Travel with VCWA
Up next: the VCWA Albania Journey, September 12–19, 2027. Discover the itinerary, pricing, and reservation details below.
Southern Africa
August 18–September 2, 2026 · Past VCWA journey
From Cape Town’s layered history to the power of Victoria Falls, this shared journey connected travelers with the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
VCWA President & CEO Patricia Preston joined the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia for this 16-day journey, including Cape Town, Robben Island, Victoria Falls, and a Rovos Rail experience.
A look back at a completed journey. Explore the original itinerary and trip preview below, or contact VCWA about future travel opportunities.
VCWA Albania Journey 2027
September 12–19, 2027 · Tirana & Berat
From Dictatorship to Democracy
Travel with the Vermont Council on World Affairs and Democracy Journeys for a closer look at Albania’s remarkable transformation. Explore Tirana and historic Berat, connect with voices shaping the country’s future, and experience the food, culture, and landscapes that bring its story to life.
A small-group experience for up to 20 travelers, created for the VCWA community.
VCWA ALBANIA JOURNEY · AT A GLANCE
September 12–19, 2027 · Tirana & Berat · Up to 20 travelers
$7,137 per person, double occupancy · $7,789 for a single room
Reserve with a $500 deposit per traveler through the VCWA group registration page.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
When should I arrive and depart?
Arrive in Tirana on Sunday, September 12, 2027, in time for the welcome dinner. The group program concludes around 4:30 PM on Saturday, September 18, followed by a final overnight in Tirana. Depart on Sunday, September 19.
Who is organizing the VCWA Albania trip?
The Vermont Council on World Affairs is partnering with Democracy Journeys, an initiative of Democracy International, for this journey created for the VCWA community. Use the VCWA-specific registration page linked below.
Where will we go?
The journey centers on Tirana and Berat, combining conversations about Albania’s transition from dictatorship to democracy with historic sites, local food, and cultural experiences. Planned visits include Bunk’Art 2, Vila 31, Berat Castle, Apollonia, Ardenica Monastery, Petrela Castle, and Alpeta Winery. Itinerary details and speakers may change.
What is included in the price?
Seven hotel nights: four in Tirana and three in Berat, at the Xkeho Imperial and Berat Plaza Hotel or comparable accommodations. Arrival airport pickup, transportation within Albania, local and site guides, scheduled speaker fees and honorariums, site admissions, daily breakfast, the welcome dinner, most lunches, winery lunch and tasting, and gratuities are included. Alcohol with included meals is covered.
What should I budget for separately?
International airfare, required travel insurance, three dinners in Berat, the last dinner in Tirana, one lunch in Tirana, the departure airport transfer, and personal expenses are not included.
How do the deposit and payments work?
A $500 deposit per traveler holds your place. It is non-refundable unless VCWA and Democracy Journeys cancel the trip because of low enrollment, in which case the deposit is refunded in full. Half of the remaining balance is due April 12, 2027; the rest is due June 12, 2027. Read the organizer’s booking terms before reserving.
Should I book my flights now?
Please wait. Democracy Journeys will confirm by March 31, 2027 whether the minimum enrollment has been reached. Do not buy airfare or make other non-refundable arrangements until the trip is confirmed.
How can I pay?
Card and bank transfer (ACH) are available through the VCWA group checkout. To pay by check, contact Gina Bjornlund at gina@democracyinternational.com for instructions.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Travelers must provide proof of coverage for personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, and evacuation expenses. Review the organizer’s requirements before purchasing a policy.
How active is the trip?
Expect moderate walking and occasional uneven terrain, including historic sites and castles. Contact the organizers before reserving to discuss mobility or accessibility needs.
Will there be an information session?
A Zoom information session is planned for Thursday, December 10, 2026, with a presentation and Q&A. The exact time and joining details will be announced. Use the interest form below to stay informed.
Who can answer my questions?
For VCWA coordination, contact Samantha Hillier at samantha@vcwa.org. For itinerary, payment, or booking questions, contact Gina Bjornlund at gina@democracyinternational.com or (240) 630-5663.
VCWA group details and reservations: https://www.democracyjourneys.com/albania-vcwa
Full itinerary: https://www.democracyjourneys.com/albania
Booking terms: https://www.democracyjourneys.com/terms
Shared journeys. Lasting connections.
A look back at the places we’ve explored—and the people who made each journey memorable.
Cuba
A shared journey into Cuba’s history, culture, cuisine, and everyday life. Our travelers connected with the island—and with one another—through experiences that went beyond the usual sightseeing.
Past VCWA journeys · Cuba
China
Landscapes, cultural encounters, and new perspectives beyond the familiar tourist route. Our past China journey invited travelers to explore the country’s geography and culture together.
Past VCWA journeys · China
Travelers say it best.
Reflections from past VCWA journeys.
“My trip to Cuba was an amazing opportunity to explore the country and learn about its culture and people in a fun and exciting way.”
— Cuba Participant 2017
“I loved my trip to China! Thanks to the VCWA for making the experience seamless and stress free.”
— China Participant 2014
“The dancing, the waterfalls, the food and the other people on the tour, all fabulous. What more could I have asked for?.”