AlbaCulture Tour Operator
Licensed Cultural Tours in Albania
Last Updated: January 2025
1. Introduction and Acceptance
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the contractual relationship between you (the “Client,” “you,” or “your”) and AlbaCulture (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a licensed tour operator registered and operating under the laws of the Republic of Albania.
By booking any tour, service, or activity with AlbaCulture, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety. If you are booking on behalf of other participants, you confirm that you have their authority to accept these Terms on their behalf and that they will be bound by these Terms.
Our services are provided in accordance with Albanian tourism legislation, including but not limited to Law No. 93/2015 “On Tourism” and all relevant regulations issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania.
2. Company Information and Licensing
AlbaCulture Tour Operator
Licensed Tour Operator in Albania
Registration: [Licensed under Albanian Tourism Authority]
Contact Information:
Telephone: +355 69 692 2676 (WhatsApp preferred)
Email: info@albaculture.com
Website: www.albaculture.com
AlbaCulture is fully licensed to operate cultural tours, provide guiding services, arrange transportation, and coordinate accommodation and activities throughout the Republic of Albania. All our guides hold official Albanian tourism licenses, and our vehicles are insured and registered in accordance with Albanian transport regulations.
3. Booking Process and Quotations
3.1 Inquiry and Quotation
Tour prices are not displayed publicly as they vary based on multiple factors including but not limited to:
- Number of participants (individual, couple, small group, large group)
- Tour duration and specific dates
- Accommodation standard selected (3-star, 4-star, boutique, guesthouse)
- Specific inclusions requested (meals, entrance fees, special activities)
- Transportation requirements
- Seasonal variations
- Special requests or customizations
Upon receiving your inquiry through our contact form, email, or telephone, our team will review your requirements and provide a detailed quotation as soon as possible, typically within 24-48 hours during business days.
The quotation will specify:
- Total price per person or per group
- Detailed itinerary
- All inclusions and exclusions
- Payment schedule
- Cancellation policy applicable to your specific booking
- Any special terms relevant to your tour
3.2 Quotation Validity
All quotations are valid for 7 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Prices may be subject to change due to currency fluctuations, accommodation availability, or significant changes in operational costs. We reserve the right to revise quotations after the validity period.
3.3 Booking Confirmation
Your booking is confirmed only when:
- You have accepted our quotation in writing (email confirmation is acceptable)
- You have paid the required deposit (see Section 4)
- We have issued written confirmation of your booking
Until all three conditions are met, your booking is considered provisional and subject to availability.
4. Payment Terms
4.1 Deposit Payment
A non-refundable deposit of 40% of the total tour price is required to confirm your booking. This deposit must be paid within 5 days of receiving our confirmation invoice, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Client cancellation for any reason
- Failure to obtain visa (where applicable)
- Changes in personal circumstances
- Natural events or force majeure
- Changes in travel restrictions or health requirements
The deposit secures your booking, covers our administrative costs, and commits us to reserving services on your behalf with our partners (hotels, restaurants, guides, transport providers).
4.2 Final Payment
The remaining balance (60% of total tour price) must be paid in full upon your arrival in Albania before the tour commences.
We accept payment by:
- Bank transfer to our Albanian bank account (details provided in confirmation documents)
- Cash payment in person (EUR or Albanian Lek) at our office or upon meeting your guide
We do not accept credit card payments, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods at this time. All payments must be made via official bank transfer for proper documentation and compliance with Albanian financial regulations.
4.3 Bank Transfer Details
Bank transfer information will be provided in your booking confirmation. Please ensure:
- You use the exact reference number provided
- You allow 1-3 business days for international transfers to clear
- You cover any bank fees (transfers should be made “OUR” – sender pays all charges)
- You retain proof of payment
4.4 Currency
All prices are quoted in Euros (EUR) unless otherwise specified. If paying in Albanian Lek, the exchange rate used will be the official Bank of Albania rate on the date of payment, plus a 2% conversion fee to cover currency exchange costs.
4.5 Late Payment
If the deposit is not received within the specified timeframe, we reserve the right to cancel the provisional booking without further notice. If the final balance is not paid upon arrival as specified, we reserve the right to refuse service, and all payments made (including the 40% deposit) will be forfeited.
4.6 Price Changes
Once your deposit is paid and booking is confirmed, the price is guaranteed except in cases of:
- Significant changes in government taxes or fees
- Currency fluctuations exceeding 10% between booking and travel date
- Force majeure events requiring substantial operational changes
If price increases are necessary, we will notify you immediately. Price increases exceeding 10% of the original tour price entitle you to cancel with full refund of all payments made.
5. Cancellation and Refund Policy
5.1 Cancellation by Client
All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) to info@albaculture.com.
The cancellation takes effect from the date we receive your written notification.
Cancellation Charges:
- More than 60 days before tour start date: 40% deposit forfeited; any additional payments refunded within 14 business days
- 30-60 days before tour start date: 40% deposit forfeited; any additional payments refunded minus 50% of remaining balance
- Less than 30 days before tour start date: 100% of total tour price forfeited (no refund)
- No-show or cancellation after tour has commenced: 100% of total tour price forfeited (no refund)
5.2 Cancellation by AlbaCulture
We reserve the right to cancel tours due to:
- Insufficient participant numbers (for group tours)
- Force majeure events (see Section 11)
- Safety concerns
- Circumstances beyond our reasonable control
If we cancel your tour (except for force majeure), you will receive:
- Full refund of all payments made, OR
- Option to reschedule to alternative dates with no additional charges, OR
- Option to modify to alternative tour of equivalent or greater value
We are not liable for any consequential losses, including but not limited to flights, accommodation booked independently, or loss of earnings.
5.3 Tour Modifications
Minor modifications to published itineraries may be necessary due to weather, road conditions, site closures, or other operational factors. We will make every reasonable effort to provide equivalent alternatives. Such modifications do not entitle clients to refunds or compensation unless the modification substantially alters the tour character.
Major modifications requiring significant changes to itinerary or inclusions will be communicated to you immediately with options to:
- Accept modified tour at original price
- Accept modified tour with price adjustment (if applicable)
- Cancel with full refund minus reasonable costs already incurred
6. Travel Insurance
6.1 Insurance Requirement
We strongly recommend that all clients obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering, at minimum:
- Medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Loss or damage to personal belongings
- Personal liability
- Activities you plan to undertake
6.2 Our Liability Limitations
Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly advisable. We are not responsible for costs arising from:
- Medical emergencies or illness during the tour
- Loss, theft, or damage to personal property
- Trip cancellation due to personal circumstances
- Delays or disruptions outside our control
If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you accept full financial responsibility for any costs that would have been covered by insurance.
6.3 Insurance Coverage Verification
We may request proof of adequate travel insurance before tour commencement. Failure to provide insurance does not affect our terms regarding cancellation charges or liability limitations.
7. Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
7.1 Standard Inclusions
Unless otherwise specified in your specific quotation, our tours typically include:
- Professional licensed guide (English and/or French speaking)
- Transportation in modern, insured, air-conditioned vehicles
- Accommodation as specified (double occupancy standard)
- Meals as specified in itinerary
- Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, and attractions mentioned in itinerary
- Airport transfers (on first and last day of tour)
- All tourist taxes and hotel service charges
7.2 Standard Exclusions
Unless otherwise specified, our tours do NOT include:
- International flights to/from Albania
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees (if applicable to your nationality)
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages (except where specifically included)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, etc.)
- Tips/gratuities for guides and drivers (optional but appreciated)
- Optional activities not listed in itinerary
- Single room supplement (if you require single occupancy)
- Any services not explicitly mentioned in “inclusions”
7.3 Customization
Your specific quotation will clearly list all inclusions and exclusions for your particular tour. Always refer to your confirmed booking documentation for precise details.
8. Accommodation
8.1 Hotel Standards
Hotels are classified according to Albanian local standards, which may differ from international classifications. We partner with carefully selected 3-star and 4-star properties (local standards) that meet our quality criteria for cleanliness, safety, and service.
8.2 Room Allocation
- Standard pricing is based on double occupancy (two people sharing one room with two separate beds or one double bed)
- Triple rooms (three people sharing) are available at some properties, usually at reduced per-person rate
- Single travelers requiring private room must pay single supplement (specified in quotation)
- Room allocation is at hotel’s discretion; specific room requests cannot be guaranteed but will be passed to hotels
8.3 Hotel Changes
We reserve the right to substitute hotels of equivalent or higher standard if circumstances require. You will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
8.4 Hotel Complaints
Any issues with accommodation must be reported immediately to your guide or our emergency contact so we can attempt to resolve the issue. Complaints raised after tour completion cannot be addressed as effectively.
9. Transportation
9.1 Vehicle Standards
All vehicles used are:
- Modern and well-maintained
- Air-conditioned
- Fully insured for passenger transport
- Driven by professional, licensed drivers
- Appropriate size for group (ranging from cars to coaches)
9.2 Seat Belts
Albanian law requires seat belt use where available. You are responsible for complying with this law.
9.3 Travel Sickness
Albanian roads can be winding, particularly in mountain areas. If you are prone to motion sickness, please bring appropriate medication.
9.4 Delays
While we make every effort to adhere to schedules, delays may occur due to traffic, weather, road conditions, or other factors beyond our control. We are not liable for such delays or any consequential losses.
10. Health, Safety, and Behavior
10.1 Health Requirements
You must inform us at time of booking of:
- Any medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate
- Mobility limitations
- Dietary restrictions or allergies
- Any medications you take regularly
Failure to disclose relevant health information may result in your inability to participate in certain activities without refund.
10.2 Physical Requirements
Our tours involve varying levels of physical activity including walking on uneven surfaces, cobblestones, stairs, and occasional hiking. You must be in reasonable health and physical condition appropriate to the tour activities.
If you have concerns about physical requirements, please discuss with us before booking.
10.3 Traveler Conduct
You agree to:
- Behave respectfully toward guides, drivers, other tour participants, and local people
- Follow guide instructions regarding safety and cultural sensitivity
- Respect Albanian laws and customs
- Not engage in illegal activities
- Not behave in ways that disrupt the tour or negatively impact other participants
We reserve the right to remove any participant whose behavior is dangerous, illegal, or significantly disruptive. No refund will be provided in such cases, and you will be responsible for all costs associated with your early departure.
10.4 Dress Code
Visits to religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries) require modest dress:
- Shoulders and knees must be covered
- Women may need head covering at some mosques (scarves usually provided)
- Shoes must be removed at mosques
Failure to dress appropriately may result in denied entry to sites, for which we cannot provide refunds.
10.5 Photography Restrictions
Some sites prohibit or restrict photography. You must comply with all photography rules. We are not responsible if you are denied permission to photograph.
11. Force Majeure
11.1 Definition
Force majeure includes but is not limited to:
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires, severe weather)
- War, terrorism, civil unrest, political instability
- Epidemics, pandemics, public health emergencies
- Government actions (travel bans, border closures, state of emergency)
- Labor disputes affecting transportation or services
- Any event beyond our reasonable control
11.2 Effect on Services
If force majeure prevents us from providing contracted services:
- We will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements
- If alternatives are not possible or acceptable to you, we will refund amounts paid for services not delivered
- We are not liable for additional costs you incur (flights, hotels booked independently, etc.)
- The 40% deposit may be retained to cover costs already committed to our partners
11.3 Your Obligations
In force majeure situations, you remain responsible for any cancellation charges imposed by our partners (hotels, transport providers, etc.) that we have already committed to on your behalf.
12. Liability and Insurance
12.1 Our Liability
Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by Albanian law. We accept liability for:
- Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
- Losses directly resulting from our breach of contract
We do NOT accept liability for:
- Acts or omissions of third-party service providers (hotels, restaurants, attractions)
- Events outside our reasonable control
- Losses that were not foreseeable to both parties at time of booking
- Losses not directly caused by our breach
- Consequential losses (lost earnings, flight costs, etc.)
Our maximum liability for any claim is limited to the total amount you paid for your tour.
12.2 Service Provider Liability
Where we arrange services provided by third parties (hotels, restaurants, transport providers, attractions), we act only as agent. We select providers carefully, but we are not liable for their acts, omissions, or failures.
12.3 Our Insurance
We maintain professional liability insurance as required by Albanian tourism regulations. Details available upon request.
12.4 Personal Property
We are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to your personal belongings. You should ensure your travel insurance covers personal property.
13. Complaints and Disputes
13.1 During the Tour
If any issue arises during your tour, you must:
- Inform your guide immediately
- Allow us reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue
- Cooperate with proposed solutions
Many issues can be resolved on-site if reported promptly. Issues not reported during the tour are much harder to address afterward.
13.2 Post-Tour Complaints
If you wish to make a formal complaint after your tour:
- Submit written complaint to info@albaculture.com within 30 days of tour completion
- Include booking reference, detailed description of issue, supporting evidence (photos, receipts, etc.)
- State desired resolution
We will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and provide substantive response within 21 days.
13.3 Dispute Resolution
We are committed to resolving disputes amicably. If we cannot reach mutually acceptable resolution:
- We agree to attempt mediation through neutral third party
- If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved through Albanian courts
- Governing law is the law of the Republic of Albania
13.4 Time Limits
Any legal action against AlbaCulture must be commenced within one year of the tour completion date. Claims not filed within this period are time-barred.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
14.1 Data Collection
We collect personal information necessary to provide our services including:
- Name, contact details, nationality, passport information
- Dietary requirements, health information (where relevant)
- Payment information
- Communication preferences
14.2 Data Use
We use your data to:
- Process your booking
- Provide contracted services
- Communicate with you about your tour
- Comply with legal obligations (tourism reporting, tax requirements)
- Improve our services (anonymized data only)
14.3 Data Sharing
We share your information only with:
- Service providers necessary for your tour (hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- Albanian authorities as required by law
- Our insurance providers (if claims arise)
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
14.4 Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data. However, electronic transmission is never 100% secure. You transmit information at your own risk.
14.5 Data Retention
We retain booking data for 7 years as required by Albanian tax and tourism regulations, then securely delete it.
14.6 Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request copies of personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of data (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Object to certain data processing
Contact info@albaculture.com to exercise these rights.
15. Special Requirements
15.1 Minors
Persons under 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian who accepts these Terms on their behalf. We require written parental consent for minors traveling with adults other than parents.
15.2 Mobility Issues
Albania’s historic sites involve uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and stairs. While we make reasonable accommodations, some locations are not wheelchair accessible. Discuss mobility concerns before booking to ensure tour suitability.
15.3 Dietary Requirements
We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and religious dietary restrictions with advance notice. Highly specific or complex dietary needs may be challenging in some areas. Albanian cuisine is meat-focused; vegetarian options, while available, are less varied.
15.4 Special Assistance
If you require special assistance, inform us at booking. We cannot guarantee all requests can be met but will make reasonable efforts.
16. Intellectual Property
16.1 Copyright
All content on our website, in our brochures, and in our communications (text, photos, logos, itineraries) is our intellectual property or used with permission. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use our content commercially without written permission.
16.2 Photography and Video
We may take photographs or video during tours for promotional purposes. By participating, you consent to such use unless you specifically notify us otherwise in writing.
If you prefer not to appear in promotional materials, inform us and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate this preference.
17. Travel Documentation
17.1 Passports
You must have passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Albania. This is Albanian immigration requirement. We are not responsible if you are denied entry due to inadequate passport validity.
17.2 Visas
You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with Albanian embassy or consulate for current requirements.
We can provide supporting documentation (tour confirmation, itinerary) for visa applications upon request, but we cannot guarantee visa approval.
If you are denied visa, cancellation charges apply as per Section 5.
17.3 Travel Documents
You must carry your passport at all times during the tour. You may be asked to show identification at hotels, archaeological sites, or border crossings (if crossing to neighboring countries).
18. Group Tours vs. Private Tours
18.1 Group Tours
Group tours may include other participants. Group size typically ranges from 10-20 people but may be smaller or larger.
We reserve the right to:
- Cancel group tours that don’t reach minimum participant numbers (with refund as per Section 5.2)
- Combine tour participants from different sources
- Modify itinerary to accommodate group dynamics
18.2 Private Tours
Private tours are exclusively for you and your travel companions. Pricing reflects this exclusivity and is higher than group tour per-person rates.
Private tours offer more flexibility for:
- Itinerary adjustments
- Activity pacing
- Timing and schedules (within reason)
However, major changes requiring different partners or significant replanning may incur additional charges.
19. Changes and Amendments
19.1 Changes by You
Requests to modify confirmed bookings (dates, participants, itinerary) must be submitted in writing to info@albaculture.com.
We will attempt to accommodate changes, but:
- Changes may not be possible due to availability
- Change fees of €50-100 per booking may apply
- Price differences for new dates or services must be paid
- Changes requested less than 30 days before tour may be treated as cancellation and re-booking
19.2 Changes by Us
We reserve the right to make changes to:
- Specific hotels (substituting equivalent or better standard)
- Transportation details (different vehicle types)
- Guide assignments
- Minor itinerary timing or sequence
Major changes affecting tour character will be communicated with options as described in Section 5.3.
20. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
21. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with your confirmed booking documentation and quotation, constitute the entire agreement between you and AlbaCulture. They supersede all prior discussions, understandings, or agreements.
No verbal statements or representations modify these Terms unless confirmed in writing and signed by an authorized AlbaCulture representative.
22. Language
These Terms are provided in English. If translated into other languages, the English version prevails in case of any discrepancy.
23. Business Partners (B2B)
23.1 Travel Agency Partners
Different terms may apply to bookings made through travel agencies or tour operators (B2B partnerships). B2B partners receive separate terms and conditions reflecting commercial relationships.
23.2 Commission Structures
B2B partners operate under negotiated rates and commission structures. End clients booking through agencies are subject to those agencies’ terms in addition to our operational terms.
24. Contact Information for Questions
If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions or your booking:
Telephone: +355 69 692 2676 (WhatsApp preferred)
Email: info@albaculture.com
Website: www.albaculture.com
Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Albanian time)
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed (emergency contact available for active tours)
25. Updates to Terms
We may update these Terms periodically to reflect:
- Changes in Albanian legislation
- Changes in our operations
- Improvements to customer protection
- Clarifications based on feedback
Updated Terms will be posted on our website with “Last Updated” date. Terms in effect at the time of your booking govern your tour, even if Terms are later updated.
26. Acknowledgment
By proceeding with booking, you acknowledge that:
✓ You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions in full
✓ You agree to be bound by these Terms
✓ You have authority to accept these Terms on behalf of all participants in your booking
✓ You understand the 40% non-refundable deposit policy
✓ You understand payment must be made by bank transfer only
✓ You understand prices are customized and not publicly displayed
✓ You accept our liability limitations
✓ You will obtain appropriate travel insurance
✓ You will ensure all participants comply with these Terms
AlbaCulture Tour Operator
Licensed Cultural Tours in Albania
Contact:
Tel: +355 69 692 2676
Email: info@albaculture.com
Web: www.albaculture.com
Providing authentic Albanian cultural experiences since [establishment year]
END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These Terms and Conditions were last updated in January 2025 and are subject to Albanian law and jurisdiction.