Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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70 Reviews

4.4 out of 5

Rosemary Hutchinson

Reviewed September 2025

A fascinating trip

We took this trip in September. From the moment we arrived we knew we would have a good time. Our guide Artur made us feel very welcome, with his knowledge and humour. I didn’t know what to expect with Albania, only that it was a beautiful country and it was opening up for tourism. Despite some negative reports of crime etc, we wanted to go before it got to busy.. the history of the county is fascinating. There is so much to see and learn and Artur was a font of knowledge. We became engrossed in the history, the different periods of time with castles and ruins to it up back up, to the present time.
Our driver Diu was brilliant at traversing the very high and winding roads. He was very helpful to us all and great at taking group photographs.
We loved the food and there was a great choice, all freshly cooked. The hotels were very comfortable.
And the views. After each view, we didn’t think they could get better, but the did.
A wonderful place to visit. We loved Albania. I could write more, as there is so much to say about Albania.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspiring moments, from the welcomes we received, views and the fight from communism. And seeing the vision of Albania in the future. Driving though the mountains, seeing these hugh edifices were awesome and inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Artur, our group leader was very inspiring. He has great knowledge of the history of Albania, some of which affected his own family. He was very safety conscious and made sure we were comfortable. He recommended great places to eat, mainly as a group and arranged little treats for us. I was unwell at one time and he went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. I couldn't have asked for more. He was very patient and answered all our questions fully., sending us more information via WhatsApp. He had a great driver in Dion, who worked well with Artur. Artur is a great asset to Exodus. An excellent guide, with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sturdy shoes, as there are many ups and downs, steps and worn, shiny cobble paths. Be prepared for beautiful views.

Rosemary Hutchinson

Reviewed September 2025

A fascinating trip

We took this trip in September. From the moment we arrived we knew we would have a good time. Our guide Artur made us feel very welcome, with his knowledge and humour. I didn’t know what to expect with Albania, only that it was a beautiful country and it was opening up for tourism. Despite some negative reports of crime etc, we wanted to go before it got to busy.. the history of the county is fascinating. There is so much to see and learn and Artur was a font of knowledge. We became engrossed in the history, the different periods of time with castles and ruins to it up back up, to the present time.
Our driver Dion was brilliant at traversing the very high and winding roads. He was very helpful to us all and great at taking group photographs.
We loved the food and there was a great choice, all freshly cooked. The hotels were very comfortable.
And the views. After each view, we didn’t think they could get better, but the did.
A wonderful place to visit. We loved Albania. I could write more, as there is so much to say about Albania.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sturdy shoes, as there are many ups and downs, steps and worn, shiny cobble paths. Be prepared for beautiful views.

Teresa Markle

Reviewed September 2025

Fantastic Highlights Tour of Albania

I encourage anyone who wants to learn more about Albania to take this cultural tour. I hope you are lucky and get Artur as your guide and Diu as your driver. These men are pros. I loved traveling around the country to visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, small towns, the national forest, and the coast line. Albania is changing so quickly as it commercially develops. You can still experience the old Albania through its traditional costumes, dances, and small towns.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing at the panoramic viewpoint before the National Park and watching a paraglider sail off into air!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Artur is a true professional. He loves his country and shares all the ways that it has changed since the times of the fascist government and communist regime. I learned so much. He had a wonderful way to draw our group together so we felt like family. I also wanted to mention our excellent driver (Diu) who made us feel so safe in the way he drove the mountaineous roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You’ll spend some long days on the bus. You’ll need to get Albanian currency or euros to pay for your meals and drinks in the small towns. They often don’t take credit cards.

Celeste Hoppey-Broder

Reviewed July 2025

Highlights of Albania

Excellent educational historical scenic Albanian journey. Our group leader Ed was extremely knowledgeable and shared stories of living under communism. Our driver Di Di was a joy to be around. Not only was he an excellent driver on the long windy roads but he brought so much fun and joy to our group.

Zaphna Manser

Reviewed July 2025

Albania: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret (But Not for Long!)

From ancient ruins to alpine peaks, Albania swept me off my feet with its wild beauty, warm hearts, and unforgettable surprises at every turn.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is rather difficult for me to pinpoint the most inspiring moment of this trip as I was totally blown away everyday. Albania is still a hidden gem in Europe — rich in history, unspoiled landscapes, and warm hospitality. Everyday of this trip provided a different landscape - who knew there was mountains in Albania - I know I didn't.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Artur - was such a genuine person, he was so open and honest with the Group on how Albania was, is now and looking to the Future , which gave me a deeper understanding of the country, that I know I would not have found had I chosen to go on my own. Everything about him and how he presented epitomized the Albanian hospitality we felt everywhere we went. Artur, conducted a wine tasting in Berat, found the most wonderful places to eat, often off on backroads of towns - which were more authentic. He could work out bills at the end of the evening like a proper accountant and genuinely enhanced the trip. The other part of any group road tour that is exceptionally important is the Driver. On our trip this was Diu. His masterful driving skills gave myself and the group complete peace of mind on every journey, even on the more adventurous routes. More than just getting us from A to B, Diu consistently showed a real concern for our well-being and enjoyment of his country. Always on hand to assist members of the group on and off the bus, offering help and suggestions on local food to try and ensuring everyone felt looked after throughout the trip. He truly made the logistical aspects of the tour seamless and enjoyable and between him and Artur we could not have asked for more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Packing for variety is key here - exploring cities, hiking in mountains, and relaxing on the coast. Layers, comfy walking shoes and something for the cooler evenings in the mountains. Sunscreen as it gets hot even in June Cash is King - While cards are accepted in bigger towns, many places (especially rural ones) prefer cash. Bring some euros or withdraw lekë locally. Try Everything Once – Albanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavours. Don’t miss Byrek, grilled meats, and fresh seafood! and remember the Albanian Saying Raki is Love! Brush Up on History – Albania’s past is fascinating and complex, and varied with Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Fascist, Communism and Ottoman all mixed in here. A little reading beforehand will make visits to places like Butrint, Berat and Gjirokastër even more meaningful. Stay Connected - or Don't - wi-fi is decent in most hotels, but can signal can be patchy in remote areas. As Albania is not in the EU a lot of data roaming packages will not work as in the EU and you may need to buy a pass

Alan Partridge

Reviewed June 2025

A great fun group tour

Our group was fourteen on an excellent new minibus. None of the days driving were too long in distance and the roads were mainly excellent.
The weather in early June was hot (28/32 degrees). Stunning scenery and very interesting archaeological sights, incredible ancient churches and mosques.
Good food although variable. Hotels were good, some excellent. Albania is a rapidly expanding tourist destination with huge coastal developments – go now.

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved Korce, Permet, Gjirokaster Castle and beautiful Berat and finally Kruje - there were not many places we didn't like! Lunch with a family up in the mountains was relaxed and much appreciated. Towards the end of the holiday it was fantastic to swim in the sea at Porto Palermo

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ed (Edon) was a very enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable guy with boundless energy. Briefer info stops would have been appreciated sometimes as he did ramble on occasionally but great historic and current day insights including tales of his growing up. Super rapport with our driver Dui (DiDi) who was super - a brilliant, careful and safe drive but also helpful, kind and funny and he kept an immaculate bus :) What a team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Two extra night in Tirana at the start is good. Take a cooking class (book through Viator - class with Sindi) and a trip up the mountain cablecar. Prepare for hot weather with sun umbrella and hats. Medieval streets are sometimes steep shiny cobbles so have shoes with good non-slip treads. Possibly a walking pole if unsteady. Get your currency there and be prepared to pay cash mainly. Take Euros which are widely accepted or can be exchanged. Prices are rising and it is no longer a cheap destination. If you are adding an extra day before flying home then stay another nights at the Panorama Hotel -great hotel, rooftop pool and lounging area and right by the Bazaar and restaurants.

John Massey

Reviewed November 2024

Highlights of Albania

Very interesting country with a deep history and much to offer the traveller. Majestic scenery, good food and friendly people

Most Inspirational Moment

Amazing views at Kruje and the ancient city of Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Out group leader was Edjon. He was fantastic. Passionate about his country and a fountain of knowledge on history and culture. He has an infectious humour and together with our driver Medi made our tour unforgettable. I have been on many tours and I can say Edjon was the best leader and Medi the safest, considerate and professional driver I have met.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now before the country becomes popular and prices increase

Cass Harrison

Reviewed November 2024

An Adventure Through Hidden Gems and Warm Hospitality

This fast-paced journey through Albania gave us a great feel of Albania and covered most of the South. From morning swims in Lake Ohrid to soaking in the hot springs near Permet at sunset and exploring the Adriatic at Porto Palermo. Each day offered something new, with just one night in most hotels to maximize our time. Exploring Berat’s castle in the evening, spotting bunkers across the countryside, and ending in the picture-perfect town of Krujë made for unforgettable moments. Our guide was wonderful—his deep love and knowledge of Albania brought each stop to life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the 'hot' (warm) pools at golden hour was unforgettable. With the iconic stone bridge arching over leading to the springs and the group in high spirits after our picturesque drive through the mountains, it felt like a hidden oasis—even with a few other travellers around. You can tell this spot will eventually develop, but for now, it feels like a secret discovery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was exceptional—he was so proud of his country and shared information with a historian’s passion. He was like a walking fact book, sometimes going off on tangents, but his enthusiasm was contagious. Behind his easygoing style, he had carefully planned every stop, ensuring perfect timing without it ever feeling rigid. He looked out for each traveller, making sure everyone felt safe, engaged, and valued.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Albania is still primarily a cash-based country, so be prepared. Prices are lower than in neighboring countries, though they’re gradually rising. The service here is friendly but still developing, so expect a few quirks with timing and bill splitting. Lastly, if you’re prone to car sickness, consider bringing medication for the winding mountain roads!

James Robinson

Reviewed November 2024

Fantastic experience

It’s a fascinating country with a lot to offer. There is so much history and the people are very friendly and genuinely interested in you. I would recommend this trip to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the most amazing place was Kruje. Sitting on the terrace looking at the views of the castle and the Skanderberg museum was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Edjon was the best. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. He kept us informed and amused all day. Medi our driver was very professional and a lot of fun. He's also a good driver so you feel safe with him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the your but ask for Medi and Edjon.

Elizabeth Whitmore

Reviewed November 2024

Fabulous.

An enlightening, entertaining experience in a country with a past that most of us can barely begin to comprehend.
Stunning scenery, some ancient architecture, mixed with the more mundane day to day reality of life.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view over lake Ohrid, lunch in a private garden, ancient ruins, the views, the Albanian people…

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ed, our guide gave us an enthusiastic and detailed insight into both recent and ancient history with passion, whilst ensuring the welfare and comfort of the group. He was both friendly and professional. Di Di (Medi) our driver was enthusiastic, entertaining and caring. His driving made the travelling exceptionally comfortable. The rapport between the guide and driver certainly added value to the trip and helped to bond the group and ensure that we were comfortable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Albania is developing rapidly.

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