Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So this is how the story goes… One wet and rainy Tuesday morning is was chucking it down in the South East.. so all of the Motorways were bent as usual on the way to Gatwick, I finally got there at 1445 with the flight due to leave at 1615 I thought great I had made it, so queued up with the rest of the passengers to check the Bike and the rest of the Baggage in…and then I checked my Passport and guess what?? – yes it was the wrong one, I had picked my Wife’s up by mistake, there was me the biggest pl!”$ker of the day… It was a pretty bad feeling having arrived to suddenly find out that the Holiday was over even before it started… So decisions had to be made so I rang the Exodus office to see what we could do… I spoke to Marcus Fisher (what an amazing guy), he came up with all of the various options of how I could still join the trip even though it was on day 2, I ended up going back to Derby to fetch the Passport, flew to Istanbul and then Tirana, staying overnight and then a 4 hour Cab ride to join the group…and Exodus sorted it all out for me – so the customer service here was amazing – Thanks to Marcus and the team on the ground in Albania!! – I am in your debt

Thoughts on Group Leader

So to the holiday itself…everything was absolutely spot on…Unit the leader was one of the best I have ever come across and I have been on a lot of adventures over the years!! The group was great, the scenery amazing and the food was lovely…this was my first cycling holiday with Exodus and will be back for another one next year, I fancy Iceland Albania is a great place and I could not recommend it enough, Exodus have thought of everything so you will love it

Advice for Potential Travellers

One word of warning, please do some training for the climbs…you will be glad you did!!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me this trip was more than "moderate" so managing the undulations (!) was a personal achievement...especially the final day. There were so many "wow" moments in terms of the scenery and I stopped often to capture that perfect shot! Day two as we cycled toward lunch provided amazing mountain views and the coastal rides above the sparkling seas were just magnificent. Loved the guesthouse stays and the trip to the geothermal pool

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was an excellent leader - he was very calm and measured and at all times a consummate professional. I liked the fact that he stressed each day that this was a vacation and we should travel at our own speed, enjoy the ride and take photos and stop as we wished. This was perfect for me - I like to travel in that way! Junid's knowledge of his country and its history was impressive and his love for Albania shone through!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visit Albania - it is well worth it! The people were friendly and welcoming and the countryside unspoiled and beautiful. Spending money goes a long way and the meals that we had were fresh and delicious on every occasion and perfect for vegetarians and pescetarians.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing from sea level to 1000m + on the final day was really rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was an extremely professional, helpful and knowledgeable group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy it! The cycling on some days is at the more challenging end of moderate. However, I am not a regular cyclist, and I coped with the more challenging rides fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

The country itself was the real highlight, but making the top on the last day's riding was a buzz.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand (tour leader), Arjan and Dhimo (guides) worked hard throughout, did a great job and were good ambassadors for Albania. They organised the cycling so that people could go at their own speed, which I think suited everyone with no pressure to speed up/slow down.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go - before everyone else does.

Most Inspirational Moment

Succeeding in reaching the top of the pass on the last day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - personable, informative, excellent English, great cyclist, adapted well to changing conditions and a group of mixed abilities

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! Don't be misled by very-outdated tales of Albania as lawless and full of criminals . . . it is quite the opposite . . . you will feel very safe everywhere. I would suggest doing what we did - spend a day or two (no more) in Tirana before the trip to get a little oriented, see the capital, learn about Albania and Albanians.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing a 74km ride, climbing the Llogara Pass at 1000m above sea level and not stopping on very steep inclines at 15%. Long 16km downhill rides. Stunning, beautiful mountain scenery. Meeting a great mix of folk who all got on well with no group nutter (unless it was me???) I hope to ride with some again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Junid was a safe, quietly knowledgeable group leader who gave clear instructions. Who had the confidence to say enjoy your ride and not stopping to re-group every 30mins. His daily colour printed map of the route with km, elevations and inclines was superb. Junid was passionate about Albania and imparted information in a timely manner. He was a fit and skilful rider flitting from front to back to make sure we (at the back) were ok. He was always helpful, patient and considerate, working quietly away in the background to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1) Albania is not flat! Expect some pretty cheeky climbs. Some days yes the 'moderate' riding grade was entirely appropriate however other days and due to local conditions I would say it was occasionally to the tougher end of 'moderate' So one day started with an 14km potholed road (being re-built), road surface was variable from smooth tarmac to gravel bumpy track. Pretty steep sections that were >10% but only for short stretches. My hired bike was fine some had punctures and chain problems. I brought my own pedals / shoes and a softie gel seat - a blessing. 2) Pack some snacks/treats. Snacks are not common in Albania and after a 30km morning ride when you stop for a coffee to find it is 'only' coffee that can trigger a 'hangry' moment. Breakfasts were fine but basic, consisting of eggs, bread and cheese occasionally some cereal. (If your coeliac do bring your own) Lunch and dinner is simple with salads, breads, meat or fish. 3) I went in May... However pack for full Alpine weather. So yes... those thermals, gloves, waterproofs and certainly a jumper as it got pretty cold in the evening. Junid did say this was unusual weather - the worst in 5 years! 4) You ride on the right!

Most Inspirational Moment

Not caving on a 14% slope and doing the last hard climb all in one go!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Armand was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. A great group leader always available to help, take us out to great places to eat and motivate us to ride!

Advice for Potential Travellers

A rather tougher 3 rating than some of the others, but so worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

I found:* open, generous, welcoming people!* fresh, delicious food & great street snacks!* totally beautiful mountains & lakes providing fabulous cycling!*attractively  backward in some areas, everywhere felt very safe!* stunning & uncrowded World Heritage sites, fascinating history!*glorious coastal downhills to wonderful beaches, views to die for!& much more!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand(leader) is a really good man - caring, informative, articulate, efficient & FUN!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all fab, but especially enjoyed the final day's ascent to over 1000m (probably because I felt so much fitter and the sun was shining )

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand was quite superb, could not do enough to please us, every detail was looked after and he was hugely informative and passionate about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go before Albania gets on the map and becomes another mass tourist destination.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most memorable place was Gjirokastra, loved the castle and medieval houses, but the feel of the streets around our hotel was great...slow, relaxed, friendly

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand guided us with authority and a passion for his country. His desire to show us the best of the food and culture was highly rewarding. He shared his time with all group members whilst out on the road and didn't just forge ahead.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful with hygiene, most trips have upset stomachs for some reason. Take flip-flops for the thermal springs but also for the showers and bathrooms in most hotels.... Be prepare for long but not particularly steep climbs (6%)