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

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34 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Reviews

Walking in Albania, July 2016

A great way to discover a little of this real gem of a country, this trip combines some amazing days of walking with interesting cultural sights.

The walking is truly first rate, perfect for day hikes, the days in the mountains are full of unspoilt beauty and rugged terrain, always with comfortable (and surprisingly good quality) accommodation waiting at the end of the day.

Coupled with days sightseeing in Berat, Prizen and Kruja, this makes for a truly enjoyable, memorable trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Valbone pass, looking down one way to Thethi and the other to Valbone, under clear skies and rugged, handsome mountains in every direction.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien has the unique mix of skills that make for a great guide, able to move from mountain guide to city seamlessly he makes the whole experience run like clockwork, no small feat and to be appreciated no end by travellers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the heat of high summer the walks may be a little tougher than you might expect, consider those days the high end of moderate, but this is balanced by the other days and short walk options.

Walking in Albania

This like many of the exodus trips did not disappoint. What a welcome from our local rep Dorien , despite the heat of the day he was smiling all the time. the trip starts quietly in Tirana then moves into the mountains, fough roads even river beds we got through to the wonderful area around Theth, magnificent in a rugged way. Then the walks start, if you are not fit these next three days will find you out, up hill and more, but the scenery and view is worth it.
The trip brings you to Berat with it`s wonderful cafe culture with long boulevards.
This largely undiscovered country and its people are so welcoming and friendly that it was a sad day when this holiday came to an end.

Most Inspirational Moment

My highlight`s are many but the view you get from standing high on of the Albanian alps taking in the magnificent scenery is breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien. Well what a man he is not only well learned in the history of Albania, he is also funny, he also was able to relate to all the group, whatever age or gender.He was just lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and just enjoy this wonderful country

Walking and More in Albania

This trip offers a combination of (fairly serious) walking and culture, and as such might be slightly mis-named, in that the walking is concentrated at the start and the trip then becomes more of a mix – this is worth pointing out in case you are expecting heavy duty walking every day. It didn’t bother me though, I loved the mix and exploring this fascinating country still struggling with its new freedom whilst also giving the old legs a bit of a stretch. There’s a fair bit of travelling around, but nothing too serious, and I found the day trip into Kosovo provided an extra dimension.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two things - the sense of achievement on reaching the summit of the mountain pass, which provided a rewarding view for the considerable effort involved to get there, and connecting with the locals. Dorian, our guide, seemed to know someone wherever we went, and these contacts were free with their thoughts and feelings and didn't mind how many questions we asked them. They were also extremely free with the raki! These were experiences I seriously doubt I'd have got if solo travelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien is a great guide, very eager to please, maybe even too eager. He could afford to relax more, maybe eat with the group, but he is always thinking about how to make the trip better. This a laudable aim, but for now let's enjoy it as it is!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely pack good walking boots and wet weather gear. Otherwise, no need to overdo it (as I did). Also, make sure you are relatively fit or you won't get the most out of the trip. Finally, to reiterate if you want to do 10 miles every day, this may not be the trip for you. If you want a mix, it is.

Amazing Albania

A challenging experience in the most stunning scenery which offers a reasonable balance between walking and sight seeing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment I stepped foot on the top of the Valbone Pass - a real achievement for me to have conquered the climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian is an inspirational guide who is passionate about his country. He is knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. We all learned so much about Albania and its history, as well as experiencing a fantastic, if challenging holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure your own fitness level. The early days of this holiday are challenging. I found them really difficult - primarily because I was inadequately prepared.

Walking in Albania

Stunning drives and stunning walks in the Albanian Alps will live with us. And also the group, which was a very successful convivial and complementary collection of personalities.

Most Inspirational Moment

The folklore evening was probably the best evening I've ever spent on an Exodus trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian was an enthusiastic and energetic walk leader, thinking on his feet and doing his best to cater for the interests of each member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy copious amounts of local feta cheese! Food generally is not greatly inspiring, especially for vegetarians.

Discovering a beautiful country

Overall an enjoyable holiday with a mix of scenery/walking/culture. The hotels were generally very good -better than I expected-except the last one Teater Kame. It had a nice swimming pool but the chalets had a rather run down feel. The shower head in my room was broken -more water went over the shower room ceiling than over me- although at least the water was hot. Also the hand rail outside my chalet was broken -with nails and screws exposed. The food was generally good although 5 people (luckily I was not one of them) suffered food poisoning at one hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the vicinity of Thethi -particularly the walk from Thethi to Valbona. The contrast between the two sides of the pass is quite striking. Both are beautiful -but very different scenically. It was a tough walk but well worth it for the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought Juri was a very good leader. She was kind and caring throughout and looked after us well. There were eight in our party and we were all very different temperamentally- but I think we all agreed that Juri was a good leader-and will get even better with more experience.

Walking in Albania

This is the third time I have walked in Albania and it was the best. The revised itinerary with more walking in the Theth National Park and the contrasting landscape of Rubik improves the experience. Each year the accommodation and food improves so now the while holiday is a really high standard, yet Albania still retains a “different” atmosphere making it still an adventure, and the people are all really welcoming to visitors.

Most Inspirational Moment

Achieving all the walks without feeling stiff the next day - this has taken several months of training. Mastering a few more words of Albanian. A superb fun-filled evening in Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing is too much trouble for Dorien, he constantly made sure that everyone was happy by discussing and explaining options for meals, stops etc. He completely gets the English sense of humour and helps to generate a good group atmosphere from the start. His knowledge of Albanian history is extensive but not overbearing. He is able to get the best from the local providers - guides, horse owners and guesthouse staff because of his long experience and good reputation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a head torch for the occasional power cut and the cave visit Take walking poles Above all - go to Albania and experience the wonderful scenery and friendly people for yourself. See a country that although almost on our doorstep still has something a little undiscovered to offer.

Walking in Albania 16.-26.June 2015 TVZ booking 4693199

An excellent trip prepared by Albanian Company Sondor . Guide Dorian worked his socks off for the group .

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains in the north (Theth and Valbone region ) flora , clear water , hospitality , traditional food . Variety of itinary (walks in the mountains, history, seaside .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian had the trip well prepared , very knowledgeable , nothing was too much for him. Excellent minibus and safe driver .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travers the pass Theth to Valbone = strenuous but possible = 7 hours .

walking in albania

very good trip showing the best of albania

Most Inspirational Moment

prizren mountains pellumbas cave

Thoughts on Group Leader

very knowlegable and attentive to everybodys requirements

Advice for Potential Travellers

do not take too much luggage as it is not required

Walking in Albania

A wonderful holiday. Exceeded all my expectations. Fantastic itinerary, well balanced between active and cultural activities. I can’t recommend this holiday enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Valbone pass, I'd injured my leg and the rest of the group went on ahead. I managed to finish the walk when I imagined myself stuck on the mountain! Albanian dancing in Berat!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien was wonderful. Incredibly knowledgable, enthusiastic and proud of Albania. He really went out of his way to make us welcome and comfortable, organising restaurants to eat at, helping and advising with onward travel etc.... Special thanks to him for encouraging and helping me complete the Theth to Valbone walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles would probably be helpful.