7 Days Private Tour of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo

We took a similar but longer tour of Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo with Go as Local in late May to early June 2024. We arranged a tour for the two of us (two female friends in our late 60's) with Andi from GAL. There were some hiccups in the planning portion- arranging money transfers, for example. Andi was helpful at every phase of planning though he was very busy with a growing business. We began our tour in Tirania and were able to customize our trip from the published itinerary. We had the same driver, Engjell, for the entirety of our 11 day tour. He was professional, flexible, knowledgeable and energetic. He went the extra mile to assure our tour was memorable. He arranged kayaking in Matka Canyon and biking in Lake Ohrid. He bought fruit from local farmers to share each day. He even collected my delayed luggage from a hotel many miles away after it was left there in error. Driving in each country is a 'contact sport' but we felt safe as Engjell navigated very heavy traffic and some crazy drivers. This area of the Balkans was a revelation. There is much history and diversity of landscape- Mountains, lakes, the sea, forests, ancient churches and mosques. The scenery and architecture is stunning. Andi arranged for very nice hotels and each served a hot breakfast, typically with great coffee. We especially loved our lodging in Gjirokaster, Voskopoje, and Theth. This is an area where development is coming so I'm glad we were able to see these countries at this time. Albania is a mostly cash economy- both Lek and Euros- though ATMs were usually available. We were able to use credit cards in North Macedonia and Kosovo. I hope to return to Albania to spend more time in the north of the country and beach areas- both lakes and the Albanian Riveria. I will use Go as Local again.

Everything was wonderful. Firstly the communication before booking was exceptional and left us very confident this was the right tour for us. Hotels top notch right in the heart of every city. Our guide was very knowledgeable but more importantly flexible if we wished to move things around. Finally the friendliness and hospitality of the local people who embraced us and made us welcome at every stop. And did I mention the amazing local food. Don’t think about it, do it before these countries become overrun with tourists.

I booked the 7-day private tour of Albania, N. Macedonia and Kosovo. Communication was excellent as I was putting my trip together. Andi was very prompt replying back to my questions and kept in touch prior to my departure for Tirana. On the day the tour started my driver, Engjell, was right on time picking me up from the hotel. We spent the next seven days touring the areas described in the itinerary and was not disappointed. Engjell explained the history of the places we visited and that was really important to me. I had many questions and he had many good answers. He was also a very careful driver which made me feel good. The hotels booked for me were wonderful. Most of them, not all, were small local establishments with three or four rooms. The rooms were perfect for a solo traveler and all included breakfast. My three favorite hotels were in Shkoder, Berat and Gjirokastër. The restaurants recommended by Engjell were great. I asked Go As Local if I could end my tour in Shkoder as I wanted to spend a few days there. No problem as they made changes to the tour to allow this. I took the local bus back to Tirana from Shkoder. I would highly recommend touring with Go As Local. The tour and communication were great and the staff very professional. I highly recommend.