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AlbaniaINTRODUCTION The Balkan nation of Albania lies cross the Adriatic Sea from Italy, and is located in southeastern Europe. Albania has a population of 3.5 million people and Tirana is the capital city. HISTORY The Roman Empire The Romans ruled Illyria for about six hundred years. Roman rule brought great change to society. Art and culture and the school of philosophy in Appolonia became well-known. The Illyrian culture, and its language survived through the years, and many words became integral to the Albanian language. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO No visa is required for citizens of the United States, member countries of the European Union, New Zealand and Australia and EFTA member countries. A three month entry visa is given upon arrival which can be extended. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa at the nearest Albanian embassy before departing for the country. An entry tax must be paid upon entry to the country, by air, sea or land. The amount varies for different nationalities. The amount for North American and EU citizens is US$5. An exit tax is required at Rinas Airport, which is US$10. Albania's national language is Albanian, and the nation uses the Lek currency, which exchanges at about 95 lek for every United States dollar. Capital: Tirana Time Zone: DST +0200 UTC Languages: Albanian and Greek Power: 220 V, 50 Hz CitiesTirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. It is the administrative, cultural, economic, and industrial center of the Republic of Albania. Durres is one of Albania's oldest cities and the country's main sea port, as well as the second largest industrial center after Tirana. Durres lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the Adriatic sea. Shkodra is one of Albania's oldest cities, an important economic and cultural center. It lies on southern part of the plain of Mbishkodra, next to the Shkodra Lake between the rivers Drin and Bun', the mountain of Tarabosh, and the Rozafa Castle. You come into Kruja driving past age-old olive trees and lime-kilns, with limestone outcrops offering the barest grazing to a few sheep and goats. Keep your eye on the road because the scenery will tempt you. Vlora is located in southwestern Albania, on the coast of the Adriatic, the second major sea port after Durr's. A city in southern Albania with an ancient history, that lies on the hills of Mali i Gj'r' (The Wide Mountain), on the eastern side of the valley of Drinos. The town of Korca is located in southeastern Albania and is an important center of this region of Albania. Berat is known as "the town of a thousand windows." Visit and you will see why. ATTRACTIONS RESTAURANTS There is a great menu to explore in many restaraunts in Albania and you will NEVER get tired of the food. Try these out Sofre e Ariut - A unique restaraunt with an interesting array of animals on display Lion Park - Traditional Albanian food with a great Italian mix, live entertainment and a lovley garden bar Juvenilja - Pizza, Italian and Albanian food on offer LODGING Tirana - Sheraton 5 star hotel - this beautiful hotel has everything on offer from 24hr room service, childrens facilities, in house pools even facilities for your pet. Saranda - Andon Lapa Hotel - 3 star - situated close to the centre of town this lovley hotel is only a 5 minute walk to the beach and has on site swimming facilities Berat - Hotel Castle Park - 3 stars - this gorgeous hotel offers villas and rooms, there is a beautiful park attached to the hotel. The area is well known for its hunting, fishing, climbing and rafting activities PERSONAL STORIES 
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