Successful first time self-drive visit to Albania & Montenegro
Montenegro | Aug 28 - Sep 11, 2026

Patrice
Patrice P.
Chicago, IL, USA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure.

Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a great resource throughout our journey. All of our questions were answered in a very timely manner. It was reassuring to know help was always available if need be, including assistance with a parking ticket. When a small and unforeseen issue arose with a local guide, Violaine went out of her way to make things right.

We had an amazing time in no small part due to the detailed preparation, expertise and execution of Violaine and her team. Many thanks.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Fantastic view from room. Very good food & drinks at on-site restaurant. Staff went above & beyond to create “certificate” to celebrate my sister’s birthday and by providing complimentary room upgrade.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rogner
Tirana

Excellent location. Clean, safe. Well-appointed rooms. Good food and drinks at on-site restaurant. Lovely pool area. Fantastic staff. Went out of way to decorate room as surprise birthday treat for my sister.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Plaza
Berat

Well-located. Some facilities closed during brief visit. Very helpful staff. Went out of way to help celebrate my sister’s birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Nivica

A unique experience in the southern mountains. Local staff extremely helpful and attentive. Very good food. Views from rooms outstanding. Special kudos to our hiking guide Mujo who was exceptionally kind and patient when path proved very strenuous for me. Thanks also to Astrid who arranged a gift of local specialities for my sister to celebrate her birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eco Villas Merak & Winery
Virpazar

Quiet, restful, just enough out of the way. Spacious room with nice terrace. Very good breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ami
Petrovac

Nice location. Close to beach and promenade. Clean, well-appointed rooms. Blackout shades to curb heat very much appreciated. Super helpful staff who translated complex process for paying parking ticket. Certain common areas lacked air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Albania

Nice length of time on water. Nice to be able to swim. Beautiful at sunset.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Albania

Stunning landscape best seen from on the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Nivica

A must do for fit guests. Ascent was very taxing for me.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Amazing setting. Gracious and entertaining host. Great food and drinks.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Tirana

A must-do. So much fascinating history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 23, 2026
Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey. It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many... Read more

Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey.

It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many different sides of both countries, from Nivica and Berat to Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor.

Thank you as well for your lovely words about Armada and the rest of our local team. Knowing that you felt you always had someone available to help when needed is very important to us.

I’m also delighted that the little birthday surprises for your sister made the trip even more special! 😊

Thank you again for your trust and for choosing us to organize this adventure. It was a pleasure accompanying you both, and I hope you came home with many wonderful memories of Albania and Montenegro!

Warm regards,
Violaine