Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (8)

Cycling in Albania

from the Alps to the Riviera

Cycling in Albania

from the Alps to the Riviera

From USD 1935

Join us for a one-week cycling tour where you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, marvel at snow-capped mountain peaks, relax on the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera, and experience an authentic, untouched culture.

Highlights

  • Lake Ohrid
  • The Roman ruins of the city of Butrint
  • The cify of Gjirokaster
  • The Albanian Riviera
  • The coastal towns of Sarande and Himare

Discover Albania, a hidden gem often overlooked compared to its neighbors, Greece and Croatia, despite sharing the same stunning coastline. Our journey begins at Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes. From there, we venture south through breathtaking mountain landscapes and lush pine forests, staying overnight in cozy mountain huts and charming family-run hotels. Along the way, encounter friendly goat herders, elderly women guiding donkeys, and joyful children waving as we pass by. The tranquility of the route means you can count the number of passing cars on one hand some days. Our adventure culminates at the Albanian coast, where you'll find beaches as beautiful as those on the Greek and Croatian Rivieras. Join us for an unforgettable tour through Albania's untouched beauty.

8

1-16

EN

3/6

4/6

3/6

Private tour only

This trip is only offered as a private tour. Order by contacting us through the form.

Request private tour
Opening hours Phone
Mon-Fri : 08-20
Sat-Sun : 14-17
Opening hours Chat
Mon-Fri : 07-23
Sat : 10-18
Sun : 13-21
CET

Day by day

Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (7)

Day 1:To Albania and Lake Ohrid

International flights are not included in this tour, so you will need to arrange your own travel to and from Albania. Upon arrival at Tirana's airport, you will be greeted by our local Albanian partners. From there, we'll take a minibus eastward to Lake Ohrid and check into a hotel on the lake's shores. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, where you can savor the native Lake Ohrid trout!

International flights are not included in this tour, so you will need to arrange your own travel to and from Albania. Upon arrival at Tirana's airport, you will be greeted by our local Albanian partners. From there, we'll take a minibus eastward to Lake Ohrid and check into a hotel on the lake's shores. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, where you can savor the native Lake Ohrid trout!

Hotel

-,-,D

2-3 hours

Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (9)

Day 2:From Lake Ohrid to Germenje

If you're an early riser, start your day with a refreshing dip in one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes! After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a bus to Korce (approximately 45 minutes). From there, we'll begin our cycling adventure in earnest. Leaving behind Korce's flat fields, we'll gradually ascend into the mountains through a rugged landscape of cliffs and scattered vegetation. We’ll navigate gorges and valleys, heading into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains and crossing the Barmash Pass at 1,159 meters before arriving in the serene valley of Germenj. Our accommodations will be on a small farm, staying in log cabins with two bedrooms and one bathroom each. Enjoy a freshly caught fish dinner by the fireplace in the main living room.

If you're an early riser, start your day with a refreshing dip in one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes! After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a bus to Korce (approximately 45 minutes). From there, we'll begin our cycling adventure in earnest. Leaving behind Korce's flat fields, we'll gradually ascend into the mountains through a rugged landscape of cliffs and scattered vegetation. We’ll navigate gorges and valleys, heading into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains and crossing the Barmash Pass at 1,159 meters before arriving in the serene valley of Germenj. Our accommodations will be on a small farm, staying in log cabins with two bedrooms and one bathroom each. Enjoy a freshly caught fish dinner by the fireplace in the main living room.

Lodge

B,L,D

+1000m

70 km

Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (10)

Day 3:Cycling to Permet

We ride up from the Germenj valley to a flat high plateau surrounded by towering mountain peaks, reaching the source of the Vjosa River. From there, we descend through the spectacular gorge to Leskovik, continuing down to Carshove, and then follow the river route to Benje, perched on a steep hill by the river. This spot is locally renowned for its cuisine and raki. After lunch, we'll take a short cycling trip to the hot springs, located near an ancient, picturesque stone bridge. Here, you can bathe in the river or the springs, with the mud from the riverbed known for its cleansing properties and skin benefits. We return to the guest house at sunset for a delightful dinner at the long table on the terrace.

We ride up from the Germenj valley to a flat high plateau surrounded by towering mountain peaks, reaching the source of the Vjosa River. From there, we descend through the spectacular gorge to Leskovik, continuing down to Carshove, and then follow the river route to Benje, perched on a steep hill by the river. This spot is locally renowned for its cuisine and raki. After lunch, we'll take a short cycling trip to the hot springs, located near an ancient, picturesque stone bridge. Here, you can bathe in the river or the springs, with the mud from the riverbed known for its cleansing properties and skin benefits. We return to the guest house at sunset for a delightful dinner at the long table on the terrace.

Guesthouse

B,L,D

+615m

60 km

Albania@MedinaRrokja

Day 4:Cycling to Telepene and on to Gjirokaster

After breakfast, we continue cycling through the valley toward Kelcyra, with pointed mountain peaks visible in the distance. We ride between the mountains to Drinos and along another river gorge. Following lunch at the Telepene waterfall, we board the bus for a half-hour journey across the wide plains to Gjirokaster, the City of a Thousand Steps, perched high on the mountainside. In the afternoon, we'll stroll through the city, visit the fortress, and explore the narrow cobbled streets and old Ottoman houses from the 18th century. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we continue cycling through the valley toward Kelcyra, with pointed mountain peaks visible in the distance. We ride between the mountains to Drinos and along another river gorge. Following lunch at the Telepene waterfall, we board the bus for a half-hour journey across the wide plains to Gjirokaster, the City of a Thousand Steps, perched high on the mountainside. In the afternoon, we'll stroll through the city, visit the fortress, and explore the narrow cobbled streets and old Ottoman houses from the 18th century. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Hotel

B,L,D

+420m

46 km

Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (20)

Day 5:Cycling to the Albanian Riviera

We take the bus out of Gjirokaster and up to the Muzina Pass, the gateway to southern Albania. Our destination today is Saranda, nestled between the blue Ionian Sea and high mountains. Along our cycling route, we'll stop for lunch and visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint, one of Europe's most significant archaeological sites with origins in Roman and Greek antiquity. The final leg of our ride is short and easy. Once we reach Saranda, you might be tempted by a refreshing dip in the sea before we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

We take the bus out of Gjirokaster and up to the Muzina Pass, the gateway to southern Albania. Our destination today is Saranda, nestled between the blue Ionian Sea and high mountains. Along our cycling route, we'll stop for lunch and visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint, one of Europe's most significant archaeological sites with origins in Roman and Greek antiquity. The final leg of our ride is short and easy. Once we reach Saranda, you might be tempted by a refreshing dip in the sea before we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Hotel

B,L,D

70 km

Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (21)

Day 6:To Himare between mountains and sea

Today, we embark on an exhilarating bike ride with steep ascents and descents, leaving Saranda behind as we climb to a cliff-filled mountain plateau. We then speed down towards idyllic sea bays and pass through charming villages, with the dazzling blue sea on our left and majestic mountains towering on our right. In the distance, we can glimpse the Greek holiday island of Corfu. Finally, the route levels out at the long beach of Himare Bay. The afternoon is ours to enjoy with the Ionian Sea!

Today, we embark on an exhilarating bike ride with steep ascents and descents, leaving Saranda behind as we climb to a cliff-filled mountain plateau. We then speed down towards idyllic sea bays and pass through charming villages, with the dazzling blue sea on our left and majestic mountains towering on our right. In the distance, we can glimpse the Greek holiday island of Corfu. Finally, the route levels out at the long beach of Himare Bay. The afternoon is ours to enjoy with the Ionian Sea!

Hotel

B,L,D

7 hours

+1060m

54 km

Albania-2014@GeirAmundsen (1)

Day 7:Last day on the bikes

Today's cycling stage is as spectacular as it is challenging. We ascend from sea level to the Llogara Pass, 1,000 meters above the bright blue Ionian Sea, navigating tight turns as we climb higher and higher. The national park here is home to black pine, Eurasian otters, and golden eagles. On clear days, you can even glimpse the southern Italian mainland in the distance. After a lunch stop at the top, we cruise down towards the town of Vlora, heading to our hotel just before town, where we'll park our bikes for good. The best reward for today's effort is relaxing with a cold refreshment on the hotel's private beach, followed by our final dinner together at the hotel.

Today's cycling stage is as spectacular as it is challenging. We ascend from sea level to the Llogara Pass, 1,000 meters above the bright blue Ionian Sea, navigating tight turns as we climb higher and higher. The national park here is home to black pine, Eurasian otters, and golden eagles. On clear days, you can even glimpse the southern Italian mainland in the distance. After a lunch stop at the top, we cruise down towards the town of Vlora, heading to our hotel just before town, where we'll park our bikes for good. The best reward for today's effort is relaxing with a cold refreshment on the hotel's private beach, followed by our final dinner together at the hotel.

Hotel

B,L,D

+1630m

64 km

185096462

Day 8:To Tirana and homeward bound

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Albania and the wonderful friends we've made on this journey. Participants are free to arrange their onward travels, whether it's heading to the airport for their journey home or continuing on to another exciting destination. Rest assured, we have plenty of suggestions to keep your adventure spirit alive and inspire your next trip!

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Albania and the wonderful friends we've made on this journey. Participants are free to arrange their onward travels, whether it's heading to the airport for their journey home or continuing on to another exciting destination. Rest assured, we have plenty of suggestions to keep your adventure spirit alive and inspire your next trip!

B,-,-

2 hours

International flights are not included in this tour, so you will need to arrange your own travel to and from Albania. Upon arrival at Tirana's airport, you will be greeted by our local Albanian partners. From there, we'll take a minibus eastward to Lake Ohrid and check into a hotel on the lake's shores. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, where you can savor the native Lake Ohrid trout!

Hotel

-,-,D

2-3 hours

If you're an early riser, start your day with a refreshing dip in one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes! After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a bus to Korce (approximately 45 minutes). From there, we'll begin our cycling adventure in earnest. Leaving behind Korce's flat fields, we'll gradually ascend into the mountains through a rugged landscape of cliffs and scattered vegetation. We’ll navigate gorges and valleys, heading into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains and crossing the Barmash Pass at 1,159 meters before arriving in the serene valley of Germenj. Our accommodations will be on a small farm, staying in log cabins with two bedrooms and one bathroom each. Enjoy a freshly caught fish dinner by the fireplace in the main living room.

Lodge

B,L,D

+1000m

70 km

We ride up from the Germenj valley to a flat high plateau surrounded by towering mountain peaks, reaching the source of the Vjosa River. From there, we descend through the spectacular gorge to Leskovik, continuing down to Carshove, and then follow the river route to Benje, perched on a steep hill by the river. This spot is locally renowned for its cuisine and raki. After lunch, we'll take a short cycling trip to the hot springs, located near an ancient, picturesque stone bridge. Here, you can bathe in the river or the springs, with the mud from the riverbed known for its cleansing properties and skin benefits. We return to the guest house at sunset for a delightful dinner at the long table on the terrace.

Guesthouse

B,L,D

+615m

60 km

After breakfast, we continue cycling through the valley toward Kelcyra, with pointed mountain peaks visible in the distance. We ride between the mountains to Drinos and along another river gorge. Following lunch at the Telepene waterfall, we board the bus for a half-hour journey across the wide plains to Gjirokaster, the City of a Thousand Steps, perched high on the mountainside. In the afternoon, we'll stroll through the city, visit the fortress, and explore the narrow cobbled streets and old Ottoman houses from the 18th century. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Hotel

B,L,D

+420m

46 km

We take the bus out of Gjirokaster and up to the Muzina Pass, the gateway to southern Albania. Our destination today is Saranda, nestled between the blue Ionian Sea and high mountains. Along our cycling route, we'll stop for lunch and visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint, one of Europe's most significant archaeological sites with origins in Roman and Greek antiquity. The final leg of our ride is short and easy. Once we reach Saranda, you might be tempted by a refreshing dip in the sea before we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Hotel

B,L,D

70 km

Today, we embark on an exhilarating bike ride with steep ascents and descents, leaving Saranda behind as we climb to a cliff-filled mountain plateau. We then speed down towards idyllic sea bays and pass through charming villages, with the dazzling blue sea on our left and majestic mountains towering on our right. In the distance, we can glimpse the Greek holiday island of Corfu. Finally, the route levels out at the long beach of Himare Bay. The afternoon is ours to enjoy with the Ionian Sea!

Hotel

B,L,D

7 hours

+1060m

54 km

Today's cycling stage is as spectacular as it is challenging. We ascend from sea level to the Llogara Pass, 1,000 meters above the bright blue Ionian Sea, navigating tight turns as we climb higher and higher. The national park here is home to black pine, Eurasian otters, and golden eagles. On clear days, you can even glimpse the southern Italian mainland in the distance. After a lunch stop at the top, we cruise down towards the town of Vlora, heading to our hotel just before town, where we'll park our bikes for good. The best reward for today's effort is relaxing with a cold refreshment on the hotel's private beach, followed by our final dinner together at the hotel.

Hotel

B,L,D

+1630m

64 km

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Albania and the wonderful friends we've made on this journey. Participants are free to arrange their onward travels, whether it's heading to the airport for their journey home or continuing on to another exciting destination. Rest assured, we have plenty of suggestions to keep your adventure spirit alive and inspire your next trip!

B,-,-

2 hours

What's included in the price

Included

All transport as specified in the programme.

Accommodation in a shared double room

All meals as specified in the programme.

For the luggage.

Good bikes, bike helmet, bike bag, drinking bottle and all common equipment.

Not Included

It is important to check whether the departure is guaranteed or not before you book your flight tickets for the journey. On each departure, we must have a minimum number of confirmed participants before we can guarantee the departure.

In addition to those provided at mealtimes and alcholic drinks 

To local guides and helpers. Tips are a normal and expected part of being a tourist in many of the destinations we visit. This is given in cash during the tour, and therefore cannot be included in the tour price. (approx. 10-20 Euro per person)

Per request. Applies to hotels.

Terms and Conditions 

We reserve the right to change prices. The day by day program is indicative and changes may occur. We also refer to our general travel conditions.

Travel Insurance 

On all our trips, we require you to have full health and accident insurance which will also cover any transport home. read more about travel insurance.

Highlights

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Safety & Grading

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  • 24 hour emergency response
  • Guides trained in wilderness first aid
  • Basic medication and first aid kits available

Physical level

3/6 Physical

Some segments of the journey may prove challenging. It's essential to possess a solid level of fitness prior to departure. Persistence will be required in reaching the trip's goal.

Comfort level

4/6 Comfort

Simple to good quality inns, such as small family hotels, B&Bs and agrotourism (farmhouses), usually with private bathrooms.

Risk level

3/6 Risk

Activities/trips with some risk. Certain incidents may occur, and they may be of such a nature that they may require professional help.

Training and Preparations

This is a moderately physically demanding trip with day stages of between 50 and 70 kilometers on the bike, so it is very advisable that you have cycled a fair amount in advance of the trip. The roads are mainly asphalt, but we will also ride some on gravel. There is little traffic, and there is mostly only one road to follow.

We have an accompanying bus all the way, so there is no danger if for some reason you want to take it easy; but we assume that you are there to cycle as much as possible.

Visas, Vaccinations and Health

Before embarking on our journey together, we kindly remind all tour participants to check their respective country's visa status and vaccination requirements. Ensuring your travel documents are in order is a crucial step in guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free adventure. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of return.

 

If you are over 67, you should have a thorough medical check-up before the trip. Make the doctor aware that it is a trip with physical exertion and where we move off the beaten track.

It is important that you fill in all parts of the registration form (especially where we ask for information about health and allergies), and let us know if there is anything we need to be aware of before and during the trip. Relevant health information that may have an impact on the tour must also be communicated to the guide at the start of the tour. Note - If you are on regular medication, have known allergies or the like, you must always have your personal medication with you.

Additional Information

We use good hybrid bikes (Giant Roam) with aluminum frames and Shimano gears. We spend the night in mountain huts and small family-run hotels and guesthouses. Accommodation in a shared double room.

It is not everywhere easy to get hold of gluten-free wholemeal bread, lactose-free alternatives or to accommodate other dietary requirements. Enter it in the registration form if you have allergies and we will try to accommodate as best we can. We would still recommend that those who have special dietary needs bring some alternatives in the form of, for example, a packet of crackers, energy bars or similar that you know you can eat.

Equipment list

This list is intended as a guideline, so that we have what we need regardless of the weather we get on the trip. Remember that you can also get used hiking equipment that works perfectly. Get in touch if you have any questions. TIP: We recommend that you have the most important hiking equipment in your hand luggage, for example hiking boots and gore-tex jacket/trousers.

Obligatory

Clothing

Not too thick, bring more layers if necessary. Top and bottom.

We recommend thin wool.

With padding.

Fleece or wool. 

Gore-Tex or similar. Must have a decent hood, and hold out wind and rain. Should have space for midlayers underneath. Ventilation under the arms is recommended. 

Gore-Tex or similar. Must hold out wind and rain. Ventilation zippers along the legs is recommended.

Full-finger gloves, for protection.

Equipment

Avoid bringing a suitcase, they are more difficult to transport between hotels.

Personal medicines and, for example, band-aids, blister plaster, sports tape, throat lozenges, nasal drops, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen, stomach regulators, etc.
We need to know about all medicines you are taking, in case something happens. 

Tooth brush, tooth paste, small towel, ear plugs, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc.

Need to fit in a standard bottle holder on the bike.

Passport, tickets, bank card, proof of vaccination andproof of insurance. Remember to have a copy of important documents on your phone and/or somewhere in your bag. 

Recommended

Clothing

Thin, ultra light.

Equipment

Remember new/extra batteries.

Useful

Clothing

For evenings and leasure days.

Equipment

If you dont like biking with a backpack. The pack has to fit on the handlebar.

Resorb, electrolytes, isotonic drink etc. For energy, fluid balance and taste.

Nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.

If you are used to and prefer this. 

Packing Tips

Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers along the coast and cooler, wetter winters. Inland, summers are warm, while winters can be quite cold, especially in the mountains where snow is common. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. The equipment list is designed for travel during late summer and early autumn season.

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Testimonial

"A varied trip with a pleasant group, good guides, great nature and good food."

– Linda, 2019