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23 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Albania and Kosova - a guide, 6 Dec 2001
By A Customer
The Blue Guide to Albania and Kosova is the latest and by far the most accurate guide to these areas of the Balkans. Fears of insecurity have prevented many people from taking up tourism there so far, so this book is largely of interest to the very large numbers of "internationals" working in the area. As many of them have already discovered there are a great many things to see, ranging from the spectacular mountain scenery of northern Albania and Kosova, to the equally beautiful coastline of southern Albania. The Author travelled mostly by bus whilst exploring the area over the last decade. As a result details of public transport are well covered in the guide. Travelling by bus as described is possible, and both safe and interesting for the hardened traveller. However, personally I would recommend a decent car, particularly if you can afford to hire one with a local driver. Comfortable if old Mercedes taxis abound, and most usually have documents as well now! They can be hired at very reasonable rates, though this may take a little prior discussion. Travelling in these regions can be admittedly tough,as the book describes, but for the adventurous traveller it is rewarding in equal measure. Most places now have passable places to stay in, and reasonable places to eat, details of which are to be found in the book. Security fears are much exagerated, and easily managed by people resident even temporarily in the areas. My recommendation is that if you have the opportunity to get there go out, buy the book and get out there and explore the territory of one of the oldest peoples in Europe, with a fascinating Illyrian background, and spectacular scenery, coupled with traditions of hospitality to guests unequalled in Europe today. This book will enable you to do it, though remember that the usual caveat applies, things change, restaurants open and close, and persistence may be necessary to view things. Enjoy, I only wish I had had access to a decent guide book to start with, it would have speeded up a fascinating time exploring old castles, churches and mosques, almost all of which have now been documented in this comprehensive guide to the area. Perhaps my only real criticism would be the photos, the Blue Guide format, which attempts to be almost but not quite pocket size, is really not suitable to do justice to what photographs there are.
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by Miranda Vickers
by Gillian Gloyer
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