We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Albania |
Macedonia |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
£0.80 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.90 |
£1.20 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
£1.20 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.00 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£4.00 |
£8.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£6.00 |
£10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£3.50 |
£7.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
For Albana, Macedonia and Kosovo entry visas are not required for UK, AUS, NZ, CAN, USA citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
We recommend protection against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Rabies vaccination is recommended by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office due to the large number of stray dogs in Albania. You should seek further advice from your travel clinic. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Albania has a mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (ranging from 9–11 hours of sunshine a day in Tirana). Temperatures can reach up to 40°C in July. October to April is much cooler and can be wet. Albania is a mountainous country and the high peaks are snow-capped all year.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don’t overload yourself. Please bear in mind there are lots of stairs in Albania and no portarage in the hotels.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. A raincoat is essential at all times in case of the odd shower. You should dress with respect in the rural villages so bring some long trousers. Don't forget your swimming costume.
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Footwear
Lightweight walking/trail boots for any optional day walks and comfortable shoes or sandals for visiting the sites and towns.
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Equipment
Take a water bottle, a sun hat and suncream. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/emergencies.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Country info
Area: 28,748 sq km.
Population: 3.6 million.
Language: Albanian, Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects.
Religion: Muslim (70%), Albanian Orthodox (20%), Roman Catholic (10%).
Local Time: GMT +1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V with frequent and long lasting power cuts.
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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Edith Durham: High Albania, Gjergj Fishta: The Highland Lute, Edward Knight: Albania: A Narrative of Recent Travel
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