Reviews

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.

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.

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

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!!

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.

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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing just how beautiful Albania is on so many levels. I felt honoured to have been able to get a glimpse of a country that has just opened its doors to the outside world. Everything from my perspective looked unspoilt and natural. People were really friendly and cheered us on along our journey.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was an amazing group leader and had a lot of work to do making sure we were all OK. I loved the way he spent time explaining things and helped me to understand the history of Albania from his own perspective and how it had affected his upbringing. Both him and our driver were really supportive and helpful at all times making sure we were OK, had enough to drink and kept us entertained especially when we or rather I struggled up some of those continuous hills that never seemed to end.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go as soon as you get the opportunity. Make sure you have a good pair(s) of shorts as you will be in the saddle for a long time. I brought a pair for each day of cycling and was happy they were well padded as I really needed them to be for the sake of my sanity!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding the pass on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis(the leader) and Tani(driver) were fabulous, taking care of every detail for us before we even knew it had to be taken care of. They even managed a complete bike change one night for one member of the group without them noticing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now. Don't hesitate.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to choose one, but maybe getting to the top of that looong climb on the last day. I also really appreciated the history and cultural info that Erlis imparted to us throughout the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was an amazing group leader! I had put in place a lot of structures that made our trip as easy and smooth as it could have been. He shared a lot of history and cultural information that really enhanced our travels and understanding of Albania. He was kind and patient and funny, and the trip would not have been as incredible without him at the helm. Tani, our driver/mechanic/snack procurer/hydrator was also an integral part of the group. He was incredibly thoughtful and accommodating, and anticipated needs we didn't even know we'd have.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip! The trip notes and packing list covered everything very thoroughly.