Most Inspirational Moment
Majestic views & eagles!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very convivial and informative
Advice for Potential Travellers
Have no worries!
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Balkan escapade
Wonderful trip with good leader & driver as well as excellent group participation
Rivers, hills and swims
An interesting counter-point to the longer Balkans’ cycling trip, which finishes in N Albania. Mostly excellent routes (although traffic around the Ionian coast was sometimes awful) taking in the spectacular Vjosa river, Gjirokaster and the coast. Albania’s in the throes of a development revolution – go now before it’s completely overrun by N Europeans in camper vans
Most Inspirational Moment
The views along the Vjosa river - and watching fireflies during dinner at the Coli guesthouse ("Hani i Coles"). A testament to life before agri-business, although damned hard work for those still farming in semi-traditional ways
Thoughts on Group Leader
Professional and proud Albanian. This translated into clear route briefings / handling of the coffee kitty / food advice etc - but having previously completed the Balkans' trip I was expecting more insights into Albania itself
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be interested! And don't be intimidated by the distances or gradients. The traffic in and around Sarandë is awful, but fortunately only represents a few hours out of the whole trip
Cycling in Albania
Excellent
Most Inspirational Moment
The final climb
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
A great trip
A Excellent Trip
A well guided and planned trip through an amazing country
Most Inspirational Moment
Having my very own log burning stove in my cabin at the trout farm!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erlis was amazing. Excellent English, higly educated and looked after every aspect of our wellbeing
Advice for Potential Travellers
Albania pretty much accept euros everywhere. There are some big steep climbs so unless you are super fit or a regular hill climber take an e-bike! Out of 16 on our tour 11 were e-bikes.
Surprised by Albania
I expected Albania to be quite pretty, I was not prepared for breathtakingly beautiful scenery around every turn. The scale of the relatively untouched wilderness is staggering. Ok getting to see all this wonder does take a bit of climbing which my husband loved, I loved the well maintained e-bike which made the whole trip much more enjoyable. The decent on the second day was possibly my favourite bit but the whole holiday was a joy. We received a warm welcome wherever we went, especially in the guest house and the freshly prepared food was a bonus. Well organised, mostly quiet roads, if you don’t like climbing – do it on an e-bike!
Most Inspirational Moment
The staggering scenery.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Erlis was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The second night in the mountains was long trousers and a jumper chilly at the end of April.
Wonderful
Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Wonderful country, excellent staff and amazing downhills. The e-bikes were amazing – much more powerful than my own e-bike at home. Good food too and great choice of coffee stops, restaurants etc. The rest of the group were all lovely and I laughed A LOT.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably the first day downhills - they made me sing. But also climbing up Llogara pass on the last day trying to use as little battery as possible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julian was wonderful. Great sense of humour and always did all he could to make us all happy. Good knowledge of Albanian culture, history, songs, language etc, which is something I enjoy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some insect bit me in my hotel room in Gjirokastra. So close your windows! If you want to buy gifts/souvenirs, Gjirokastra was probably the best and most convenient place to do some shopping. Try and learn a couple of greetings in Albanian for when you pass locals on the way. Making an effort goes a long way. You need to be cycling fit - even on an ebike, it helps.
A WONDERFUL WEEK!
I was curious to find out about Albania. The Exodus circular itinerary gives an excellent overview of the south of the country. The tour reflects the variety of landscapes and experiences Albania has to offer.
The lake at Podgradec is a lovely starting point and excellent for swimming. There were a few dogs wandering around but they were friendly, one of them playfully stole a pink flip flop from the beach but gave it to me after I went after him!
The cycle rides were varied and interesting. I opted for an e-bike so that took the anxiety away climbing the hills and if I stopped for a photo then I could easily catch up with the group. I loved the decents, my e-bike had a small screen showing speed and battery information. On one occasion I reached 55k downhill!
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the food. The freshly prepared locally sourced food was impressive. Usually, we had a variety of dishes, nearly always a tasty salad, bread, sometimes chips, delicious savoury spinach pastries, lovely cream cheese. The barbecued lamb was superb as was the freshly caught barbecued trout.
The organisation of the trip was outstanding and the fact that there were 16 of us in the group didn’t phase our leader and his assistant. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
The evening we stayed at the trout farm, Farma Sotira after an exceptional dinner (and a drink or 2) we enjoyed traditional Albanian dancing taught by Julian our guide and singing with the Albanians whilst a log burning fire flickered in the atmospheric dining room. It was a night to remember.
The decent the following day was spectacular!
The thermal springs near to our next hotel were pleasantly relaxing following the cycling.
Gjirokasttra was very interesting and surprisingly touristy. There’s a very good ice cream shop near to the hotel.
The guided tour of the UNESCO site at Butrint was very good. From there we cycled to the coast where there were opportunities to swim in the fabulous Ionian Sea.
From the coast we ascended via dramatic Llogara Pass to the National Park. That really was the icing on the cake and well worth the climb. Experiencing Mount Çika inspired Lord Byron to write a poem.
The next day we left Vlorë and travelled by bus to Tirana Airport. 2 group members and I had booked an additional 2 nights in Tirana so we got the bus from the airport back to the city, very good value for 400 LEK or 4 EURO. The bus also take cards. Cards are accepted widely in Tirana but not in oher places.
Prices are very reasonable in Albania. Albania is courting the EU and are hoping to join in 2 years. EURO notes are accepted everywhere and change given in LEK (the universal exchange rate by merchants was 100LEK = 1 EURO).
The week went fast! The holiday is quite intensive and relaxation time is limited. However every day was different and every day was a joy! You can always add on a few days at the end of the holiday if you want some down time.
Most Inspirational Moment
The decents were extraordinary! We were given the option of stopping for half an hour at a fast flowing stream Julian knew of. It wasn't in the itinerary. I'm so glad I did. It was amazing experience, having a dip to cool off. I also loved swimming in the lake and the sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julian, our guide, was outstanding, as was his asistant Enes. Their communication and organisational skills were really excellent. I felt well cared for. They genuinely wanted us to enjoy ourselves and everything was done to make sure everyone was safe and happy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you see dogs wandering around don't be alarmed. The one's we saw were calm and friendly, merely seeking attention and affection from people.
A challenging week
The trip notes did indicate that this would be a tough week (I would say more challenging than moderate) and it was true to form, even with an e-bike.. The first day was particularly hard and I would suggest splitting it up into two days to encourage a more positive start. A nice variety of scenery – farmland, forest, mountains and coast – and I enjoyed the accommodation and food, particularly in the rural areas. Would have like more of a sightseeing feel to it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top of Llogarase on the final day - beautiful scenery and feeling of exhilaration.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was very engaged, enthusiastic and encouraging. At times could have communicated more or less appropriately. Also an incredible knowledge of music!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get yourself really cycling fit and don't expect a leisurely sightseeing trip by bike (may depend on the group)
What no kettle !
Yes thats right it seems Albania hotels don’t have kettles/tea making facilities. But in reality you don’t miss it in what is a great tester of your cycling ability. Its tough but do-able for everyone. You will come home feeling less afraid to cycle those hills after a week in the Albanian mountains. Great food and plentyful with fresh salads,veg and fish. Excellent guides who went that extra mie for everyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being able to cycle for over 3 hours up spiralling mountains.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Above what you expect both Elris and the driver were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes if you want a cuppa ,bring your own small kettle and supplies.
Beautiful Albania
This was our third cycling trip with Exodus & it didn’t disappoint. Albania is a stunning country but also very mountainous so a good level of cycling fitness is necessary although there is always the option of an e bike. The scenery is incredible & the local people really friendly- they would often wave & cheer us on as we panted up the hills! We were blessed with great weather although it was very hot in the full sun & it was really Important to stay hydrated. The food was excellent & as a vegetarian I ate really well. The baked cheese was a particular favourite & there was plenty of fish or meat for those who ate it. The accommodation was mixed & varied but on the whole was really good.
Most Inspirational Moment
Beautiful Gjirokastra was definitely a highlight & I wish we could have spent longer there. The most inspirational moment though for me was cycling up the pass on the last day. As more of a runner than a cyclist I was really pleased to have done it alongside my friends.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Erlis & driver/mechanic Klodi were a great team & we were well supplied with support & water throughout the day. Erlis is a class act & has a real calm presence. His relationship with the families & staff in the hotels & restaurants was really heartwarming to see & we were always ushered straight to a prepared table where the food soon followed. His passion (& sometimes frustration) for his country was obvious & I found his talk on the subject absolutely fascinating. His grasp of the language is excellent & he could always answer any questions we had.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely train before you go as from the first day it’s a tough one & even the so called easier days are full on. If you’re there in the heat like we were, make sure to take rehydration tablets for in your water. As someone who doesn’t eat chocolate (we had chocolate & a banana each day) I’d recommend taking extra snacks, particularly salt based ones such as nuts. If you’re able I’d definitely book an extra day or 2 at the end of the trip rather than heading straight home like we did. It’s a real whistle stop trip with very little down time.