Cycling in Albania

Name: Cycling in Albania
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (76 reviews)

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8 Days from

NZD 2,649

4.7/5 from

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MVA

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, pretty 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 border of Macedonia, 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 the UNESCO site of 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 UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint

Key Information

5 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses
6 days cycling with full vehicle support
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver. Min age 16 yrs
E-bike hire available on request, supplement from £155, USD $217 or CAD $257

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 supplement

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

Responsible Travel

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

Wherever possible, we try to use accommodations that are locally owned or at least employs local staff and uses local produce. This ensures that our money remains in the community, providing employment opportunities to the locals. In Germenj, we have a farmstay in a self-sustainable trout farm and in Benje, we stay in a guesthouse run by a local family who serves their own homegrown produce.

As a cycling trip, it allows easier access to the local communities and hence, facilitates interaction with the locals from the visits to local cafes and restaurants as well as markets to purchase traditional gifts and get a real impression of the country.

In Gjirokaster, a UNESCO designated city also known as the city of 1000 steps, the buildings and structures there are mainly made from very old stone which caused the locals to have issues with roof damages. Collapsed roofs are very costly to restore and UNESCO do not allow a cheaper alternative. As a result, our local operator provides a direct financial contribution to the locals for maintenance every year. This annual monetary donation ensures that the locals do not suffer and that the re-building is in – keeping with the rest of the city.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…

Cycling in Albania

Discover the beauty of Albania by bike on a cycling adventure with Exodus.

Recommended Trips

Cycling in Albania

Cycle North Macedonia & Northern Albania

Itinerary

Start Pogradec. Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Pogradec, situated on the shore of Lake Ohrid (approx. 3hr drive). The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy this lakeside location.

Hotel Millenium 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 wild flowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie ahead, climbing towards Grammoz Mountain and over the Barmash Pass (1159m) to Gërmenj, lying in its own tranquil valley. Here we relax at our accommodation, Farma Sotira, which is also a working trout farm. Meals here consist of organic produce that is reared or sourced from the farm itself. Once you’ve finished eating your hearty dinner, you can sit and relax by the open roaring fire in the dining area with a glass of homemade wine or a bottle of Korçë beer (Albania’s most popular).

Cycle approx. 72km, total ascent approx. 1150m, total descent approx. 1050m.

Farma Sotira Hotel or Similar

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.

Cycle approx. 60km, total ascent approx. 687m, total descent approx. 1352m.

Guesthouse Coli

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 (approx. 30 mins) through the wide plain toward the town of Gjirokastra (city of 1000 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 its narrow cobbled alleys and 18th Century Ottoman houses. We also visit the 13th Century castle and learn about the fascinating history of this town, which has seen many rulers and has inspired poets, authors and artists.

Cycle approx. 46km, total ascent approx. 350m, total descent approx. 520m.

Hotel Cajupi or Similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we load the bikes on to the support vehicle and transfer up to Muzina Pass (approx. 45 minutes), the gateway to southern Albania, for a spectacular downhill ride to Sarandë. Located 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 located very close to the Greek border and is one of the country’s most important archaeological sites, tracing its origins back to the Greeks and the Romans. We have lunch at the site and continue along the coast to Sarandë.

Cycle approx. 70km, total ascent approx. 725m, total descent approx. 1285m.

Hotel Nertili or Similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Climbing steeply out of Sarande to a rocky plateau, we enjoy a spectacular coastal ride over cols into bays and around headlands. Always with the stunning mountain scenery 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.

Cycle approx. 54km, total ascent approx. 1064m, total descent approx. 1064m.

Hotel Rondos or Similar

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. Our break is followed with a nice downhill, but we must climb yet again before we regroup. We then come face to face with the long steady ascent to the Llogara pass. At 1043m above sea level, this climb is completely 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 itself (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 located by the sea just outside of the city. Here we can relax and take a dip in the sea, the perfect reward for a hard day's cycle.

Cycle approx. 65km, total ascent approx. 1630m (including the optional climb), total descent approx. 1630m.

Hotel Coral or Similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

End Vlorë. Those on the group flight will be transferred to Tirana airport in the morning (approx. 2.5hr drive).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

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.

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/albania

Canada:  www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/albania

United Kingdom:  www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania/entry-requirements

USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Albania.html

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and 2 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 1944-1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to the world. However due to the lush fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much 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 ranging from trout to whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form complimented with a variety of succulent 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. March 15th is officially the first day of spring 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 of between 20-35 degrees Celsius. Summer days are long with sunrise before 6:00am and sunset after 8:30pm.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road

Activity Level: 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

Average daily distance 60km (37 miles)

No. of days cycling: 6

Vehicle support (with limited seats)

Terrain and route: 100% tarmac, where some sections are in a poor condition with potholes and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some long, but gradual climbs. The optional climb on day 7 (1043m) 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 in order to reach the 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.

Jacqui Cottom

Reviewed June 2022

Very enjoyable

This trip did not disappoint! I had wanted to visit Albania for some time and seeing it on two wheels was the obvious way to enjoy the scenery and surroundings. The people were friendly, the scenery varied and stunning from the mountains to the coast and the added visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint and the National Parks added to the enjoyment. The accommodation was lovely and better than we had had on previous Exodus trips and ranged from hotels on the sea front to rustic homestays. Our guide Arjan was helpful and informative and picked some great places where we could eat luch and dinner with confidence.
We found the cycling quite challenging in parts, especially day 2 when we were just warming up and then day 7 which was a killer but to be honest there wasn’t really an easy day. However, the ups mean that you also get the downs which were hugely enjoyable and worth the climb! We were all encouraged to both the big climbs on the last day. The first one was great once you managed to get out of the town, which was demanding, but then transformed into steep undulations and pretty villages with great views and an excellent long downhill. But the second climb between coffee and lunch up the switchback was quite frankly brutal, especially after the first climb of the day! It was very hot, offered no shade and little in the way of things to see on the way, although the view towards the coast was stunning. I confess to riding some of the way in the bus on that climb and I still got to enjoy the views!! The challenge was rewarding!
However, whatever your cycling ability, it is very doable as a few opted for E-bikes which seemed very sensible on reflection, the better cyclists enjoyed the challenge of completing all the climbs and there is always back up from the bus if you feel tired.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along the quiet roads and watching the nomadic farmers lead their flocks of sheep, goats and cows across the terrain whilst enjoying the snow capped mountains on each side. Also enjoyed the visit in Gjirokastra to the 18th century Ottoman house followed by dinner in the restaurant at the top of the city with the self closing roof and stunning views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arjan was very helpful and kept us all safe by talking us through each step of the journey ahead of the ride and by leading us safely together along the busier roads as we approached our hotels. He organised everything and told us about the history of the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Know your own ability, opt for e-bikes if you are unsure, don't be afraid to get a ride in the bus if needed and try to get in some practice rides ahead of the trip. Go before it changes too much as it still feels rustic.

Chris Churm

Reviewed June 2022

Albania is a beautiful place

Just returned from my first Exodus trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We were a small group of 7, plus Arjan as guide and Rimi our driver, who were both very helpful and good fun. All Arjan’s eatery recommendations were great and the food overall was excellent. You also get a lot for your money in Albania – I spent less than £200 in total the whole week. I enjoyed the variety of natural scenery on the tour.. mountains, lakes, rivers, coast.. as well as the beautiful city of Gijrokastra. I’m a reasonably fit 55 year old, cycle a couple of times per week and the level of cycling was just about right for me – a real challenge on some of the days, especially the last day, plus it was very hot!! – but the group was well supported with water and you can always take a break or even jump in the minibus if you’re flagging feeling below par. Albania is a beautiful country with incredibly friendly and humble people. I would definitely recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the final day. The morning climbs are tough, but we all made it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arjan is a great guy. Funny, calm, informative, helpful, great on the bike and he had everything in hand at every point. His food recommendations were all spot on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pick a bit of local currency up in the airport on arrival.

Helen Wardle

Reviewed May 2022

Getting a flavour of Albania

We travelled to Albania at the end of April 2022 and had a brilliant experience. Three days in the mountains followed by three days by the coast. Scenery was stunning so we ran out of superlatives to describe it. We were met by our local tour leader – Erlis- at the airport who competently organised everything. Food on the trip was very good. Mediterranean in style, lots of vegetables, fresh fish and many plates of chips. We were very well fed. Cycling was challenging particularly on the first and last days with some long ascents however the bikes supplied were pretty good and gearing coped well. All the effort was definitely worth it.
We have travelled to a few remote places around the world but Albania was completely different and well worth going to. Erlis gave us a good briefing on some of the recent history of the country opening our eyes to this part of the world.
Definitely a place to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Starting to get an understanding of this little known country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Organised everything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Eleanor Mole

Reviewed October 2019

Cycling in Albania

This was a really great cycling holiday. The moutain scenery was amazing and hardly anyone around except the odd cattle and motorist here and there. Food and accommodation were all excellent and guides were very professional, friendly and helpful. Great bikes with front suspension. Road a little bit bumpy in places but on the whole fine for cycling. Great tour leader, trainee tour leader and driver.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling upto the trout farm. A long steep climb but all in the shade and amazing smell of the pine cones. The exhilarating downhills on the bike. We had a great group and we all got on really well. Scenery every day was amazing and very tranquil. Thermal spring visit was great - water was lovely and warm. The coffee on some of our stops was amazing. Lovely food including fish, grilled vegetables, greek yoghurt, sea food risotto, seafood linguine and chips. Wine very nice in some places and very cheap too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brillant - organised everything and gave us maps, told us what was coming up next on each cycling day. Took care of all the coffee stops and restaurant ordering and everything else. Really friendly and gave us history lesson. Our leader Erlis was really well supported by Ouni (trainee leader) and Tani (driver) so we were really lucky. They also both did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a bit of fitness behind you as the climbs are steep and long in places. Take some aqua shoes as beaches and theral spring have a fair amout of pebbles. Take care on the downhills as they are very steep and windy in places.

Suggestions

Best holiday ever - book it now!

Filippo Salmina

Reviewed September 2019

Nice but not perfect

I did enjoy the cycling in those desolated monutain regions, with practically no traffic in company of our joung enthusiastic guides, as well as the way along the coast, with lot of ondulation. The hotels at the coast were nice, although concerning the meals there was room for improvement. It would have been nice to dine a couple of time in a restaurant instead of staying always at the hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

I did enjoy the cycling in those desolated monutain regions, with practically no traffic in company of our joung enthusiastic guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very helpful enthusiastic young guides.

Suggestions

The hotels at the coast were nice, although concerning the meals there was room for improvement. It would have been nice to dine a couple of time in a restaurant instead of staying always at the hotel.

Nigel Metcalfe

Reviewed September 2019

Just book it

This tour of Albania was incredible from the contrast in scenery between mountains and coast and our expert organisation from our guides, Erlis and Oni.

Most Inspirational Moment

On day 7 the ride towards Vlorë and the spectacular climb over the breathtaking Llogara Pass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis and Oni were both amazing. Great personalities, well organised, courteous and always smiling. Their history knowledge of Albania during its troubled times was also top notch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t hesitate just book the trip. Albania is such a beautiful country, away from over commercialisation. Great friendly people, lovely, healthy and wholesome food (all locally sourced). Don’t be off put by the climbs in the mountains as the bikes have a high gear ratio and there is always the minibus as an alternative option. The age group of our trip varied between 35 to 71 years. You must book this trip before the big tour companies get into Albania

Suggestions

I never knew much about Albania before this trip as the country was always a bit of a guarded secret with the old communist rule. Erlis and Oni our guides did a fantastic job of the trip and I would give it a 10 out of 10. Thank you Exodus and we’ll done Erlis and Oni

Tony Chau

Reviewed September 2019

What a nice surprise!

This is our 10th Exodus cycling trip and because we were both very busy in the summer, we didn’t have a lot of time preparing and read up about the trip. We knew next to nothing about Albania and just managed to read the trip notes once so that we know how many days to pack for and that was it. The trip turns out to be a great pleasant surprise. We thought Albania will have poor infrastructure with lots of pot holes (like Cuba or Romania) but the back roads that we rode on were great. Most of the cars are Mercedes (surprisingly) and the hotels were great European standard (most have good fast WiFI except in the mountains).

The food and drinks are cheap (even with the £ being so low because of Brexit) and the old city of Gjirokaster and Butrint were amazing.

The quality of cycling is also very good. There are quite a few climbs (especially the one on the last day) but we are never in a rush and with our keen leader encouragement, we managed most of them.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had mountains / lakes / coastal scenery; great cycling with nice climbs and descents; UNESCO sites; swim in the Med. or a modern pool and even natural thermos pools + fresh cheap food and beer. Just about perfect!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was our leader and since he did the trip more than 40 times, he knows everything there is to know. The organisation is amazing and we never have to wait for anything (coffee stop, water, food, sites, hotel check in....). Everything is time to perfection and he explains the routes (with the best maps including the profiles) everyday so that we know exactly what to expect before hand. He always brief us and ensure that we are safe. The whole group felt that we were being extremely well looked after and the food was always fresh local produce which is great (and the prices are very reasonable compare to UK!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

I didn't prepare for the trip but it would be more enjoyable if I did a bit more cycling before hand. A nice saddle is a good idea as the climbs can be long. Also, do try to spend (or exchange) your LEK before the airport since the banks/money exchange at the airport may be closed (may be it is open at the arrival hall but we were too lazy to go and find it). We had 6000 LEK left and had to buy a few bottles of expensive wines at the duty free (not a bad thing :) ) to spent it all!!

Suggestions

Just book this trip :)

John Wallace

Reviewed June 2019

A wonderful country - but an indifferent leader

The journey, the country, the route, the accommodation, the food and drink – all faultless.

However, one relies very much on the tour leader to provide insights, explanations and observations of their native country, in order to bring that country to life and bring greater richness to the experience than mere observation, as a visiting stranger, can rovide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling amidst spectacular scenery redolent of Middle Earth in a time of innocence.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Poor. He did what he had to and no more. He kept a distance from the group, erecting an impenetrable wall comprising his mobile phone and an attitude that clearly communicated that it would be best for us if we didn't trouble him by talking to him more than absolutely necessary. He had no contact with me throughout the trip, and I felt too intimidated to dare to ask him any of the many questions I had about his wonderful country. I have been on many other Exodus trips on which the leader become a friend, adviser, support and encouragement - and all-around hero.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that they get an Albania guide who truly loves their job - most of the Exodus guides I've encountered have given their hearts and souls to the execution of their duties.

Suggestions

I hope the gentleman in question can be persuaded to give more time to his paying guests and less time to his mobile phone.

Helen Clark

Reviewed June 2019

Amazing Albania

So many ‘oh wow’ moments as I was riding through Albania. Beautiful country to cycle through with the first half of the trip more rural, snow capped mountains, lakes, gorges, warm friendly locals giving you a wave as you them passed by, through to the second half of the trip being more coastal, spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera across to Corfu, pretty coastal towns and the stunning blues of the Mediterranean Sea. Albania is definitely not flat but each day was different and equally enjoyable.
The quality of the food was a real delight – delicious!

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the last and most challenging day and enjoying the camaraderie of the group. We had lots of fun and laughs! Really enjoyed the afternoon at the hot springs as well, incredible setting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis and Tani were both exceptional. Very supportive, knowledgeable, helpful and above all fantastic at their job! Very impressed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go! But get in some training before you go, ideally a few hills so you are saddle ready.

Henri Kennedy

Reviewed May 2019

Thanks for a fantastic trip

I loved every minute of this adventure. Albania is somewhere I’ve not been to before, nor had any of my friends, and it did not disappoint. It is a beautiful country with welcoming people and cycling is the best way to see it. It’s as yet unspoilt by too much modern development and is like stepping back in time but in a good way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement of cycling up the ascents and the beautiful views all the way up and from the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis (Rizvanolli) was a phenomenal leader. He had the perfect balance of being caring and being chilled. I think he is one of life's genuinely really lovely human beings. What an asset he is to Exodus and a fantastic ambassador for his country which he clearly loves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took my own pedals and cleats which I think in hindsight was a mistake. The bikes provided aren't road bikes, they're hybrid bikes by necessity and I fund my chain sometimes came off unexpectedly, so its a bit dangerous when you're clipped in as you could fall before you can release your feet. I changed the pedals back to clipless after a bit and found this a much better and safer arrangement. Also take layers as it can get chilly as you climb. Take a few energy gels or bars as I got a bit hungry.

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You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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