Over 5 days and 4 nights, you’ll follow the Vjosa River, known as Europe’s last wild river, weaving through remote national parks, mountain trails, and hidden valleys. Expect warm hospitality, farmhouse feasts, and nights spent in rustic lodges far from phone signal and city noise. Enjoy guided daily runs pausing for swims in crystal blue rivers and a soak in natural thermal springs. Run free and soak up the adventure.
Early Bird Deposits Available
Book now with 20% Deposit
Itinerary
Join us to run one of Eastern Europe’s most remote off-grid trails. This is trail running in Albania at its most authentic. Follow one of Europe’s last wild rivers through mountains, canyons, and hidden villages. This is a raw, beautiful, and very much an off-the-grid adventure. You'll be running through two of Albania’s most spectacular national parks ('Hotova Fir' and 'Vjosa Wild River National Park' in the Bënjë Lengarica Canyon Region). You’ll be carrying only your day run bag as we move from village to village, with bags transferred each day by tractor. Warm beds will be waiting for you in remote farmhouses and lodges at the end of each day. Expect farm-to-table traditional food, epic mountain views, and genuine Albanian hospitality.
We’ll begin in Tirana, Albania’s capital, with a 7km city shakeout before heading south to the wild Vjosa Valley. Over the next three days, we’ll run roughly 85km of guided trails through forests, farmland, and riverside paths. One day might take us past quiet villages where children wave us through the streets; the next, to ancient thermal springs where we’ll stop for a soak and a picnic lunch. Evenings are spent around the fire with home-cooked meals and starlit skies. This is truly remote. No phone signal, no rush, just simple living and shared stories.
All abilities are welcome; the focus is on exploring, connecting, and moving together. Join the team for 4 nights of truly off-grid trail running through landscapes few travellers ever see. This really is a hidden gem. Our local guides will take care of you and the local hospitality in the villages we pass through will blow you away.
Day 1
Welcome to Run Weekends in Albania.
Welcome to day one of your Run Weekends adventure! Arrive into Albania's capital, Tirana, anytime before 17:00. Your hotel and the Run Weekends crew will be waiting for you. Top tip: There's a bus from the airport which costs about €2.50 to the city centre, it takes roughly 35 minutes. Dinner and your welcome briefing will begin from 19:00. Don't worry if you plan to arrive late, we can brief you in the morning, you will however miss dinner on the first night.
Day 2
Tirana to Permet + Shakeout Run - 7km + 50m
It's a casual start with Breakfast at 09:00. Today we leave the city behind and head into the sticks. Having had a hearty breakfast together, we'll heading out for a 7km shakeout run around Tirana. We’ll freshen up, pack our bags, checkout and be on the road for midday. We are travelling by private bus to Permet, the largest town in the area and the starting point for our trail runs. It's about a 3.5 hour journey so we'll stop for lunch en route. This is where the remote adventure begins. We’ll stay in a comfortable lodge and enjoy a group dinner with some local Albanian cuisine. This will be a great chance to get to know your fellow runners ahead of the 3 day adventure in the mountains. Bag checks and safety will be discussed before we head out tomorrow morning.
Day 3
Remote Section of Fräsher Loop - 23km + 1000m elevation
Rise and shine. Let the adventure begin. We’ll start our day with a big breakfast to get us ready for the day ahead. We'll pack lunches for later and carry them with us. After a short drive to the trailhead, we’ll part ways with our vehicle and bags which will be delivered to our accommodation this evening. Today’s 23km trail run takes us along the first section of the Fräsher Loop, an off-road trail that we’ll have all to ourselves. We’ll be running through the first national park of the trip, guiding you through beautiful forests, rolling hills and remote villages. There will be plenty of stops for snacks and photographs, as well as some historical sites that our local guide will tell us all about. When we arrive in Fräsher, we’ll be greeted by incredibly proud locals who are excited to welcome us into their village. Enjoy a well-earned farm-to-table feast tonight - the food is incredible. After, we can enjoy a fire pit, some games and if the weather is kind, we can sit back and enjoy the dark skies of this off grid spot. If the stars are out, the views are exceptional.
Day 4
Lengarica Canyon & Bänjë Thermal Baths - 27km -700m ( Net Downhill)
Wake up in totally peaceful surroundings. The scenery is stunning here. After filling up on breakfast at your farmhouse accommodation, we’ll begin our second 27km run through the national park. Don’t worry if your legs get tired, we’ll be stopping along the way to relax at the Bänjë Thermal Baths, natural hot springs that have been a historic resting point for hundreds of years. We’ll enjoy a big lunch overlooking the river and the mountains, freshening up for the final 10km of the day that explores the stunning Lengarica Canyon. We end our run in Petran, a remote village on the edge of the national park, where we’ll feast on some wonderful local cuisine prepared just for us at the farmhouse. This is what it’s all about!
Day 5
National Park & Vjosa Upstream Run - 28km +200m
Our final run totals 28km which follows the Vjosa upstream, overlooking the beautiful mountains that act as the border between Albania and Greece. The crystal blue water will have you craving a swim, which will come later! After a steady day of running and distractingly beautiful views, we’ll reach the end of our running together. But, no need to freshen up - we’ll be getting straight in the water for a dip. After a quick swim and time to relax we'll begin our journey back to Tirana. There’ll be a stop on the way back for one final group meal, before saying our farewells in the Capital in the evening. We will aim to have your back in Tirana by 17:00. For any onward travel arrangements please book flights that depart from 19:00 onwards. You're welcome to book an extra night in Tirana at your own expense if you wish to stay a little longer or travel home in the morning.
Highlights
- Bring a Friend and Save -
Save up to £200 each
Included
Accommodation
1 x Night - Tirana Hotel
3 x Nights - Farmhouses and Lodges
Please note: All Run Weekends events are shared rooms.
Running
7km, 23km, 27km, 28km
90% Trail + Two National Parks
Meals
4 x Breakfast
4 x Lunch
4 x Dinner
All group meals shared together
Travel
You'll be running to and from each accommodation. We will transport your bags for you each day.
Activities
4 x Trail Running days
Optional River Swims
Fire Pits and Stargazing
Remote Albanian Trail Running
Photos
The team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location.
Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks.
Additional food.
Snacks on run route.
Accommodation upgrades
Extra meals
Kit
Run gear as mentioned. You'll carry your run pack yourself. We'll transport the rest.
Book Early Bird Spaces
Save up to £150 each
Getting to us
Meeting Point
Your Run Weekend will commence at 17:00 in Albania's Capital, Tirana, at our Hotel. Once you land in Tirana there are various way to reach the hotel. The bus is the easiest option to reach the city centre, and costs about €2.50. Please email us your arrival time to contact@runweekends.com once you've booked your flights. If you intend to arrive after 19:00, please let us know.
Arrival & Departure Times
Please arrive into Tirana anytime before 17:00
Your Run Weekend will conclude at 17:00 on your final day back in Tirana. We suggest booking onward travel no earlier than 19:00. Alternatively you're free to book an extra night in Tirana and explore further (at your own cost).
Getting to Tirana, Albania
There are a number of options to reach Tirana (Please note these are suggestions only, we cannot guarantee travel routes) It's your responsibility to get to us.
Suggested Flights: (Remember - we do not cover your travel to and from your Run Weekend)
Stansted & Luton offer many flights with Wizz Air and Ryanair from as little as £80. There's also plenty of options from Edinburgh and Birmingham with Ryanair.
Important: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.
Packing List
Mandatory:
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Trail running shoes with good grip.
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Running socks (2–3 pairs)
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Running T-shirt or long sleeve.
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Running shorts or leggings.
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Lightweight waterproof jacket.
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Lightweight mid-layer or thermal top
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Running vest or pack (min 6 litres)
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Soft flasks or hydration bladder (Must have carry capacity of 2 litres of water)
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Whistle (usually built into your pack)
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Head torch (emergencies)
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Small personal first-aid kit
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Personal ID / Emergency contact details
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Fully charged mobile phone and charger
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Hat or buff (for warmth or sun protection)
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)
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Lightweight gloves
Optional:
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Extra technical layers for variable weather
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Emergency Cash (€50-€100)
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Spare set of dry clothes for post-run recovery
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Spare shoes or sandals
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Compression socks or calf sleeves
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Lightweight towel & swimwear (for river)
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Energy gels, bars, or on-the-run snacks
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Electrolyte tablets or powder
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Small waterproof dry bag for valuables
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Running poles
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Painkillers and or Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case or backup phone
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Watch or GPS device
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Lightweight running cap or visor
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Waterproof phone pouch or small zip bag
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Casual clothing for evenings
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Power bank & charging cables
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Travel adaptor
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Ear plugs & eye mask
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Toiletries & travel-sized essentials
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Small notebook or journal
Are you coming?
