Aurélie Piloquet
I am originally from France, currently based in Tirana, Albania, and a designer of immersive and responsible travel experiences in the Balkan region. At Breathe in Travel, I enjoy creating tailor-made journeys across Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo, combining cultural discovery, nature, and meaningful local encounters. Each itinerary I craft is carefully designed to match the traveler’s rhythm and interests, with a strong focus on authenticity, sustainability, and attention to detail.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in tailor-made journeys across the Balkans, including Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. I design trips for everyone, culture and history lovers, nature and hiking enthusiasts, or the most adventurous travelers with kayaking, rafting, and even paragliding. Or a mix of all! Each itinerary is shaped around the traveler’s interests and rhythm, offering a combination of iconic highlights and hidden gems for a truly immersive experience far from mass tourism."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always loved traveling, discovering new cultures, seeing amazing landscapes, and tasting new foods. It’s my passion! I even studied tourism to turn that passion into knowledge. A few years ago, when I first visited the Balkans, I completely fell in love with the region, its landscapes, cultures, and people. It felt completely natural for me to become a travel designer, creating trips that let others discover and experience the Balkans in a genuine way they will never forget. I moved to Albania, and here I am, designing journeys that combine culture, nature, adventure, and authentic local encounters."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Probably one of my most unforgettable travel experiences happened a few years ago in Croatia, exploring the stunning Krk National Park. The landscapes were breathtaking, huge waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, and dense forests, so untouched that some places were almost impossible to reach. I even had to cross tiny wooden bridges by car, which was both thrilling and a little scary! It felt like stepping into a hidden world, far from mass tourism, where nature is still wild and free. Moments like this, discovering a region so beautifully preserved and completely authentic, are exactly why I love traveling and why I design journeys that let others experience the Balkans in the same way."
Aurélie's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Get a snapshot of beautiful Albania with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. In just over a week, you'll take in many of the country's best highlights: see ancient...
This eight-day private tour takes you through Southern Albania and into Northern Macedonia to visit the famous Lake Ohrid. You'll explore three UNESCO World Heritage cities, as...
This quick-moving tour will take you on a fascinating circuit through Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, visiting UNESCO cities such as Ohrid, Kotor, and Berat...
Recent trip reviews for Aurélie
Our driver/guide,Andi, was great. He was very...
Albania
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Oct 11 - Oct 21, 2026
Our driver/guide,Andi, was great. He was very knowledgeable not only about the history of each place we visited but had lots of suggestions for places of interest or places to eat that we’d might like. He took our interests into consideration and tailored his suggestions to fit them. We can’t say enough good things about his professionalism and his facility with English.
We particularly loved Theth ( but not the guesthouse), Gjirokaster (great hotel, our favorite ), and Lazarat ( the community working together to change its reputation was inspiring).
