Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Berat and Kruje are attractive cities. The Bunk Museum in Tirana, which lays bare the oppression under Enver Hoxha, is sobering. Some beautiful icons, especially in the museum in Korce.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Artur, our guide, was very diligent, ensuring that every part of the trip ran smoothly. He provided lots of information about a country which he loves and went out of his way - and was personally generous - to try to ensure that everyone enjoyed the trip. Artur picked good local restaurants for optional group meals. Our driver, Diu, drove very safely and, despite having no more than a few words of English, was very much part of the group - not least through taking, and circulating, many excellent photos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went out a day early and came back a day late, so that we could get direct BA flights. On our extra day at the end, we had a beautiful walk up 2,000 feet to the top of the mountain behind the hotel to visit the sanctuary there - a good option if you have the time and energy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time spent in the mountains and in the small historic towns

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. His performance exceeded my expectations

Most Inspirational Moment

Berat, Gjirokaster and Butrint.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was passionate and knowledgeable about Albania and shared this with us building a clear picture of Albania's history and importance in Europe. The love for his country really shone through. He has a cracking sense of humour and really made the trip special. A huge asset to Exodus, keeping us all on track, well fed and happy.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved driving through the mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Artur was great. We were lucky to have him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pick this trip

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.

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.

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.

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

Most Inspirational Moment

The cities of Gyrokastra and Kruje

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot praise Artur enough. He has been a great tour leader. Knowledgeable, caring, sociable and with a nice sense of humor. Being very hot during our visit, Artur made always sure to find a cool place where to explain the sites we were visiting. Best tour leader we've ever had with Exodus.