friends.
- Keep your important items (wallet, phone, keys) in a secure bag during the last transfer — small roads can be bumpy.
- Plan a relaxed evening in Berat: the guide can recommend a casual tavern for a post-tour meal to compare photos and swap highlights.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Transfer, Outdoor |