"Land of Eagles"/ Tourist package, from Dubai to Poland, how much is Albania being sold for?

2024-07-07 12:38:48Biznes SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Usually, what catches your eye the most on social networks in the months of April, May and June are vacation packages that invite you to choose different destinations. Even this year, there is no shortage of offers that invite Albanians to rest in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Italy or beyond.

While this is one side, it seems that Albania on the other side is the destination that is inviting foreigners to choose the tourist offer. Various foreign agencies around the globe are marketing our country as a 2024 and even 2025 summer vacation opportunity, giving the package payment, its repayment plan and what it includes.

The British also "sell" Albania in 2025 for 1147 pounds/person

"Classic Albania, Land of Eagles" - this is how a British agency starts marketing, which has specified that the vacation package is valid until September 2025 and includes 7 nights.

Specifically, the payment of 1,147 pounds (1,350 euros) per person is determined to be divided into up to 13 installments of 69 pounds each but a deposit of 250 pounds must be made as a start. The package includes the flight from Edinburgh, luggage, seven meals which can be breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on the holiday.

"Discover the post-communist capital, Tirana, and its past with a guided tour of the most important historical points.

Experience the creative side of the country with an optional visit to Bunk'art 2, one of the 750,000 mushroom-like bunkers that have since been repurposed as an art installation. Discover the Albanian Riviera to Durrës, the 'Eternal City on the Adriatic' and take a tour of the well-preserved ancient ruins," says the offer's explanation.


In the end, the agency also makes a complete run through of the route where the first day is the flight to Tirana. The second day includes a tour of Tirana and Durrës, with an optional visit to Bunk'art 2. The third day includes a visit to Krujë and the Skanderbeg Museum, while the fourth day includes a trip to Lezhë and Vlorë.

The fifth day foresees a visit to the National Park in Llogora, Ali Pasha's Castle and Saranda. The sixth day a trip to Butrint and Gjirokastër to close the next day with a tour to Berat and the Archaeological Park in Apolloni. On the eighth day, the tourists fly back to Britain.

Regional packages start from 1070 euros for tourists from all over the globe

Albania as a destination is not only part of the packages offered by local agencies in different countries, but also of agencies that have global activity. One such agency is Interpid, which offers Albania mainly as a regional package, but of course there is also a separate package.

If you think you know Albania, think again. This addictive place has a variety of portraits. In the rugged North, the Alps are so wild they are 'cursed', while the South enjoys one of the least known and most beautiful coastlines in all of Europe.

Tirana is full of craziness, from traffic to nightlife, but at its heart you'll find mosques, castles, Ottoman architecture and a dose of medieval Balkans.

The real surprise of Albania are the people. Their warmth towards foreigners is infectious and you will surely find yourself exchanging stories over a glass or three of raki" - says the description of the agency for Albania.

The only package based only on Albania is sold for 1425 euros and includes the period August-September and October, with 9-day stays.

A standard package includes arrival in Tirana, a visit to the Shala River and Koman. The stay at Lum e Shala includes three days, one of which includes a stay at the farm. On the fifth day, a visit to Karavasta is planned, where you will stay on the sixth day, and then you will go to the Gulf of Vlora.

Another day foresees a stay in Tragjas, while the eighth day in Berat, to return to Tirana on the 9th day. The agency specifies that the offer includes eight breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners, accommodation in various structures as well as transportation by several vehicles.

Other packages are regional and include points in Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia for 2029 euros; Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia 2410 euros, VIA Dinarica 2405 euros; or from Dubrovnik to Santorini, 4573 euros.

Tourists from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are buying Albania packages between 885 and 1340 euros

On social networks, another agency from the United Arab Emirates is selling tourist packages related to Albania. There are two options offered by this agency, where for flights from Abu Dhabi, the package is being sold at an official price of 3499 dirhams (AHD) or about 885 euros, but with the discount applied, the package is 2199 AHD or about 560 euros.

Meanwhile, for flights from Dubai, the package with the official price is 4499 AHD or about 1340 euros, while with the offer price it can be bought for 3199 AHD, or about 810 euros.

The agency specifies that there are local guides who know the country very well and that the package is more than flight and accommodation. Specifically, it is determined that the package includes flight, accommodation, transfers, travel insurance and guide. These packages are valid until September 30, 2024.

Albania also goes to Oman, packages start from 1783 euros

"Albania in all senses" is a package offered by an agency in the Omani market. This country is the Sultanate which is located in Western Asia.

It is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and lies at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Oman shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, while it shares maritime borders with Iran and Pakistan.

The tourist package for Omani citizens envisages a stay of 7 nights/8 days with an official price starting from 739 Rials for two people. This value is equal to 1783 euros, making it one of the most expensive packages after Britain.

But for Oman, this price is more than normal if we consider that we are dealing with a high-income country with a GDP of 209 billion dollars and a population of 4.6 million in 2023.

But what is on offer for Omani holidaymakers in this package?

Includes: flight, hotel, transfers, activities and travel insurance. According to the data, departures are made every Monday and Thursday starting from June 17 to August 29, 2024. The entry of citizens from Oman to Albania, according to the agency, is visa-free.

"Included: seven nights' stay in Tirana in 4-star hotels with breakfast. English speaking guide. Day trips to Malin e Dajti, Berat, Shkodër and Krujë, Vlora and Durrës, Koman.

Entrance fees to Dajti cable car, Lake Koman, boat trip to Vlora. Muscat-Tirana-Muscat flight with 20 kilos of luggage, standard seats, meals and travel insurance," the agency's specifications say.

Meanwhile, the same agency has determined that meals other than breakfast, tips and various other expenses, as well as departure allowances due to holidays, are excluded.

Finally, the agency specifies that the price of the package includes a minimum of two adults traveling together. Maximum of three people, two adults and children allowed in the room in any European country. There are no recharges for unused services.

For Spaniards, Albania and Ohrid together for 1138 euros/person

Spain is another group that has gained significant weight in organized, but also individual tourism in our country. Of course, the big agencies market Albania mainly for destinations like Saranda or Durrës (in the latter there are also hotel brands like Melia that work with special tourist operators).

But other agencies have created their own packages, combining visits to Ohrid. For example, among the offers that stand out on the Internet, we came across a Spanish agency that says "Discover Albania and Ohrid, the last secret in Europe."

This 9-day package is sold at a price of 1138 euros per person, after a 14% discount, and includes 8 nights and 9 days.

"Albania and Ohrid: A Journey to the Unforgettable".

What an exciting adventure awaits you when you travel to Albania and Ohrid! You are ready to discover the cultural wealth, natural beauty and hospitality of this region. Albania will welcome you with stunning beaches, majestic mountains and cities full of history.

Ohrid, North Macedonia, will enchant you with its beautiful lake and historical charm. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious local food, explore ancient castles and mingle with friendly and hospitable people.

Don't forget to take your camera to capture the impressive scenery and unforgettable moments you'll find around every corner. This trip promises to be an unforgettable experience, full of exciting adventures and fascinating discoveries.

Enjoy your trip to Albania and Ohrid to the fullest" says the introduction to the package presentation.

In detail, the package includes the flight to Tirana and then the transfer to Durrës. On the second day, travel Durrës-Berat-Apoloni and Vlora. On the third day, Vlorë-Llogora Park and Saranda. On the fourth day, Saranda-Butrint-Ksamil and Syri i Kaltër-Gjirokastër.

The fifth day includes Gjirokastra and Korça. Then it continues with Korçë-Ohër and after it, Ohër-Elbasan and Tirana.

On the eighth day, Tirana-Kruje is included, while on the ninth day is the return to the country of origin. The price includes: round-trip flight tickets from Tirana; 8 nights stay in 4* hotels with two meals included; Spanish-speaking accompanying guide throughout the trip;

City tax. The included entrances are those to the Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum; Apollon – Butrint; Blue Eye; The castle in Gjirokastra; Monastery of Saint Naum. Boat ride on the lake and Saint Sophia Church. Kruja Castle and the National Museum; Airport taxes.

The Poles "vapourize" the wine packages, now the end of September and October are being sold

Polish agencies, which for years have been bringing tourists to our country in an organized manner, seem to no longer have any free packages until the end of September. What is being sold on their website is exactly the period after the second 10 days of this month, that is, from September 20 onwards.

For example, a package in a four-star hotel in Durrës is being sold today on the agency's website at a price of 1525 Polish zlotys, or 351 euros per person, while the complete package is 700 euros.

The latter includes departure from Katovica on 20 September and return on 27 September for two adults without children. A standard room and breakfast. If the option of one meal is changed to two meals in the package, then the price is around 810 euros.

Some structures also offer a limited number of rooms for the days of June, but this has more to do with structures with more modest capacities. Other hotels, which have been working for years with organized tourism from Poland, have advanced with packages in October.

For example, for another hotel in Golem, the Polish agency predicts a lot of 3,354 Polish zlotys or 773 euros for two people for the period from October 7 to 14, where the departure is from Warsaw.

The room is double with the specification two meals, plus as an option there is also one for three meals, which costs 947 euros.

Italians, the packages offered from the beach to the mountains from 1175 euros per person

Italian tourists are a group that prefers to explore Albania individually, not looking for ready-made packages, but the offer in the neighboring country is not lacking.

There are dozens of agencies that offer this opportunity and tours that have been designed in cooperation with Albanian agencies, offering the possibility of both beach packages and those of more alternating visits between the mountain and the sea. As an example, we are bringing a package offered to the Italian market, which provides for seven days in the Albanian Riviera.

This package for July is sold for 1175 euros/person, while in August, 1265 euros.

"Tours on the beaches of Albania, and all the splendor of the Southern Riviera of Albania. Eight days and seven nights on the wonderful beaches of Albania. Our Italian-speaking guide will accompany you to discover the Albanian Riviera.

From Vlora to Saranda; a series of charming bays and beaches where you can stop for a few hours every day, to be soothed by the gentle sound of the waves. Vlorë, Karaburun, Dhërmi, Sarandë, Ksamil, Butrint, Gjirokastër, a journey full of emotions among the most beautiful places of the Albanian Riviera and internal authenticity.

We will travel in a comfortable private air-conditioned minibus, stay in a 4-star hotel and enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine in selected restaurants. You just have to think about entertainment," the agency underlines.

The package includes: 7 nights in a 4-star and 3-star hotel with breakfast; 6 dinners and 1 lunch at selected hotels and/or restaurants with water included, entrance tickets to museums and sites for a fee, travel by air-conditioned minibus with private driver, certified local tour guide in Italian, traveler fees ./ Monitor

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