Our Stance
Run by the valley, for the valley
Vjosa Tours is a cooperative local operation. We are drivers, certified rafting guides, family hosts, bakers, and keepers of raki stills from Përmet, Këlcyrë, and the surrounding hill hamlets. We organize every itinerary directly with you, ensuring that 100% of the financial transaction stays in the valley to support the communities that keep the river wild.
The site itself and our booking infrastructure are supported by NEXTARK — LOCAL, a not-for-profit initiative. They help real local valley businesses set up clean, self-hosted web platforms without relying on booking conglomerates or paying commission fees. You email us directly, and a local coordinator answers.
Philosophy & Principles
The honest small print
Person-to-Person Alignment
Every trip is a template. We converse in writing and detail every step before you pay. You pay only when the final plan is confirmed.
Respecting Stays & Homes
Our homestays are active family homes, not sanitised hotel rooms. Expect profound hospitality, orchard dinners, warm wood stoves, and honest village rhythms.
The River Rules
Water levels and weather dictate the river stretches we run. If the Vjosa rises or rain makes rafting unsafe, we offer land alternatives or cancel with no charge.