Albania, a piece of Europe worth to discover

Albania, a piece of Europe worth to discover - A great documentary by Austrian Television about Albania

By Edith Späll, Camera: Alexander Zech Master

An informative tour, the country, its people, culture and nature presents. The tour begins in Tirana, a young, vibrant and quite relaxed capital. Skanderbeg Square, National Historical Museum, visit to the market and the typical Albanian cuisine is part of our program.The next visit is the fortress of Kruja with Museum and stroll through the colorful bazaar. 

Apollonia

The tour takes us to Apollonia, an impressive ancient city from the 6th century BC, and on to Vlora, in the town of Albanian independence.Impressive the monastery island with its famous Ikonastase Zvernec before we climb the Llogara pass and admire the view over the beautiful natural scenery.The journey continues along the Albanian Riviera, the most beautiful coastal region of the country. The deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea is bordered by white beaches and idyllic coves.

Saranda

We come across after Saranda Butrint, the archaeological site a UNESCO World Heritage Site.A short refreshment offers the Blue Eye, a crystal clear idyllic karst spring, a tip for nature lovers.

Finally, we visit the impressive castle of Gjirokastra and then stroll through the village with its cobbled streets, which are lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes.

Blue eye

And last but not least we explored Berat the Old Town district within the castle is inhabited still, here lives the tradition. We visit the Cathedral and the adjoining Onufri Museum with valuable icons.

We return to Tirana and lead a very interesting interview with the Minister of Tourism.





Read the full article:

http://www.besserreisen.tv/2014/?p=587#more-587

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EHkW04NTNQ

Albania, one of 5 European Countries You Should Visit Now

By Meagen Collins / Travel Freedom Network

It’s 2016 and many of you will most likely be making those two big New Year’s resolutions: 1. Lose weight and 2. Travel more! Well, we are here to help you with the second one.

Not only are we going to inspire you to travel more, but we want to inspire you to outdo your friends this year and discover some of the best off-the-beaten-path European destinations. And guess what? They all are stunningly beautiful — and they’re super affordable too! Score!

These unexpected European destinations will give you a serious case of wanderlust, and will have you packing your bags, booking a flight, and discovering the great unknown this year.

2. Albania
If you want the beauty of the Greek islands with a more affordable price tag - then book that plane ticket to Albania today.

We visited Tirana and Shkodra, but the coastal towns of the ‘Albanian Riviera’ are a popular place to visit during the warmer months. This country is jam-packed with so much natural beauty it would be a shame to leave it off any European trip.
The people are all welcoming, and go above and beyond to help any foreigners in need of assistance.

What to eat: Veal appears to be the specialty of Albania — or 'the baby cow’ as it is usually described. We recommend giving the Albanian pilaf a try, rice cooked in seasoned broth. It usually costs around $1 for a small serving.

Fun fact: Albania, Armenia, Macedonia, and Vatican City are the only European countries without a McDonald’s branch.

Full article: https://www.yahoo.com/travel/5-underrated-european-countries-you-should-1340508871589942.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw

The Rough Guide: Albania, among top 10 destinations for 2016

Albania is definitely on the map of World Tourism. One of the best travel agencies The Rough Guide also suggest our country as one of top 10 destinations for 2016. Albania is ranked number 5, after Nepal, Colombia, Cuba and Jordan, and followed by Romania, El Salvador, Wales, Kenya and Sri Lanka.  Here is what Rough Guide writes about Albania.

 

5- Albania 

"Pay a visit to this beguiling corner of Europe now, before it garners the popularity it deserves. – Martin Zatko, co-author of The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget

 

While nearby Greece and Croatia are well established on the tourist trail, Albania remains something of a mystery to most. But those who go will find fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the ancient Greek city of Butrint, pristine beaches on the Ionian coast, gorgeous mountain lakes, Ottoman architecture, and friendly locals to point you in the right direction for discovery. Make the trip before the rest of the world realises what they’re missing.

Read more: http://www.roughguides.com/best-places/2016/top-10-countries/#ixzz3wS5HeOIG 

Boston Globe: The 10 hot places for travel in 2016? Albania is on the list

By Christopher Muther
Boston Globe
It’s too easy to get swept away looking at pictures of thatched cabanas on stilts over tropical blue seas, or city-size cruise ships with corkscrew waterslides when dreaming of trips. Like a good meal, your travel plans should be balanced, colorful, and feature a prominent and sweet ending. If you need a bit of inspiration for planning a trip in 2016, we’re here to offer a gentle nudge to Asia, Europe, or just a long weekend in the south. Albania is on the list of 10 places worth a visit in 2016. Here what Boston Globe write about Albania

Berat, Albania
This country is not for those of delicate constitution, or for the inexperienced traveler, but the payoff for planning and patience is tremendous. If you’re hesitant to go it alone, contact a tour company, such as Adriatic Luxury Journeys. After being isolated from the rest of Europe after years of rule under the Communist party, Albania is slowly becoming a sought-after tourist destination. The infrastructure still hasn’t caught up with demand. Roads are in terrible condition, public transportation is erratic at best, and the Internet is not exactly dependable. But because of those factors, Albania is a (mostly) undiscovered gem, and the beaches along the Albanian Riviera are stunning. Direct flight? No. Best time to go? September.

Berat, Albania

15 cheap places to visit in Europe. For beaches, Albania!

Ros Walford/ Rough Guides

If you’re short of cash, it doesn’t mean you have to starve the travel bug entirely; simply choose your destinations wisely. Europe can be pricey but there are many places where your money will go further. Here are 15 cheap places to visit in Europe for 2016 according to Rough Guides.

For the beaches choose Albania:

The Albanian Riviera is a gorgeous, yet overlooked, stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Its pristine beaches flanked by dramatic mountains easily rival the pricier tourist meccas of neighbouring Croatia and Greece. For an unforgettable introduction to the region, drive from Vlorë along the Llogara Pass, a spectacular switchback road that leads down to the turquoise bays of the Ionian Sea.

Read the full article:
http://www.roughguides.com/article/cheap-places-to-visit-in-europe/#ixzz3v8GWVpxx

A holiday in Albania has something for almost everyone - Bradt Travel Guides

"A holiday in Albania has something for almost everyone. Archaeologists and art-lovers, hikers and historians, oenophiles and ornithologists: all will take home unforgettable memories from a trip to Albania. ". These words about Albania are written by Bradt Travel Guides, one of the world's leading travel publisher in a new article of Gillian Gloyer

Read what she says about Albania:

A holiday in Albania has something for almost everyone. Less than four hours’ flight from the UK, its towering mountains provide one of Europe’s last refuges for bears, wolves and the elusive Balkan lynx, while the country’s location on major migration paths makes it a Mecca for birdwatchers. The complexity and richness of its archaeological sites rival anything in neighbouring Greece, with a fraction of the tourists. Its ancient cities, with their stone houses and cobbled streets, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites; its medieval castles are everything that castles are meant to be, with dungeons, water cisterns and vaulted tunnels. Delicious fresh food and local wines will delight gastronomes.

The national museums hold unrivalled collections of Illyrian silver, Byzantine icons and Socialist Realist art. Traditional costumes and household items can be found not only displayed in ethnographic museums, but in daily use throughout the country. Meanwhile, the capital, Tirana, is a lively and modern city where young professionals sip coffees or cocktails in fashionable bars and clubs. Finally, the wide sands of the Adriatic coast, the sought-after coves of the Ionian and the resorts of Lake Ohrid offer the full range of beach activities. Archaeologists and art-lovers, hikers and historians, oenophiles and ornithologists: all will take home unforgettable memories from a trip to Albania.

Full article:  http://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/europe/albania.html

 

5 Must Do's in Tirana, Albania

Tirana, recognised as the capital city of Albania the world over, is a destination for passionate travelers who just cannot do without checking out new places scattered all around the world.

By John Martin
 

Many tourists from every nook and corner have been taking cheap flights to Tirana for a journey they will forget their entire life. There was a time when the Albanian capital used to top the list for the worst city in Europe. The decades rule led by Stalin shattered the entire city leaving it grey and grim. When the communism broke down way back in 1992, it only resulted in chaos across the city, but Tirana struck back with a bang and since then, it’s been attracting several tourists from all around the world.

So, get ready to enjoy the warm hospitality as displayed by Albanians for they are some of the people in the world blessed with a jolly nature. And what they expect in return from you in little is sure to surprise you.

Here are must do’s in Tirana for an amazing weekend break, but if you intend to stay for more than 2 days, your holiday will definitely become a delightful one.

1. Enjoy Albanian Hospitality

The hospitality as displayed by the Albanians cannot be compared because they at times go out of the way to make you feel at home away from home. They’ll invite you over a for a cup of coffee or a rakija (a plum brandy), which is a local custom they gladly celebrate. They have been isolated from the outside world for long, so they intend to satisfy their curiosity by witnessing a major chunk of tourists and greeting them with a smile and arms wide open.

2. Take Pleasure in the Local Colour

Tirana, being a small town, would not let you face any problem should you decide to cover the same in a day. The museums, monuments, parks and historic buildings are all covered in rainbow colours adding brightness to the city. Don’t miss booking cheap flight tickets to Tirana for a weekend break or holiday that could stay with you for years.

3. Skanderbeg Square

Located at the heart of Tirana, you cannot afford to miss taking a tour of the Skanderbeg Square. A lovely meeting place, named after the national hero of Albania, there’s a National History Museum of Albania that you can explore. There are some great attractions surrounding the square you would not want to ignore.

4.Visit the National Museum of History

The National Museum of History will let you check out several interesting artifacts that belong to the olden times including Hoxha’s reign. History lovers will not a miss a chance digging deep into the historical tales.

5. Unwind at the Mount Dajti National Park

Looking to break away from the city centre? Strolling around at the Mount Dajti National Park sounds wise. Feel some fresh air and take a countryside walk to loosen up a bit before proceeding to the next attraction in the “to-do” list. Cheap Tirana flights can be found aplenty for a soothing holiday experience.