This addictive country has a myriad of faces. In the rugged north, the Alps are so fierce they're 'accursed', while the south enjoys one of the least known and most beautiful coastlines in all of Europe. Tirana is filled with craziness, from its traffic to its nightlife, but on its doorstep are mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and a stunning dose of medieval Balkans. The real surprise of Albania is the people. Their warmth to strangers is infectious and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of raki or three.
| Departing | Trip name | Days | From EUR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
31 May 2023Western Balkans Uncovered |
Skopje to Dubrovnik |
12 |
|
Combine the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North...
Explore highlights and hidden treasures while travelling through Albania, Croatia,...
This tour from Tirana combines little-known Balkan highlights with the most beautiful...
Get your heart racing on this hiking trip that highlights some of the most incredible...
Departing Dubrovnik, head on a Southern Balkans adventure through Stari Bar, Tirana,...
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
Soak up the diverse Mediterranean on a trip through Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and...
Get cultured on an epic trip through the Balkans, through Budapest, Belgrade, Sarajevo,...
Sometimes the best way to really get to know a place is by getting out into nature...
Reading Time: 8 minutes If the term "national park" conjures up images of snow...
With a fascinating history, natural beauty, to-die-for Mediterranean cuisine, and...
One thing Europe hasn’t always had the best rep for: being a cheap vacation...
Wander through Berat - the 'City of a Thousand Windows'
Admire exquisite frescoes in Tirana's Et'hem Bey Mosque
Explore Gjirokastra's 17th-century bazaar
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Albania but it’s common to round up the bill in a restaurant and a tip of 5-10% for good service will always be appreciated.
Albania’s cities and tourist centres have plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots and internet access is available in pretty much all hotels. Outside of the major towns, access is less reliable but most towns will have an internet café.
Mobile phone coverage may be limited outside of major centres. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.
Albania’s toilets are usually of the flushing kind, but don’t be surprised if you come across the occasional squat toilet. Expect to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets.
Cup of coffee in a cafe = 100 ALL
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 200 ALL
Simple lunch = 300 ALL
Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 750 ALL
Tap water may not be safe to drink in Albania. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, bring water purification tablets or ask your leader where filtered water can be found.
Only the major hotels in Tirana accept credit cards and outside the capital they’re unlikely to be accepted. Be sure to carry multiple methods of payment.
ATMs are becoming more and more common throughout Albania. In most towns you should have access to a machine. Always be prepared by having enough cash just in case.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Albania go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/albania/public-holidays
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
In Albania, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.
