Hiking Tours

  My trip was around 9 days, seeing all of the major points in central and southern Albania, in North Macedonia, and in Kosovo. There's really no substitute for having a... read more local guide, knowledgeable and proud, to show you the region, navigate the sometime fraught driving, and in general make your life easier as you enjoy visiting these most beautiful places. My Albanian friend was Skerdi, and he showed me a great time. We had a lot of laughs, listened to great music, enjoyed conversation, and sampled many different kinds of cuisine.

Albania's mountainous terrain makes for unending majestic views around every peak. It's Adriatic coastline is also quite beautiful. Every Albanian I met, to a person, was kind, hospitable, and friendly. And the food? Out of this world. A great place for adventure travel, cultural history, ancient history--whatever your pleasure. Or, just to spend a few days in a funky European capital city, Tirana, enjoying high quality food and accommodation for reasonable costs.

North Macedonia was also beautiful, but there's less going on there for tourists. Visiting Ohrid is a must, as is Matka Canyon closer to Skopje. Outside of the newly built monuments, statues, and buildings in central Skopje, there's not much to see and do there, and the city closes up fairly early. The restaurants, bars and coffee shops aren't nearly as plentiful or, quite frankly, as good as they are in Albania or Kosovo. Still, you should visit if you're in the region.

Kosovo is a beautiful country. There's a lot to see and do, especially around Prizren, which should be high on your list for a one or two-day visit. It's the most charming and interesting city-village, full of outdoor cafes, bazaars, and history. Prishtina is also worth a visit. Similarly, lots of good restaurants and bars, interesting architecture here and there, but traffic can be congested. Random (but marked) crossings means drivers are forever braking for pedestrians darting across the busy avenues without much care or notice. I would definitely consider a return trip to Kosovo if I return to Albania.

And, I would try to book such a trip with Go as Local. Traveling is an investment you make in yourself. These folks, Andi and Skerdi and crew, make everything easy--which is just the way you want it when you go on vacation. The cost of your trip includes airport pick-up and drop-off, all transportation throughout Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, all guiding and advice (which is priceless!), and entrance fees to any museums or forts you visit. It's not inclusive of food or accommodation, which you'll book yourself once you've agreed upon an itinerary. Accommodation and food costs are extremely reasonable throughout the region; I would encourage you to "lean in" and "go as local."

  We had a great time with our local guide Skerdi, specially enjoyed the local breakfast (very unique) near the Pazar i ri.

The tour is a great combo of... read more Tirana history and local food, highly recommend!

  I took two tours with Go as Local with Andi and Skerdi - one to Durres and Berat and one from Tirana to Skopje with a stop in Orhid. Both... read more tours were educational, exciting, and fun. Definitely recommend for those seeking memorable experiences when visiting Albania.