We would go back tomorrow
Albania | Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2023

Christine
Christine R.
Australia | Reviewed on Jul 02, 2023

Margil was an amazing guide. He was prompt, energetic, extremely knowledgeable and highly personable. He genuinely likes people and loves to show off his country. Notwithstanding this, he doesn’t shy away from its less savoury past snd present. We left with an abiding love for the country and a great appreciation for its people. They are remarkably resilient, hardworking and engaging. We would go back tomorrow, with Kimkim, if we could.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boka
Tiranë

We stayed, NOT at the Hotel Boka, but the Hotel Art. This was a lovely hotel, perfectly located and spotlessly clean. The staff were excellent and the breakfast was exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
It was an old building that had been beautifully repurposed as a hotel. It was true to the name Hotel Art, with wonderful local and European art at every turn.
Location
Close to the Skandereg Square and east walking distance to all that we wanted to see.
Staff
Nothing was too much trouble. Their English was excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Onufri

The ceilings in the rooms of this hotel were unbelievable. Such craftsmanship!

Authenticity & Character
The woodwork was so very special.
Location
Very central and within east walking distance to most things. (We drove to the fortress)
Staff
When present, the staff were very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Chri Chri
Përmet

This was the only time on our trip that we got to speak with other travellers. It made a delightful change. Gilberto had access to the key to a local, rarely available to the public, orthodox cathedral and he gave us a private tour.

Authenticity & Character
The walls of the guesthouse were made of 3ft thick stone. The outbuildings were original. The road was … an adventure.
Location
While we did not see Përmet, we did enjoy the rural location of the guest house.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Praga

This was a quirky, but charming hotel. It was well situated within walking distance to the market and the castle.

Authenticity & Character
The bedroom was filled with historical pieces and the communal areas were similarly decorated
Location
Staff
The staff spoke excellent English snd were eager to be if assistance.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Riviera
Himare

One got the impression that the owners of this hotel are working very hard to improve the facilities and ambiance of their hotel. It was entirely comfortable, but still in yhrr we process of becoming more.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location was pretty, but there was not much “activity”. As we were there for two days, without a car, it gave us time to rest up from our busy schedule.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel room was basic but clean and comfortable.
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

This surpassed our expectations in every way.

Authenticity & Character
It could have been s hôtel anywhere in Europe, but it was an excellent example to of one.
Location
Brilliant!! Even the 6am call to prayer from the adjacent mosque was mellifluous.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kruja Bazaar - Albania's Best Shopping Opportunity
Kruja Bazaar - Albania's Best Shopping Opportunity
Kruje

Great fun - colour and movement and a feast for the eyes.

Quality of Experience
The unsurpassed views; the extraordinary history museum I’m the castle precinct and the hotel’s location, combined to make this a fitting hurrah to an extraordinary holiday
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Margil was like so many of the prolly we met - gracious, keen to show their country, interested in learning from us.
Transport
Home-cooked Evening Meal
Përmet

It was a lovely meal, on the terrace, with good company.

Quality of Experience
My grandparents were Albanian. I found myself in Albania.
Food
Loved it. Margil was a great help with this, too, those we wished that he would have joined us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Margil was exceptional. Words fail to do him justice.
Transport
I’m not going to lie, the Jaz was the one thing we would have changed. It was poorly air conditioned, poorly sprung and underpowered. It’s a good thing the countryside kept us diverted.
Berat - Exploring The "City Of A Thousand Windows"
Berat - Exploring The "City Of A Thousand Windows"
Berat

We love the city of Berat. It’s like no other place. The sunset tour of the castle was breathtaking

Quality of Experience
Dinner at Lili’s was so much fun! Everything was designed to relax us, make us laugh and feel very special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Brilliant
Transport
We walked everywhere (except up to the castle).
Tirana - Welcome to Albania's Chaotic Capital!
Tirana - Welcome to Albania's Chaotic Capital!
Tirana

We initially thought we would self drive, but a friend who lives in Albania convinced us otherwise. Thank goodness. Hectic, doesn’t begin to describe the traffic. Tirana is so much prettier than I had anticipated and so rich in history. We loved it.

Quality of Experience
It suited our interests. It was tailor made for us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driving through morning peak hour was probably the one time we really appreciated the mighty Kaz
Gjirokastra - Exploring Albania's "Stone City"
Gjirokastra - Exploring Albania's "Stone City"
Gjirokastra

Gorgeous city! Loved everything about this place. Don’t miss the markets.

Quality of Experience
It was very easy to get by with just English, wherever we went.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Jul 03, 2023

Thanks so much for the kind words - and all the photos! Margil really enjoyed showing you Albania, and we hope you make it back one day for the north and Kosovo!