8 Days Cycling in Albania
Discover the adventurous, mysterious, un-tamed, Albania in this 8 days cycling vacation.
Duration
8 Days
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel / Camping / Guest House
MEETING POINT
Tirana International Airport
SEASON
March—November
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
No Previous Cycling experience required, just a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to handle 3-6 hours of activity a day.
From
€1800
Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.
- IMPORTANT COVID-19 TRAVEL GUIDANCE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
Click ‘see changes’ for specific Foreign Office travel advice plus any trip alterations and additional safety measures in place, as a result of COVID-19.
- Explore the Southern part of Albania and its nature beauties.
- Immerse into the magnificent landscapes along the roads.
- Enjoy the rich cuisine along the way and their local drinks.
The region is a diverse landscape of rugged hills, high cliffs, and endless, rolling agricultural land. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for growing grapes and other fruits. It's the ideal place to get off the beaten path and have a unique Balkans experience.
Visas :Albania
No visa required for most nationalities, including UK passport holders, most other EU nationalities, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand.
Vaccinations: Albania
There are no specific health risks.
A Company you can Trust
- included
- Guides
Expert, friendly, English-speaking guides.
- Accommodation
3-4 star hotels and BB
- Entrance
Butrinti Archaeological Park and Gjirokastra Castle
- Meals
Natural, fresh food.
- Transfers
Transportation with minivan
- Assistance
- Equipments
Cycling Trails & Equipment
- not included
- Flights to and from the meeting point
- Some meals as described
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Food
Food in our region is very diverse and greatly influenced by its neighboring countries. It is hearty and healthy, usually based around meat and vegetables, seasonal, and sourced locally. Popular dishes include turkey, lamb, or goat Pershesh, served with a local bread known as Kulac, a meat and leek pie made with a thin pastry called Byrek, Musaka, Ajvar, and freshly caught fish served in a Mediterranean style. Fish dishes are often flavored with white vinegar. Many dishes are served with wine from one of the local vineyards.
- Accomodation
View Map
View Map
DAY 1 - Tirana Airport - Pogradec
After landing in Albania, the group will meet the local guide and be transferred to the shores of ancient Lake Ohrid, where they will stay in the beautiful city of Pogradec Overnight: Tushemisht, Pogradec
DAY 2 - Pogradec – Korça
We e will start our day cycling along the shores of Lake Ohrid, passing the city of Pogradec on the way. Our road will start to gently climb, culminating in the most demanding climb of the day where in 20 minutes we will go from 700 meters to 900 meters. We will end up on a scenic road which will take us along two small lakes and through some traditional villages. Lunch will be near the city of Korca. After lunch we will visit a small apiary (bee farm) where we can taste different flavors of local honey.
Overnight: Korça
DAY 3 - Korça – Ferma Sotira
We start cycling toward Gërmenj National Park at around 8:30 in the morning. On the way we will be presented with a challenging climb from 1000 to 1300 meters through the Qarri pass. We will take a break at a local coffee shop to taste the local tea herbs. After this short break we resume cycling to the city of Erseka where we will have lunch. The rest of the journey will be fairly easy except for one last challenging climb as we approach our destination, Sotira farm. The farm itself is located inside Gërmenj National Park surrounded by large, picturesque oak trees and a small fish farm. The evening will be spent resting or taking walks through the breathtaking countryside.
Overnight: Gërmenj National Park
DAY 4 - Sotira Farm – Përmet
This day’s cycling will be fairly easy as it is mostly downwards towards the city of Përmet.We will have a picnic lunch before relaxing in the hot springs of Bënja. The hot springs are especially beneficial for those with skin, stomach or bone-related health issues.. After this wonderful experience we will cycle back to Përmet, an Albanian city known for its abundant flowers and delicious food.
Overnight: Përmet
DAY 5 - Përmet – Gjirokastra
The first 30 km of this journey will take us cycling along the Kelcyra Gorge and Vjosa River. After a short coffee break at Tepelena springs we will resume cycling all the way to Gjirokastra, making it there just in time for lunch.
After lunch we will check in at the hotel and take a guided, afternoon walk through Gjirokastra.
Overnight: Gjirokastra
DAY 6 - Gjirokastra – Saranda
We will cycle along the scenic main road that connects Gjirokastra to Saranda. After about 1 hour of cycling we begin a gentle climb, which becomes more challenging by the end as we cycle through Muzina pass. The elevation along this area varies from 300 to 600 m. Next we take a break at the Blue Eye Springs well known for its unique ecosystem. Lunch will be in Saranda. After lunch we will drive to the UNESCO Butrinti Archaeological Park.
Overnight: Saranda
DAY 7 - Saranda – Tirana
We will spend the day driving along the Riviera towards Tirana. It will be a lengthy drive, but we will break it up into several stops and visits. Expect to arrive in Tirana by late afternoon.
Overnight: Tirana
DAY 8 - Tirana – Airport
Enjoy free time in Tirana until we transfer to the airport, at which point our tour will end.
- What is included?
✓Professional English-speaking guide.
✓Transportation with SUV, minivan.
✓ First aid equipment.
✓ Accommodation.
✓ Meals.
✓Equipment for Cycling activities.
- What is not included?
✕Flights to and from Tirana.
✕Some meals as described
✕Any personal expenses such as drinks.
✕Clothing suitable for Cycling.
- What should customers pack?
✓Backpack.
✓Appropriate dress.
✓ Footwear.
✓Sun cream, sun glasses, and a hat
✓Camera
✓ BONUS: Trash Bag
- Private Room upgrade (upon request)
40 Euro/person.
- Price for an additional night pre/post trip?
45 Euro/person.
Minimum 6 persons and maximum 14 person.
Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can cater to these.
The best months for experiencing this tour are April to June and September to November when the weather is warm and sunny, reaching temperatures of around 30 degrees.
The children can join only private trips. They should have at least 15 years old.
Previous experience, medical conditions, weight, dietary requirements.