Seminar ins and outs, practical information
Seminar specific items
Pricing
The price for the seminar will be 850 Euro per person , based on sharing a double room in the hotel. Breakfast and dinner in Tirana are included, full board in Theth. All transportation for excursions and admissions to museums etcetera is included.
We included some extra amount in the price in order to deal with unexpected extra costs since this is the first time for this seminar, but we hope to be able to spend them on extra's for you, or just make a refund to you.
Application form
Fill in the application form as completely as possible. We ask you your address and phone number (or mobile) just in order to be able to reach you. Your information will be saved as confidential. Do not send any money. When the minimum of participants is reached we will ask you to send a small amount in advance as an insurance that you take part. There will be no selection to level, experience, gender or other items. First comes, first goes until the maximum number of participants is reached.
Places
We made the choice to do the main part of the seminar in Tirana. In summertime the coastal regions are overcrowded with inland Albanians and Albanians from the diaspora like Macedonia, Kosovo and Italy. Tirana will be relatively quiet in this time of year and can be reached easily by almost every way of travel. Tirana offers us modern hotels with air-conditioning, numerous shops with things of your interests, bars and restaurants. For the seminar there are the special locations like the Opera building and the Academy of Fine Arts for exercise rooms, with necessary facilities. In case of problems with teachers or musicians other people will be available in short notice, without the problem of lodging them.
Theth however is high up in the Albanian Alps and rural life is still of days gone by. Fresh air, healthy food, stunning nature and friendly local families will add to this experience of folklore, with some surprises. On the way to Theth we will pass through Krujė and Shkodra city.
Teachers
Genci Kastrati finished his study at the Academy of Fine arts in historical dancing, which is the Albanian equivalent of folklore dancing. By that time he already was a solo dancer at the National Ensemble but now also became choreographer for the ensemble and presented his first complete program two years ago. Genci's father is Zeki Kastrati, who is retired as a research assistance and teacher of folklore dancing. Last year Zeki selected the dance groups which were to be participants at the Gjirokastėr festival.
Helga Saraēi is one of the important and solo female dancers at the National Ensemble for several years now. She presented the groups at the Gjirokastėr festival last year. She will assist Genci for the female dances.
Excursions
The excursion to Elbasan has a folklore element in it as well as a recreational one. Crossing the high Krrabė pass is a trip never to forget. To Durrės the excursion is much more for joy and relaxation. The final excursion to Krujė on the way to Theth leads to the Kruja ethnographical museum, a traditional house, packed with folk costumes, music instruments, utensils and other stuff.
Language
We will use English as the standard language for communication during the seminar. Genci speaks some English, but you will understand him and we will have a translator at hand as much as possible. We also will provide you with basic Albanian words for dancing. We ourselves are able to communicate with you in Dutch, French and German as well.
General items
About money
Don't worry about taking Albanian leks with you. Everywhere in Albania you are able to pay with Euro's. US dollars may be accepted also, but Euro's are best accepted. In the major cities you will find "bankomats" on almost every corner from different banks to collect money from. In many cases you are able to choose between Albanian leks and Euros. Mastercard and Visa are the most used credit card systems, but also American Express and others might be accepted. In case of doubt, just let us know and we'll find out for you. Western Union has many exchange offices in almost every town.
Climate and other daily things
Tirana can be very hot at this time of year. That's why we chose to lodge in a modern hotel with air-conditioned rooms in the very centre of Tirana. We will have lessons in the morning when it is not too hot and allow the afternoon for a siesta.
In Theth however, the evenings and nights may be very cold and rains are not unusual in this mountainous region so take some warm clothes with you.
For the excursions we suggest you to bring your swimsuit as well.
Hotel and family guesthouses - Double or single rooms
In Tirana the hotels have not so much rooms. Our hotel has about 14 rooms. This limits the number of available single rooms. In case you may like a single room, please contact us for possibilities. We have locations in other hotels nearby at hand, but not too many.
In Theth we will spend the nights in traditional houses in bedrooms with some people together. Having problems with this, we will make special arrangements for you.
Be aware of the fact that a single room in Tirana or in Theth might bring extra costs to you, so please inform in advance.
Hotel Theranda is located in the very centre of Tirana since 2008. Just behind the busy Boulevard Bajram Curri and Blloku (the former governmental area) it is a surprisingly quiet area at night. The garden bar is relaxing and it has a conference room. All rooms are equipped with modern bathrooms, air conditioning, telephone, TV and Internet connection. Breakfast buffet is European with Albanian specialties.
The guesthouses in Theth are traditional dwellings run by families. To be a guesthouse they have to live up to some standards of modern lodging, food and facilities. All guesthouses therefore are equipped with a modern bathroom, with hot and cold streaming water. Food is adjusted to general taste, but it is fresh and of an unusual quality, often accompanied by homemade juices, wine and raki. Although the members of the family don't speak a word English, French or whatever else then Shqip, there is always someone around to help you out. It is a wonderful experience anyway.
Eating and drinking
During the seminar you are expected to see for your own lunch or drinks in the free time to your own taste and needs. In Tirana there are small bars, restaurants and fast food services on almost every corner. Hamburger, suflaki, tost, qofte, kebab, fruits, whatever you like, for just little money. Food is usually fresh. Be aware of the fact that small bars or fast food restaurants have no toilets at all.
Getting there and getting back
By plane: the easiest way to get to Tirana. You will arrive at Mother Theresa Airport (TIA), formerly known as Rinas Airport. From there you can take a taxi to Tirana centre. If the flight number and times are available we will be happy to pick you up from the airport ourselves. Just let us know.
By boat: there are several ferries from Italy to Albania of which the ferries to Durrės are the best known ones. From Durrės you can take a bus or taxi to Tirana centre.
By train: there is only one international train connection from Podgorica to Tirana.
By bus: there are many busses running from cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Sofia, Istanbul and Prishtina to Tirana on a regular basis. Tickets can be bought at the regular travel agencies in these cities.
By car: Albania can be entered by car from several places. South from Igoumenitsa, east from Struga and more to the north east at Morin near Kukės, north from Pogradec through Han i Hotit or from Ulqinj through Muriqan. Drivers need to prove their ownership or license to drive the car in case of a leased or hired car. Taxes are to be paid when leaving Albania again for a small amount per day.
Albania no longer demands a paid visum from foreigners. It is free to enter Albania.
Kosovo issues
Travelling from Albania to Serbia through Kosovo is not possible. Serbia is not accepting the border with Kosovo as a true border and they cannot give you a visum for Serbia there. From Kosovo you have to enter Montenegro or Macedonia before you may enter Serbia.
Our service
Although travelling to and leaving from Tirana is your own concern, we have a company with experienced people at hand which may help you to plan your trip to your satisfaction. The company is based in Tirana nearby the Hotel, run by well educated English speaking personnel, focused on the foreign visitor. Transport or tickets for plane, bus or boat can be arranged. Staying nights before or after the seminar in Albania could best be arranged with this company, with discounts on hotels according to the contracts the company has with many hotels throughout Albania.