Cycling in Albania

Name: Cycling in Albania
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (98 reviews)

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8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1349

4.7/5 from

Cycling

Activity Level

Challenging

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Cycling

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MVA

Carbon Footprint :

21kg CO2e per person per day

Discover the beauty of this previously isolated country by bike

Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you’ll get to travelling back in time. It wasn’t until the collapse of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania in 1991 that the world got its first glimpse of the country within. Huge snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches, rural villages, a genuine subsistence culture and an exceptionally friendly welcome is what you will find here. We cycle through the very best of Europe’s beautiful unknown, beginning our tour on the Macedonia border, biking towards the ancient town of Gjirokastra passing soaring peaks and lush green valleys. From here, we begin our descent to the Albanian Riviera, passing Unesco-listed Butrint and Llogara National Park, before relaxing by the sea at our hotel in Vlorë.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in a previously isolated country
Cycle from mountain plateaux to the Albanian Riviera
Visit the World Heritage site of Butrint
Fishing villages, national parks and thermal springs

Key Information

Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (guesthouse)
Six days cycling with full vehicle support
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver. Minimum age: 16
E-bikes available for an additional cost
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Albania

What's Included

All breakfasts and 2 dinners included
All accommodation
Transfer for group flights
Local bike hire

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single supplement
E-bike hire

6 Days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate to challenging: 13-16km/8-10miles an hour

Terrain:

100% tarmac, where some sections are in poor condition.

Day 2

72 km / 44.7 miles

Day 3

60 km / 37.3 miles

Day 4

46 km / 28.6 miles

Day 5

70 km / 43.5 miles

Day 6

54 km / 33.6 miles

Day 7

65 km / 40.4 miles

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.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

MVA - Cycling in Albania

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Pogradec Vlore

We start in Pogradec, at our hotel on the shore of Lake Ohrid. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy this lakeside location.

Accommodation: Hotel Millennium (or similar)

We begin with one of the most demanding days of the tour. After a quick transfer to Korçë, we begin cycling and leave behind the agricultural plateau, climbing steadily into the border mountains through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wildflowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie ahead, climbing towards Grammoz Mountain and over the Barmash Pass (3,802ft/1,159m) to Gërmenj, lying in a tranquil valley. Here we relax at our accommodation, Farma Sotira, which is also a working trout farm. Meals here consist of organic produce reared or sourced from the farm itself. Once you’ve finished your hearty dinner, sit and relax by the open roaring fire in the dining area with a glass of homemade wine or a bottle of Korçë beer (the most popular in Albania).

Accommodation: Farma Sotira Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 45mi (72km)

Ascent: 3,773ft (1,150m); Descent: 3,445ft (1,050m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, there is a climb out from Germenj to a high grassy plateau close to the Greek border, surrounded by soaring peaks before reaching the source of the River Vjosa and descending through its spectacular gorge to Leskovik. We continue descending to Çarshove and then follow the corniche route high above the river to Benje situated on a ridge above the river. After lunch at the guesthouse, we take a short ride to the thermal springs to relax and soothe aching muscles. Both lunch and dinner will be served on the peaceful terrace.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Coli (or similar)

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Ascent: 2,254ft (687m); Descent: 4,436ft (1,352m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is one of the easiest days. We continue along the valley towards Kelcyra with its distant shark-tooth peaks, which guard a further gorge. We ride between these gorges until the two rivers meet. After lunch at the waterfalls of Tepelene, we drive (approximately 30 minutes) through the wide plain toward the town of Gjirokastra (City of 1,000 Steps). The well-preserved town is perched on the steep side of the Drino Valley, overlooking snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, we take a cultural tour through the city and explore narrow cobbled alleys and 18^th-century Ottoman houses. We also visit a 13th-century castle and learn about the fascinating history of this town, which has seen many rulers and has inspired poets, authors and artists.

Accommodation: Hotel Cajupi (or similar)

Distance covered: 29mi (46km)

Ascent: 1,148ft (350m); Descent: 1,706ft (520m)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we load the bikes on to the support vehicle and transfer up to Muzina Pass (approximately 45 minutes), the gateway to southern Albania, for a spectacular downhill ride to Sarandë. On the Ionian Coast, Sarandë is sandwiched between the high mountains and the sea and is close to the ancient remains of Butrint, which we visit on the way. A Unesco World Heritage site, Butrint is very close to the Greek border and is one of the most important archeological sites in the country, with origins back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. We have lunch at the site and continue along the coast to Sarandë.

Accommodation: Hotel Nertili (or similar)

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Ascent: 2,379ft (725m); Descent: 4,216ft (1,285m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Climbing steeply out of Sarandë to a rocky plateau, we enjoy a spectacular coastal ride over cols into bays and around headlands. Always with the mountains to the right and sea to the left, we continue along before descending to Himarë, a small Communist-era fishing village with a small promenade filled with cafes, restaurants and ice cream stands. There is plenty of time for a swim in the Ionian Sea, and our hotel is a short walk to Potam Beach.

Accommodation: Hotel Prinos or Hotel Dhima (or similar)

Distance covered: 34mi (54km)

Ascent: 3,491ft (1,064m); Descent: 3,491ft (1,064m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s route is as challenging as it is spectacular as we cycle the most demanding ride of the tour; it will show you how strong you have become. In the morning, there is a climb out of Himarë, which naturally is rewarded with an enjoyable downhill. We then have another climb before our coffee break. That’s followed by a nice downhill, but we must climb again before we regroup.

We then face a long, steady ascent to the Llogara pass. At 3,422ft (1,043m) above sea level, this climb is optional, so if you think it is too much then you can jump in the support vehicle. However, if you are looking for an extra challenge, this climb comes with a real sense of achievement, and the views are fantastic.

At the pass (which you will also see if you take the van), it is possible to see across to Italy on a clear day. We recommend taking a warmer layer for reaching the top of the pass. From here you enter Llogara National Park, home to black pine, Eurasian otter and golden eagles. The park is a scenic expanse of protected woodland that encompasses the forests on the northern side of the Llogora Pass. We begin to descend and have lunch in the national park. In the afternoon, we continue descending towards our hotel, which is by the sea just outside the city. Here we can relax and take a dip in the sea, the perfect reward for a hard day’s cycle.

Accommodation: Hotel Coral (or similar)

Distance covered: 40mi (65km)

Ascent: 5,348ft (1,630m); Descent: 5,348ft (1,630m)

Meals included: Breakfast

This cycling tour of Albania comes to an end after breakfast. But if you’d like a muscle-soothing post-trip break, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in our hotel by the sea in Vlorë.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our 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 cycling days: six
Vehicle support (with limited seats)

Terrain and route: 100 percent paved, where some sections are in a poor condition with potholes and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some long, gradual climbs. The optional climb on Day 7 (3,422ft/1,043m) is the most challenging, although there is always the option of the support vehicle to get you up to the pass. We aim to use quiet roads where possible, although on one occasion we need to pass busy sections to reach quiet roads beyond.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Millennium, Rruga e Drilonit 1, Tushemisht 7304
Phone: +355 68 228 3911
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately three hours’ 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.

Make your own way

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs €120 and should take three hours.  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 the airport 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: Pogradec
Location end: Vlore

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.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

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

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and two dinners included.

Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country and particularly Mediterranean combining Turkish, Greek and Italian tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced.

Under the leadership of Enver Hoxha (the communist leader of Albania from 1944 to 1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to the world. However, owing to the fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much a subsistence culture and show very few 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, while fish dishes might include trout or whitebait. Courses often come in meze form, complemented by a variety of vegetables, salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. Your guide will recommend the best options when in the towns.

Weather

Albania has a temperate, Mediterranean climate. The first day of spring is 15 March and things really start to hot 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 between 20C and 35C (68F and 95F). Summer days are long with sunrise before 6am and sunset after 8.30pm.

TRIP

MVA - Cycling in Albania

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels and guesthouses

On this door-to-door cycling adventure, we mostly stay in three- or four-star hotels and guesthouses. These are well located for our adventure but, with tourism still developing in Albania, relatively modest. Below are a couple of hotels our guests typically enjoy.

Gërmenj: Farma Sotira (night 2)

Cycling in Albania

In a tranquil valley within Germenj-Shelegur National Park and with fresh water running down from the mountains, Farma Sotira is a tranquil place to stay. It is also a working farm, so dinner is mainly created from homegrown produce and prepared using traditional methods. We sleep in two-room wooden cabins (each room has twin beds). Each cabin has a communal bathroom.

Sarandë: Hotel Nertili (night 5)

Cycling in Albania

The waters of the Ionian take centre stage at the beachfront Hotel Nertili. There’s also a private beach area with sundecks and parasols, plus a bar and restaurant with a sea-view terrace.

Worth knowing

Single accommodation is available on request. Please note, single rooms may not be available in the guesthouses in Germenj and Benje due to a limited number of rooms.
The hotels we use in Himarë (Hotel Prinos or Hotel Dhima) and Guesthouse Coli are more basic than the other hotels used on this trip. While basic, all are ideally located for our adventures (the Himarë options are by the beach and Guesthouse Coli by thermal springs).

TRIP

MVA - Cycling in Albania

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

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Cycling in Albania

4.7/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1349

Cycling in Albania

Discover the beauty of this previously isolated country by bike

6 Days of Cycling

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Pogradec Vlore

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Albania

Passport

Visa

Albania

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels and guesthouses

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Arjan Mucalla

Alex Morris

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Briliant Guide and Support

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Hot and exhilarating

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Just what we wanted!

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Amazing Country Disappointing Guiding

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Cycling in Albania week of 15th June

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Authentic Albanian Adventure

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Balkan escapade

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Rivers, hills and swims

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Cycling in Albania

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A Excellent Trip

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