7 independent reviews for Albania walking holiday
Reviews for Albania walking holiday
Judith Eaton review 10 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Theth is definitely the highlight and, despite having to share a room and not being able to sleep, it was my favourite hotel.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Not as much sightseeing as I would have hoped - the travel between places took too long, which meant the holiday was also a bit unbalanced (3 consecutive days at the beginning and then 3 days pretty much spent on the road, though I suppose I should have guessed that from the trip notes). I recommend arriving in Tirana a day or two earlier for sightseeing. Bunk’art is really worth visiting and can be reached in 30 minutes by taking a blue bus from the back of Skanderbeg square. While you are up there you can also take a cable car ride. Can be extremely hot in August - well over 30°C - but it was much cooler in the mountains. However, I suspect on completely cloudless days it would be pretty tough walking on day 3 as the climb would be in full sun.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The restaurant in Shkodër from which the proceeds go to women’s refuges was a great idea and the food was delicious.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The scenery and friendly atmosphere in the mountains in the north are outstanding. The walking was very good, though perhaps not enough. I was really lucky with the group. I’ve never experienced such a good group. Everyone was lovely and we all got on well. It’s a shame the guide didn’t always seem to understand his job. Personally, I would have preferred to spend more time in the mountains and skipped Berat due to the travel time. We arrived in both Krujë and Berat either as the museums were closing or after they were already closed.John Pratt review 24 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beauty of the mountain countryside2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared far some hard walking3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotels, guest houses in the mountain areas all locally run, using locally produced ingredients for meals (and excellent Albania wines!)4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An eye-opening experience of a little known country. Visit it before tourism wrecks itNeil Grant review 16 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing our kit bags being carried up the mountain paths on horseback. Not really what you expect to see in Europe and quite priceless. The scenery around Theth and Valbona was fantastic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be a bit wary of the walking category given. 'Moderate' is pushing the limit after consecutive days of >1100m climbs in well over 30c temperatures.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in small hotels and guesthouses rather than chain hotels, had local guides everywhere as well as the tour guide and employed local drivers and animal handlers. Single use plastic bottles were discouraged.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant. Albania proved to be a lovely place to visit and without exception the Albanians we met along the way were very welcoming and great to interact with.Margaret Tracey review 7 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting & walking in unspoilt areas, in a relatively unknown country. Eating local foods & dishes.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To take some foods to suppliment the meals provided if a fussy eater.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. It was noticeable how the locals benefited in the mountains.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a wonderful time, although the walking was more intense than we thought as first timers.Rachel Dixon review 23 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The stunning views at the Valbone pass and the boat trip.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring walking poles! The terrain was very rocky and steep in places and it really helps your balance and saves your knees.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Mostly, yes. Staying in different hotels most nights and using different bed linen/towels all the time will always have some environmental impact, but I still felt that this holiday reduced environmental impact. Both hotels in the mountains served local food and encouraged drinking tap water (which was lovely!) instead of using plastic bottles. I think it benefited local people too, as we were not using big international hotel chains.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing experience!Eleanor Dunn review 12 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Swimming in the Blue Eye and walking over the pass from Theth to Valbona.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring walking poles as the terrain is very steep and can be difficult on the descent.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The use of local guides and transport benefited local people from the areas we visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved the holiday, the only down side was that perhaps we tried to pack in too much for the short time we had available.Bob Handley review 24 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walk Theth to Valbona is tough, but worth the effort2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Berat is worth a visit, but takes up a lot of travel time3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Walking in Theth and Valbone used local hotels, guides, horses and minibuses so certainly benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent introduction to Albania, a country that more should visit, with a very knowledgeable Albanian tour leaderHoliday Reviews
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