Cycling in Albania
Experience Albania and bike through amazing landscapes with our Cycle in Albania UNESCO Tour.
Cycling
Duration
8
days
Ways to travel:
Guided
Group size:
Ages:
5+
16+
Grading:
Moderate
Trip Code: CAL
Accommodation:
- 7 nights hotels
Meals:
- All breakfasts
- All lunches
- All dinners
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 Lake Ohrid in the town of Pogradec
After arriving in Tirana and meeting with our guide the journey continues in Albania as we embarked on a picturesque 2-hour drive southeast towards Pogradec on the shore of Lake Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. A group meeting will take place for the main briefing. Our cycling guide will go through all the necessary details for your cycling journey in Albania. After the main briefing, we go for dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in Pogradec.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: dinner
DAY 2
Cycle from Pogradec to Korçë (50 km / 31 miles)
Our cycle journey continues in the countryside of the beautiful lakeside town of Pogradec to the historic city of Korçë offering this adventure 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 agriculture communities for centuries. After arrival, check in at the hotel and explore the cultural sites of Korca.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 50 km (31 mi), Ascent: 510 m (1670 ft), Descent: 340m (1115 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, lunch, dinner
Distance: 75 km (45mi), Ascent: 1230 m (4,035ft ), Descent: 1050 m (3,445ft)
DAY 4
Cycle along Vjosa River Valley to Petran, ride to thermal springs for a swim (50 km / 31 miles)
Cycling through the 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 our accommodation in 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 that have been built by locals. After the optional thermal springs visit we continue cycling back to Petran a small village well known for traditional food and tasty ‘gliko’ sweets
Accommodation Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 50 km (31mi) , 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 5
Cycle through Kelcyra gorge to Gjirokaster, the city of stones (45 km / 28 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, lunch, dinner
Distance: 45 km (28 mi), Ascent: 210 m (689ft), Descent: 310 m (1,017ft)
DAY 6
Short transfer to Muzina Pass, continue the ride to the UNESCO site of Butrint, to Saranda (68 km / 42 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, lunch, dinner
Distance: 68 km (42mi). Ascent: 470 m (1,542ft), Descent: 1110 m (3,609ft)
DAY 7
Cycle 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, lunch, dinner
Distance: 52 km (32mi), Ascent: 1065 m (3,491ft), Descent: 1065 m (3,491ft)
DAY 8
Himare to Airport
There will be an organized group transfer to the Airport.
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 180 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.
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.
