pollys885

I absolutely loved my trip, Peaks of the Balkans over eight days with Zbulo, led by Mend Z and Igli X. We were a group of 12 from a range of nationalities, from those in their twenties to late fifties, and it worked really well. Our guides were brilliant and were the reason the trip was so amazing. They were very different but complementary characters, with a huge range of knowledge about Albania, nature, history, culture – plus yoga, navigation, and a laid-back and fun attitude. They also both had serious mountain skills so we felt safe and cared for at all times. The walking was well-planned, achievable but with an appropriate level of challenge (walking poles highly recommended) and through an incredible range of spectacular landscapes. The transfers were well-organised and timely, and it was great to have our luggage carried so we could arrive at our destination and find it waiting for us. Apart from the first and last night in Shkodra, the accommodation was in a range of shared rooms – with up to 10 of us in a room on one night – so you need to be ok with little privacy and have a positive attitude towards being in a group and to a range of facilities (ie showers / toilets) – all were fine, but some were more basic than others. I went as a solo member of the group, as did two others, and I found it great – everyone was different but also able to chat, be quiet, be extrovert or be friendly at different levels. We got on well, with the guides able to facilitate positive group dynamics which personally I think is a really important skill!

Huge thanks to Igli and Mend for an unforgettable trip. I definitely want to come walking in Albania again with you both!