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Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

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102 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviews

Cycling in Albania: Big Hills, great food!

Cycling in Albania is not easy, but is rewarding. The views commanded from some of the many climbs were spectacular. We enjoyed staying in some of the more remote parts of the country and then on to the slightly more commercialised coast. The evenings were great fun, with superb food, and an interesting group of cyclists. Despite the mixed ability almost everyone completed every ride including the final climb over Llogara pass.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly the climb up the Llogara pass felt like quite an achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dhimo (Group Leader) and Juli (Driver/Support) were fantastic. A great couple of guys. Attentive to all our needs, sociable and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled late Sept and it was a cooler than expected early morning and in the evenings. Definitely pay attention to the grading and daily ascents in the trip notes. It's not an easy trip. The notes describe it being chilly at the top of the Llogara pass. You soon cool down and then it feels pretty cold. We were all very pleased to take refuge in the bar at the top and glad to be served soup for lunch in the bar a few minutes into the descent. The lunches everywhere are huge and delicious. You won't go hungry.

A trip worth taking

Beautiful scenery, interesting country, real contrast between the mountainous interior and scenic coastline, lovely food, great weather and lovely friendly people – both locals and in our group. This was definitely a trip worth taking.
Cycling was good and like many other reviewers,we thought this was more challenging than its current grading.
We couldn’t believe how little we spent over the week – though to be honest there wasn’t much to buy, other than the essentials.

Most Inspirational Moment

I wouldn't say inspirational but waking up on day 1 to find we'd arrived at a stunning lakeside location the night before was a great start to a week that just got better. The guest house stay was a lovely setting at the end of a beautiful but challenging ride on day 1. The final ride over the Llogara pass in temperatures of 33 degrees was - er character building.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, well organized, calm and friendly - looked after us well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for the challenges of the riding - I don't remember any days that didn't include climbing ( though not particularly steep), but some had more than others - much more enjoyable if you're prepared for that. If you struggle with high temperatures, then earlier or later in the season might be better - June was very hot.

Beautiful Albania!

Had read the reviews before going and it lived up to expectations!
Fab scenery, food and great cycles!

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying on the bike and not taking the van!!! Was not always on the bike ( especially on the last day)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arian ( ? Correct spelling) cycled with us every day. He was initially quiet and reserved but as the trip progressed he was more relaxed and really looked after us very well. Just a lovely guy! Armaund was very organised and everything went smoothly!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have done about 7 to 8 moderate trips!! In my opinion this was a Challenging trip. Doing 2 cycles (what I did) is not enough preparation for this trip!! PLEASE do HILLS before you go!!!

Started off fraught…but ended up being amazing…!!

Started off fraught…but ended up being amazing…!!

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!!

Outstanding trip!

I enjoyed this trip even more than I had hoped – the country is so interesting, the scenery glorious and the food wonderful! Our guide was proficient and professional and ensured the whole week provided fun, variety and (optional) challenges!

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.

Excellent cycling trip

This was an excellent holiday. Great cycling, fabulous food, and an interesting itinerary. I would definitely recommend it.

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.

Albanian Adventure

Beautiful country, great group, interesting cycling with a challenge on the last day. A hugely enjoyable week.

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.

Recommended

A wonderful trip to an interesting country that few of us know much about. The cycling was – well, I think challenging is the word for the first and last day – certainly at the upper end of “moderate” if not beyond moderate, and that would include the opinion of the very experienced cyclists in the group – but don’t let that put you off, as my wife and I, who cycle maybe 10 miles a week at the most, all on the flat, coped with the very mountainous terrain and significant distances. Food was great, if a bit monotonous (and good for non-meat eaters), accommodation varied from a little basic (but perfectly clean and acceptable) in the more rural areas, to fairly good in other areas. Roads were a bit mixed, with quite a lot of areas of potholes and uneven surfaces; traffic was very light and very respectful of cyclists; people were very friendly (although there is not much people-to-people contact), and the landscape was beautiful

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.

Cycling Albania (MVA)

If your thinking about booking this trip and not sure… Here is my review.

With shameful ignorance I knew almost nothing of Albania before I went, Macedonia way… Ex-communist country… I didn’t even know the currency however I have come away with a very good impression of the country and it’s friendly people, the food, history, geography and scenery.

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!

Cycle Albania - Do it

Great holiday. Who knew Albania is so beautiful. The trip covers a lot of the south – interior and coastline. Great guide – helpful and knowledgeable always taking time to tell us about his country. The maps Armand provided each day with each leg of the route were great as they are a good reminder of the trip (and helps to remind me of the place names!) Some tough climbs but so worth it. Also some exhilarating downhills with very little traffic. Loved the food – although could have done without the chips – I think they were served just for us.

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.