Continuing the TCN guide to travel to and around Croatia on January 12, 2017, what you need to know to get from Dubrovnik to Albania.
I’ve done a couple of these ”how to get from Dubrovnik to wherever” now and I promise I’m not encouraging anyone to leave Croatia, after all, this is Total Croatia News and anything else would be blasphemous. But with so many agencies and companies based in Dubrovnik who operate very professional yet relaxed tours to neighbouring and nearby countries, why not take it even further than Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro? Let’s talk about how one arrives to Albania from Dubrovnik, and what to expect when booking with a Dubrovnik agency.
Albania is a rugged, mountainous country still very much shrouded in mystery with an otherwise modest tourist industry. Bordering Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece, Albania is a beautiful yet troubled land that was under the iron fist of Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship for over forty years – a closed off and isolated nation – little heard or talked about despite notable tensions with Greece and conflict regarding Kosovo with Serbia. A would-be member of the European Union with approximately 700,000 bunkers and other relics of its oppressive Communist regime remaining easily seen even today, Albania is one of Europe’s most authentic images of both beauty and sadness.
There are several companies in Dubrovnik which offer tours to Albania, two of the most reputable and trustworthy among them are Viator and a small, family run business called Amico Tours.
Most of the tours from Dubrovnik to Albania cost anywhere between 100 and 200 USD and last one entire day, leaving after picking you up from your accommodation early in the morning (usually around 7:00am) and returning in the evening (usually around 9:00pm). After crossing the Montenegrin border at Debeli Brijeg, you will take the ferry from Kamenari to Lepetane (Montenegro) and travel on Montenegro’s coastal roads until reaching the Albanian border at Sukobin. There are likely to be stop-offs while in Montenegro in photogenic locations like Sveti Stefan, but this varies with the itinerary of the agency you choose.
Upon entry into Albanian territory, you will usually go to the town of Shkoder and to the castle of Rozafa to see various sights in and around those areas such as museums and points of interest. Some companies, particularly Amico Tours, are well known for their flexibility when it comes to schedules and are fairly open to alterations, others stick to their schedule like clockwork, some, such as Viator, throw lunch in with the price of the excursion and it is – like with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro – entirely at your discretion when it comes to picking a package which suits you and your needs best.
Included in the price for Viator’s Dubrovnik to Albania tour are all fees, taxes and handling charges, including goods and services tax, pick up and drop off at your accommodation as well as lunch, a very well spoken and learned driver/guide and comfortable, air conditioned transport. This is fairly typical of all companies in Dubrovnik who offer an Albania package but you will usually be free to tick off anything you don’t want or need. You should make sure you bring adequate fluids to stay hydrated on your journey as these are not normally included.
Confirmation of your departure from and return to Dubrovnik from Albania will be received either immediately or within 48 hours of placing your booking. Tours are subject to availability so it’s important you allow enough time for yourself and give enough notice to the company in advance. You may be expected to provide your passport details (name, number, expiry date etc) on request as a valid passport must be carried at all times.
Things to consider:
Albania is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
A valid passport must be presented at the border and carried as formal identification at all times. It is not unusual for Albanian police officers to stop people at random and ask for ID.
Albania uses the Albanian Lek and often the Euro is accepted. As Albanian Lek cannot be obtained or exchanged outside of Albania, it is important you have some Euros with you just in case, and exchange some currency upon arrival in Albania.
European (EU/EEA/EFTA), American, Australian and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to be granted entry into or passage through Albania, but a valid passport must be presented and carried at all times. You can find out if you require any type of visa before entering Albania with a quick Google search. (Please keep in mind: While Russian citizens do not require a visa to enter or pass through Montenegro, they DO require one to enter both Croatia and Albania. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will remain a full member of the EU for the foreseeable future and travel regulations for British citizens are highly unlikely to change at all either during or after that period. The presentation of a valid British passport is enough to be granted entry).
If you’d like more information on tours from Dubrovnik to Albania (and back!) why not take a look at some of the trustworthy Dubrovnik companies willing to take you there? Click here: https://www.viator.com/ and here: http://www.amico-tours.com/ for more.
