Accommodation
We are delighted to offer our guests complimentary accommodation. Most of you will stay at Hotel Garden, Arjol’s family’s lovely hotel in Radhime. However, due to a limited number of rooms, we may need to ask some of you to share a room. Don’t worry—we’ll do our best to pair you with people you know.
When you RSVP, please let us know which nights you’d like to stay at Hotel Garden, if any. If space runs out, we may arrange for some guests to stay at nearby accommodations. We’ll share all the details after receiving your RSVP.
If you’d prefer to book your own accommodation, feel free to do so—just let us know so we can plan accordingly. If you’d like to stay at Zoe Hora Resort on Saturday night instead of returning to Radhime, you’re welcome to make a reservation directly with them.
Getting there
Getting to Albania
We recommend flying to Tirana. If traveling from Copenhagen, you can either fly with Austrian or Lufthansa with a short layover. Sometimes there is also a direct flight with Wizzair from Malmö. Alternatively, you could consider doing a layover in Italy.
There are also two ferries from Italy: Brindisi to Vlore and Bari to Durres.
Getting to Vlore
The easiest way to get around Albania is by car. You’ll find plenty of car rental options at Tirana airport and other locations across the country.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a Hermes bus from Tirana Airport to reach Vlore.
The drive from Tirana airport to Hotel Garden takes approximately 2h 30min, depending on traffic.
For more travel tips, read our Q&A.
Things to do in Vlore
Our Favorite Restaurants & Bars in the Area
Restorant Kalaja
Affordable but delicious traditional food on the hills close to Kanine castle. Service might be slow but it's worth the wait!
Namma
a casual fast-food spot for Albanian sufllage (kebab) and other grill food.
Laberia Restaurant
Especially famous for their traditional roasted lamb. Close to Hotel Garden.
Miramare or Marina Bay
Two similar restaurants of fancy hotels next to each other. Go there for a sunset drink or a coffee and take in the gorgeous sea views.
Arjoli
The name says it all.. Gelato and pastry shops around town.
Iceland 2
For better gelato than at Arjoli ;)
Things to see around Albania
Himare
A small village with beautiful beaches and a Greek influence. 1.5 hours south from Vlore.
Ksamil
The most famous, turquoise sandy beaches in Albania. In early May you will avoid the crowds. 3 hours south from Vlore.
Butrint
National archeological park with Greek, Roman and Medieval remains. 3 hours south from Vlore, next to Ksamil.
Dhermi
The second day location known for beautiful long beaches and a charming old town. 45 min south from Vlore.
Valbona & Theth national parks
Two national parks in the north of Albania for hiking in the mountains. Or try the river cruise to Lumi i Shales and experience the fresh, crystal clear water close to Theth. 5-6 hours north.
Tirana
If flying there, consider checking out the vibrant centre of the capital.
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When is the RSVP deadline?Please let us know if you will attend by January 31st by filling out our RSVP form. We would greatly appreciate it if you could respond as soon as you can to help us with the planning and organization.
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Can I bring a plus one?Our invitations are personal, so if you are invited to bring a plus one, it is noted on your invite. Thanks for understanding!
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What is the dress code?Friday: Semi-formal vibes! Suits for the guys (ties optional—don’t sweat it) and dresses for the ladies. Albanians love a bit of sparkle, so you don’t have to hold back on the glamour. Saturday: Think relaxed chic. If you'd like, skip the tie, and for the ladies, dresses, jumpsuits, or stylish skirts and tops are spot-on. Don’t forget a warm jacket for the evening and comfy flats or low heels—your feet will thank you when tackling the beach and cobblestones!
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What will the weather be like?The average high temperature in the beginning of May is around 20-25 °C during the day, but it can dip down to 10-15 °C at night.
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Are the events indoors or outdoors?On Friday, we’ll be celebrating indoors at Restaurant Egnatia. On Saturday, we’ll be outdoors, starting with the ceremony on the beach, followed by dinner on a square at Zoe Hora Resort. In case of rain, we will keep you updated for any changes.
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Is there a program for Saturday morning?On Saturday, you’re free to enjoy the morning as you wish before the ceremony begins. Start your day with a lovely breakfast at the hotel, and if the weather is nice, feel free to relax by the beach or explore the surrounding area.
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What time should I arrive for the ceremony on Saturday?Please aim to arrive and be seated 15-20 minutes before the ceremony begins, so we can start on time at 16:00.
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How do I reach the venues?Friday: We kindly ask you to arrange your own transportation to Restorant Egnatia in Fier on Friday. The journey takes about an hour from Hotel Garden, depending on traffic. If you don’t have a car, we can assist by coordinating carpooling with other guests. Just let us know if you need help, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of! Saturday: On Saturday, we’ll provide complimentary bus transportation for everyone from the ceremony at Hotel Garden to Zoe Hora in Dhermi. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. For the return trip, we’ll offer two options: an earlier departure at 10-11PM and a late-night bus around 1AM after the party ends. This way, you can fully enjoy the evening without worrying about driving! But if you’d like more flexibility with your return time, you’re of course welcome to come by car. All 3 locations, Restorant Egnatia, Hotel Garden and Zoe Hora, have plenty of free parking spots.
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How does car rental and driving in Albania work?When choosing a rental company, we recommend opting for one with good reviews. To make your arrival as smooth as possible, consider selecting a company with a location right at the airport. We also recommend opting for insurance when booking the car, but skip any additional coverage they may offer upon arrival. You don’t need an international driving license; a valid EU driving license is sufficient. Please be aware that traffic and driving styles can be a bit chaotic, so stay cautious and give way to those in a rush!
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What about taking a taxi or bus from the airport?A taxi from Tirana Airport to Vlore typically costs around 60-80€. Taxi Lux Vrap On (an app similar to Uber) Alternatively, you can take a bus operated by Hermes, which runs directly from the airport to the center of Vlore. The bus cannot be pre-booked, and the schedule is flexible. You can find the bus in the parking lot directly outside the terminal. Just ask the driver when the next bus departs. The fare is 12€, and payment (cash) is usually collected mid-way at a gas station stop. The bus makes several stops in Vlore, with the last stop being closest to the Lungomare area.
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Travel documents and passport validity?Since Albania doesn’t belong to Schengen or the EU, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your arrival in Albania. Otherwise, you may be denied entry — something Sara can personally attest to! Keep in mind that you will also have to go through passport controls at the airport, so be there a little earlier :)
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What about internet?Please note that many mobile providers/roaming doesn't work in Albania, as it is not part of the EU. You may want to consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card, which you can do for example at the airport. Additionally, most hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi.
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What is the currency and how do payments work in Albania?The currency in Albania is the Lek, although Euros are also commonly accepted. The exchange rate is approximately 100 Lek = 1 Euro. While cash is still the most widely used form of payment, some places do accept cards. It’s a good idea to carry some cash with you. When withdrawing money from ATMs, there is usually a fee of 6-8€ per transaction, so it’s better to withdraw a larger amount at once.
