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Breathe in Travel

Breathe in Travel is a boutique travel company specializing in tailor-made journeys across the Balkans. We design personalized itineraries that showcase the region’s incredible diversity — from rugged mountains and crystal lakes to vibrant cities and hidden villages. Our approach is rooted in authentic experiences, meaningful local encounters, and multi-activity adventures including hiking, kayaking, cultural exploration, gastronomy, and more.

With deep on-the-ground knowledge and strong local partnerships, we create travel experiences that reflect each traveler’s interests and pace. Whether you’re seeking active exploration, cultural immersion, nature connection, or unique off-beaten experiences, Breathe in Travel crafts journeys that leave a lasting impression. Our destinations include Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Bulgaria, each offering its own distinct character and beauty.

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Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Breathe in Travel

Our driver/guide,Andi, was great. He was very...
Albania | Oct 11 - Oct 21, 2026

Miriam
Miriam W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 25, 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).

Local specialist: Aurélie Piloquet
Aurélie
Aurélie Piloquet
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Oct 26, 2026
Dear Miriam, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience in Albania! We're delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time with Andi! It's lovely to know that his knowledge, professionalism, and personalized recommendations made your journey even more enjoyable. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him! We're also happy that you particularly enjoyed Theth, Gjirokastra, and your visit to Lazarat. It's wonderful that you had the opportunity to discover the... Read more

Dear Miriam,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience in Albania!

We're delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time with Andi! It's lovely to know that his knowledge, professionalism, and personalized recommendations made your journey even more enjoyable. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him!

We're also happy that you particularly enjoyed Theth, Gjirokastra, and your visit to Lazarat. It's wonderful that you had the opportunity to discover the inspiring story of this community and its efforts to build a new future.

We're sorry to hear that the guesthouse in Theth didn't meet your expectations. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us improve the experiences we offer.

Thank you again for trusting us with your Albanian adventure. We hope to welcome you back to the Balkans someday!

Warm regards,
Aurélie

Albania is a fascinating country with a compl...
Albania | Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2026

Minda
Minda H.
Maple Grove, MN | Reviewed on Oct 20, 2026
Albania is a fascinating country with a complicated history. It's also beautiful with friendly people. We were able to see a lot in our 10 days in country. Highlights include visiting the city of Berat, a wine tasting at Alpeta winery, relaxing time in Ksamil and the ruins at Butrint. We also were thrilled with the beautiful drive through the Llogara pass to Kruje. Our itinerary, which local agency agent, Violaine put together included lovely hotels. Our local guide and driver, Migan... Read more

Albania is a fascinating country with a complicated history. It's also beautiful with friendly people. We were able to see a lot in our 10 days in country. Highlights include visiting the city of Berat, a wine tasting at Alpeta winery, relaxing time in Ksamil and the ruins at Butrint. We also were thrilled with the beautiful drive through the Llogara pass to Kruje. Our itinerary, which local agency agent, Violaine put together included lovely hotels. Our local guide and driver, Migan Avdullaj, was fabulous. He was very knowledgeable, a safe driver and easily directed us to some options when there was unscheduled time open.

Hotel Reviews
Arameras Beach Resort
ksamil

Great place to relax

Authenticity & Character
Resort atmosphere, relaxing
Authenticity & Character
Resort atmosphere, relaxing
Location
Beautiful setting on the riviera
Location
Beautiful setting on the riviera
Staff
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bella Venezia Historic Boutique Hotel
Corfu

A very attentive staff made this stay lovely.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to old town Corfu and explore
Staff
attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds and nice bathroom
Rose garden Hotel
Gjirokastra

The hotel is located within walking distance of the castle and the old town which invites wandering!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mangalemi
Berat

Loved the old-world character of this hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
we could walk to the center of town easily
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wait n sea
Himare

Lovely views from the room

Authenticity & Character
Location
There is a fabulous restaurant a minute's walk away.
Staff
The owner was very attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great view from the shower!
Faces & Places Boutique hotel
Tirana

This hotel was difficult to find, especially after being dropped off late at night. There is no elevator and our room was on the third floor. The breakfast was good and the bed was comfortable

Authenticity & Character
Location
better directions
Staff
Not much interaction, as there were limited staffing hours
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Excellent dinner and breakfast, convenient location

Authenticity & Character
beautiful views
Location
convenient
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Tirana

This was a good introduction to Albania.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private halfday boat tour in Corfou
Private halfday boat tour in Corfou
Corfu

Unfortunately, this was canceled due to weather. Also it was unfortunate that there wasn't much of an alternative plan.

Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Very entertaining evening, great wine. Beautiful drive to get to the winery.

Quality of Experience
The master of ceremony was very fun!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discovering Corfu – guided exploration of the island
Discovering Corfu – guided exploration of the island
Corfu

Out guide in Corfu was great, I don't have her name though. We went to dinner with her and she helped us order traditional food and suggested things to do.

Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana

The pick up from the airport was fine, getting to the hotel was difficult

Quality of Experience
friendlier driver
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver from the airport basically dropped us off in the middle of the street without showing us the wat to the hotel which was tucked away. This was near midnight.
Transport
See above
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Oct 21, 2026
Minda, thank you so much for your lovely review! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering Albania and its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. It's wonderful to know that Berat, Alpeta Winery, Butrint, and the scenic drive through Llogara Pass were among your highlights! I'm also very happy that you appreciated the itinerary and the hotels we selected for you. A special thank you for your kind words about Migen! He is indeed a fantastic guide, and I'll... Read more

Minda, thank you so much for your lovely review!

I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering Albania and its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. It's wonderful to know that Berat, Alpeta Winery, Butrint, and the scenic drive through Llogara Pass were among your highlights!

I'm also very happy that you appreciated the itinerary and the hotels we selected for you.

A special thank you for your kind words about Migen! He is indeed a fantastic guide, and I'll be sure to share your feedback with him. I'm so glad his knowledge, professionalism, and flexibility helped make your trip even more memorable.

It was a real pleasure organizing your Albanian adventure, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to welcome you back to the Balkans someday!

Warm regards,
Violaine

Albania and Corfu
Albania | Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2026

Candace
Candace V.
Maiden Rock, WI | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2026
Violaine was very communicative in setting up our itinerary based on phone conversations and chat exchanges. She modified some aspects as we moved forward with planning in accordance with our requests. She also was in touch with Migen our guide throughout the trip to assist in changes as weather dictated. We appreciated her responsiveness and follow through.
Migen was outstanding in his knowledge, energy, and driving skills. His ability to share history, culture, and personal experiences...
Read more

Violaine was very communicative in setting up our itinerary based on phone conversations and chat exchanges. She modified some aspects as we moved forward with planning in accordance with our requests. She also was in touch with Migen our guide throughout the trip to assist in changes as weather dictated. We appreciated her responsiveness and follow through.
Migen was outstanding in his knowledge, energy, and driving skills. His ability to share history, culture, and personal experiences greatly enhanced all aspects of the trip. When weather changed our plans, he quickly adapted the itinerary, spent hours rearranging our ferry, and expanded what we were able to see and experience despite the rain.
Migen's talent as a guide on the ground exceeded our expectations, and we are grateful we were traveling with him!
The cities and experiences we enjoyed:
Tirana, Berat, Alpeta Winery, Gjirokaster (including Ardenica Monastery and Apollonia), Langarica Canyon, Ksamil and Butrint, side trip to Corfu (with an excellent guide) , Himare, Llogara Pass, and Kruje.
Migen was with us every step of the way, highlighting history, landscapes, and culture. His contributions were priceless.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Mangalemi
Berat

Steps away from attractions; attentive staff; great food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Stunning views; superb location; exceptional breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wait n sea
Himare

Comfortable rooms; great breakfast; attentive staff; lovely setting.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bella Venezia Historic Boutique Hotel
Corfu

Beautiful hotel; great location; exceptional staff.

Arameras Beach Resort
ksamil

Relaxing; beautiful views, attentive staff, great restaurant

Authenticity & Character
Views
Location
Staff
All the staff were responsive, helpful, and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rose garden Hotel
Gjirokastra

Quiet; lovely; beautiful views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Friendly, attentive, great breakfast
Cleanliness & Comfort
Faces & Places Boutique hotel
Tirana

Lovely, restful, conveniently located, but a bit difficult to find. Great spot for walking around Tirana. Welcoming staff!

Authenticity & Character
Restful, comfortable, good breakfast
Location
Great for walking - a bit challenging to find
Staff
Welcoming, helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discovering Corfu – guided exploration of the island
Discovering Corfu – guided exploration of the island
Corfu

Our guide assigned to Corfu was excellent. She provided a very enjoyable walking tour and food sampling. She was attentive, very approachable and entertaining.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Our host was witty, welcoming, and entertaining. Wine and nibbles were excellent

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Tirana

Migen, our guide made this a memorable day.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Migen is extremely knowledgeable
Transport
Comfortable transport for four of us.
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Oct 17, 2026
Dear Candace, Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan your journey through Albania and Corfu, and I'm delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience. I'm especially happy to read your kind words about Migen! He truly is an exceptional guide, and I'm so glad his knowledge, enthusiasm, and flexibility made such a difference throughout your trip. I'll be sure to share your lovely feedback with him! Despite the weather... Read more

Dear Candace,

Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan your journey through Albania and Corfu, and I'm delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience.

I'm especially happy to read your kind words about Migen! He truly is an exceptional guide, and I'm so glad his knowledge, enthusiasm, and flexibility made such a difference throughout your trip. I'll be sure to share your lovely feedback with him!

Despite the weather challenges, it's wonderful to know that you were able to enjoy so many beautiful places and experiences, from the historic towns of Albania to the stunning landscapes and your time in Corfu.

Thank you again for your trust, your flexibility, and for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback about the hotels and activities. It means a lot to us!

Wishing you all the best, and hopefully we'll have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Balkans one day!

Warm regards,
Violaine

Niko was may guide driver. He did incredible ...
Albania | Oct 1 - Oct 15, 2026

J
Jim M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2026
Niko was may guide driver. He did incredible job!!! He is an expert historian! The ancient history is incredible. I really enjoyed old town Kotor, Old town Budva, Berat, Butrint and all the castles!!! Of course the Raki was excellent!!! Read more

Niko was may guide driver. He did incredible job!!! He is an expert historian! The ancient history is incredible. I really enjoyed old town Kotor, Old town Budva, Berat, Butrint and all the castles!!! Of course the Raki was excellent!!!

Hotel Reviews
Blerina's Agrotourism Concept

My last night was spent at a unique agritourism property near the Tirana Airport. It was a quaint place with about sixteen rooms, two restaurants, and a farm setting where they grow their own plants and have cows. It was a neat and interesting experience, very different from typical hotels.

Hotel Portik
Berat

I stayed at a winery accommodation that had only three rooms. They hosted a wine tasting around 6 PM, which was very enjoyable. The hosts were very friendly, and the wine tasting was quite generous with small bottles of different wines. It was a very nice and intimate experience.

Activity Review
Sightseeing tour of Kotor
Sightseeing tour of Kotor
Montenegro

I took a sightseeing tour of Kotor, Montenegro. The town is really beautiful with a huge protected bay area and some neat little islands. It was quite busy with tourists, especially cruise ship passengers, but the tour guide Natasha was excellent and gave a great tour of the inner city, helping me navigate the busy spots.

Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Oct 16, 2026

Jim, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm glad to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Niko. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him!

It's great to know you enjoyed discovering the history, beautiful old towns and castles of Montenegro and Albania. And of course, no trip to the Balkans would be complete without a little Raki! 😊

Thank you again for travelling with us. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

All-around fantastic trip!
Slovenia | Sep 26 - Oct 4, 2026

S
Susan S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 06, 2026
Laurent was fantastic! If I could give him more than 5 stars, I would. The entire experience of working with him was wonderful, and the trip he planned for us far exceeded our expectations. He planned our 9-day driving trip (two couples) to Slovenia (Bled, Ljubljana, Postojna) and Croatia (Plitvice, Sibenik, and Split). He made sure our entire itinerary was easily accessible in the Kimkim app, with all transfers and vouchers for our excursions loaded in one place. Every detail was listed,... Read more

Laurent was fantastic! If I could give him more than 5 stars, I would. The entire experience of working with him was wonderful, and the trip he planned for us far exceeded our expectations. He planned our 9-day driving trip (two couples) to Slovenia (Bled, Ljubljana, Postojna) and Croatia (Plitvice, Sibenik, and Split). He made sure our entire itinerary was easily accessible in the Kimkim app, with all transfers and vouchers for our excursions loaded in one place. Every detail was listed, including recommendations outside of our planned activities (restaurants, sites to see, scenic stops while driving from place to place).

Laurent worked within our budget and found some truly spectacular locations for us to stay. The hotels were perfect in every way, with beautiful accommodations and friendly, helpful staff. During our trip, Laurent reached out multiple times to make sure everything was going well. This was truly one of the best all-around experiences we've had. Many thanks to Laurent!

Hotel Review
Hotel Julian Alps
Gorje

Such a special place to stay while enjoying our time near Lake Bled and the Gorje. Charming, modern, cozy (think hygge!) accommodations, and the staff were fantastic. Can't say enough about the restaurant. We ate dinner at the hotel both nights and had fabulous meals. The breakfasts are over the top as well. Would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Authenticity & Character
Warm, cozy, clean, modern. Perfect hygge experience.
Location
So scenic. Close to all we wanted to do in the area.
Staff
Our server at the restaurant was great!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine
Laurent
Laurent Fontaine
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Oct 07, 2026

Thank you so much, Susan, for such a wonderful review!
It was a real pleasure helping you plan the trip, and I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed both Slovenia and Croatia so much.
I’m also glad that everything went smoothly and that the hotels, activities, and recommendations worked well for you.
Thank you again for your trust and for taking the time to share such kind words. I’d be very happy to help you plan another trip in the region in the future.
Warm regards,
Laurent

This is my 3rd time using Kim Kim and Violain...
Albania | Sep 17 - Sep 29, 2026

Sandra
Sandra S.
Meridian, ID | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2026
This is my 3rd time using Kim Kim and Violaine did not disappoint. We had a great trip and she put a great plan for us in place and she was great about answering our many questions:)
Our local trip "assistant," Amarda with Breathe in Travel was fabulous. She met us in person with a few fun momentos and she even rebooked a boat trip for us (thankfully it was possible) due to weather. Thanks Amarda!
Read more

This is my 3rd time using Kim Kim and Violaine did not disappoint. We had a great trip and she put a great plan for us in place and she was great about answering our many questions:)
Our local trip "assistant," Amarda with Breathe in Travel was fabulous. She met us in person with a few fun momentos and she even rebooked a boat trip for us (thankfully it was possible) due to weather. Thanks Amarda!

Hotel Reviews
Aphrodite Garden's
Himare

Great spot and loved the view. Good staff and accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
View and great restaurant!
Location
Loved the view and glad to have parking (very tight but most is in Albania:)
Staff
Super friendly and accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cumaku Boutique Hotel & Spa
Gjirokastra

FABULOUS! Highly recommended and we loved our stay here. The hotel was super cute, clean and an easy walk to everything. The breakfast was exceptional and we LOVED the indoor pool and sauna. The outdoor pool looked great, but we got there too late to enjoy it. Our room was wonderful and we loved being up at the very top.

Authenticity & Character
Very stylish and well done!
Location
Easy walk to the Old Bazzar and castle. Loved the street scene there.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Koroni Hotel

Great spot in Berat. Located in an old and authentic house but nicely styled. Everything was clean and comfortable. Our host was great and food was good. Easy walking distance to all of old Berat and we loved the town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walking to all of old Berat.
Staff
Our host was great and he set us up with a taxi ride to our wine tasting experience.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Great spot and loved the view and proximity to the old Bazzar. The restaurant was good and the room was great- stylish, clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great view out the window and easy walking.
Staff
Our host at check-in was great and even walked out and across the street to show us where to park.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Kol Gjoni

Amazing! Fantastic accommodation and couldn't recommend it enough. The rooms were lovely, stylish, comfortable and clean. The staff was excellent and the food amazing. We loved the patio and enjoying wine while enjoying the awesome mountains/view.

Authenticity & Character
Just wow.
Location
Steller! Loved the remoteness and views.
Staff
warm and welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bujtina Polia
Theth

Beautifully located in Theth. Clean but very basic rooms. Our host was great but not clear about how meals worked or the time frame. Food was good and service OK for how busy and hectic it was with tourists. Glad we brought our headlamps as the power went out a few times each evening/morning.

Authenticity & Character
Clean and basic.
Location
Easy walking to all trails in Theth. Surrounding mountains are stunning.
Staff
Good host but better communication would have been helpful. Meal arrangements and times weren't mentioned so we had to figure it out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Grandpa's House
Shkodra

Great spot up on the hill and the overall accommodation was good. Beds were comfortable and we loved the pool and sauna. Only complaints was a slight sewage smell in the room and the waiter at dinner was rather rude.

Authenticity & Character
Good restaurant and loved the pool and sauna
Location
Great location over looking the town. Only downside was it wasn't within walking distance to local sites.
Staff
Most staff were great but our waiter for dinner was very rude and not patient at all with us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overall the room was good and clean but had a slight sewage smell.
Faces & Places Boutique hotel
Tirana

Super cute Boutique hotel! Clean, comfortable, stylish and quiet for being in the heart of Tirana. Loved the proximity of the hotel to main attractions and historical hot spots. Highly recommended.

Authenticity & Character
modern and stylish
Location
walking distance to skandabeg square and historical sites
Staff
friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
squeaky clean and modern
Activity Reviews
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Super fun and we loved our host! Great crowd and experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana

Amarda was lovely. We appreciated her meeting us and loved our "goody" bag. She even made a few more of our fabulous guide books per our request so we all had one to take home as momento. We had to reach out to her once for clarification, and she was quick to respond. She also rescheduled our boat experience due to weather. We loved all the extra suggestions given and our guide book was fabulous and throuough. We used it several times on the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat tour in Himare
Boat tour in Himare
Albania

Petro was awesome! Such a great excursion and we loved hearing about the area and it's transitioning. There was about 15 people on the boat with plenty of room so it was very comfortable and clean. He had water to offer and we loved all the stops we took. The 2 cave swimming spots were super cool and the highlight. This is the way to see the beaches of Himare and to not deal with driving and navigating sketchy trails. The water and the beaches were gorgeous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Petro was exceptional
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Oct 01, 2026
Sandra, Thank you so much for your lovely review! 😊 It was a real pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so happy to hear that you had such a great experience and that everything came together smoothly. Thank you as well for trusting Kimkim for a third trip! I’m also delighted to hear your kind words about Amarda. Having someone locally available throughout the journey is very important to us, and I’m glad she was able to help with the boat trip when the weather changed, and add a... Read more

Sandra,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! 😊

It was a real pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so happy to hear that you had such a great experience and that everything came together smoothly. Thank you as well for trusting Kimkim for a third trip!

I’m also delighted to hear your kind words about Amarda. Having someone locally available throughout the journey is very important to us, and I’m glad she was able to help with the boat trip when the weather changed, and add a few little surprises along the way!

It’s also wonderful to hear that you enjoyed Faces & Places in Tirana. Its central location and boutique atmosphere really make it a great base for discovering the city.

Thank you again for your trust, and I hope we’ll have the opportunity to help you discover another part of the Balkans in the future!

Warm regards,
Violaine

Croatia is fabulous!
Croatia | Sep 10 - Sep 18, 2026

Deborah
Deborah W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026
All of the guides on every trip were very knowledgeable and and fun to be with. Croatia is beautiful and we had a fabulous experience there. I am recommending it to everyone! Read more

All of the guides on every trip were very knowledgeable and and fun to be with. Croatia is beautiful and we had a fabulous experience there. I am recommending it to everyone!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Slavija
Split

We loved this hotel! Very nice is comfortable!

Authenticity & Character
The oldest hotel in the palace, but it has been completely renovated on the inside!
Location
Hotel Slavija was Fantastic!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, comfortable and the restaurant had great food!
Hotel Perla
Dubrovnik

It was Clean and sufficient, but it needs to be updated. The locks on the door were difficult to manage and the bed head towels in place of sheets. It was very strange!

Authenticity & Character
The hotel needs to put modern day card locks on the doors, one lamp on the wall was duct taped to the wall, and the bed and bedding needs to be updated as well.
Location
Being on the promenade was a plus! There were so many restaurants and things to see that we’re close by.
Staff
The manager said that he would change the contents of my breakfast to go, and that didn’t really happen. He made it look like he was listening to me, but he really wasn’t!
Cleanliness & Comfort
New bedding, new blankets, new sheets, new duvets.
Activity Reviews
Private tour of Split
Private tour of Split
Croatia

This was really nice, even though we had to do it in the rain! Our guide was extremely informed and fun too!

Quality of Experience
She was great! The guides, the weather, the history of this location.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Their knowledge, passion and love of Croatia!
Transport
Comfortable buses, for the most part.
Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Excursion
Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Excursion
Split

We loved going to the island of VIS, the blue cave, and HVAR. The boat ride was HORRIBLE! Super loud music and we came home drenched!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
More mature guides and boat drivers.
Transport
Bigger, slower boat!
Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Trip from Split or Trogir
Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Trip from Split or Trogir
Croatia

The park was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Gorgeous park!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable guide.
Transport
Seats were not very comfortable.
Exploring the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik
Exploring the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

Very nice!

Quality of Experience
No
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No
Transport
The boat and the lunch.
Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Croatia

We loved Mostar! So interesting and picturesque!

Quality of Experience
Everything was great!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide & driver were superb!
Transport
Great driver and comfortable bus!
Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

Our guide was fabulous. She was very knowledgeable and had a real passion for the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Top notch!
Transport
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine
Laurent
Laurent Fontaine
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Sep 29, 2026
Hi Deborah!
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m very happy to hear that you had such a great experience in Croatia and that you enjoyed all of the guides along the way.
And thank you as well for the beautiful photos you shared — they were fantastic to see and really brought the trip to life.
I also really appreciated your detailed comments on the different activities. Feedback like that is extremely helpful, both for me and for future travelers.
It was a pleasure helping...
Read more

Hi Deborah!
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m very happy to hear that you had such a great experience in Croatia and that you enjoyed all of the guides along the way.
And thank you as well for the beautiful photos you shared — they were fantastic to see and really brought the trip to life.
I also really appreciated your detailed comments on the different activities. Feedback like that is extremely helpful, both for me and for future travelers.
It was a pleasure helping organize your journey, and I’m glad Croatia left such a strong impression. Thank you again for recommending it so enthusiastically!

Successful first time self-drive visit to Albania & Montenegro
Montenegro | Aug 28 - Sep 11, 2026

Patrice
Patrice P.
Chicago, IL, USA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure. Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a... Read more

Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure.

Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a great resource throughout our journey. All of our questions were answered in a very timely manner. It was reassuring to know help was always available if need be, including assistance with a parking ticket. When a small and unforeseen issue arose with a local guide, Violaine went out of her way to make things right.

We had an amazing time in no small part due to the detailed preparation, expertise and execution of Violaine and her team. Many thanks.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ami
Petrovac

Nice location. Close to beach and promenade. Clean, well-appointed rooms. Blackout shades to curb heat very much appreciated. Super helpful staff who translated complex process for paying parking ticket. Certain common areas lacked air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eco Villas Merak & Winery
Virpazar

Quiet, restful, just enough out of the way. Spacious room with nice terrace. Very good breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Fantastic view from room. Very good food & drinks at on-site restaurant. Staff went above & beyond to create “certificate” to celebrate my sister’s birthday and by providing complimentary room upgrade.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Nivica

A unique experience in the southern mountains. Local staff extremely helpful and attentive. Very good food. Views from rooms outstanding. Special kudos to our hiking guide Mujo who was exceptionally kind and patient when path proved very strenuous for me. Thanks also to Astrid who arranged a gift of local specialities for my sister to celebrate her birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Plaza
Berat

Well-located. Some facilities closed during brief visit. Very helpful staff. Went out of way to help celebrate my sister’s birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rogner
Tirana

Excellent location. Clean, safe. Well-appointed rooms. Good food and drinks at on-site restaurant. Lovely pool area. Fantastic staff. Went out of way to decorate room as surprise birthday treat for my sister.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Tirana

A must-do. So much fascinating history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Nivica

A must do for fit guests. Ascent was very taxing for me.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Albania

Stunning landscape best seen from on the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Albania

Nice length of time on water. Nice to be able to swim. Beautiful at sunset.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Amazing setting. Gracious and entertaining host. Great food and drinks.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 23, 2026
Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey. It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many... Read more

Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey.

It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many different sides of both countries, from Nivica and Berat to Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor.

Thank you as well for your lovely words about Armada and the rest of our local team. Knowing that you felt you always had someone available to help when needed is very important to us.

I’m also delighted that the little birthday surprises for your sister made the trip even more special! 😊

Thank you again for your trust and for choosing us to organize this adventure. It was a pleasure accompanying you both, and I hope you came home with many wonderful memories of Albania and Montenegro!

Warm regards,
Violaine

Albania and Montenegro are a must-see!
Albania | Sep 6 - Sep 15, 2026

Nathan
Nathan S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026
Overall, amazing trip. We truly enjoyed the whole time we were there with Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and the incredible views of Kruje really standing out. All of our guides were incredible with Natasa in Kotor and the hosts at Alpeta Winery really leaving an impression on us with their knowledge and hospitality. All of the hotels were truly impressive with amazing views and all of the staff were very helpful, especially the hotel staff at Hotel Leon Coronato and Milo at Lake... Read more

Overall, amazing trip. We truly enjoyed the whole time we were there with Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and the incredible views of Kruje really standing out. All of our guides were incredible with Natasa in Kotor and the hosts at Alpeta Winery really leaving an impression on us with their knowledge and hospitality. All of the hotels were truly impressive with amazing views and all of the staff were very helpful, especially the hotel staff at Hotel Leon Coronato and Milo at Lake Valley. Looking back on the trip, there isn't a single thing that we would change, as the trip was truly top-notch.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Views are magnificient

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views overlooking the Castle and basically all of Albania to the Adriatic Coast were jaw dropping
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Leon Coronato

Rich history and amazing location

Authenticity & Character
Location
great views of the water and right in the center of Perast
Staff
Staff were very helpful and some of the best we experienced on the trip
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Valley

Amazing location. Wish we stayed here more than one night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Off the beaten path and quiet.
Staff
Milo was a great guy and communicated very well with us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Colosseo

Beautiful but parking is confusing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking street is right out the front door for shopping and local food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Portik
Berat

Great Location for seeing the city and castle

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rogner
Tirana
Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy Walking
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing tour of Kotor
Sightseeing tour of Kotor
Albania

Incredible city. Natasa was very knowledgeable and such a nice person.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Albania

Amazingly beautiful and very relaxing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Amazing wine and staff were amazing and funny.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Albania

Absolutely stunning and we got to see not only Kotor Bay including Perast and 'Our lady of the Rocks', but also a submarine bunker, and swam in a coastal cave.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Boat driver, Eddie, was very cool and great.
Transport
Boat trip to Koman and Shala river
Boat trip to Koman and Shala river
Shkoder

highly recommend this adventure. The entire area is breathtaking and the boat ride gives you a totally different perspective. Shala River was impressive and the water so clear.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
Berat

Beautiful to see and experience but the driver was like a race car driver.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
driver was crazy. Guides lacked knowledge about the area. Very confusing when we first arrived.
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 21, 2026
Thank you so much, Nathan, for taking the time to share such a wonderful review! I’m really happy to hear that you had such a memorable experience discovering Albania and Montenegro and that the itinerary, accommodations, and activities all came together so well. It’s especially nice to hear that places like Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and Krujë were highlights of your journey, and that you had such positive experiences with our local guides and partners along the way. It was a... Read more

Thank you so much, Nathan, for taking the time to share such a wonderful review! I’m really happy to hear that you had such a memorable experience discovering Albania and Montenegro and that the itinerary, accommodations, and activities all came together so well.

It’s especially nice to hear that places like Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and Krujë were highlights of your journey, and that you had such positive experiences with our local guides and partners along the way.

It was a real pleasure helping you plan this adventure and accompanying you throughout the process. Thank you again for your trust and your kind words, they mean a lot to us and to our local partners.

I hope you returned home with plenty of great memories, and perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you back to the Balkans for another adventure in the future! 😊

Violaine

Violaine is an amazing travel planner!
Albania | Sep 3 - Sep 11, 2026

K
Kathryn M.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026
Violaine is an amazing travel planner! She truly listens to your travel ideas and interests and thoughtfully brings everything together—from accommodations and excursions to helpful information—all in one organized package. She is incredibly responsive to questions and concerns and always provides additional suggestions tailored to your interests. We found Violaine to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but also reassuring and comforting throughout the planning process. I was... Read more

Violaine is an amazing travel planner! She truly listens to your travel ideas and interests and thoughtfully brings everything together—from accommodations and excursions to helpful information—all in one organized package.

She is incredibly responsive to questions and concerns and always provides additional suggestions tailored to your interests. We found Violaine to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but also reassuring and comforting throughout the planning process.

I was particularly nervous about driving in Albania and Montenegro, but Violaine gave me a very accurate picture of what to expect, which put my mind at ease. As it turned out, driving there was absolutely fine! I also really appreciated the estimated drive times between destinations, along with recommended stops along the way. This turned each transfer day into an opportunity to explore and enjoy the journey rather than simply getting from one place to another.

We couldn’t have asked for a better travel planner and would absolutely recommend Violaine to anyone looking for a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and responsive travel expert.

Hotel Reviews
Boutique Hotel Astoria
Kotor

The Hotel Astoria is in the heart of Old Town Kotor. Our room looked over the bay and outer wall. The room was large and well furnished with a lovely modern amenity bathroom. We had to leave early the next morning; so they provided us with a box breakfast the night before. Quite nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eco Villas Merak & Winery
Virpazar

This is a family run hotel and winery. Each villa is a self sustained home. We had a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, and covered front porch. At 6pm, the husband provides a wine tasting event in his winery. They also provide you with a complimentary bottle of their wine at checkin. The villa is very comfortable. We decided to hit the market and make our own dinner that night and eat on the porch. It was lovely. The breakfast is made to order and delivered to your front porch (which has a dining table). There is a menu and you let them know the night before what you would like and when. Super nice family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

The Panorama Kruje is the most modern of our stays. The room is HUGE - we could have a dance party in it. The bathroom is also large as the balcony. Our room looked over the old bazaar and castle. The view is stunning! Location also 5 star.

Authenticity & Character
Not authentic character - but modern hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Koroni Hotel

Another centrally located hotel, makes walking a breeze. Thank goodness for the parking permit provided with the room. You park at a private lot about 5 minutes walk away; but honestly if you didn't have this there would be nowhere to park. I appreciated that lot! The room was less than desirable. Ours had a tiny high window that looked at a wall- thus it was dark. Even with all the lights turned on; it is a dark room. The walls are stone, which gives it the authentic flavor; but, it also provided spots for cobwebs and little critters. However - the breakfast was the best we had! And it just coming. This is a sit down breakfast where they just serve you platter after platter of items. We felt guilty that we simply could not eat it all. The reason to book this hotel is 1 - BREAKFAST and 2 - parking lot provided.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
cobwebs and critters
Aphrodite Garden's
Himare

Another hotel with an amazing view + onsite parking. The rooms was very comfortable and the A/C worked perfectly. The restarant here is very good and quite popular. Reservations are a must - the first night we couldn't get it. But made sure to enjoy it our 2nd night. It is a special occasion place; most everyone dressed up for dinner here. The only down side - laundry service. Upon check in. I asked if they had laundry service which they confirmed and advised me to bring my laundry down. When I did, they escourted me into their laundry area and showed me how to use the machines. Obviously, a miscommunication. I thought I would pay for the service and have that time to explore town. Instead, I spent a couple of hours doing my own. Oh well - got clean laundry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful views, but about 10 minutes outside of town. You will need a car if you stay at this property.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rose garden Hotel
Gjirokastra

This hotel is located right at the base of the Castle - you can walk out the back gate by the pool, take a left and you are at the entrance. Take a right and follow it down the hill directly into the Old Bazaar area. The location couldn't be more perfect PLUS they have on site parking. The staff is super friendly and the view from the terrace overlooks the entire city and valley. We were lucky enough to have a double rainbow spanning the sky. The only reason it is not 5 star; is because the minisplit struggled to keep up. Thus it was a little warm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
This hotel is located right at the base of the Castle - you can walk out the back gate by the pool, take a left and you are at the entrance. Take a right and follow it down the hill directly into the Old Bazaar area
Staff
Every staff member we met was extremely welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A/C struggled.
Activity Reviews
Cooking class - Albanian traditional food
Cooking class - Albanian traditional food
Berat

This was such a personal, fun, and memorable experience! We were the only people booked that day, so it felt very special and personalized. Our teachers were two wonderful young men who made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. We baked bread, made stuffed peppers, Berati beef, and a delicious custard dessert—all while joking, laughing, and listening to music. It felt less like a formal cooking class and more like spending time with friends who were sharing their food, culture, and traditions with us. Afterward, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor. And let me tell you—there was TOO MUCH food! Everything was delicious, and the whole experience was relaxed, authentic, and full of fun. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and an experience we will remember for a long time!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
Berat

Unfortunately, this was a very disappointing experience. When we checked in, the staff member looked at our Teva sandals and told us they were appropriate for the tour. Shortly after starting, Sarah’s sandal broke, and our guide, Lionel, was clearly unhappy about it. We had already heard Lionel tell someone that he didn’t want to do this tour, and unfortunately, that attitude seemed to carry throughout our experience. He told us that our shoes were completely wrong, but we explained that the person who checked us in had specifically told us they were fine. How were we supposed to know otherwise? I asked if there was any possibility of pivoting to another activity, such as tubing, but he said no. To his credit, he did have an associate bring us river socks, but after that, he simply walked in front of the group. What was most disappointing was the complete lack of information or engagement. There was no explanation of the gorge, the surrounding environment, or anything else that would have made the experience interesting or educational. The entire tour felt boring, negative, and lacking in enthusiasm. Given the beautiful setting and potential for a great experience, we left feeling very disappointed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat tour in Himare
Boat tour in Himare
Albania

The Great Chimera canceled our trip without notifying us, so we showed up at the dock all ready and excited for our adventure—only to find that no one was there. We were understandably confused and disappointed, especially since we had received no communication about the cancellation. A simple phone call, email, or message would have saved us the time and inconvenience of making the trip to the dock. Definitely not the way we expected the day to start. Hmmmm...

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 21, 2026
Thank you so much, Kathryn, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed your journey through Albania and Montenegro and, especially, that you felt well prepared and supported throughout your self-drive adventure. It was a real pleasure working with you to shape the itinerary around your interests and preferences. I’m glad the driving information, suggested stops along the way, and estimated travel times helped make the... Read more

Thank you so much, Kathryn, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed your journey through Albania and Montenegro and, especially, that you felt well prepared and supported throughout your self-drive adventure.

It was a real pleasure working with you to shape the itinerary around your interests and preferences. I’m glad the driving information, suggested stops along the way, and estimated travel times helped make the experience more relaxed and allowed you to enjoy the journey itself as much as the destinations.

I’m also delighted that experiences like the cooking class in Berat became such memorable highlights. Thank you as well for your detailed feedback on the accommodations and the activities. I’m sorry that the Osum Canyon experience and the cancelled boat tour in Himarë did not meet expectations; your comments are very helpful and will allow us to follow up with our local partners and improve these experiences for future travelers.

Thank you again for your trust, your kind words, and your recommendation. It was a pleasure organizing this trip for you and Sarah, and I hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you back to the Balkans for another adventure someday! 😊