In Byron's Footsteps, Albania - more info
MEETING and DROP-OFF
Tirana International Airport - arrivals area.
Meeting time: 2100 on the arrival day. This is designed to meet the main direct BA flight in from London. It will also be possible to meet at the hotel earlier that afternoon for anyone travelling by a different route. Details will be provided with Final Details and the leader will discuss the options with you in advance.
Drop off time: 1800 on the last day. This will suit the main direct flight times to London with BA.
Anyone wishing to remain in or depart from Gjirokastra (convenient for Butrint, Corfu or Greece) will be welcome to do so.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
This is subject to change, but acts as an early indication of what to expect.
On arrival we'll repair to the Hotel California, a centrally located hotel in Tirana. The next day, we'll travel as a group by local buses to Gjirokastra, stopping en route at a local restaurant for lunch. The total journey is a colourful six hours, and on arrival in Gjirokastra we'll settle into the comfortable B&B Kotoni in the middle of the historic city. Following orientation and a visit to some of Gjirokastra's most famous attractions on the first morning, we'll set about locating and recording inscriptions throughout the old town - work that we expect to spend three days on. From there, we move to the monastery and begin preparations for the trail survey, and over the next six days thoroughly explore and map the original paths and routes in the area, identifying the best features of a long distance trail. That done, we return to Gjirokastra for a final night there before returning again by bus to Tirana by the end of the next day.
VISA and PASSPORT
Valid passports are required. Visas are only required if staying longer than 30 days. Information correct at time of going to press. Please check with the relevant embassy for any changes.
MONEY
The Albanian currency is the Leke (ALL). It's best to bring euros (dollars and sterling can be changed too, but euros are best). Exchange rate is approximately L125 to Eu1. Prices are relatively cheap, and as we're in some remote areas, opportunities to spend limited. Eu100 may be sufficient for most needs. It's normal to have a note refused if torn or defaced and impossible to buy or sell leke outside Albania. Increasingly credit cards are accepted but shouldn't be relied on. ATMs are available in Tirana and Gjirokastra.
FOOD:
We try to use local produce on the BTCV holidays. If you have a favourite snack you can't live without, then bring a supply along with you. Please ensure to notify us of any special dietary preferences or food allergies.
Local cuisine does not readily cater for vegetarians or vegans (but many dishes are meat-free anyway). Water from taps is considered safe, and bottled is widely available. There are plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and dry beans and feta-like cheese are available.
WEATHER
It will be hot while we're there. Nights are significantly cooler though. September is still very warm although likely to rain at some point. Mosquitoes are prevalent.
CULTURE
People are very friendly towards visitors. If invited into houses for coffee or drink, it's polite (and fun) to accept. In traditional villages, remove shoes before entering. It's inappropriate to offer money in return for hospitality - better to give a token gift. However it is common for people to expect money if they give you a lift.
LANGUAGE
In addition to Albanian, Greek is often spoken and is the principal language in some villages. Italian next most common. English, French and German speakers are found relatively easily.
TIME ZONE Albania is on Central European Time, 1hr ahead of UK.
HEALTH See also the general section on health for BTCV Holidays. The most common complaints are sunburn and insect bites. Scorpions and venomous snakes can be found so ensure you have good footwear and socks.
The best up-to-date information on health issues can be found at the NHS 'Fit For Travel' website.
PHONES Mobile phone reception is generally good throughout the country in all but the most remote areas.
RISK ASSESSMENT
All BTCV projects are subject to a detailed assessment of associated risks and threats. View a summary of the Risk Assessment for this project.
