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What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
The time spent in Thethi. It was beautiful and peaceful and so far away from the real world
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Aleks was helpful, friendly and everything you need a tour leader to be.
Do you have anything else to add?
Albania is a wonderful country and definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately I don't think this is the trip to do it in! The itinery needs a little more thought as many of came away thinking we'd missed the best the country has to offer.
Our response
Thank you for your review. We are disappointed that you felt this tour did not reflect well on what Albania has to offer. We hope you will be able to offer us further feedback to enable us to look further into your concerns.
Read moreWe have contacted you directly to discuss this further.
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
To agree with earlier comments, the Thethi Valley stay was by far the best part of the tour. As we were a small group the simple accommodation did not pose any problems for us and it was a delight to eat in the garden of the guest house surrounded by the mountains and with the owner's chickens, cow and hay making activity in immediate proximity. The approach road is not sealed so travel to Thethi was by a sturdy small (non luxurious) minibus. My recommendation is to go to Thethi before the road is made up and improved so that it remains quiet with only limited visitors. The rest of the tour was a good introduction to Albania particularly the hills high above the sea with views to Corfu.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Our tour leaders gave good insights into current and previous Albanian Culture, besides catering for the needs of the group.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
A previous reviewer noted some problems of the tour, keen walkers could find the long travelling distances a bit off putting. I suspect there may be possible revisions to the tour as it was to some extent finding its feet but my recommendation is to book for a tour including the Thethi valley as it was a delight.
Do you have anything else to add?
Overall I found the Albanian people very friendly and hospitable. The country generally was not used to gaining maximum commercial advantage from tourists.
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
Thethi Valley: the challenging last stretch to the blue pond, the 'lock-in' tower and the associated stories, the moon rising over the mountainline as we ate our evening meal
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Aleks was a star. We were the first Explore group for this tour so there were some teething problems and challenges - but he more than survived these.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
It's an adventurous holiday and in Theti you are privileged to be in one of the wilder parts of Europe. It's a bit rougher than you might find elsewhere - but it is fantastic.
Do you have anything else to add?
Whenever you see a Crazy bar - buy it.
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
The stay in Thethi National Park - simply wonderful and probably the most remote area I have ever stayed in. Any minor discomfort entailed in staying in what was effectively a hostel was more than made up for by the stunning scenery, the friendliness of the owners and the experience of having meals outside consisting of delicious home-produced food. The walks were also excellent.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Very good. By his own admission he was a mountain guide and not an expert on cultural aspects. For me, this was a massive relief as it saved me from the long, laborious explanations I've come to expect when visiting castles/museums/churches/other cultural icons on Explore trips. If people are interested in these things, then surely they will have researched them beforehand in their guide books - or will do so afterwards?
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Definitely bring a head-torch as this is imperative for visiting the Black Cave.
Do you have anything else to add?
"The food was excellent throughout - similar to Greek food but a fraction of the price you would pay in Greece. The beach did not live up to its description in the Trip Notes (a typical Eastern European beach really) but it was still pleasant to enjoy a beach swim in a truly pleasurable temperature.
I definitely think the trip would benefit from its itinerary being reversed and saving Thethi to towards the end of the week as all members of my Group found it the highlight of their trip. Given the timing of the return flight it would be completely feasible to spend Wednesday and Thursday nights in Thethi, return from Thethi to Kruja on the Friday and spend the Saturday morning visiting Kruja Castle and museums."
