YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

ALBANIA & MACEDONIA UNCOVERED

TRIP OVERVIEW Unlock the beauty of the Balkans on a remarkable journey through the ancient history and dramatic landscapes of Albania and North Macedonia. Albania’s revival has affirmed its appeal for history-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Traverse stunning mountain scenery, idyllic beaches and glittering lakes dotted with dazzling classical and medieval architecture.

ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and captivating archaeological sites. The town has become synonymous with its and comfortable trip to Albania. Please take the time to read this dossier to hospitable coffee-shop culture. Teeming with vibrant 18th century town houses, familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important details neoclassical buildings and prehistoric monuments, meander through the winding such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. streets of this charming city during a morning tour, before exploring one of North Macedonia’s best regarded archaeological sites. Regally assembled amidst the Your included meal guide: former city bounds of Macedonia, wander through the excellently preserved B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner monuments of Heraclea Lynecestis which astoundingly dates back to the 4th century; marvel at the ancient Roman baths, open-aired portico and Christian B DAY 1: UK to Tirana Basilica, before standing upon the striking stage of the Roman Amphitheatre Depart London on your scheduled flight to Tirana.Upon arrival, you will be met by that was, for a short time, the epicentre for Gladiator fights. In the shadows of its your representatives and transferred to your hotel. ancient past, these mesmerising ruins now serve as a backdrop for concerts and DAY 2: Tirana B/D theatre performances, held here during the summer months. From here, spend The cultural, entertainment and political heart of Albania lies in the lively city of some time at leisure navigating the market stalls and narrow avenues of the Old Tirana, proclaimed as the capital in 1920. Shrouded by its difficult past, Tirana Bazaar, before returning to Ohrid this evening. has in recent years re-invented itself as a city of historic and cultural significance; B flourishing with its vast array of museums and fascinating monuments, amidst DAY 5: Ohrid to Vlorë via Berat, Albania Return to Albania today and experience the magnetic charm of Berat during a metropolis peppered with vibrant buildings. Unearth Albania’s past struggles a morning city tour. Surrounded by rugged mountains and towering hillsides, as you enter the underground bunker known as Bunk Art 1, built in the 1970s witness an iconic assemblage of white Ottoman houses which climb to the under the strict instructions of Enver Hoxha - Albania’s former head of State. highest peak of this ‘town of a thousand windows’, before exploring the Constructed as a protective refuge in the event of a nuclear attack, this five- expansive grounds of Berat Castle. Perched atop a steep mountainside, storey shelter now houses a history museum and contemporary art gallery delight in incredible vistas of the city, where the Osum river spectacularly cuts abounding an assortment of vibrant artwork. Wander through a selection of 24 through the verdant valley below. Breaking custom and tradition, this beguiling rooms and be transported to a bygone era, as you witness the living quarters fortress is unlike any other citadels of its time owing to the fact that it has almost and meeting rooms which replicate its original design. This afternoon, bask in continuously remained a habitable community, where restaurants, markets and natural splendour as you journey towards Dajti Mountain, a tranquil and refreshing Byzantine churches thrive at the heart of local life. Behind the imposing walls of contrast to Tirana. Immersed in an idyllic display of verdant fields and shady this fortified city, wander through the twisting streets before gaining an insight beech trees, board a cable car and glide towards the summit of Mount Dajti, into one of Albania’s most distinctive religious artists at the Onufri Museum. absorbing spellbinding vistas along the route. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome Combining vivid crimson and golden colours in a dazzling spectacle of religious dinner at a local winery. extravagance, witness Onufri’s elaborate work before travelling towards the DAY 3: Tirana to Ohrid, North Macedonia B former capital of Albania, idyllically situated on the bay where the Adriatic and Following breakfast, journey to the picturesque resort which teeters on the shores Ionian seas harmoniously unite. Spend the rest of the day at leisure basking in the of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Radiating natural extravagance and exuding warm Mediterranean sun or relishing in the lively ambience of this picture-perfect old-world charm, indulge in an area of outstanding beauty during an afternoon at seaside metropolis. leisure, delighting in the opportunity to explore the atmospheric old town of Ohrid, B where a scattering of medieval churches, crumbling monasteries and ancient DAY 6: Vlorë Located atop a windswept plateau and set amongst a backdrop teeming with ruins lay adjacent to traditional houses, crowned by their iconic red-tiled roofs. rolling hillsides and verdant olive groves, explore the ancient Greek colonial city Why not soak up the atmosphere and glorious lake-side views from the comfort of Apollonia. Whilst several ruins remain buried underground, wander around a of a quaint café or take a stroll along the sprawling embankment boardwalk. number of spellbinding archaeological highlights, including the amphitheatre and DAY 4: Ohrid to Bitola B dominating pillars that marked the city’s administrative centre, before returning to Framed by the towering mountainsides of Baba and Nidze, travel to the city of the atmospheric centre of Vlorë for an afternoon at leisure. Bitola, a relatively quiet town which boasts an intriguing blend of architecture

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DAY 7: Vlorë to Durrës B/D made copper objects which are sold in the ancient Ottoman bazaar, known as After breakfast, journey towards the charming medieval village of Kruja, blissfully one of the oldest market streets in Albania. Later, travel to Durrës and arrive in situated at the foothills of Mount Kruja and its surrounding green valleys, which time for your farewell dinner this evening. stretch to the shores of the glistening Adriatic. Exuding an enchanting authentic B ambience, wander through the cobblestone streets of this quaint town before DAY 8: Durrës to the UK browsing a collection of beautiful antiques, hand-crafted rugs and masterfully This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or chosen extension.

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Accommodation Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Albania/ Macedonia. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Sunspot Tours is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room.

Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.

ON YOUR ARRIVAL

On your arrival in Tirana you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Albtours D, holding a sign displaying: “Sunspot Tours”. The Sunspot Tours/ Albtours D representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: Albtours D Emergency contact information Telephone Number: 00355 (0) 69 20 21 655 Please find below the emergency contact details for Albtours D (24hrs): 00355 (0) Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] 69 20 21 655 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches. This A visa is not required for your trip to Albania and Macedonia. Further advice tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations’ Tourist on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. Our tour paces are marked with dots out of 3, with the differences being as follows: Insurance 1 Dot the tour is Easy-Going We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably 2 Dots the tour is Intermediate insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you 3 Dots the tour is Advanced must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel Albania & Macedonia is rated as 2 Dots meaning that the tour pace is insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may Intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which ‘WK830’ for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as Our guides will always endeavor to provide the highest level of service and soon as possible. Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. unfit to complete the itinerary.

Health and Vaccinations Group Size It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Tipping Physical Accessibility It is at your customary/discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We would This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal recommend to tip approximately £3 per person per day. This is a total of £24 per

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person to budget for tips on your trip. Tips will be collected at the beginning of your Credit Card Information tour. Tips are accepted in the local currency. As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have Tour Guides - Local Guides a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Itinerary changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or Currency Exchange for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are Albania: The currency in Albania is the Albania Lek. Macedonia: The currency in subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate Macedonia is the Macedonian denar. times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It informed of them. Some road construction &/or weather conditions may lengthen is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency.

Personal Expenses You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £300-£400 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

WHAT TO PACK • Comfortable walking shoes • Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, • Camera and charger stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc • A plug adaptor - the voltage in Albania and Macedonia is 230 V • Small day pack for excursions • Antibacterial hand gel • Waterproof, lightweight jacket

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your initial flight is to Tirana Airport with British Airways (BA), departing from London Gatwick, South Terminal.

IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

Baggage Allowance Airport Extras Each passenger is entitled to 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, not exceeding (Max 7kg - 50cm/37cm/25cm) in size and 1 personal item such we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on quoting HX313. E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate chart below.

Average temperature: Tirana Average temperature: Ohrid

3 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

DURRËS BEACH STAY If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent

TRIP OVERVIEW

Located on Albania's west coast, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea is Durrës, a diverse city oozing Mediterranean charm. Witness the old and the new with ancient archaeological sites along side developed boulevards, shopping plazas and a long stretch of beautiful beach.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

This document aims to give you all the information which you will require Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final during your add-on in Durrës confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Hotel Information - Durrës (3 nights) Your stay in Bucharest will take place at the following hotel; Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. 5★ Hotel Premium, Durres on Half Board. This brand new luxury 5-star resort is idyllically situated upon the golden sands of Personal Expenses Golem Beach and offers stunning panoramas of the Adriatic sea. Excellent guest You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not facilities include a selection of bars and restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and any and the use of a spa and wellness facility. snacks. Hotel Information Address: Golem Long Beach 2504, Durrës, Albania Tour Guides Telephone number: 00355 67 604 1008 Your stay in Durres is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.

FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.