ALBANIA
The Republic of Albania can be found occupying a spot on the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It sits in the Balkans western Peninsula with borders that connect it to Kosovo, Montnegro, Macedonia and Greece.
Albania is a country of ancient cavitations, which offers travellers the opportunity to explore many fascinating historical monuments and ruins. This is a country that will surprise any traveller with many spots of delightful natural beauty. The country has some stunning mountain peaks and regions such the 1612m high Dajti Mountain with its popular National Park, the Pass of Llogara National Park, the plateau village of Voskopoja with its wintersports. Finally there is the vast area that is the Albanian Alps which is home to many beautiful natural parks, deep caves, some stunning scenery. The Ionian coast has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Albania offers some good quality beaches, excellent hiking trails through deep forests and some fine rock climbing opportunities. Past travellers have recommended the month September, as the best time to visit. This is when the temperature is still warm and the harvests mean plenty of fresh produce.
Worldmark's range of services include:-
Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.
* Discounted hotels.
* Discounted fares.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire
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Triana
Is a pleasant city whose style and architecture reflects both Italian & Turkish styles dotted with the obvious grey Russian tower blocks.
Because it is so compact it is ideal to explore on foot and offers its visitors a fine selection of attractions such as the popular SKENDERBERG SQUARE with its small fairground, the excellent NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, the pretty 18th century MOSQUE OF ETHEN MEY, and the PALACE OF CULTURE offers visitors a selection of cafes and galleries. If visitors cross the Lana River they can visit what was the ENVER HOXHA MUSEUM, the PALACE OF CONGRESS and the very interesting ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM. Mount Dajti also offers visitors some excellent sights out over the city and some good hiking trails.
The cities bustling market also offers travellers some bargains and is worth exploring. Triana offers its visitors many of good restaurants and trendy bars especially in the Skenderberg Square and Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit areas.
We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-
The Sheraton Tirana Hotel and the Rogner Hotel Europa.
Other destination suggestions:-
Kruje
A medieval town nestled on a mountain slope and near to Tirana. The village is known for its prominent role in the Ottoman war and the village’s castle is home to th popular SCANDERBEG MUSEUM and the bustling MEDIEVAL BAZAAR.
Prgradec
One of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations, which is mainly due to its location on the beautiful LAKE OHRID. Travellers can also make the short trip to the peaceful tourist centre of DRILON, which is set amid beautiful plants and trees.
Vlora
In 1912 the countries National Assembly met here to proclaim the countries independence, thus making Vlora one of Albania’s most important coastal ports. Visitors can visit the MUSEUM OF INPEDENCE to learn more about this historical day. Visitors should also take the path up to KUS BABA, which is considered to be one of the countries most religious places that also offer’s excellent views out over the port.
Butrint
Is an old fortified city of ancient ruins and a vast historical heritage with lies 15km south of Saranda. It has had a number of previous occupiers that have all left their mark on the city; this has resulted in the area becoming an interesting area for archaeologists and treasure hunters from throughout Europe. This is due to the wealth of antiquities and treasures that have been found. Among the cities more interesting ancient sights & ruins include, an ACROPOLIS, a 3rd century THEATRE, some PUBLIC BATHS, the TEMPLE OF AESULAPIUS, the BAPTISTERY with colourful mosaics, the ANCIENT CITY WALLS, and a large triangular 19th century CITY FORTRESS complete with MUSEUM. As a reward for its historical heritage it has been granted with UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site.
Gjirokaster
One of the countries most picturesque towns, which is known for its delightful location, the towns delightful medieval architecture, delicate twisting streets and historical monuments. These monuments include GJIROKASTER CASTLE, the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WEAPONS, the BAZAAR MOSQUE, the 14th century CITADEL which is now the MUSEUM OF ARMAMENTS, and the old TURKISH BATHS, to name but a few.
Shkoder
An ancient city that sits on the main road to Montnegro that has an interesting history, combined with an excellent location near Lake Shkoder. The cities rich historical heritage is reflected in museums, monuments such as ROZAFA CASTLE with offers some beautiful views out over the city, and the cities general culture. Shkoder also offers travellers a gateway to the Albanian Alps.
Apolonia
Was once a large bustling Roman city, which was once used by the Roman Emperor Augustus as a focal point for his philosophy studies. The by product of this heritage is wealth of ruins and archaeology which visitors will be able to walk through. There is a 13th century MONASTERY with MUSEUM, a 14th century BYZANTINE CHURCH as well as numerous Roman remains.
Durries
Durries is an ancient city dating back to the Greeks in 627 B.C. which has developed into the second largest city of Albania. Due to the cities ideal location on the Adriatic coast, it became an important trade route, which connected the European wealth of Rome to the Eastern promise of Istanbul. The area is scattered with Roman ruins, Byzantine fortifications, such as the largest ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE in the entire Balkan Peninsula, a unique CHRISTIAN CRYPT with beautiful rare mosaics, the 6th century CITY WALLS with 14th century VENETIAN TOWERS, the former PALACE OF KING ZOG, and the beautiful ROMAN BATHS. The city also has an interesting ARCHAELOLOGICAL MUSEUM, which can be found facing the beautiful waterfront promenade. The city is also known for the nearby beach resort of Durres Plazh.
Berat
Is one of countries most important historical museum towns. Berat is home to a myriad of excellent sight, ruins and interesting attractions. The interesting 14th century CITADEL is perched above the gorge and is home to the ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF LADY, the CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY and the CHURCH OF EVANGELIST. But whose visitors who take the time to explore the bottom of the gorge, will be rewarded with exploring MANGALEM which is considered to be the historical district of the town before crossing the beautiful STONE BRIDGE to the Christian district of GORICA. Once there you will be able to explore the LEADEN MOSQUE, the KINGS MOSQUE, the BACHELOR’S MOSQUE and the ALEVTI TEKKE
Kukes
Set in one of the countries most beautiful locations is sits high above Lake Fierza and just below the summit of Mount Gjalica. A visit here is a must for all travellers to Albania and Kukes has one of the finest hotels & restaurants in the country.
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Travel Warning
Despite the fact that the security situation is improving, we strongly urge visitors to be ever vigilante and maintain a high level awareness. It is also recommended that travellers avoid the Kosovo border area where there exists an unexploded land mine problem. Travel should be limited to daylight hours in all regions with large public gatherings and demonstrations avoided.
All travel to the north east border areas between Albania and Kosovo should be avoided due to unexploded ordnance.
Finally armed gangs are known to operate in the following regions Kosovo, Shkodor,, Mernaliaj and Gjiroksatra.
We always recommend that all travellers confirm the latest travel information with the Foreign Office prior to departing the U.K.
This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04
Health Information
Drink only bottled water and UHT milk. Medical facilities (including accident and emergency) are very poor, particularly outside Tirana.
There are high levels of Hepatitis in Albania. Rabies is also a matter of concern as there are large numbers of stray dogs, although there are no reports of the disease in Tirana at present. You should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and Rabies before travelling to Albania. Cases of tick borne encephalitis have been reported in the north of the country. Vaccination is available but we advise travellers to keep all areas of the body covered when close to shrubs or bushes, and to inspect themselves regularly for ticks.
We recommend that all travellers check with their GP prior to departure or refer to the Department of Health’s website.
Visa are required for all travellers wishing to visit Albania. Please contact Worldmark Travel for further details
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