Albania - Unesco sites: guided cycling holiday Albania by bike: guided group tour, from/to Tirana

THE TRIP IN BRIEF:
  • Groups Groups

Indicative price starting from
€1,390.00
PER PERSON

REQUEST INFORMATION

Some say that visiting Albania is a journey back in time. Until the dissolution of the People's Republic of Albania, it was rare for foreigners to have the opportunity to visit this country shrouded in mystery. Since the opening of the borders in 1991, anyone who comes to Albania soon realizes that this is a very special place. The country has remained unknown to mass tourism, and this distinguishes it from most European countries.
On this holiday you will have the opportunity to see 4 UNESCO sites, snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches along the Adriatic coast and exceptionally friendly people, who in many isolated areas are still full of enthusiasm and curious to see visitors in their villages, especially on a bicycle.
You will be welcomed with open arms by a warm and sincere hospitality, in a country that has 4000 years of history behind it.

 

1st day arrival in Tirana; meeting with the group at the hotel

2nd day Tirana - Ohrid Lake by bus; by bike to Pogradec approx. 40km
In the morning we head by minibus to the northern shore of Lake Ohrid where we will cycle to Pogradec. Lunch in a lakeside restaurant before reaching our destination for the day; in the afternoon you can relax on the beach in front of the hotel or cross the border into Macedonia and visit the monastery of St.Naum.

3rd day Pogradec - Korcë approx. 51 km
We initially climb along the hills that extend south of the lake until we reach a vast plateau dotted with a patchwork of small farms and colorful fields.

4th day Korcë - Sotire approx. 72 km
We leave the agricultural plateau of Korce behind, climbing to the foot of the border mountains through a rocky landscape interspersed with wild flowers. Numerous hills and valleys await us, climbing into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains to the Barmash Pass (1159m) before reaching Sotire, nestled in a quiet valley.

5th day Sotire - Përmet approx. 52 km
From Sotire we climb up to a grassy plateau, surrounded by soaring peaks, before reaching the source of the Vjosa River and descending through the spectacular Leskovik Gorge. We continue down towards Cashare and then follow the high road to Permet, located on a promontory above the river.

6th day Përmet - Gjorokastër approx. 72 km
We continue along the valley towards Kelcyra, the distant sharp peaks, which guard another gorge. The route winds through the mountains until it reaches the Drino River, then opens out into a vast plain with the town of Gjirokastra (the town of 1000 steps) high up on the right. A chance to explore its narrow cobbled streets and Ottoman houses.

7th day Gjorokastër - Saranda approx. 70 km
The southern gate of Albania, Saranda, is located along the Ionian coast, nestled between high mountains and the sea and close to the ancient ruins of Butrint. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, and its origins date back to the Greco-Roman era.

8th day Saranda - Himarë approx. 53 km
We quickly climb up from Saranda to a rocky plateau. Then we continue along a wonderful route, with the mountain on the right and the sea on the left before descending to the long beach and bay of Himarë

9th day Himarë - Vlore approx. 65km
Today's route is as challenging as it is spectacular. We cycle up to 100 meters of the Llogara pass, where the National Park of the same name is located, populated by black pines, otters and golden eagles. In the afternoon we head downhill to Vlore

10th day Transfer Vlore - Tirana Airport (expected arrival 11:30)t

 

Characteristics

 

Travel type  International group with English speaking guide

 

Departures minimum 1 person; on the dates in red the places are sold out; on those in blue they are limited:
2025 : April (6; 14; 22; 26); May (1; 5; 11; 19; 22; 29); June (7; 16; 25; 30); August (24; 28); September (2; 4; 6; 9; 15; 21; 26; 30); October (5; 9; 14; 18)

 

Duration  10 days/9 nights

 

Difficulty level  medium

 

Total Km   485

 

Type of bike  city bike or touring bike

 

Luggage transport  yes

 

Information meeting/briefing in the first hotel yes

 

Price 2025 per person in a double room

 

Tour price per person  €1390.--

 

The price includes

Overnight stays in 3* hotels and guesthouses

Full board ( breakfast , 8 lunches and 7 dinners)

Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

Transfer as per program

guide on bicycle

Support minivan

Bike rental

24-hour medical/luggage insurance

Emergency telephone support

Registration fee

 

The price does not include

The journey to reach the meeting points and back

Lunches and dinners

Drinks with meals

Dinners on the 6th and 7th day

Visits and entrances

The tips

Personal extras

Everything not specified under "the price includes"

 

Supplements per person

 

Full board included (8 lunches and 7 dinners)
Single room* € 260.--
Bike rental included
E-bike rental € 240.--

* the single room is guaranteed every day, except for the 4th and 5th day when you sleep in a guesthouse and the single room may not be available

 

On request

Tour cancellation insurance: 7% of the tour price 
 Additional nights in Tirana
Transfer from the airport to Tirana on the first day

 

Reservations

 

To book, fill out and send the registration form; pay 25% of the participation fee; pay the balance approximately one month before departure.