Name: Shala River & Komani Lake - Day Trip from Tirana/Durres/Shkodra
SKU: 111719P22
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (506 reviews)

WizardTrip

Shala River & Komani Lake - Day Trip from Tirana/Durres/Shkodra

4.8(506)· Tirana· By Smart Tour Albania Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€15per person

1 to 30 travelers per booking.

Options2 of 2 available on this day

Time

1 × Adult × €49€49

Total€49

About the activity

Dubbed "the Thailand of Albania," the Shala River is undeniably one of Albania's most stunning locations. Accessible only by boat and nestled among mountains, this river offers a perfect escape for those seeking to disconnect from mobile connectivity. Its source lies in the Albanian Alps.

What's included

✓Meeting point pickup from Shkodra city center and Lezha City
✓Pickup and drop-off from hotels located in Tirana or Durres
✓English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour
✓Air-conditioned transportation
✓Boat ticket for Komani Lake
✓Digital tour booklet in your selected language

What is not included

✕Food and drinks
✕Sunbeds
✕Kayaks

Itinerary

1
Tirana
We will collect you from your accommodation in Tirana. For those in Durres and Shkodra, a convenient meeting point is arranged. Enjoy a comfortable 2-hour drive in our van to our initial stop. Here, you can enjoy coffee, snacks, and use the restrooms while stretching your legs. As it's an early start, feel free to rest during this part of the journey. To maintain a peaceful atmosphere, your guide will provide a brief itinerary overview only after this break.
· 3 h
2
Journey to Komani Lake
The drive continues for approximately another 1.5 hours. During this segment, your guide will share fascinating insights about Albania, the region, and the tour itself, all while you take in the beautiful mountain and lake vistas. Please be aware that a portion of the road is currently under construction and may be somewhat uneven. After roughly 4 hours of travel, you will arrive at the Komani Lake dam. Following your guide's directions, you will walk through a 7-minute tunnel to reach the boat. Experience a delightful 1-hour boat journey across Komani Lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters – an ideal opportunity for capturing memorable photos!
· 3 h· Admission not included
3
Shala River
Upon reaching Shala River, you will have ample free time to explore. Your tour guide will point out the most picturesque spots for swimming, relaxing, enjoying lunch, or having a refreshing drink by the river. An optional short guided hike to the Shala River balcony is available, offering another spectacular viewpoint.
· 2 h 30 min
4
Tirana
Following your time at Shala River, you will re-board the boat for the return trip to the Komani Dam. The journey will then continue with a drive back to Tirana. This tour promises a distinctive and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to discover the breathtaking natural splendor of Albania's Komani Lake and Shala River, making it a prime choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
· 4 h
5
Tirana
PICKUP: In certain situations, you might be asked to walk a short distance (1–5 minutes) to a main street. This is typically because some hotels are situated on narrow roads inaccessible to our buses. IMPORTANT: You will receive the final tour details via email and WhatsApp the evening before the tour. Pickup times may be subject to slight adjustments based on the schedule, so it is crucial to check our messages. MOBILE DATA ROAMING: On the day of the tour, all communication will be conducted via WhatsApp. Please ensure your phone number is linked to WhatsApp and that you have mobile data or roaming enabled. FITNESS LEVEL: No specific fitness level is required. Participants should be in good general health to join this tour.
· Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.

Meeting point and return

Departure from TIRANA: Pickup is directly from your hotel, as the tour starts early in the morning.

Departure from DURRES OR GOLEM: Pickup is directly from your hotel, as the tour starts early in the morning.

Departure from LEZHA: Pickup at 07:00 AM is from a central meeting point — the roundabout on the main street.

Departure from SHKODRA: Departure: 07:00 AM from the center of Shkodra city Meeting Point: Pickup from Shkodra city center at Shkodër bus station (in front of Neptun shop)

Please be on time, as this is a shared tour and the bus cannot wait for late arrivals.

Practical information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old

Activity options

From: Tirana/ Durres / Shkodra
Duration: 14 hours. Trip duration may vary due to traffic. We recommend not planning anything in Tirana before 9:30 PM to avoid any risk of delay.
Departure: Tirana/Durres/Golem: We offer pickup from your hotel in Tirana city, Durres city, or Golem area. Meeting point available from Shkodra.
Van / Bus: Depending on the group size, we utilize different types of vehicles for the trip. All vehicles are air-conditioned.
Pickup included
Shala River (Boat Ticket Only)
Duration: 5 hours
Boat Ticket: This option includes only the boat ticket from Komani Dam to Shala River (Round trip) with free time at Shala River.
Boat River
Pickup included

Duration

13 h à 15 h

How to prepare for your experience

Check your WhatsApp messages the night before for final tour details and potential pickup time adjustments.
Ensure your phone has mobile data/roaming enabled for communication via WhatsApp.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you opt for the hike.
Bring swimwear if you plan to swim in the river.
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as they are not included.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Shala River and Komani Lake, a hidden gem of Albania.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 111719P22

Activity offered by Smart Tour Albania via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Nature lovers
Adventure seekers
Travelers looking for unique landscapes
Those seeking a digital detox

Activity essentials

Discover the "Thailand of Albania" at Shala River.
Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the stunning Komani Lake.
Escape the crowds and disconnect in a pristine natural setting.
Optional hike to the Shala River balcony for panoramic views.
Convenient pickup options from Tirana, Durres, and Shkodra.

Tirana: good to know

Population: 389,323 (2023)
Elevation: 110 m
Currency: Albanian lek
Official language: Albanian
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: C, F · 220 V
Emergency number: 112

Average temperatures

2°Jan
3°Feb
7°Mar
11°Apr
15°May
20°Jun
24°Jul
24°Aug
18°Sept
13°Oct
8°Nov
3°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 14 hours, but the duration may vary due to traffic. It is recommended not to schedule anything in Tirana before 9:30 PM.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Tirana or Durres (or meeting points in Lezha/Shkodra), an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and the boat ticket for Komani Lake.

What should I bring for the tour?

You should bring swimwear if you wish to swim, comfortable shoes, and consider bringing your own snacks and drinks as they are not included in the tour price.

Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?

No specific fitness level is required, but participants should be in good general health. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.84.8(506)

5 stars

441

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Nice experience
Mohammad_A, October 2026
It was a nice experience. However, the ride is quiet long n if you have motion sickness, it would be a nightmare. However, the tour guide was super friendly & super supportive.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Fun day, Luis is a great guide!
Venture56188547504, October 2026
My friends and I did the day tour a few weeks ago and had a great day, despite some questionable weather in the morning. The highlight of the trip by far was our guide Luis - his general information about Albanias culture/history on the bus drive was super interesting and was very useful for the rest of our Albania trip!!
★★★★★Viator review
Nice guide but excursion not impressive enough,wouldn't recommend unless you have absolutely nothing else to do
Toia_C, October 2026
Our guide was great, but the excursion itself fell a bit flat, the river and lake are pretty however the journey from duress to the actual river is 4hrs and what tou see on arrival is ok but not overly great,the surrounding are very standard where food venues and and drinks you can purchase, it's all unkept and not worth the very early start and long journey it takes to get there...it takes up an entire day/early evening of your holiday consider that when booking this excursion.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Thank you!
M7915EOnataliar, October 2026
Ervin was amazing & extremely funny. We loved the tour, thank you for having us!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Excellent guide . Excellent view, a memory to keep close to the heart
741corazong, October 2026
Excellent day to end my first trip to Albania. Excellent tour guide . A great memory to treasure from Albania

11 activities · Albania

Tirana, Albania, has 11 activities, tours and experiences to book. Also worth exploring nearby: Berat County.

01Activities to book

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Frequently asked questions about Tirana

What is there to do in Tirana?

Tirana has 11 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine & Raki », « From Tirana/Durres/Golem: Saranda, Ksamil and Blue Eye Day Trip », « From Tirana: Durres City and Golem Beach Day Trip ».

What are the top-rated activities in Tirana?

According to traveller reviews: « Tirana: Traditional Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine & Raki » (5.0/5, 351 reviews) ; « Tirana Walking Tour: History, Culture & Hidden Local Gems » (4.9/5, 855 reviews) ; « Albanian Night Show: Traditional Music, Dance & Dinner in Tirana » (4.9/5, 867 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Tirana for free?

Usually, yes: 11 of the 11 most popular activities in Tirana offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.