Ed Reeves
I'm the owner of a small travel agency based in Tirana. I'm able to arrange tours through Albania & Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"My company has an Albanian and Montenegrin team, so we focus on ethnic Albania, including Kosovo, western Macedonia and south Montenegro. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I got into travel completely by accident - I took a job with Condé Nast Publications in London focused on restaurants, gastronomy and hotels. In 2012 I travelled to Albania to write a story for the UK Sunday Telegraph and one thing led to another... In a bad case of mission creep I ended up setting up a small tour company. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"On my first African safari we spent three days searching for a lion. On the fourth, we met a huge male taking a morning nap on the plain. Our arrival woke him up, so he enjoyed a stretch - which scared a lady in our Land Rover so much that she screamed in terror, sending him scurrying into the bush. She was very nearly tumbled out the vehicle after him as a high-calorie apology. "
Ed's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Experience the enchanting scenery and rich history of Albania and Montenegro on this short-but-sweet road trip through the Balkans. Beginning in the Albanian Riviera, your route...
Explore mountainous terrain and small villages on this one-week tour through the remote regions of northern Albania and Kosovo. Start near Lake Skadar and see the ancient Rozafa...
This quick-moving tour will take you on a fascinating circuit through Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, visiting UNESCO cities such as Ohrid, Kotor, and Berat...
Road trip itineraries
Discover rugged mountain terrain and small traditional villages in this two-week road trip through rural Albania. Start in Tirana—the capital—then head north to see the ancient...
Get a snapshot of beautiful Albania with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. In just over a week, you'll take in many of the country's best highlights: see ancient...
Recent trip reviews for Ed
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Trip to Albania!!!
Albania
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May 23 - May 31, 2023
We could not have asked for a better guide…..competent, thoughtful, knowledgeable with a focus on our safety at all times . Nik’s love for his Albania was palpable and infectious. read more
Thanks so much for the kind words, Evie - Nik had a great time showing you around! Sorry Panorama was a bit impersonal for your taste but it does have the benefit of being close to the airport for the three departure flights, and another night in Tirana seemed overkill! We've passed on your comment about portion size to Camp Nivica - they have a new chef so are bedding him in! Thanks so much for travelling with us despite the issues booking!
The whole trip was amazing, well planned by E...
Albania
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Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2022
The whole trip was amazing, well planned by Ed. Our guide Nik was amazing, really friendly, accommodating, welcoming and really made the trip. Would recommend for sure.
Thanks so much for the kind words - I know Nik had a great time showing you Albania! And if we'd known you were so dog-friendly we would have brought Bubi for the entire trip, not just the last day!
Nick did a fantastic job!
Albania
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May 26 - Jun 3, 2022
Nick, our tour guide, did a fantastic job showing us his beautiful country. At our request, this was a personalized tour with some new destinations which sometimes presented challenges. Nick was always able to handle well any unexpected circumstances. The ride in the tour bus was at times a bit rough, but that is to be expected when traveling some not so good roads in a four wheel drive vehicle. The food was excellent, specially the salads and local ice cream. The pace of the trip was... read more
Thanks so much, Cecilia! Glad you enjoyed the tour, and I know Nick had a great time showing you some more off-beat corners of Albania that were new even for him! Hope you can all make it back to explore the south one day!
Albania: A wonderful experience
Albania
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Jul 26 - Aug 8, 2021
We have recently completed two amazing weeks is Albania. In planning the trip we were keen to really see the country, taking in many of the main sights. Ed put together a wonderful itinerary taking into account our specific wishes and really listening to what we wanted. Originally we had planned to self-drive but in the end opted for a driver and guide. This was the best decision. Ardi was fantastic and having him with us for most of the journey (Ed stepped in a for a few days) really made a... read more
Thanks so much for the kind words, Stephen! We're glad you enjoyed your trip with us and hope one day you can make it back to discover the north and Kosovo!
A Fabulous Balkan Trip!
Albania
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Jun 1 - Jun 16, 2021
I have visited more than 40 different countries and this was easily one of my favorite vacations of all time! We visited Albania, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, and Montenegro through the company Drive Albania. These countries were wonderful and should be seen by all!
My friend and I were supposed to travel in 2020, but Covid canceled our flights so we postponed for 2021. Ed gave us constant updates through all the covid related issues and planed everything during a very turbulent time. He... read more
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're just glad the trip was able to happen after so much craziness in the world! Ardi and I feel bad for photo-bombing all your group selfies though... Hope you can make it back to the Balkans one day - it was our pleasure to show you around!
We can't even say how wonderful this trip was...
Albania
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May 28 - Jun 11, 2021
We can't even say how wonderful this trip was! Both Ardi, and Ed were very good. Not only did they show us fabulous sights, nature and culture they introduced us to the locals and gave us fabulous service! The places they chose were great and the places we stayed were historical but very comfortable. I highly recommend Drive Albania. We have traveled to many places in Europe. This was probably one of the best. Don't wait until it gets expensive, go now! Because it is very inexpensive for what you get! But the country is changing fast! Go have a RAKI and a espresso!
So glad you and Luke enjoyed the tour! It was a fun one for us, too! Ardi and I hope you can make it back in the future - Montenegro and Kosovo await...
Dubrovnik to Athens via Albania
Albania
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Oct 2 - Oct 18, 2019
We had an outstanding trip Ed designed a trip around our preferences and Ardie our tour guide was amazing making sure everything was organised correctly while remaining flexible enough to try extra things, his recommendations were always spot on. I would recommend Drive Albania to anyone wanting to visit this part of the world
Hi Ray,
I was watching England's total demolition of the All Blacks on Saturday and it reminded me I hadn't yet thanked you for your review ;)
Glad so much you had a good tour, and that Ardi looked after you so well. It was an epic Balkan road trip, and packed a lot in, so pleased it was a success!
Thanks so much for travelling with us - Ardi is determined to make it out to New Zealand now, you've really sold it to him!
Best,
Ed
Dubrovnik to Athens via Albania
Albania
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Oct 2 - Oct 18, 2019
Kimkim were great to deal with. Was a bit nervous to use them as hadn't heard about them in our part of the world but wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
Ed was also wonderful to deal with. Always quick with replies and happy to make changes and answer my endless questions. He certainly gave us an itinerary to suit us.
Our guide Ardi was brilliant. Can't praise him enough. He quickly assessed what we liked and didn't like and would make small changes to the itinerary, after consulting us... read more
Dear Sheryll,
Thank you so much for the kind words! It was a BIG trip and I know Ardi enjoyed it too (though that's not really the point!). Pleased the tweaks Ardi made fitted the bill - hope you got a good insight into Albanian village life.
Thanks so much for being such lovely clients!
Best,
Ed
Dubrovnik to Tirana Private Tour
Albania
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Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2019
We recently returned from a wonderful holiday with the kimkim team exploring by road from Dubrovnik to Tirana, traveling through Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania.
Our time with Ed and Ardi was very special. We came on board late in the piece after Ed and our traveling companion Lynette had created a well thought out itinerary having John and myself feeling like privileged children free of all responsibility. Together they chose excellent hotels and the way Ed and Ardi pampered us with... read more
Blimey, you said you enjoyed the tour but didn't realise that much!!! Really happy it was a good experience for you, and it was a pleasure for us to show you this part of the world! Thank you so much for the lovely review!
Albania - history, local people, culture, food, hiking and swimming
Albania
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Jun 17 - Jun 30, 2019
Ed and his team - Henry, Megi and Ardie were friendly, accessible, knowledgeable and professional at all times. Our trip was well organised and tailor made perfectly as Ed listened and responded to all of our requests - his recommendations for restaurants and ‘tourist’ attractions were great. Communication was prompt at all times. We never felt alone. Accommodation was perfect as were all the staff. It’s difficult to name anybody in particular but Rosa and her family in Lin were extremely... read more
Thanks so much, Paul! So pleased you enjoyed the trip, and thanks too for posting such great photos!
Best,
Ed
Trip to Albania
Albania
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Jun 4 - Jun 13, 2019
I really don’t know where to start. My trip to Albania so exceeded my expectations and I think a lot of that is owed to Ed Reeves who listened to me about what I was looking for in my trip and planned it for me perfectly! Also, he was always very quick to respond to my emails with all my many questions. Then there were our two guides/drivers, Henri Manushi and Elton (I forget his last name )who were absolutely incredible. The 10-day trip that Ed planned was in Southern Albania and it... read more
Thanks, JoAnne - so glad the trip went well and you appreciated Albania. Henri and Elton really enjoyed showing you the south of the country. And thanks too for uploading such great photos! Hope you can make it back one day - the north is waiting...
Saranda to Split Road Trip
Albania
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May 24 - Jun 1, 2019
This was a fantastic experience and tour … absolutely gorgeous scenery … and very few tourists to compete with. Ed's Drive Albania put together a custom itinerary through 4 countries. Our guide - Ardi - was absolutely fantastic … at the end of the trip we consider him our friend and have invited him to visit us in Florida. Ardi was always making sure we were being taken care of and even modified the itinerary at our request. A very high service level.
We agree with the write-ups that... read more
Thanks so much, Jeff! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour, and Ardi also had a blast. It's always great for us when travellers appreciate touring the Balkans so much. Hope you're not missing the UAZ too badly... Best, Ed
Dubrovnik to Tirana Private Tour
Albania
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Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2019
Ed and Ardi were unfailingly polite and available to help us with every request.
Thank you, Lynette.
Hiking Albania in May
Albania
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Apr 30 - May 14, 2019
We had a superior experience with Drive Albania! Thanks to the Drive Albania team -- host Ed Reeves, our guide Ardi Zhugjeli, and their supporting staff -- our trip to Albania was fabulous and beyond expectations. Ed planned our activities meticulously, accommodating our wishes for backcountry hiking, bird-watching, and botany. Ardi obviously loves his country and has an outstanding knowledge of everything Albanian. His fun-loving personality made our two weeks an unforgettable experience. He... read more
Dear Vera, Kathy & Mindy,
Thanks so much - we're really glad you enjoyed your trip with Drive Albania. Was a unique one, too, with lots of off-the-beaten-path destinations. Ardi had a great time showing you around, and we hope you can make it out again sometime in the future!
Best,
Ed Reeves
Long Weekend in Albania
Albania
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Feb 15 - Feb 17, 2019
I had a great experience with Drive Albania on my whirlwind three-day car tour. Ed responded promptly to my inquiry about a custom tour for a single traveler in the off-season. The company built an excellent and ambitious itinerary which they fulfilled. My guide Ardi was enthusiastic, patient, and ever attentive. I highly recommend this company!
Thanks, John!
Glad the trip went well - you packed an awful lot into three days, far more than we'd usually do! Glad too Ardi looked after you!
Best,
Ed
Drive and bike Albania
Albania
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Oct 21 - Nov 2, 2018
Ed with Driving Albania put together a great 12 day Albania trip for us., filled with superb biking opportunities. Although occasionally we would have enjoyed road bikes, the mountain bikes Ed provided were perfect for the lesser roads with some broken pavement, and we appreciated the low gears for the mountain climbs. After a couple nights in Tirana to see the city and recover from jet lag, we hit the road , enjoying 25 kms of downhill riding to kick off our trip. After that our biking... read more
Thanks for the great review, Harley! Glad you enjoyed your time in Albania with us, and that Nick looked after you well! Hope you can make it back some time to explore north Albania & Kosovo, and maybe a bit of Montenegro as well - there are some great cycling routes to discover. And now we know how fit you two are we'll use serious road bikes!!! You were shumë rapido as we say here.
Best,
Ed
Tirana to Zagreb Road Trip
Albania
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Sep 6 - Sep 20, 2018
Our trip to the Balkans, beginning in Tirana, Albania and terminating in Zagreb has been a wonderful trip for us. Ed helped me plan the trip and our Driver guide was Ardi. We cannot thank Ardi enough for taking us on this journey. We got to go high into the mountains of Albania and do some hiking, and visit many places throughout the Balkans... Ardi is a remarkable young man. He is prompt, responsible, kind and patient. Very good company and an excellent driver. Ardi speaks several languages which and was a great asset and he speaks excellent English.
Thanks for the kind words, Mary! That was one epic road trip (Tirana to Zagreb, five countries in one go!) and I'm glad to hear Ardi looked after you so well. Hope your time in Slovenia and Venice was good too! Thanks so much for travelling with us and if you want to come back to discover south Albanian and Greek Epirus next year, let us know! Ed
Hiking in the mountains
Albania
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Jul 17 - Jul 21, 2018
I’m not much into planning ahead but knew that we were heading to Albania and Montenegro for a week. Stumbled upon KimKim on line and wouldn’t usually use a service like this because I like to deal directly with people I will interact with during a trip but I have to say this worked out brilliantly this time around. Ed whipped up an itinerary on short notice and we accepted. We got ourselves to Tirana in Albania to spend some days on our own, after that the plan was to do some hiking in... read more
Thanks, Timothy! Really pleased you had a good trip, and that Ardi looked after you well. He had a great time with you, too, he says, so thanks for being such cool clients. Hope you can make it back in 2019! Best, Ed
Albania Highlights
Albania
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Jun 19 - Jun 21, 2018
Ed Reeves provides a very unique, custom service. We enjoyed 3 private day trips from Tirana with Ed or Nesti, one of his excellent Albanian guides. Ed’s 4 wheel drive vehicles allow you to access the “real” Albania. Day 1 we visited Durres and then on to a little known beach and a fabulous seafood lunch right overlooking the sea. Day 2 took us to the historic Greek / Roman site of Apolonia, but then on to the lesser known, and less accessible Bylis (which we had to ourselves) and also the... read more
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for the kind words! Can't believe you packed so much into three day trips from Tirana. We'll pass on you comments about Hajdar's slow-cooked lamb - he'll be really pleased.
Shame you had such a brief time in Albania, but we hope one day you'll be back to explore properly!
Best,
Ed
The Accursed Mountains Experience
Albania
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May 30 - Jun 12, 2018
Drive Albania (Ed Reeves and Company) planned this two week trip faboulously. Our personal guide, Ernest Markeci, was top notch professional and knowledgeable as well as personalable. He became our family for the two weeks. I would highly recommend Drive Albania to anyone who wants to see this wonderful country in the manner in which we did. A true treasure.
Thanks so much, Richard. It was great to show you and Barbara around, and we're so glad Nesti looked after you well. However, Bubi the Office Dog is disappointed not to be singled out for praise as he felt his barking in Lepushë deserved more recognition. Hope you can come out again to discover Dibër and even the southern mountains!
Best, Ed