Albania has one of the oldest flags and tongues in Europe, and preserves traditions and culture unadulterated by the outside world. Its people are welcoming but a little shy due to the effects of a paralysing fifty years under a Communist dictator called Comrade Enver Hoxer, whose regime only ended in the early 1990’s. They were deprived of their religion, their personal liberty and their motivation.

Not surprisingly some scars do remain (notably the infamous concrete bunkers which seem to be everywhere) but these are insignificant compared to Albania’s many treasures and natural beauty. Certainly the country will be on the tourist map sooner rather than later – and we think you will be pleasantly surprised by the standards of the hotels. Even today, comparatively few foreigners have stayed in Albania – those who have done so are amongst the first to experience an historic land in its re-awakening. We invite you to join them.

Our Holidays
Albania is amongst the poorest countries in Europe and our holidays here are aimed toward the more adventurous and open-minded traveller. However, anyone who visited Greece some 30 years ago should not find anything too unfamiliar. Southern Albania has strong ties with Greece – there are many Greek-Albanians and Greek is widely spoken and understood.

We have chosen to feature the south partly for this, partly for ease of access via Corfu, partly for the scenery, and partly for the richness of cultural and historical interest here.

We offer an in-depth six-day tour, with an overnight in historic Corfu Town at either end, covering the highlights of this fascinating region. This can be combined with a week in Corfu or Paxos or an extension by the beach at Himara (which can also be booked as a ‘stay-put’ holiday).

Our hotels are mainly 3 star – most have been built or fully renovated in the last few years and offer surprisingly good standards of comfort. All have ensuite shower/wc, most have air-conditioning and the hotel in Himara a swimming pool.

These are not necessarily group tours as there are no minimum numbers required – even if only two persons, you will have your own driver and English-speaking guide. Lunch is included each day (bar one). Evenings are free for you to explore the town and decide on a restaurant.

One client wrote (2006): ‘The best organised holiday ever… a seven star service… Above all, almost without exception, we were the only tourists at the sites. You don't need to get up early to beat the crowds, just go soon.’