Reviews

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.

Suggestions

I have visited three times and each time seen new things, learned new thing, made new friends and achieved new things. I would go again at the drop of a hat!

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 .

Suggestions

Next year , I would suggest to concentrate more on the north of the country , perhaps add a boat trip on Lake Komani or Lake Ohrid or/and kayak on Cape Rodini and then omit Ardenica Monastry in the south . Trip should not end in Ibe but Tirana , either centre or Airport . Trip Notes : Maps : remove possible order from Exodus shop as not possible any longer .

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

Suggestions

we changed the visit to the cave to early morning on the last day this is a better idea as we were tired at the end of the previous day

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The family home at over 5,000 feet self sufficient having cows, sheep and chickens.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A friendly informative chap but let too much time slide by to miss a few things

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you book this for the walking and after all it is called walking in Albania you need to get at the guide about time to get everything done

Suggestions

I don't want to appear to hard on our guide but we missed some walking because of time lost having coffee or lunch

Most Inspirational Moment

Enduring memories: Watching a World Cup football match on a warm evening, in a restaurant in a beautiful park in Tirana. Reaching a beautiful mountain pass after climbing over 3,000 feet in stunning scenery and torrential rain. Driving over dry river beds at quite a speed! Learning about the difficult recent history of Albania from an excellent guide and excellent displays in Tirana Museum. Wonderful evening meal with a myriad of delicious dishes eaten in a cafe in the grounds of Berati Castle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader is extremely proud of his country. He took a lot of trouble to explain Albanian customs, culture and religious tolerance to us. He was friendly and knowledgeable. Occasionally, he appeared slightly disapproving but always with a sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to use a soft bag for luggage. The mules have to carry our bags up and over a high mountain pass.

Suggestions

The balance of the holiday might benefit from a few tweaks. One or two days included a little too much sightseeing. Hard for some of us to take in quite so much information! The long mountain walks were at the beginning of the holiday-two big climbs on two consecutive days.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a personal level, completing a walk I had not been able to do last year was a massive boost. For the group I feel that the traditional Albanian meal in Berat within the walls of the castle was a brilliant evening. The insights into Albanian culture gave me food for thought which will stay with me for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was very friendly and helpful at all times, always looking to show us the best of Albania and making sure that at all the "sites" expert guides were available which enhanced the experience. There was also time to be spontaneous and adapt to what the group wanted to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is always a risk of electricity cuts in the country so a torch is essential. I do not normally need walking poles but I found them essential in Albania.

Suggestions

Albania is still unlike other countries - go with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Albanians are developing their country quickly and trying to not make the mistakes of other countries by indiscriminate development. It is a fascinating place mixing ancient and modern, welcoming to tourists who appreciate what is on offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking in the north of the country is the highlight and I think Exodus should incorporate an extra night there, miss out Llogara national park which does not really justify the long drive that far south. I enjoyed the sights in Berat, Apollonia and Ardenica but that's enough driving time without going further down to Llogara / Vlore.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dori was indefatigably enthusiastic, knowledgeable and great company, he seemed to know everyone everywhere we went ! Our driver Timo was really helpful too and often came with us into places and on walks

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have commented, there are some long drives but don't go to Albania without seeing the north. Take euros, they are accepted in many places as well as lek. Forget any preconceptions about the country, it is a very safe country to travel to. Raingear useful, we had storms at some point most days. And read up a bit on the history before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

This has to be the two days' glorious walking in the mountains of the North. The mountains are huge, high, dramatic and virtually free of signs of human habitation for hours on end. We saw a wide range of plants and bird life, but the main excitement was just being up there. The other highlights for me were a marvellous evening being entertained by traditional musicians and dancers after the second long mountain walk - I haven't laughed as much in months - and visiting Berat, a beautiful walled town which is just like walking back in time. It reminded me of Carcassonne but without the tourists - and with significantly more free raki from the most welcoming restaurant owner in Albania. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien is extremely knowledgeable about Albanian life and History, and is able to tell a story in such a way as to make it sound interesting to anyone. He is willing to talk about almost anything as well as remaining calm and cheerful all week. He was willing to listen to people's requests to alter little things, and is keen to take suggestions to keep improving the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To get the most out of this holiday, you need to be a keen walker and interested in History, as well as not mind fairly significant bus rides. Most of our group had a walking pole and found it useful. Expect on the best walking days to be climbing continually for several hours as well as doing the same on the descent, over rocky ground. On a different note, we found that we only needed about £80 spending money as so much is included and everything is so relatively cheap. Oh yes, and take a raincoat into the mountains even if the weather is glorious, as it can become an electric thunderstorm in minutes.

Suggestions

This was a truly fantastic holiday. Thank you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thethi and Valbona National Parks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader and driver were both great - full of motivation and enthusiasm for their country and showing it to others. Very inspiring people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of what you are booking. Albania is a very interesting country, and if you want to mix a few days walking with the rest relaxing, long lunches, dropping into museums/castles along the way, then this could still be a good choice.

Suggestions

The map for the trip shows travel to the southern Llogara NP and walking areas near Berat. I think its fair to have assumed we were travelling there on a walking trip to do some further walks as in the northern NPs, but we did a drive to one lookout, and a 10 minute walk to another lookout there. No walking.