Albania Cycle (From Mountain Plateaux To The Albanian Riviera) 8D7N, Fully Guided

Making your own way from the airport, your adventure begins in Pogradec at your hotel on the shore of the serene Lake Ohrid, approximately 3 hrs drive.

The day is yours to relax and enjoy this beautiful lakeside setting. Venture into town on your own to discover some of the beautiful sights of the city and delight in some of the best Mediterranean and traditional Albanian cuisine in the exquisite restaurant available.

Alternatively, simply unwind at your hotel with a lovely short stroll to the beach or bask in the elating views of the lake and the breathtaking surroundings from the large and furnished terrace. Savour delightful local dishes at the onsite restaurant and bar where the hotel’s signature dish is the Orchid trout.

Level 4, Approx. 72 km (45 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1150 m (3773 ft), Elevation loss: 1050 m (3445 ft)

Today, conquer begin with one of the most demanding days of your trip. After a speedy transfer to Korçë, we get on our bicycles and leave the agricultural plateau behind. We begin our ascent gradually into the border mountains, passing through a landscape of barren rock lined with patches of wildflowers. In the distance, Grammoz Mountain can be seen, and after over the Barmash Pass at an elevation of 1159 metres, you will arrive at Gërmenj, which is nestled in its own peaceful valley.

You’ll stay at Farma Sotira, a quaint functioning trout farm located in a charming valley. Unwind in your cosy wooden cabins that contains two rooms. Each cabin of two rooms has a communal bathroom. Tantalise your tastebuds with a delightful dinner of organic ingredients that are grown and acquired on the farm. End your evening, unwinding by the blazing open fire while enjoying a bottle of Korçë beer or a glass of homemade wine.

Level 4, Approx. 60 km (37 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 687 m (2554 ft), Elevation loss: 1352 m (4436 ft)

In the morning, we will make our way up from Germenj to a high grassy plateau close to the Greek border. You will be surrounded on all sides by towering peaks as you make your way to the origin of the River Vjosa, and then you will descend through its breathtaking gorge to reach Leskovik.

We keep going downhill until we reach Çarshove, and then we take the corniche way to go to Benje, which is perched on a ridge above the river. Following lunch at our idyllic guesthouse’s terrace located close to a steaming hot spring, we make the quick journey there to soak and relax our tired muscles in the warm embracing waters. Revitalise back at the hotel where you’ll enjoy dinner of homegrown produce on the tranquil terrace.

You’ll stay at a family-run guesthouse just distance from thermal springs and the Ottoman bridge. Unwind in your ensuite rooms or savour the serene views from the veranda.

Level 4, Approx. 46 km (29 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 350 m (1148 ft), Elevation loss: 520 m (1706 ft)

If not the simplest day, today is certainly near the top. We travel further along the valley in the direction of Kelcyra, with its distant shark-tooth peaks touching the sky and guarding an additional gorge. We ride through these gorges till the epic junction of the two rivers. After having lunch at the Tepelene Waterfalls, we will go on a 30-minute journey through the vast plain in the direction of the town of Gjirokastra known as The City of Stone. The settlement has been carefully conserved, and it is situated on the side of a steep valley that overlooks lush greenery.

In the afternoon, we embark on a cultural excursion through the city and explore its winding, cobblestoned lanes as well as Ottoman houses from the 18th century. We also go to the castle that was built in the 13th century and learn about the rich history of this town, which has been ruled by many different people throughout the years and has been an inspiration to many poets, novelists, and artists.

After our exploration of the city we journey to our hotel. Located in the city of Gjirokastër, just beneath the Gjirokastër Castle is the amazing Hotel Cajupi. A 4-star haven, relax in your comfortable ensuite rooms, the perfect location with a flawless and charming atmosphere.

Level 4, Approx. 70 km (44 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 725 m (2379 ft), Elevation loss: 1285 m (4216 ft)

After a pleasing breakfast, we load the bikes onto a support vehicle and take a 45-minute trip up to Muzina Pass, the doorway to southern Albania, for a breathtaking ride downhill to Sarandë. In addition to being close to the historic ruins of Butrint, which we stop to see on the route to Sarandë, which is situated on the Ionian Coast, the city is also surrounded by towering mountains and a beautiful sea.

Located very close to the Greek border is the recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in Butrint. Its history can be traced back to both the Greeks and the Romans. After having lunch at the location, we travel farther along the coast of Sarandë.

In the evening, we make our way to the idyllic beachfront hotel, Hotel Nertili. Take a lovely stroll to its private beach with sun loungers or bask in the sea views from the terrace.

Level 4, Approx. 54 km (34 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1064 m (3490 ft), Elevation loss: 1064 m (3490 ft)

After making a strenuous climb down out of the horseshoe-shaped town Sarandë and into a rocky plateau, we take pleasure in a breathtaking ride down the coast, which takes us over cols, into bays, and around headlands.

We continue along before descending to Himarë, a small fishing village that was established during the communist era and features a small promenade that is lined with cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stands. There we stand between two breathtaking scenery, The hills of olive grove to our right and the Ionian sea to our left. With ample time, take a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea where your hotel for tonight is a short walk to Potam Beach.

You’ll stay at Hotel Rondos, set right on a pebbly beach equipped with free-to-use parasols and sun loungers. Come evening, savour seafood and international specialties from the onsite restaurant or venture into the centre of Himare boasting an array of cafes and restaurants.

Level 4, Approx. 65 km (40 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1630 m (5348 ft), Elevation loss: 1630 m (5348 ft) (including the optional climb)

As we cycle the most difficult and awesome ride of the tour today, the journey will test how far you've come these past few days. As you make your way out of Himarë in the morning, there is a climb, which is followed by a rewarding and pleasurable descent. After that, we have one more ascent to do before our coffee break. After we have our break, there is a pleasant downhill, but we have another climb to complete before we can regroup. After that, we are confronted with the arduous climb leading up to the Llogara pass.

This climb at a height of 1043 metres above sea level is entirely voluntary; thus, if you believe that it will be too difficult for you, you can get in the backup/support vehicle. If, on the other hand, you feel you are up to the task, this climb will provide you with a genuine sense of accomplishment, and the scenery is breathtaking. When standing on the pass itself (which you will also see if you take the van), on a bright and clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Italy. When climbing to the summit of the pass, it is a good idea to bring along a warmer layer.

From this point, you will reach Llogara National Park, which is known for its golden eagles, Eurasian otters, and black pines. The park is a beautiful stretch of protected woodland that extends across the northern side of the Llogara Pass.

We start our descent, and stop for lunch in the ambience of the exotic National park. In the afternoon, we make our way further downhill in the direction of our hotel, which is situated by the sea on the outskirts of the city. After a long day of cycling, this is the perfect place to unwind and cool off in the feel of the water.

You’ll stay at Hotel Coral, a beautiful resort located beside its own pebbly beach. Relax your muscles soaking in the sunshine on the beach, take a refreshing dip in the picturesque outdoor pool or laze by the bar’s terrace offering serene sea views.

Savour a relaxing breakfast overlooking the sea, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.