The standard European adapter (two round pins) works in Albania - types C and F.
Euro is widely accepted. Albanian Lek is an internal currency, so you cannot order as a foreign currency. If paying in Euro you may be given Lek in change. £1 = 118 Lek/ 1.20euros. Cash is best and sometimes the only option in smaller shops and restaurants. Public transport and taxis can only be paid by cash. We recommend changing some money to get around - 'Iliria'98 Money Exchanges' found at the airport and throughout Tirana do the best rates.
While the native language is Albanian, rest assured that you will encounter English speakers throughout Tirana and at all bars and restaurants.
British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. A full list of visa requirements is available here: https://www.visahq.com/albania/
Weather for late May is looking very pleasant, with highs of 27-28°C during the day and lows of 14°C at night.
Hotels and accommodations will have free WIFI, so fear not! We don't recommend using data roaming but check what's included in your contract otherwise it'll get expensive fast. Alternatively, buy a local sim card when you arrive at the airport (you'll see Vodafone and ALB Telecom stores in the Arrivals Hall at the airport) and save your pennies!
Bring a pair of stretchy pants with you, because Albanian cuisine is delicious. The best dishes are tasty and affordable. Make sure to try as many as you can while you’re here, and you'll likely encounter popular dishes like fasule (a hearty vegetarian or vegan bean soup), fëgesë (a slow-cooked stew made of peppers, onions, spices, tomatoes and ricotta); tavë kosi (lamb and rice baked with yoghurt and eggs); byrek (flaky filo stuffed with savoury fillings); speca me gjize (peppers in cottage cheese); baklava (a sweet layered pastry covered in syrup) and trilece (three-milk cake). Raki is famous across Albania for its intense aromatic liquor that’s very similar to grappa, as it is made from grape pomace. It is often flavoured with aniseed. You’ll find it throughout Albania and the Balkans, as well as Kazakhstan, and it is considered the national drink in Turkey. It is thought raki was originally made by monks in Greece under the Ottoman rule during the 14th century. Don’t forget to say "Gëzuar" (cheers) before drinking it down.
Checking in: 14:00 Check-out 12:00. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Hotel guests can benefit from the free access to the Hammam spa and sports facilities. Please contact the hotel if you would like to book spa treatments.
Cocktail attire is welcome – feel free to dress comfortably and stylishly. Nigerian traditional dress (aso ebi) – feel free to choose your own styles. Preferred colours are any combination of green, white, gold, or yellow.
Sacred Heart Church Tirana is a Roman Catholic church, and our wedding ceremony will be a traditional Catholic Nuptial Mass. We will provide programs to help everyone follow along and participate in the service. We kindly ask our guests to be respectful of the sacred setting of the church.
The reception is a short taxi ride away, and there will be plenty of taxis available outside the church- our lovely ushers will be on hand to help direct you. Alternatively, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk if you prefer to go on foot.
Yes for those arriving earlier, we will meet for casual drinks in Blokku area near Rogner Hotel. A more detailed breakdown of timings will be added to the website.
While we initially planned for an adults-only reception due to the day’s schedule, we are happy to extend the invitation to include children of our invited guests, if desired. We will do our best to provide high chairs at the reception though cannot be guaranteed, and all children will need to be seated with their parents. If you prefer to bring your children on the trip but not have them attend the reception, we are organising day-of childcare with trained and certified caregivers at the Rogner Hotel. Please reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help make arrangements.