Cycle the Balkans

Name: Cycle the Balkans
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (16 reviews)

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15 Days from

~~USD 3,299~~ USD 2,949

USD 3,864

4.6/5 from

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging

Group Size :

6 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MVU

Take to the saddle to experience the best of Europe without the tourist hordes

Spanning a swathe of southeastern Europe, the Balkansoffer the best of the continent in one intriguing package: history-drenched towns,cloud-brushing mountains and exceptional cuisine. We take to the saddle for this trip, allowing us to easilyintegrate into the lesser visited (but no less intoxicating) destinations of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Along the way, we visit the Unesco-listed lakeside town of Ohrid, tackle the ups and downs of the imposing Durmitor mountains and enjoy a sun-and-sea flop at the Bay of Kotor, a perfect end to the ride.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

Visit the Unesco-listed town of Ohrid in North Macedonia
Experience the magnificent Mavrov Lake and nationalpark
Challenge yourself against the Durmitor mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps

Key Information

11 nights in three-star hotels, two nights in guesthouses
12 days of cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
90 percent paved, 10 percent poor condition
Undulations throughout with some tough climbs
E-bikes available for an additional cost
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia

What's Included

All breakfasts and two dinners included
All accommodation
Local bike hire

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single supplement
E-bike hire

Terrain:

Undulating terrain with some tough climbs. 90 percent paved, 10 percent poor conditions

Day 2

59 km / 36.7 miles

Day 3

68 km / 42.3 miles

Day 4

55 km / 34.2 miles

Day 5

45 km / 28 miles

Day 6

41 km / 25.5 miles

Day 8

56 km / 34.8 miles

Day 9

61 km / 37.9 miles

Day 10

53 km / 32.9 miles

Day 11

43 km / 26.7 miles

Day 12

61 km / 37.9 miles

Day 13

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 14

37 km / 23 miles

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. We stay in several locally owned guest In Rudinice village, we spend the evening at a small and quiet farmstay.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
As this is a cycling holiday, it provides a low-impact way of exploring the destination.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Itinerary

Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions before we all go out for our welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

We start this morning with a transfer to beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world and one of the largest biological reserves in Europe. Upon arrival, the bikes will be unloaded and adjusted to everyone’s comfort. Our ride starts along the scenic shore towards Pogradec. After reaching Tushemisht, just 2.5mi (4km) east of Pogradec, we enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. We continue cycling in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the Monastery of St Naum. The road then takes us through Galicica National Park to Ohrid town.

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 1,970ft (600m)

Accommodation: Villa Royal View (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Lake Ohrid, we climb to a high plateau bounded by mountains. We continue to follow the gorge for a while until the hills open up, leading to a vast patchwork of individual farms in the Debar region. Our ride finishes in the city of Debar where we rest for the night.

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 1,640ft (500m)

Accommodation: Hotel Leon (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we cycle toward Lake Mavrovo, the largest artificial lake in the country. It lies in Mavrovo National Park, where deep canyons, snowy peaks, blue lakes and dense forests provide a habitat for all sorts of incredible creatures, including wolves, bears and lynx. We cycle through this diverse national park and reach our hotel at the foot of the Bistra mountains in the afternoon.

Ascent: 2,950ft (900m); descent: 1,150ft (350m)

Accommodation: Mia's Favorite Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transferring out of Mavrovo National Park, we reach the border with Kosovo. We ride through Brezovica, an area frequented by skiers in the winter, and continue into Sharri National Park, a still relatively undiscovered area home to wild boar, wolves, bear, lynx and roe deer.

Ascent: 3,280ft (1,000m); descent: 2,295ft (700m)

Accommodation: Hotel Pine (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Brezovica, we cycle up to Prevalle, another ski resort, through the forest of Kodra e Diellit before a long descent to historic Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo. This city is known in this region of the Balkans for its gastronomy and wines, traditional handicrafts and wonderful mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. This afternoon, we go on a city tour to explore the old town.

Ascent: 2,625ft (800m); descent: 4,595ft (1,400m)

Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we transfer from Prizren to Peje where we stay overnight. Today we can visit another beautiful city in Kosovo before heading to Montenegro tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel Dukagjini (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border. We start cycling from the border and enter Montenegro. We cycle down to Rozaje, a city surrounded by magnificent mountains including the peaks of Hajla and Turjak. The area is covered in large forests and abundant with flowers. We then regroup and jump in the support vehicle to cross a long tunnel, before jumping back on our bikes and continue cycling to Berana.

Ascent: 2,955ft (900m); descent: 4,920ft (1,500m)

Accommodation: Hotel Berane (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Berane behind, we cycle a flat road to the small town of Andrijevica. From here, we take a magnificent narrow road with spectacular scenery all the way up to Kolasin. On our left-hand side, we have impressive views of the Albanian Alps and we should be able to spot the mountain of Jezerca, the second-highest peak in Albania. Just before arriving at Kolasin, we regroup for a short transfer through a tunnel. After, we have a short easy ride to our hotel for tonight.

Ascent: 3,280ft (1,000m); descent: 2,460ft (750m)

Accommodation: Hotel Cile (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a short transfer to Mojkovac, we start cycling through the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in Europe. We also have the chance to see the Tara Bridge, a spectacular arch bridge made of concrete, before reaching Zabljak. The town is in the centre of the Durmitor mountains at an altitude of 4,777ft (1,456m), making it the highest town in the Balkans.

Ascent: 3,610ft (1,100m); descent: 1,640ft (500m)

Accommodation: Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our day starts with a long climb out of Zabljak. As we ascend through the Durmitor region we see the dramatic high peaks of the magnificent mountain ranges. After our challenging ride this morning, we are rewarded with a long descent to Rudinice village, where we spend the evening at a small, quiet farmstay.

Ascent: 2,625ft (800m); descent: 5,250ft (1,600m)

Accommodation: Zvono Guesthouse (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we have an easier cycle toward Nikšić, the second-largest city in Montenegro, situated at the foot of Trebjesa Hill. It is the largest municipality by area and second-most inhabited after the capital Podgorica.

Ascent: 3,610ft (1,100m); descent: 3,940ft (1,200m)

Accommodation: Hotel Trim (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a short transfer to Vilsu, we cycle to the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Medieval towns encased by dramatic mountains surround the lake and have been inhabited since antiquity. In the afternoon, we have time to visit the old city walls. For dinner, take the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the waterfront and sample the fresh seafood on offer.

Ascent: 820ft (250m); descent: 3,940ft (1,200m)

Accommodation: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Bar. From here, we cycle close to Lake Shkodra and cross the border back into Albania. This evening, we enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner in Shkodra.

Ascent: 495ft (150m); descent: 1,150ft (350m)

Accommodation: Hotel Tradita (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The trip ends today. Either began your return journey home or, if you’d like to explore some more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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

Kosovo

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Kosovo. 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.

Montenegro

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Montenegro. 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.

North Macedonia

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter North Macedonia. 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.

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.

Kosovo

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Montenegro

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

North Macedonia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and two dinners are included.

Food in the Balkans is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from the Mediterranean, combining Turkish, Greek and Italian tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Due to the fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, the Balkans still have 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 such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form with a variety of vegetables, salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. Your guide will recommend the best restaurant options in the towns.

Weather

Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro have a temperate, Mediterranean climate. March 15 is officially the first day of spring and things really start to heat 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 20C-35C (68F-95F). Summer days are long with sunrise before 6am and sunset after 8.30pm. Evenings tend to be cooler, so it is a good idea to bring layers.

Please note, we cycle through mountainous regions where weather can be unpredictable so expect rain at any time. July and August tend to be the driest months but it can still rain. In the mountains, it is usual cold in the mornings and evenings.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging).

Average daily distance: 37mi (60km)
Number of days cycling: 12
There will be a support vehicle available at all times. Limited seats available
Terrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent poor condition

On our route, there are some potholed sections and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some long, tough climbs. When cycling through Montenegro, there are several long, dark tunnels. Bike lights are provided locally but if you have powerful bike lights at home, we recommend bringing them with you.

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.

Brian Sherrell

Reviewed May 2023

Challenging climbs with amazing scenic views

A fantastic itinerary through four Balkan countries, all offering scenic views, good cycling , excellent food and just enough historic places of interest. Challenging cycling climbs rewarded with spectacular long descents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ride through the Tara Canyon reaching the famous Tara Bridge. Endless fantastic photo opportunities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What an excellent guide Dhimo was. Professional, helpful, knowledgeable, choosing good routes and pointing out places of interest. In depth knowledge of the region culture, language and currencies. Fantastic help choosing unique restaurants, ordering appropriate local tasty dishes and organising an easy method to pay all the individual bills. Complete empathy with all group members. Good sense of humour. A really good guide and companion who I would like to consider a new friend. Of note Viz, the driver also contributed significantly to the success of this tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to be quite fit but if you are, you will struggle to find better views on any tour. End of April / early May was a good time to visit. All countries were safe and culturally interesting. I have been on several Exodus cycling holidays and this is one of the best.

Suggestions

I strongly recommend this trip for adequately keen and fit cyclists.

Richard Sharp

Reviewed May 2023

My Favourite Exodus Trip Yet

The tour is well paced for both distance and difficulty through beautiful scenery with some long climbs and exhilarating descents. We travelled the first two weeks of May and were very lucky with the weather with the rain staying away for almost all of the trip. The tour took us through glorious sunshine and took us right up to the snow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dimitry (Dimi) and his almost inexhaustible knowledge of the complex history of the region led the cycling & Elvis (Vici) with his careful, patient driving provided vehicular support. They worked fantastically well together, had every situation under control and were a pleasure to travel with. Together they showed us some of the highlights for the beautiful Balkans and made us feel extremely comfortable/welcome.

Suggestions

In summary I feel extremely lucky to have been on this trip. Some of magic was the chemistry between those in the party but a huge part of it was the part Dimi & Vici played making everything work so beautifully. They deserve my gratitude and hope you are lucky enough to take the tour with this partnership.

Alex Barbier

Reviewed December 2022

Great way to discover the Balkans

Great trip and fantastic itinerary going through 4 countries ( crossing the borders by bike, was a lot of fun!). This trip is more on the challenging side with long climbs and several days spent in the mountains. The views from the mountain roads were fantastic and made us forget about the climbs. It was also a fantastic way to discover the history of this region going form Ottoman empire to Communist / modern era. The food was really good, a lot of local cheeses, grilled vegetables and olive oil. Great to refuel after a day spent cycling! The hotels selected were great and some of them even features a hot tub and a sauna to relax in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day spent going up and down Durmitor us the highlight for me. Unspoilt nature, quiet roads and great 360 degrees views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dimitri and the Support driver "VC" were great, providing a very detailed and clear briefing every morning. Always happy to answer our questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack several Layers! The temperatures on this trip vary a lot! We had cold mornings in the mountains but very hot days once we were cycling the bay of Kotor. I found myself starting a couple of days with long sleeves gloves and hat and finishing in short sleeve jersey, zip open by the end of the day.

Jeremy Mortimer

Reviewed October 2022

Great introduction to Balkans with cycling most days.

Met expectations – 4 countries in 2 weeks. Well constructed itinerary for the two weeks. Centrally located Hotels were good. This is a cycling trip with quite long well graded uphills and downhills most days. Sturdy (heavy) bikes handled the down hills confidently.
Cultural visits were limited to a couple of hours in Ohrid, Peje & Prizren and Kotor. We did get an afternoon in Tirana to explore by our selves.
Food was good – lots of cheese and seasonal veg. Friendly locals smoke a lot!
Weather went from hot and humid to very wet to cool and then back to hot.
Roads were generally quite but some sections were busier. Roads surfaces were mainly better than the UK, driving standards were variable – very few other cyclists on the road.

Most Inspirational Moment

The descent into Kotor Bay takes a lot of beating. Montenegro mountains, Prizren and Peje in Kosova, and Lake Orhid were also great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader and assistant both excellent and hard working! Interaction with clients was good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It got quite cold in the mountains - pack a few warm layers. And water proofs. Consider bringing decent bike lights for the tunnels. A couple of the tunnels were very dark the provided lights were feeble. Infrastructure in these countries is good. We used Euros - In Albania and Macedonia you get change in local currently. Card payment common. ATMs common. Food was good - we may have been lucky that there was lots of seasonal produce. Some wonderful cheeses. Vegetarian options possibly a little repetitious. Vegans would find it a challenge.

Anthony Turner

Reviewed October 2022

September 2022 trip

An interesting holiday but I would have liked to have spent less time in Montenegro and more time in Albania and Kosovo. The cycling was generally good, but I was surprised by the number of busy roads used and I would personally rate this trip higher than 4 out of 7 considering the amount of climbing involved. The Giant hybrid bikes provided were very robust, but rather slow and heavy, which could be frustrating on a long mountain climb. Bring your own bike if you can if you enjoy climbing. The standard of the hotels was generally good, with only a few poor quality hotels in Montenegro.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dimitri our guide was excellent, as was our support driver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I personally would not recommend this trip if you are vegetarian (as I am) and certainly not if you are vegan. Vegetarian options were limited and vegan options generally non-existent. It is not mentioned within the trip notes, but I would recommend bringing a set of good quality bike lights as you cycle through a number of unlit tunnels and the lights provided were poor quality. I would also recommend bringing along a GPS cycle computer if you have one to allow you to better judge distances, road gradients etc. and a set of SPD pedals if you usually ride clipless. It is also worth noting that it can get very cold up in the mountains where it was two degree Celsius the morning we set off from Zabljak. I would therefore recommend packing a pair of leggings and warm hat and gloves.

Gerard Feeney

Reviewed July 2022

June 2022

Great scenery especially Montenegro

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the Dormitor mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dimitri was a very capable and helpful leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoyed the trip but make sure you're fit , there's lots of climbing

Suggestions

I didnt enjoy cycling in the tunnels which had no lights. the lights provided on the bikes weren't adequate

clare mcnulty

Reviewed September 2019

Beautiful Balkans, an epic jouney

A challenging and beautiful journey through Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro with breath-taking scenery. The cycling was challenging with lots of climbing, but the bikes that we were provided with were perfectly geared for and suited to the terrain. There were regular re-groups on the hills as everyone climbs at their own pace and is able to enjoy the holiday at a pace that suits them. Delicious healthy and reasonably priced meals were provided in the hotels and cabins that we stayed in.

Our guide Joshua was knowledgeable and efficient and provided us with information each day about the route and some background history. He arranged for a local guide in each country we visited to give their personal perspective and an opportunity to ask questions about the complex history of the region.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro with its wild and rugged scenery, exposed to the elements. The very welcome Turkish coffee brewed on a portable gas stove at the top, before the stunning descent through switch backs and short tunnels. At out destination in Rudinice, we were greeted with a dramatic sunset with a double rainbow across the mountains, a delicious roast lamb dinner and comfortable stay in a log cabin. Standing up high on the castle walls at Prizren, Kosovo, hearing the call to prayer from across the city from the many mosques below with the Pashtrik mountains in the distance. The opportunity for quiet reflection on the beautiful climb through no man's land between North Macedonia and Kosovo. The thunder and lightning on the last part of our descent into Berane which thanks to our guide we avoided the worst of.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joshua and drivers Toni and Juli made a great team - very welcoming, funny and approachable. Joshua gave detailed descriptions of the route ahead such as rough roads, descents, metal grids, tunnels, city traffic and any inclement weather. He gave advice on how to negotiate these safely and as a result there were no serious mishaps. We regrouped regularly after climbs and descents. Coffee stops and meals were efficient with a group tab system. We were given some free evenings to explore the area we were staying in and make our own arrangements for dinner which was nice to have a bit of freedom to explore/take a break from the group. This safety conscious but relaxed and friendly approach worked well and it felt like a holiday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take layers for cycling: the mountains were cool in Montenegro and we did encounter some rain. For the descent from Durmitor I was regretting not having my long finger gloves! Rehydration tablets I did have a slightly upset stomach on a couple of occasions, which was fixed with loperamide! Take Euros with you to pay for meals/settle the tab at the end of the holiday.

Suggestions

I would recommend this trip, it was fantastic.

Mary Amann

Reviewed July 2019

Great climbs, wonderful scenery, good food and company.

The challenges were so worth while. The guide and driver/mechanic Dimitri and Juli were lovely guys. Juli made you smile every time he passed us slogging up the hills 🙂
We saw different kinds of villages and towns, some busy some remote, all with their own charm.
Having everything organised for you frees your mind to just enjoy the wonderful scenery and sweeping descents (some a little scary).

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling up a remote valley, seeing traditional farming and hearing the calls for prayer. Cycling through beautiful no-mans land between borders. The first view of The Bay of Kotor.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of layers for hot or cold weather. We had a lot of rain and it got cold. Definitely take light overshoes, they take no room.

Suggestions

I didn't get much hill practice in, living in Essex but your climbing ability does improve every day. I loved how different this holiday was, it was very different to the Indochina I did.

Jill Sumner

Reviewed July 2019

4 counties in 15 days!

The Balkans cycle trip has magnificent, spacious mountains and lakes.

It’s an adventure, not knowing exactly what the weather or the mountains will challenge you with.

A discovery each day, staying in high alpine mountains or by the spectacular Lake Ohrid.
Likewise, the sea at Kotor and absorbing the cultures and religions of each country.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people on the trip all gelled through the rough and smooth times, making it the best trip ever, for me. The dramatic skies and snow on the hills after rain. Also, cycling up the never ending hills, then free wheeling for miles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dhimitraq is a very good leader quietly in control and sorting out any problems. Julio is an excellent driver, entertainer and watchful carer, looking out for everyone.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good waterproof jacket and warm clothes. Waterproof shoes wouldn't go a miss either.

Suggestions

I went on this trip to see an unknown and unspoilt part of the world and was not disappointed, I will go back!

Dave & Ann Gouldney

Reviewed July 2019

Stunning

This has to be without doubt the most fantastic trip we have ever done, with breath-taking scenery around every corner. Josh, Dhimitri and Juli were full of local knowledge, well organised and complimented each other as a team. If you have never cycled a steep hill without some motivational Queen or Ram Jam then you have never met Juli!

Accommodation and food varied, as you might expect, but was well above what we have experienced on other trips and generally superb.

The roads were quiet for the most part, but some busy sections with manic drivers have to be negotiated, but no worse than in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains of Montenegro and the Tara canyon were particular hi-lights, but when you just thought you had reached peak scenery and taken every possible photo, around the corner was even better.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Josh was great and is really passionate about The Balkans and their history. We would have learnt a lot if not so tired after the days cycling. We had thorough briefings about the rides ahead and he would often take personal responsibility for minor things that went wrong that were really out of his control. Dhimitri is full of knowledge and is quietly efficient, even to the point of serving us breakfast at one slow hotel. Juli is loudly efficient, caring and tremendous fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The climbs tend to come in big hits, which can mean 2-3 hours of constant climbing. We managed them all though and thank you for all those who waited patiently for us at the top! Be warned though, despite the mammoth climbs, miles and the burning of 27,000 calories, somehow we still managed to put on weight ! All those lovely cheesy dishes, beer and coke I think.

Suggestions

Our only concern now is how do we top that ?

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Covid-19 refund commitment

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

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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes