Cycling in Albania
Cycling
Duration
8
days
Ways to travel:
Self-Guided Group / Private Group
Participants:
Ages:
From 2
16+
Grading:
Moderate
Trip Code: CAL
Accommodation:
- 8 nights Hotel
Meals:
- All breakfasts
Cycle and explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy the fascinating road bike rides in Albania
This amazing country is very unique and one of the most astonishing best kept secret in Europe. Rugged mountains with high raise peaks, inviting beaches, unique culture, UNESCO sites, and wild landscapes are waiting to be discovered. During this cycle trip we explore the beautiful landscapes, history and culture of Albania, dating from ancient times to the present days mainly influenced by Ancient Greece, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. On this trip we cycle and explore amazing and the most known UNESCO sites of Lake Ohrid, Butrint, and Gjirokaster. Ionian Sea is perfect to enjoy a relaxing evening with a magic sunset. Unexplored and unknown for many years Albania is a dream destination for many travelers. If you love to discover by bike new countries, meet new cultures, and explore local life then you are at the right place.
Trip highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lake Ohrid (Pogradec), Gjirokaster, Butrint
- Vjosa Wild River and mountainous landscapes
- Benja Thermal Baths
- Characteristic and traditional villages
- The amazing Albanian Riviera
Key information
- 7 nights at standard hotels
- Private Transfers
- 6 cycling days
- Countries visited: Albania
What is included
- All breakfasts
- All accommodation
- Bike fitting and briefing at the start of the tour
- Regular bike hire, panniers, bike tools
- GPX files and detailes
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Luggage transportation for all the Tour
What is not included
- Flights
- E-Bike hire
- Travel insurance
- Visas and vaccinations
- Snacks and Drinks
- Single supplement
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Tirana and transfer to Pogradec
After arriving in Tirana, our journey continues in Albania as we embarked on a picturesque 2-hour and 30-minute drive southeast towards Pogradec on the shore of Lake Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bike fitting and briefing will be done upon your arrival at the hotel.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: N/A
DAY 2
Cycle from Pogradec to Korçë (51 km / 32 miles)
Cycle journey from the lakeside town of Pogradec to the historic city of Korçë offers adventurers a unique perspective on Albania’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. We cycle through rolling hills and picturesque villages, experiencing on the way fascinating farming practices that have sustained these agriculture communities for centuries. After arrival, check in at the hotel and explore the cultural sites of Korca.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance covered: 51 km (32 mi), Ascent: 512 m (1680 ft), Descent: 250m (820 ft)
DAY 3
Cycling the countryside roads as we continue towards Gramoz Mountain to Shelegur (75 km / 45 miles)
Today we continue further south in Albania, we cycle through agricultural plateau offering us the scenic views of Gramos Mountain a natural boundary bordering Greece and Erseke the highest town in Albania which lies on a plateau of 1050 m above sea level. We continue our ride on smooth roads and panoramic vistas all the way to our tranquil place nestled in the middle of serene pine forest on the shores of Shelegur Lake. In the afternoon we take a walk exploring the village and the surroundings.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance covered: 75 km (45mi), Ascent: 1230 m (4,035ft ), Descent: 1050 m (3,445ft)
DAY 4
Cycle the Vjosa River Valley, to Petran (50 km / 31 miles)
Cycling though forest and meadows we arrive at the town of Leskovik, form here a long and amazing descent leads us to Vjosa River where we can see the mountains and villages in Greece, and on the way there is the best view of the tour Nemercka Mountain range and Vjosa River meet together, creating a picturesque view. After reaching Petran village optional short cycle to the thermal spring of Benje, walking over an old ottoman bridge we can go and swim in the pools build by locals. After optional thermal springs visit we continue cycling back to Petran a small village well known for traditional food and for tasty ‘gliko’ sweets
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance covered: 50 km (31mi) , Ascent: 570 m (1,902ft), Descent: 1352 m (4,436ft)
Optional Ride : Distance covered: 14 km (8.5mi) , Ascent: 90 m (295ft), Descent: 90 m (295ft)
DAY 5
Cycle through Kelcyra gorge to Gjirokaster, the city of stones (68 km / 42 miles)
Today is one of the easiest days. Cycling through Kelcyra gorge and the beautiful landscapes we take the road to Gjirokaster following the Drino River valley. In the afternoon we reach UNESCO town of Gjirokastra a hillside town defined by its Castle, stone paved streets, the old Bazar, and old traditional stone houses characterized by their architecture. Taking a short walk we visit the Castle that has a panoramic view of the old town, Drino River valley and snow-caped mountains. We learn more about the history of the town and take a walk through old quarters and visit an old house that is one of the best examples of Gjirokastra architecture. In the afternoon we spent some time exploring the old bazar.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance covered: 68 km (42mi), Ascent: 380 m (1,246ft), Descent: 520 m (1,706ft)
DAY 6
Short transfer to Muzina Pass, continue the ride to the UNESCO site of Butrint, to Saranda (70 km / 44 miles)
Today is the first day on the Ionian Coast, as we start with a short transfer to Muzina Pass, where bikes are prepared and the journey begins. Beautiful countryside along the way as we cycle through Butrint National Park, taking a short old style ferry ride we reach Butrint archeological site. You have a chance to visit the UNESCO site Butrint, the best archeological site in Albania. Located nearby Saranda and the Greek border Butrint is one of the most important and most visited archeological sites in Albania, and it became part of UNESCO in 1992. Firstly inhabited by an Epirote tribe and later the tribes from Corfu settled here and started to build it. Butrint was an ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus. Here you can take a tour inside Butrint archaeological site and explore the magnificent ancient ruins. After the visit to Butrint we drive to Saranda enjoying the beaches of the Ionian Sea.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance covered: 70 km (44mi). Ascent: 725 m (2,379ft), Descent: 1285 m (4,216ft)
DAY 7
Drive along Albanian Riviera, exploring the picturesque villages along the Coast (52 km / 32 miles)
You start with a steady climb leaving the city of Sarande and following the coastal road visiting on the way characteristic traditional villages. Pristine beaches, traditional hamlets, amazing traditional food, breathtaking coastal and mountainous views combined with a warm welcoming by locals is the definition of what to expect in this day. With its beautiful pebbly beaches Himare is the place where we spent the night.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance covered: 52 km (32mi), Ascent: 1065 m (3,491ft), Descent: 1065 m (3,491ft)
DAY 8
Himare to Airport
There will be an organized private transfer to the Airport.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation for this tour
Hotels 7 nights
Accommodations we use for this tour are rated 3-4 star en-suite rooms with a good service. Hotels we use are located in a distance from attraction sites or restaurants.
If available, paying for a single supplement will only guaranty a room for single use.
If you request to book additional accommodation in Albania before, during, and after the tour, please let us know and we will make it possible. Please contact us if you want to extend your trip.
Single supplement from 170 EUR.
For the accommodation we use double or twin occupancy in a room.
If you prefer a single use occupancy you must add the single supplement costs.
Due to limited possibilities for the accommodation, please read this Note.
Note: Single supplements are only available in hotels.
Essential Information
Is this trip for you?
Activity level: Moderate
The best cycling months are from 10 April-01July and from 01 September-20 October. July and August are very hot and not recommended for cycle tours.
Hotels we stay are equivalent to 3 and 4 star accommodation with en suite rooms. Road conditions in Albania are all asphalted and generally in good shape, but in some short segments it can be old asphalted roads and as a result it will impact the traveling times. In some days there will be cycling for about 3-5 hours total activity including breaks, coffee stops, lunches and other activities. Unexplored and unknown for many years Albania is a dream destination for many travelers. If you love to cycle and to discover new countries and meet new cultures, exploring the history and local life then you are at the right place.
Visas and entry requirements
No visa is required for all visitors from EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holder.
Health
There are no specific health risks for this tour
Meals
All breakfasts included
During communism, isolated to the world Albania became a self-sustaining country. Albania has a Mediterranean climate which creates the perfect conditions of natural and healthy growing of vegetables and fruits in lush fertile valleys, nowadays they are still a subsistence culture which has not changed for many years. Influences from other countries and a combining of Mediterranean, Turkish and European tastes has made that food in Albania is quite varied. Dairy product like milk, cheese and yogurt are present in almost every meal, and all locally produced. Drinks are reasonable priced and traditional drinks Raki and ‘Scanderbeg’ Cognac are known for its unique flavor and aroma. Local made beers are inexpensive priced at about 1.5-3 Euro per bottle.
Vegetarians are in the right country, this tour offers a lot of vegetarian dishes with a lot of greens and vegetables, please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Vegan diet should expect a limited variety of food on this tour.
Eating healthy is very important and we pay special attention to this.
Wather
Albania has a Mediterranean climate and it is characterized by warm, dry summer and mild, wet winter. Summer temperatures are on average 25ºC and humidity is low, with temperatures in July and August that can rise to 30 ºC and above. Winter is with low temperatures and snow in the mountains. A typically Mediterranean climate shows in the coastal lowlands, and the highlands have a continental climate. Weather varies markedly from north to south. Daytime maximum temperatures in Albania can be, but the nights are almost always cool.
Prices for 2 Persons or more
DATES
From 01 April 2024 - 10 Jul 2024
From 20 Aug 2024 - 20 Oct 2024
AVAILABILITY
Guaranteed and Available
ADULT PRICE FROM
€1090
SINGLE SUPLEMENT
+ €150
E-BIKE HIRE
+ €150
Price for 1 Person
DATES
From 01 April 2024 - 10 July 2024
From 20 Aug 2024 - 20 Oct 2024
AVAILABILITY
Guaranteed and Available
ADULT PRICE FROM
€1250
SINGLE SUPLEMENT
Included
E-BIKE HIRE
+ €150
Trip Notes
Click below and request the detailed Cultural Albanian trip notes, with all the essential information about this trip.
