The Mini Albanian Alps Experience

LET’S TALK MONEY: The Albanian currency is the Lek (ALL).

💳 Where to Get It / Can I pay by debit/credit card?

In Albania: The best exchange rates are usually found in local exchange offices (kembim valutor) or ATMs.
Before You Travel: Some UK currency exchange providers (like Post Office, Travelex, or No1 Currency) may stock Lek, but availability can be limited.
ATMs: Widely available in cities and towns, and they dispense Lek. Major cards like Visa & Mastercard are accepted.
Euros & Cards: While Lek is the official currency, Euros (€) are widely accepted in tourist areas, and many hotels/restaurants take card payments.
While major credit and debirt cards are accepted thorughout Albania and Motenegro’s main towns, smaller towns , rural areas and villages in the mountains will only accpet payment in cash (lek or euros), so do not rely on using your cards.
Budget – expenses will be marginal so a little foes a long way. As a general rule, you will be able to have a good lunch for around £4 and will pay around £8 for a nice even meal. So for the four nights, budget for no more than £50-£100.
Pro tip: Withdraw cash once you arrive for the best rates, and carry some small denominations for rural areas where card payments may not be accepted. 💰

GENERAL TIPS

💧 – What is the water like? As a general rule, it is a good bet to stick to bottled water in order to avoid a tummy upset, particularly in more built up areas. However, you are likely to be served iced mountain water at the guesthouses in the Albanian Alps which comes from glacial melt via limestone springs, which tastes delicious.

🥾 – Are the hikes challenging? The hikes are at the higher end of the moderate spectrum, so a relatively fair amount of fitness is required. The hiuke to the village ofTheth lasts for about six hours, consisting of an 800m ascnet for about two and a half hours, followed by a 1000m descent through forests, rocky slopes and meadows. The second hike, between the borders of Albania and Montenegro, is for seven hours, through a pine forest andascending up a steep rocky path before descending into Montenegro.
🎒 – What should I pack? – You will need to bring clothing appropriate for changing weather conditions, which can be unpredictable in the mountains. Layers are an excellent option. Julia will go through it with you before we fly.

🙏 Patience – Many of the locals you will encounter have never left the region let alone Albania, so keep this in mind when is comes to service. It is improving but it takes experience and time.