We enjoyed our time in Albania so much. The tour agency staff especially Sirma, she was very friendly and helpful. We would definitely return and book with this agency again.
Sirma was terrific. She took us to little out of the way places (like the Kommittee bar) and really gave us a good overview of the city, Tirana history, etc. We wanted to sample some local cuisine and we definitely did (yum, barek). Highly recommend!
The white water rafting was fairly calm in August, but one of the highlights of the trip. Great to see so much of Albania at the same time as doing lots of activities with our great tour leader, Tedi. Gjirokaster very pretty and Tirana, although not a large capital, was very safe and interesting to explore by ourselves at the end of the tour. Hadn't realised how safe Albania was. Tirana and Gjirokaster very cheap, €1 for a large scoop of amazing ice cream, and €5-€10 for some lovely main courses, but more expensive by the coast. Just a pity smoking allowed everywhere outside in restaurants. Definitely worth always carrying some cash, Euros and a very small amount of Albanian Lek. Euros widely accepted, in fact seemed preferred in all but entrance fees to historic places and bus fares where Lek were essential. Equivalent of 40p for a half hour public bus ride. Bus conductors so friendly and helped us get off at the right stop. Change always given in Lek, but with lots of €10 Euro notes and a bit of planning, not left stuck with a whole load of Albanian currency at the end of the trip. (Changed my €100 notes obtained in the UK into €10 notes at the same time as changing about £100 into Albania Lek in Tirana where there are several money changing places in the central area).
