Geographically, and until recently, also culturally isolated through a post-war Stalinist regime, Albania is unlike any other European country.

Homeric landscapes, for the most part untouched by modern life, hold ruinous Classical cities which once vied in splendour with their neighbours in Greece and Italy. Greek coastal colonisation at Apollonia and Dyrrachium provided new stimulus to the native population, and recent excavations of their Illyrian hilltop cities, such as Byllis, have revealed the successful absorption of Hellenistic architectual ideas in their planned layout.

Oliver Gilkes, Andante’s archaeologist guide, has witnessed at first hand how the country has struggled to assert its new-found freedom during his 15 years of excavating and working here. His observations make fascinating listening, and add interest and depth to our study of this land in ancient times.

More varieties of wild flowers grow here than anywhere else in Europe, and the high mountains provide one of the last refuges of bears and wolves.

As modern Europe strengthens its hold, the remnants of the past will vanish in this country which has awoken after 50 years of isolation So we suggest you visit now, and take advantage of a superb guide; three of what we consider the best hotels (in a country where they are not always easy to find) and a glorious lack of modern development in the countryside and along the coast.