Bike in Albania UNESCO, Self-Guided
Discover Albania’s stunning landscapes with unforgettable cycling adventures!
Cycling
Duration
10
days
Ways to travel:
Self-Guided Group / Private Group
Participants:
Ages:
From 2
16+
Grading:
Moderate
Trip Code: BAL
Accommodation:
- 9 nights Hotel
Meals:
- All breakfasts
Cycle and explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy an Unforgettable Bike Adventure in Albania
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
- 9 nights at four star hotels
- Private Transfers
- 8 cycling days
- Countries visited: Albania
What is included
- All breakfasts, lunches, dinners
- All accommodation
- Road bike or e-bike hire, panniers
- Guide and support for all the tour
- GPX files and detailes
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Luggage transportation for all the Tour
What is not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas and vaccinations
- Snacks and Drinks
- Single supplement
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Tirana, transfer to the hotel
After arriving in Tirana airport we transfer for about 30 min to Tirana, and a meeting will take place where our guide wll brief you about the tour.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: No meals included
DAY 2
Transfer to Pogradec
From Tirana we transfer for about 2 hours towards Pogradec on the shore of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A briefing and bike fitting will take place and we start cycling along Lake Ohrid and to North Macedonia visiting St Naum monastery.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: 36 km (22.5 mi), Ascent: 170 m (558 ft), Descent: 190m (623 ft)
DAY 3
Cycle from Pogradec to Korçë
Cycling along the lake, we continue our journey through the countryside of the beautiful lakeside town of Pogradec to the historic city of Korçë, offering a unique perspective on Albania’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. We cycle through rolling hills and picturesque villages, experiencing fascinating farming practices that have sustained these agricultural communities for centuries. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and explore the cultural sites of Korçë. Locals have named this city the ‘Little Paris of Albania,’ with its rich history, museums, and the beautiful Old Bazaar, which features well-preserved architecture.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance: 50 km (31 mi), Ascent: 510 m (1673 ft), Descent: 340m (1115 ft)
Trip Notes
Click below and request the detailed Cultural Albanian trip notes, with all the essential information about this trip.
DAY 4
Cycling the countryside roads as we continue towards Gramoz Mountain to Shelegur
Our ride continues further south in Albania, cycling through an agricultural plateau that offers scenic views of Gramos Mountain a natural boundary bordering Greece, and Erseke the highest town in Albania, which lies on a plateau 1,050 meters above sea level. We continue our ride on smooth roads with panoramic vistas all the way to our tranquil destination, nestled in the middle of a serene pine forest on the shores of Shelegur Lake. In the afternoon, we take a walk to explore the village and its surroundings
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance: 75 km (47mi), Ascent: 1230 m (4,035ft ), Descent: 1050 m (3,445ft)
DAY 5
Cycle Vjosa River Valley to Permet
Cycling through forests and meadows, we arrive in Leskovik. From here, a long descent takes us to the Vjosa River, with views of Greek mountains and villages. Along the way, we pass the stunning view where the Nemercka Mountain range meets the Vjosa River. After reaching Petran village, you have the option for a short ride to the Benje thermal springs, where you can swim in the locally-built pools and walk over an Ottoman bridge. After, we cycle to Permet, known for its traditional food and “gliko” sweets.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance: 57 km (35mi) , Ascent: 510 m (1,673ft), Descent: 1252 m (4,108ft)
Optional Ride: Distance: 12 km (7.5mi) , Ascent: 190 m (623ft), Descent: 190 m (623ft)
DAY 6
Cycle Vjosa River Valley from Permet, and transfer to Gjirokaster
Today is a short ride along Vjosa River valley to Hji ftohte, here you will meet with the driver and transfer you to Gjirokaster (approx. 45 min), a UNESCO town defined by its castle, stone streets, and traditional stone houses. We explore the castle, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about the town’s history before visiting an example of Gjirokastra architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Old Baazar.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Optional Ride: Distance: 12 km (7.5mi) , Ascent: 190 m (623ft), Descent: 190 m (623ft)
DAY 7
Short transfer to Muzina Pass, continue the ride to the UNESCO site of Butrint, to Saranda
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: 68 km (42mi). Ascent: 470 m (1,542ft), Descent: 1110 m (3,609ft)
Optional: On this day there is an option to make the trip shorter in distance and more relaxed. With the morning transfer we travel for 15 min more and start cycling towards Butrint National Park.
Distance: 43 km (28mi). Ascent: 380 m (1,246ft), Descent: 430 m (1,410ft)
DAY 8
Cycle the Albanian Riviera, exploring the picturesque villages along the Coast
You will 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: 52 km (32mi), Ascent: 1065 m (3,491ft), Descent: 1065 m (3,491ft)
DAY 9
Cycle from Himare towards Llogara Pass, to Vlore by the coast
Today we cycle the beautiful coastal road towards Vlore. As we go through the beautiful traditional villages, views will change almost in every corner, offering us panoramic picture of the Albanian Riviera, where we can still see Corfu in a distance. On the way will be a 10 km long climb and it ends on the top of Llogara Pass, from here we descent through the National Park to the coast towards our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: breakfast
Distance: 64 km (40mi), Ascent: 1630 m (5,348ft), Descent: 1630 m (5,348ft)
DAY 10
Vlore to Airport
There will be an organized private transfer to the Airport.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation for this tour
Hotels 9 nights
Accommodations we use for this tour are rated 4 star en-suite rooms with a very good service. Hotels we use are carefulluy chossen by our experts.
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 270 EUR.
For the accommodation we use twin or double 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.
Night 1
Hotel Starlight 4*
Tirana
Recently constructed with a great location in the center of Tirana, this hotel incorporating modern luxury.
Night 1
Hotel Starlight 4*
Tirana
Recently constructed with a great location in the center of Tirana, this hotel incorporating modern luxury.
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.
Choose Your Bike
Our Bikes
Trek FX 3 Gen 4
Trek FX 3 Gen 4 is a hybrid bike that makes you experiencing your cycling vacation in a great way. Cycling paved roads, equipped with enough gears to take over the climbs, powerful and vey safe hydraulic disc brakes makes this bike trustworthy for a safe and enjoyable cycling vacation.
Components
- Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum
- Fork: FX carbon
- Rim: Bontrager Tubeless Ready Disc
- Tire: Bontrager H2 comp 700x35mm
- Shifter: Shimano CUES U6000 w/optical gear display, 10 speed
- Rear derailleur: Shimano CUES U6000 GS
- Cassette: Shimano CUES LG300, LINKGLIDE, 11-48, 10 speed
- Saddle: Bontrager H1
- Brake: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT201 lever, UR300 caliper
- Other accessories: bike rack, water bottle cage, kickstand, panniers, phone holder.
Trek Checkpoint ALR 5
Checkpoint ALR 5 is an aluminum gravel bike built for venturing anywhere. It pairs modern endurance geometry with a carbon fork for road-smoothing comfort, while 50mm of tire clearance gives you room for tons of grip. It comes equipped with SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, Tubeless Ready Bontrager Paradigm wheels, and tons of mounts for bags and gear.
Components
- Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminium
- Fork: Trek Checkpoint, full carbon
- Tire: Bontrager Girona Pro,GR puncture protection, 60 tpi, 700x42mm
- Shifter: SRAM Apex, 12-speed
- Rear derailleur: SRAM Apex XPLR, 44T max cog
- Cassette: SRAM XPLR PG-1231, 11-44, 12-speed
- Saddle: Bontrager Verse Short Comp
- Brake: SRAM Apex D1 hydraulic disc, flat mount
- Other accessories: bike rack available, water bottle cage, kickstand available, panniers, phone holder.
Giant Explore E+
Giant Explore E+ is an electric hybrid bike perfect for your cycling vacations. This e-bike ia vey safe and offers you a comfortable ride on the road with smooth front suspension, very powerful safe Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and wide tires. It has a battery capacity of 625Wh enough to complete every cycling distance on the tour with a single charge. RideDash control make it easier for you to handle and accelerate taking over every climb.
Components
- Frame: ALUXX aluminum, Lowstep
- Tire: Schwable 700x57c (622×57)
- Battery: EnergyPak Smart Integrated 625 Wh
- Motor: SyncDrive Sport 2, 75Nm, powered by Yamaha, max speed 25 km/h
- Shifter: Shimano Deore LinkGlide M5130
- Cassette: Shimano LinkGlide CS-LG400-10, 11-43T, 10-speed
- Saddle: Selle Royal Vivo Ergo Moderate Unisex
- Brakes: Shimano Deore BR-MT200, 180mm
- Other accessories: bike rack, water bottle cage, kickstand, panniers, phone holder.
Trek Verve+ 4 Electric
Verve+ 4 Lowstep is an electric hybrid bike perfect for your cycling vacations. This e-bike puts your safety and comfort first on the roads with front and suspension seatpost, very powerful safe Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and wide tires. With a battery 545Wh will ensure long ranges and cover every cycling distance on the tour with a single charge and of course with a reliable Bosch Performance Line Sport drive unit.
Components
- Frame: Alpha Smooth Aluminum frame, Lowstep
- Tire: Bontrager 27.5 x 2.4″
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 545Wh, smart system
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line, 250 W, 75 Nm, 25 km/h
- Shifter: Shimano CUES U4000 with optical gear indicator, 9-speed
- Cassette: Shimano LINKGLIDE LG300, 11-46 teeth, 9-speed
- Saddle: Selle Royal Vivo Moderate Ergo with Royalgel
- Brake: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake
- Other accessories: bike rack, kickstand, panniers, phone holder.
