Most Inspirational Moment
The staggering scenery.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erlis was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The second night in the mountains was long trousers and a jumper chilly at the end of April.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Surprised by Albania
I expected Albania to be quite pretty, I was not prepared for breathtakingly beautiful scenery around every turn. The scale of the relatively untouched wilderness is staggering. Ok getting to see all this wonder does take a bit of climbing which my husband loved, I loved the well maintained e-bike which made the whole trip much more enjoyable. The decent on the second day was possibly my favourite bit but the whole holiday was a joy. We received a warm welcome wherever we went, especially in the guest house and the freshly prepared food was a bonus. Well organised, mostly quiet roads, if you don’t like climbing – do it on an e-bike!
Wonderful
Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Wonderful country, excellent staff and amazing downhills. The e-bikes were amazing – much more powerful than my own e-bike at home. Good food too and great choice of coffee stops, restaurants etc. The rest of the group were all lovely and I laughed A LOT.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably the first day downhills - they made me sing. But also climbing up Llogara pass on the last day trying to use as little battery as possible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julian was wonderful. Great sense of humour and always did all he could to make us all happy. Good knowledge of Albanian culture, history, songs, language etc, which is something I enjoy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some insect bit me in my hotel room in Gjirokastra. So close your windows! If you want to buy gifts/souvenirs, Gjirokastra was probably the best and most convenient place to do some shopping. Try and learn a couple of greetings in Albanian for when you pass locals on the way. Making an effort goes a long way. You need to be cycling fit - even on an ebike, it helps.
A WONDERFUL WEEK!
I was curious to find out about Albania. The Exodus circular itinerary gives an excellent overview of the south of the country. The tour reflects the variety of landscapes and experiences Albania has to offer.
The lake at Podgradec is a lovely starting point and excellent for swimming. There were a few dogs wandering around but they were friendly, one of them playfully stole a pink flip flop from the beach but gave it to me after I went after him!
The cycle rides were varied and interesting. I opted for an e-bike so that took the anxiety away climbing the hills and if I stopped for a photo then I could easily catch up with the group. I loved the decents, my e-bike had a small screen showing speed and battery information. On one occasion I reached 55k downhill!
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the food. The freshly prepared locally sourced food was impressive. Usually, we had a variety of dishes, nearly always a tasty salad, bread, sometimes chips, delicious savoury spinach pastries, lovely cream cheese. The barbecued lamb was superb as was the freshly caught barbecued trout.
The organisation of the trip was outstanding and the fact that there were 16 of us in the group didn’t phase our leader and his assistant. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
The evening we stayed at the trout farm, Farma Sotira after an exceptional dinner (and a drink or 2) we enjoyed traditional Albanian dancing taught by Julian our guide and singing with the Albanians whilst a log burning fire flickered in the atmospheric dining room. It was a night to remember.
The decent the following day was spectacular!
The thermal springs near to our next hotel were pleasantly relaxing following the cycling.
Gjirokasttra was very interesting and surprisingly touristy. There’s a very good ice cream shop near to the hotel.
The guided tour of the UNESCO site at Butrint was very good. From there we cycled to the coast where there were opportunities to swim in the fabulous Ionian Sea.
From the coast we ascended via dramatic Llogara Pass to the National Park. That really was the icing on the cake and well worth the climb. Experiencing Mount Çika inspired Lord Byron to write a poem.
The next day we left Vlorë and travelled by bus to Tirana Airport. 2 group members and I had booked an additional 2 nights in Tirana so we got the bus from the airport back to the city, very good value for 400 LEK or 4 EURO. The bus also take cards. Cards are accepted widely in Tirana but not in oher places.
Prices are very reasonable in Albania. Albania is courting the EU and are hoping to join in 2 years. EURO notes are accepted everywhere and change given in LEK (the universal exchange rate by merchants was 100LEK = 1 EURO).
The week went fast! The holiday is quite intensive and relaxation time is limited. However every day was different and every day was a joy! You can always add on a few days at the end of the holiday if you want some down time.
Most Inspirational Moment
The decents were extraordinary! We were given the option of stopping for half an hour at a fast flowing stream Julian knew of. It wasn't in the itinerary. I'm so glad I did. It was amazing experience, having a dip to cool off. I also loved swimming in the lake and the sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julian, our guide, was outstanding, as was his asistant Enes. Their communication and organisational skills were really excellent. I felt well cared for. They genuinely wanted us to enjoy ourselves and everything was done to make sure everyone was safe and happy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you see dogs wandering around don't be alarmed. The one's we saw were calm and friendly, merely seeking attention and affection from people.
A challenging week
The trip notes did indicate that this would be a tough week (I would say more challenging than moderate) and it was true to form, even with an e-bike.. The first day was particularly hard and I would suggest splitting it up into two days to encourage a more positive start. A nice variety of scenery – farmland, forest, mountains and coast – and I enjoyed the accommodation and food, particularly in the rural areas. Would have like more of a sightseeing feel to it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top of Llogarase on the final day - beautiful scenery and feeling of exhilaration.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was very engaged, enthusiastic and encouraging. At times could have communicated more or less appropriately. Also an incredible knowledge of music!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get yourself really cycling fit and don't expect a leisurely sightseeing trip by bike (may depend on the group)
What no kettle !
Yes thats right it seems Albania hotels don’t have kettles/tea making facilities. But in reality you don’t miss it in what is a great tester of your cycling ability. Its tough but do-able for everyone. You will come home feeling less afraid to cycle those hills after a week in the Albanian mountains. Great food and plentyful with fresh salads,veg and fish. Excellent guides who went that extra mie for everyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being able to cycle for over 3 hours up spiralling mountains.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Above what you expect both Elris and the driver were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes if you want a cuppa ,bring your own small kettle and supplies.
Beautiful Albania
This was our third cycling trip with Exodus & it didn’t disappoint. Albania is a stunning country but also very mountainous so a good level of cycling fitness is necessary although there is always the option of an e bike. The scenery is incredible & the local people really friendly- they would often wave & cheer us on as we panted up the hills! We were blessed with great weather although it was very hot in the full sun & it was really Important to stay hydrated. The food was excellent & as a vegetarian I ate really well. The baked cheese was a particular favourite & there was plenty of fish or meat for those who ate it. The accommodation was mixed & varied but on the whole was really good.
Most Inspirational Moment
Beautiful Gjirokastra was definitely a highlight & I wish we could have spent longer there. The most inspirational moment though for me was cycling up the pass on the last day. As more of a runner than a cyclist I was really pleased to have done it alongside my friends.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Erlis & driver/mechanic Klodi were a great team & we were well supplied with support & water throughout the day. Erlis is a class act & has a real calm presence. His relationship with the families & staff in the hotels & restaurants was really heartwarming to see & we were always ushered straight to a prepared table where the food soon followed. His passion (& sometimes frustration) for his country was obvious & I found his talk on the subject absolutely fascinating. His grasp of the language is excellent & he could always answer any questions we had.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely train before you go as from the first day it’s a tough one & even the so called easier days are full on. If you’re there in the heat like we were, make sure to take rehydration tablets for in your water. As someone who doesn’t eat chocolate (we had chocolate & a banana each day) I’d recommend taking extra snacks, particularly salt based ones such as nuts. If you’re able I’d definitely book an extra day or 2 at the end of the trip rather than heading straight home like we did. It’s a real whistle stop trip with very little down time.
Wonderful introduction to the beauty, culture and history of Albania
Wonderful way to explore Albania aboard a bike saddle will be for us less fit people pretty challenging cycling, but the rewards for one’s efforts were great incredible views, fantastic mountain scenery, beautiful coastline and rural landscape. Once again, having a local guide made a massive difference introducing us to a wonderful range of Excellent local food much of it, organic locally grown and us very tasty and nutritious. The history and culture of Albania is fascinating. Although it’s difficult to burp watch while cycling, it was wonderful to hear the gold orioles singing, and the bee aters calling above your head as you rode for a beautiful rural countryside
Most Inspirational Moment
Soaking up the stunning mountain landscape, especially at the end of a long, hard climb
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erlis Our local guide was simply outstanding in every way. He and his support driver mechanic Klodi made the trip for us. They are truly wonderful ambassadors for their country. Both of them keen and enthusiastic throughout the day and evening, ever ready to help and guide. Erlis’s organisational skills are 2nd to none, despite having a relatively large group and on occasions arriving at quite busy restaurants we never waited long for food and always received superb service. Superb presentation, superb food at a very reasonable price. He clearly has a very good relationship with all his contacts out there. Travelling alone it’s a real lottery to Find a nice place to eat or have a coffee and in some areas. These places were few and far between but he and the locals didn’t let us down. He made himself available, 24 hours a day and hand with everybody and every situation with total competence and superb people skills. His command of English was exceptional and one evening he gave us a talk on the history and culture of Albania up to today and explained how the Albanian people of moulded and why they are as they are today. Also why some of the younger generation are leaving for other countries. Even though the talk lasted over an hour it seemed far less.On occasions, I looked around and everybody was transfixed he was constantly gauging, the level of interest from the people around him, and accurately detected. They were all fascinated by his presentation of his country’s history.He Deliver this presentation, which included many small details in an incredibly eloquent way, applying chronology of events throughout. I don’t believe he has had any training as a teacher, but I wish my history teachers had been as good as him. He came across as someone who genuinely loved his country. and wanted others like us to be aware of its history warts and all so they could understand his culture. It’s sad that so many people in the UK make generalisations about the Albania And the flood of your legal immigrants. Throughout our time in Albania, we were greeted with friendliness and given wonderful full hospitality. The Albanians, we had contact with warm hard-working people.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Erlis Our local guide was simply outstanding in every way. He and his support driver mechanic Klodi made the trip for us. They are truly wonderful ambassadors for their country. Both of them keen and enthusiastic throughout the day and evening, ever ready to help and guide. Erlis’s organisational skills are 2nd to none, despite having a relatively large group and on occasions arriving at quite busy restaurants we never waited long for food and always received superb service. Superb presentation, superb food at a very reasonable price. He clearly has a very good relationship with all his contacts out there. Travelling alone it’s a real lottery to Find a nice place to eat or have a coffee and in some areas. These places were few and far between but he and the locals didn’t let us down. He made himself available, 24 hours a day and hand with everybody and every situation with total competence and superb people skills. His command of English was exceptional and one evening he gave us a talk on the history and culture of Albania up to today and explained how the Albanian people of moulded and why they are as they are today. Also why some of the younger generation are leaving for other countries. Even though the talk lasted over an hour it seemed far less.On occasions, I looked around and everybody was transfixed he was constantly gauging, the level of interest from the people around him, and accurately detected. They were all fascinated by his presentation of his country’s history.He Deliver this presentation, which included many small details in an incredibly eloquent way, applying chronology of events throughout. I don’t believe he has had any training as a teacher, but I wish my history teachers had been as good as him. He came across as someone who genuinely loved his country. and wanted others like us to be aware of its history warts and all so they could understand his culture. It’s sad that so many people in the UK make generalisations about the Albania And the flood of your legal immigrants. Throughout our time in Albania, we were greeted with friendliness and given wonderful full hospitality. The Albanians, we had contact with warm hard-working people.
Fantastic trip to Albania
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our cycling holiday in Albania with Exodus travel. Booking the trip was easy and communicating with Exodus very straight forward. We booked 4 months in advance in order to guarantee our places and to book flights when they were cheaper. We were met on arrival by Erlis our guide and the transfer to our first hotel and start of the trip was seamless. The trip itself was very well planned and executed. We didn’t have to make many decisions and great accommodation and restaurants, coffee stops were all arranged for us in advance. Accommodation ranged in quality but on the whole was really good. The food was excellent always and plenty of it. We cycled in September so it was mostly very hot and we needed to rehydrate often. There were 2 days of really tough cycling, 1st and last but there were plenty of stops and options to go on the bus. I hired an electric bike which was a godsend on the difficult days especially due to the heat. It was an incredible trip; Albania is a fascinating country with a diverse history and beautiful landscape. We feel privileged to have travelled there at this time.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the summit on the last day; 5 switchbacks in 30 degree heat. The view was worth it ! Great company and brilliant tour leader.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erlis was amazing. Really welcoming and very well organised as well as being informative and helpful. He is a great tour leader with a lovely sense of humour. You would be lucky to get him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of suncream, seriously consider an electric bike, don't take too many snacks as they are provided, take earplugs as the Albanian dog howling committee comes out in force at night.
Stunning views, lovely group and difficult climbs
Absolutely loved this trip. I am more of a runner so I found the mountain climbs quite hard at times, but once at the top, I had the most fun cycling down towards the ocean. Had no idea that Albania was this beautiful!!
Most Inspirational Moment
The entire group making it to the top of the most difficult climb on the last day of cycling, then celebrating with an incredible group lunch at the mountain restaurant.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very passionate about Albania and it's history. Very proud of his country and very good at his job. The group was quite mixed, which he managed well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have a good fitness/experience level with mountain climbs. Otherwise, you may just decide to use an E-bike.
The best holiday…
The best holiday, in the best country with the best group and the best guide. Arjan and Bato are the best team. So much kindness, patience and generosity. The cycling was quite challenging at times but the support was excellent. Albania is a beautiful country and cycling through the countryside and along the coast is a great way to see it at its best. Arjan is very knowledgeable and shared with us his passion for his country. The food was often delicious, with fabulous salads and fish but at its best when Arjan ordered sharing plates for the group. I would return in a heartbeat to enjoy the generous hospitality of warm and friendly Albanians.