Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 15:51
Cycle the Balkans Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MVU
- Carbon Footprint: 23kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Take to the saddle to experience the best of Europe without the tourist hordes
Spanning a swathe of southeastern Europe, the Balkans offer the best of the continent in one intriguing package: history-drenched towns,cloud-brushing mountains and exceptional cuisine. We take to the saddle for this trip, allowing us to easily integrate into the lesser visited (but no less intoxicating) destinations of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Along the way, we visit the Unesco-listed lakeside town of Ohrid, tackle the ups and downs of the imposing Durmitor mountains and enjoy a sun-and-sea flop at the Bay of Kotor, a perfect end to the ride.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (12 hotel, 2 guesthouse)
- 12 days of cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
- 90 percent paved, 10 percent poor condition
- Undulations throughout with some tough climbs
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E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Visit the Unesco-listed town of Ohrid in North Macedonia
- Experience the magnificent Mavrov Lake and nationalpark
- Challenge yourself against the Durmitor mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Average daily distance: 37mi (60km)
- Number of days cycling: 12
- There will be a support vehicle available at all times. Limited seats available
- Terrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent poor condition
On our route, there are some potholed sections and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some long, tough climbs. When cycling through Montenegro, there are several long, dark tunnels. Bike lights are provided locally but if you have powerful bike lights at home, we recommend bringing them with you.
Group
Group normally four to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Tirana
- End City: Shkoder
Land Only Itinerary
Start Tirana
Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions before we all go out for our welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)
Start Tirana
The group flights usually arrive in Tirana in the early afternoon and the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions, before we all go out for our welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Lake Ohrid; cross the border into North Macedonia; visit the Monastery of St Naum before ending in Ohrid town
We start this morning with a transfer to beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world and one of the largest biological reserves in Europe. Upon arrival, the bikes will be unloaded and adjusted to everyone’s comfort. Our ride starts along the scenic shore towards Pogradec. After reaching Tushemisht, just 2.5mi (4km) east of Pogradec, we enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. We continue cycling in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the Monastery of St Naum. The road then takes us through Galicica National Park to Ohrid town.
Accommodation: Villa Royal View (or similar)
Climb to a mountain-bound high plateau; follow the gorge to Debar
Leaving Lake Ohrid, we climb to a high plateau bounded by mountains. We continue to follow the gorge for a while until the hills open up, leading to a vast patchwork of individual farms in the Debar region. Our ride finishes in the city of Debar where we rest for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Leon (or similar)
Cycle towards Lake Mavrovo
Today we cycle toward Lake Mavrovo, the largest artificial lake in the country. It lies in Mavrovo National Park, where deep canyons, snowy peaks, blue lakes and dense forests provide a habitat for all sorts of incredible creatures, including wolves, bears and lynx. We cycle through this diverse national park and reach our hotel at the foot of the Bistra mountains in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Mia’s Favorite Hotel (or similar)
Transfer from Mavrovo to the Kosovo border; continue through Brezovica National Park and the Sharri mountain range
Transferring out of Mavrovo National Park, we reach the border with Kosovo. We ride through Brezovica, an area frequented by skiers in the winter, and continue into Sharri National Park, a still relatively undiscovered area home to wild boar, wolves, bear, lynx and roe deer.
Accommodation: Hotel Pine (or similar)
Climb to Prevalle through the forest of Kodra e Diellit; descend to the historic city of Prizren
From Brezovica, we cycle up to Prevalle, another ski resort, through the forest of Kodra e Diellit before a long descent to historic Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo. This city is known in this region of the Balkans for its gastronomy and wines, traditional handicrafts and wonderful mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. This afternoon, we go on a city tour to explore the old town.
Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
Free day in Peje
Today we transfer from Prizren to Peje where we stay overnight. Today we can visit another beautiful city in Kosovo before heading to Montenegro tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Dukagjini (or similar)
Transfer to Montenegro border; cycle to Berane via Rozaje
This morning, we transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border. We start cycling from the border and enter Montenegro. We cycle down to Rozaje, a city surrounded by magnificent mountains including the peaks of Hajla and Turjak. The area is covered in large forests and abundant with flowers. We then regroup and jump in the support vehicle to cross a long tunnel, before jumping back on our bikes and continue cycling to Berana.
Accommodation: Hotel Berane (or similar)
Pedal to Andrijevica and onto Kolasin; magnificent views of the rugged Albanian Alps
Leaving Berane behind, we cycle a flat road to the small town of Andrijevica. From here, we take a magnificent narrow road with spectacular scenery all the way up to Kolasin. On our left-hand side, we have impressive views of the Albanian Alps and we should be able to spot the mountain of Jezerca, the second-highest peak in Albania. Just before arriving at Kolasin, we regroup for a short transfer through a tunnel. After, we have a short easy ride to our hotel for tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Cile (or similar)
Short transfer to Mojkovac; cycle through the Tara Canyon before reaching Zabljak
After a short transfer to Mojkovac, we start cycling through the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in Europe. We also have the chance to see the Tara Bridge, a spectacular arch bridge made of concrete, before reaching Zabljak. The town is in the centre of the Durmitor mountains at an altitude of 4,777ft (1,456m), making it the highest town in the Balkans.
Accommodation: Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar)
Morning climb out of Zabljak through the Durmitor region; descend to Pluzine
Our day starts with a long climb out of Zabljak. As we ascend through the Durmitor region we see the dramatic high peaks of the magnificent mountain ranges. After our challenging ride this morning, we are rewarded with a long descent to Rudinice village, where we spend the evening at a small, quiet farmstay.
Accommodation: Zvono Guesthouse (or similar)
Cycle towards Nikšić
Today we have an easier cycle toward Nikšić, the second-largest city in Montenegro, situated at the foot of Trebjesa Hill. It is the largest municipality by area and second-most inhabited after the capital Podgorica.
Accommodation: Hotel Trim (or similar)
Short transfer to Vilsu; cycle to the Bay of Kotor
After a short transfer to Vilsu, we cycle to the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Medieval towns encased by dramatic mountains surround the lake and have been inhabited since antiquity. In the afternoon, we have time to visit the old city walls. For dinner, take the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the waterfront and sample the fresh seafood on offer.
Accommodation: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)
Transfer to Bar; cycle close to Lake Shkodra; finish Shkodra
This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Bar. From here, we cycle close to Lake Shkodra and cross the border back into Albania. This evening, we enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner in Shkodra.
Accommodation: Hotel Tradita (or similar)
End Shkoder
The trip ends today. Either began your return journey home or, if you’d like to explore some more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels
Throughout this tour, we stay in a variety of accommodation in both cities and rural areas. We use hotels of a three-star standard. For two nights, we stay in more remote areas where we stay in locally run guesthouses and experience a warm welcome. Rooms here tend to be more basic. They will be a mixture of double and triple rooms with shared bathrooms.
Single accommodation is available on request.
Please note, single rooms are not available in the guesthouses due to a limited number of rooms.
Single supplement from £ 360
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and two dinners are included.
Food in the Balkans is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from the Mediterranean, combining Turkish, Greek and Italian tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Due to the fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, the Balkans still have a subsistence culture and show very little signs of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to have been reared/grown not too far from your plate.
Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey and coffee or tea. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb with fish dishes such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form with a variety of vegetables, salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. Your guide will recommend the best restaurant options in the towns.
Transport
We use private minibuses for the airport transfers and transfers to and from the activities.
Weather & Seasonality
Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro have a temperate, Mediterranean climate. March 15 is officially the first day of spring and things really start to heat up toward the end of the month when clear skies and balmy temperatures provide a nice way to ease into the heat of summer. Summer brings sunshine and maximum temperatures of 20C-35C (68F-95F). Summer days are long with sunrise before 6am and sunset after 8.30pm. Evenings tend to be cooler, so it is a good idea to bring layers.
Please note, we cycle through mountainous regions where weather can be unpredictable so expect rain at any time. July and August tend to be the driest months but it can still rain. In the mountains, it is usually cold in the mornings and evenings.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Sky 2 Hotel, Rruga Reshit Çollaku 38, Tirana, Albania
Phone: +355 4 225 3781
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, though the afternoon is preferable as there is a welcome dinner in the evening. There will also be a welcome briefing around 6pm, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tirana Airport (TIA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 to 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Tirana Airport (TIA) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tirana
Location end: Shkoder
Transfer Details
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Long trousers (pants)
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen and lip salve
- Warm jacket for evenings
- Warm layers for cooler cycling days
- Refillable water bottle
- Small backpack
- Mosquito repellent
- Beach towel and swimwear
- Energy snacks
Optional Equipment
- A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but we recommend you bring your own painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters (band-aids) and a blister-treatment kit
- Front and back bike lights (these are provided but you can bring your own)
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Giant Roam (men) and Giant Rove (women) hybrid bikes with front suspension.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £310/€399 /590 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride. Please note, panniers are provided with the bikes
Practical Information
Visa
Albania
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Albania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
The following establishments provide visa advice for citizens of the named country,
- Australia: Smartraveller
- Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories, Government of Canada
- United Kingdom: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- USA: Bureau of Consular Affairs
Kosovo
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Kosovo. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/kosovo
- Canada: travel.gc.ca/destinations/kosovo
- United Kingdom: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo/entry-requirements
- USA: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kosovo.html
Montenegro
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Montenegro. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/montenegro
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/montenegro
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Montenegro.html
North Macedonia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter North Macedonia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/north-macedonia
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/north-macedonia
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-macedonia/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Macedonia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Albania
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
You will, however, require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Kosovo
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Montenegro
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
North Macedonia
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
Albania's time zone: Europe/Tirane (UTC +01:00)
Montenegro's time zone: Europe/Podgorica (UTC +01:00)
North Macedonia's time zone: Europe/Skopje (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Albania's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Kosovo's electricity: Plug type C (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Montenegro's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
North Macedonia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Albania's currency: Albanian lek (ALL)
Kosovo's currency: Euro (EUR)
Montenegro's currency: Euro (EUR)
North Macedonia's currency: Macedonian denar (MKD)
ATM Availability
Albania has a good network of cash machines, which can be used to retrieve lek; however, the money exchange offices offer a better conversion rate. Major credit cards are accepted in shops for larger purchases and restaurants, but cash is usually easier. Euros are normally accepted but the exchange rate is generally unfavourable, therefore it is best to pay in lek.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Please budget at least €10 per meal. Depending on what you choose to eat and drink, this could come to more. Please budget around €10 for entry into some of the local attractions.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Tipping is at your discretion but many clients wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip, we suggest €3-€5 per day for the guide and €2-€3 per day for the driver. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.