8 independent reviews for Highlights of Albania
Reviews for Highlights of Albania
Lynn McCarthy review 15 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing all that Albania had to offer and there was a lot of sites, tours and experiences that we had. The itinerary far exceeded the words in the final trip notes, it felt that each day we were learning new aspects of this historically complex country. The tour leader Irina was exceptional and she really provided us with a complete understanding of each topic and site along with the other supporting guides. We were so lucky to have benefitted from her research and deep understanding of her adopted country.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
As Albania's tourist industry is in it's infancy be prepared to view it as third world at this point. Be aware that no water is safe (only bottled) and that the drainage system as old and cannot cope with our UK hygiene standards. The local food is adequate but you should take some additional snacks with you as a supplement.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we had two excellent home lunches which were predominantly local produce which was healthy and extremely good. In addition the group trips tips were well used and greatly appreciated by us all, Irina managed this aspect with efficiency and tact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Naomi Gillingham review 25 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Nature & Cultural visits (eg village house, orthodox churches, blue eye, natural springs, archeol sites). Too much warmonger details, brutal strife, sieges, guns, swords, rape, pillage. Yes we know it happened but way too much violence mentioned in detail in talks. It's a holiday after all! Guide Geri was v.knowledgable, competent & good social skills. Some hotels excellent, some terrible (esp Tafaj in Tirana,- please change it!)2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack a kettle & less other stuff! Be prepared for some early starts, pokey hotel rms with bad odours & minimal breakfasts.!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No sorry.. eg. Small plastic water bottles used by almost everyone every day . All their plastic waste gets dumped in huge green valleys in mountains!! Tourists never see it .:. don't think about it!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Mostly very good, the variety & nature -loving parts of it anyway. Not the warmonger emphasis at every statue, castle & museum. Beautiful green landscapes. More hikes might be nice.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to review your Highlight’s of Albania holiday.
We understand that discussing war history can be a sensitive and difficult topic for many and can often stir strong emotions. We believe that those travelling on our tours want to learn about the areas we visit, which is why our local leaders are such an asset. That being said, we completely respect your perspective and are sorry you did not enjoy this aspect of the tour.
I have spoken with the Product Manager for this holiday, and she wanted me to thank you for your comments about the water bottles used. She is speaking
with our Local Ground Agent, and they are working to ensure a more eco-friendly solution is implemented.
Kiran D review 6 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The variety of information given by the guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be vary of the age range and it's quite diverse.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
GreatChristine Miles review 8 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery of Albania was absolutely stunning. The trip offered quite a lot of variety… the lake area was the most memorable and it was lovely to be able to swim in the lake. Also visited historical sights, religious places and a couple of beaches.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be quite physically able to do this trip as it involves a lot of walking up and down hills since Albania is mountainous. I was there during the summer time and it was very hot so please take that into account. (32 to 40 c). There were 3 hikes included on the trip of which 2 were very difficult and not really appropriate for the majority of the group.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip used local guides and we had a lovely lunch at a local persons house(included in the trip price). We had to pay into a tip kitty (about £20 per person) and this was used to tip the locals. I am not sure that actually contributed anything directly to the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed the holiday and can recommend it. Decent hotels, good transport.F Nuckols review 23 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Faye Courtney review 10 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Just being able to travel around Albania seeing the history, experiencing the culture with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware Albania can be very hot and humid and pack appropriately.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes with the use of smaller hotels, the wonderful lunch at the family home.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A memorable trip. The only downside was the expectation the group and the guide would fully support a special needs person. Th group had paid for a holiday and the guide was unaware of the high needs, dependency of the person.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Faye, thank you so much for your review. I’m pleased to see that overall you had an enjoyable time and have returned home with fond memories of your time away. In regards to support for special needs, we are always happy to help and provide further assistance if required. However, in order to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate someone with special needs or who requires slightly more attention, then we do ask that they make us aware prior to departure. This gives us the opportunity to discuss in full their requirements and expectations to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the trip as we would like.
Sue Beckingham review 24 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved the countryside and wild flowers. We particularly liked the visit to a village where they cooked lunch for us which was absolutely delicious.. the host was very warm and explained how they are trying to save a hundred villages. He walked us around the village and it was very sad to see the state of some houses.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Money goes a long way as drinks and food were very reasonable. We had some great meals! There are ATMs and it was easy to change money too. Although I checked the walks when booking they were more difficult than expected so really check out the itinerary,3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Although they have plenty of water our guide did stress not to shower for any length of time. No big food chains here so we did support local businesses and ate traditional food on several occasions.. Eating at the village supported them and their bid to save a hundred villages.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and pleased we visited Albania before it gets too popular. Our group was eighteen people and we would have preferred it to be slightly smaller. It would have been good to have two nights somewhere on the trip, perhaps in the middle. We do recommend this tripLoraine Hayes review 6 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery and the food2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not particularly4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a nice relaxed pace, the scenery and food were way above expectations, and Denis the guide was outstandingHoliday Reviews
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