Albania Cycling & Hiking Tours

Cycling in North Albania Self-Guided

Experience North Albania’s stunning landscapes and the Albanian Alps beauty on a bike adventure!

Cycling in North Albania Self-Guided

Experience North Albania’s stunning landscapes and the Albanian Alps beauty on a bike adventure!

Travel Style

Road Bike

Tour Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Activity Level

Moderate

Bikes

Trek FX Sport

Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 3

Trek Electric Verve+ 4

Giant Explore+

Hotels

Superior

Trip Code

CNASG

Price from

€1189

Cycling in North Albania Self-Guided

Experience North Albania’s stunning landscapes and the Albanian Alps beauty on a bike adventure!

Travel Style

Road Bike

Tour Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Activity Level

Moderate

Bikes

Trek FX Sport

Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 3

Trek Electric Verve+ 4

Giant Explore+

Hotels

Superior

Trip Code

CNASG

Price from

€1089

Cycle through northern Albania’s most beautiful landscapes, savoring a refined cycling experience that blends unspoiled nature, the tranquil rhythm of the road, and the breathtaking beauty of the Albanian Alps.

Immerse yourself in Albania at its most refined road cycling journey designed for riders who seek extraordinary landscapes, deep cultural connection, and uncompromising comfort. Your bike experience begins in Shebenik Jabllanice National Park in the beautiful Fushë Studen, where quiet country roads wind through pastoral scenery and traditional villages. Here, cycling feels effortless and intimate, with warm local welcomes and unspoiled views at every turn. From the charming northern towns, you’ll ride through a land where time slows and authenticity reigns. As the route unfolds, dramatic nature takes center stage. Pedal beneath the commanding presence of Mount Korab, Albania’s highest peak, tracing the emerald flow of the Black Drin River and gliding past the shimmering lakes of northern Albania. Each ascent is rewarded with sweeping panoramas, each descent, with pure exhilaration. The journey continues along the borders of North Macedonia and Kosovo, where cultures subtly intertwine and the roads remain blissfully quiet ideal for immersive, uninterrupted riding. Your adventure culminates in the majestic Albanian Alps, a realm of jagged peaks, pristine valleys, and unforgettable beauty. Embark on an unforgettable journey across Komani Lake, where every moment is framed by fjord-like canyons and the majestic Albanian Alps. Experience the serene elegance of a ferry ride, gliding over pristine waters and taking in dramatic cliffs and untouched landscapes. This is more than a scenic voyage—it’s a refined escape into nature’s most breathtaking beauty.

This is a carefully curated bike experience where elite road riding meets untouched beauty, rich heritage, and the genuine hospitality of Albania.

Trip highlights
  • Albanian Alps
  • Shebenik Jabllanice NP
  • Koman Lake
  • Northern Albania landscapes

Key information

  • 7 nights in hotels
  • Private Transfers
  • 6 cycling days
  • Countries visited: Albania

What is included

What is not included

Itinerary

DAY 1 

Arrival in Tirana

After arriving at the hotel in Tirana, it will be a meeting with our guide for the main briefing. Our cycling guide will go through all the necessary details for your cycling journey in northern Albania.

Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 2 

Tirana to Fushe Stude (27 km / 16.8 miles)

Your journey begins with a private one hour transfer, where an exclusive cycling experience awaits. As you pedal along quiet country roads and timeless villages, Albania reveals itself in its most intimate form. Dramatic landscapes unfold seamlessly alongside authentic local life, while warm hospitality and unspoiled beauty create a sense of effortless discovery. Approaching Shebenik–Jabllanicë National Park, the scenery transforms continuously forested hillsides give way to open valleys and striking alpine vistas, each turn offering a new perspective. With minimal traffic and pristine surroundings, the ride is defined by tranquility, freedom, and a deep connection to nature. For today the cycling ends in Fushë Studë, an alpine haven surrounded by untouched wilderness. Here, you’ll unwind in a serene mountain setting, savoring the quiet elegance of the landscape and reflecting on a day that captures the essence of Albania, exclusive, authentic, and truly unforgettable.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: breakfast

Distance: 27 km (16.8 mi),  Ascent: 1060 m (3,478 ft),  Descent: 170 m (558 ft) 

DAY 3

Shebenik National Park to Peshkopi (61 km / 38 miles)

Today’s route carries us north through Albania, across a vast agricultural plateau where centuries old rural life unfolds in quiet rhythm. Along the way we enjoy green fields and stone farmhouses that seem untouched by time. As the road rolls gently, it frames sweeping vistas of the national park, its forests and ridges offering a rich tapestry of green and shadow. Beyond, the inlands of North Macedonia rise hazily in the distance. Cycling here is an amazing experience, every turn reveals a new panorama, every stretch of road invites reflection. It is a journey defined not by speed, but by the patience to absorb the subtle textures of land, light, and life in this corner of the Balkans.

Accommodation: Hotel 

Meals included: breakfast

Distance: 61 km (38 mi),  Ascent: 1070 m (3,510 ft ),  Descent: 1510 m (4,954 ft)

DAY 4

Peshkopi to Kukes (73 km / 45 miles)

Today we cycle along the Drin River valley and the mountainous landscapes of Korab Koritnik Nature Park. Towering mountains and timeless villages merge in serene harmony. As we approach our destination, we experience the great views of the Lake, fields and Gjallica Mountain, crafting a scene of pure, unforgettable elegance a ride transformed into an extraordinary sensory journey.

Accommodation: Hotel 

Meals included: breakfast

Distance: 73 km (45 mi) ,  Ascent: 1590 m (5,216 ft),  Descent: 1900 m (6,233 ft)

DAY 5

Kukes to Bajram Curri (67.5 km / 42 miles)

Today we cycle along the Drin River valley and the mountainous landscapes of Korab Koritnik Nature Park. Towering mountains and timeless villages merge in serene harmony. As we approach our destination, we experience the great views of the Lake, fields and Gjallica Mountain, crafting a scene of pure, unforgettable elegance a ride transformed into an extraordinary sensory journey.

Accommodation: Hotel 

Meals included: breakfast

Distance: 67.5 km (42 mi), Ascent: 1220 m (4,002 ft), Descent: 1310 m (4,298 ft)

DAY 6

Cycle to Lekbibaj and back to Fierze (39 km / 24 miles)

From the town we follow the road to Lekbibaj village in the Albanian Alps. The village itself is the historical center of Nikaj-Mertur. As we approach the village we enjoy Koman Lake and Curraj River landscapes that along with high mountain peaks offer a truly fabulous view. After the spectacular views from the top of the village we head back to Fierze. 

Accommodation: Hotel 

Meals included: breakfast

Distance: 39 km (24 mi).  Ascent: 650 m (2,132 ft),  Descent: 840 m (2,756 ft) 

DAY 7

Koman Lake to Tirana (67 km / 41.5 miles)

Another beautiful day in northern Albania. After a nice breakfast we start with a ferry ride on Koman Lake through narrow canyons of towering cliffs and calm turquoise water. It’s quiet and slow, with dramatic mountain views, small lakeside villages, and a peaceful, almost untouched feeling throughout the journey. Starting at the Koman Lake dam, the ride follows the lake’s edge through dramatic cliffs and calm, green water. The road rolls gently, offering wide views and quiet stretches ideal for relaxed cycling. As you reach Vau i Dejës Lake, the scenery opens into greener farmland and villages along the Drin River. The final section to Fishtë is flat and peaceful, passing fields and vineyards before ending in the welcoming rural heart of Lezhë.

Accommodation: Hotel 

Meals included: breakfast

Distance: 50 km (31 mi),  Ascent: 820 m (2,690 ft),  Descent: 1110 m (3,642 ft)

DAY 8

Departure

Today is the departure day. 

Meals included: breakfast

Trip Notes

Click below and request the detailed Self-Guided Cycling in North Albania trip notes, with all the essential information  about this trip.  

Hotels

Tirana, Albania

Starlight Hotel
Superior

Located in the city center this 4-star hotel offers a very nice way to start your tour. This hotel is modern with spacious and very clean rooms. 

Fushe Stude, Albania

JOEN Hotel
Comfort

Located in Fushe Stude, the heart of Shebenik-Koritnik National Park, this 3-star has an alpine style design that lends in harmony with the alpine nature around. 

Peshkopi, Albania

Hotel Piazza
Comfort

Located in Fushe Stude, the heart of Shebenik-Koritnik National Park, this 3-star has an alpine style design that lends in harmony with the alpine nature around. 

Kukes, Albania

Hotel Gjallica
Comfort

Located in Kukes town, this 3-star offer a relaxing and comfortable stay.  

Bajram Curri, Albania

Hotel Tourism Shkëlzeni
Superior

Located in Bajram Curri town the heart of Tropoja region, this is a 4-star hotel.

Fierze, Albania

Adora Hotel
Superior

Located in Firze, near Koman Lake, Firze Lake and Valbone River makes this 4-star hotel perfect to stay. Spacious modern rooms with a swimming pool for a relaxing day. 

Tirana, Albania

Starlight Hotel
Superior

Located in the city center this 4-star hotel offers a very nice way to start your tour. This hotel has modern, spacious and very clean rooms. 

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.

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.

Trek Domane SL 5

Domane SL 5 is an endurance road bike ready to comfortably take on long road rides in comfort. Crafted with a lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame speced with a reliable Shimano 105 drivetrain, and aluminum wheels and aluminum handlebars will make your bike adventure enjoyable.  

Components 
  • Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal storage,
  • Fork: Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer
  • Tire: Bontrager Kwaremont Pro TLR, Race Dual-Compound, 120 tpi, 700x32mm
  • Shifter: Shimano 105 R7120, 12 speed
  • Rear derailleur: Shimano 105 R7100, 36T max cog
  • Cassette: Shimano 105 7101, 11-34, 12 speed
  • Saddle: Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 145 mm width
  • Brake: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, flat mount
  • Other accessories: pedals, water bottle cage, panniers, phone holder. 

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: pedals, bike rack, water bottle cage, kickstand, 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: pedals, 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: pedals, bike rack, kickstand, panniers, phone holder. 

Prices are based on two people sharing - 2026

DATES
From 01 April 2026 - 01 Jul 2026
From 20 Aug 2026 - 22 Oct 2026
AVAILABILITY
Guaranteed and Available
ADULT PRICE FROM
€1189
SINGLE SUPLEMENT
+ €170

Price for 1 Person - 2026

DATES
From 01 April 2026 - 01 July 2026
From 20 Aug 2026 - 22 Oct 2026
AVAILABILITY
Guaranteed and Available
ADULT PRICE FROM
€1389
SINGLE SUPLEMENT
Included

Prices are based on two people sharing - 2027

DATES
From 01 April 2027 - 01 Jul 2027
From 20 Aug 2027 - 22 Oct 2027
AVAILABILITY
Guaranteed and Available
ADULT PRICE FROM
€1189
SINGLE SUPLEMENT
+ €170

Price for 1 Person - 2027

DATES
From 01 April 2027 - 01 July 2027
From 20 Aug 2027 - 22 Oct 2027
AVAILABILITY
Guaranteed and Available
ADULT PRICE FROM
€1389
SINGLE SUPLEMENT
Included