Albania by Bicycle: the Unesco Sites and the South Coast

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Tour

E-bike tours, Bike Tours

Duration

10 days

Distance

485Km

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Guided

Travel alone or with your loved ones, but with the support of a specialized guide. The perfect organization and safety in a single experience!
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With group

Meet new people by starting with a group experience, always supported by an experienced guide throughout the journey!
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4/5 Medium-Easy

Moderate-Difficult, between 50 and 100 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 700 and 1300 meters.

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Linear

The starting point is different from the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Tirana
Individual arrival in Tirana. After settling in and before meeting with the guide and the rest of the group at 6:00 pm in the hotel, you will have some free time for a first visit to the capital. In addition to the pleasant exploration of numerous museums, monuments, historic buildings, and parks, you can admire the vibrant Tirana houses dressed in the colors of the rainbow.

Day 2: Qafe Thane – Pogradec (29 km; +/-70 m)
After breakfast, transfer to the Albanian-Macedonian border. The itinerary starts with a tour around the lake and a visit to the UNESCO city of Ohrid, a true gem nestled among cobblestone streets, small orthodox churches, hidden squares, and houses in Ottoman style. After lunch, we continue to Pogradec, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known for its clean waters and a stunning view of the mountains. In this lake, lives the corano, a rare fish similar to trout. For those not wishing to relax on the beach, it is possible to visit the monastery of St. Naum across the Macedonian border.

Day 3: Pogradec – Korce (51 km; +/-512 m)
After breakfast, we start with a gentle climb from the lake to a vast plateau that we will cross on small rural roads, among farms and cultivated fields. Awaiting us at the end of the stage is the lively city of Korce, often referred to as the Little Paris of Albania, famous for its large cathedral, and especially for the shops and artisan workshops located in the charming historic center.

Day 4: Korce – Sotirë (72 km; +/-1170 m)
Immersed in a landscape punctuated by rocks and wildflowers, we leave Korce and its plateau to climb to the Barmash Pass (1159 m), in the heart of the Grammoz Mountains. After having lunch in Erseka, we will end our day in the peaceful Sotirë Valley.

Day 5: Sotirë – Benje (66 km; +/-660 m)
A beautiful climb to a green plateau surrounded by mountains allows us to reach the Vjosa river source and then descend to Leskovik, through its spectacular gorge. After lunch, we will make a detour to the thermal springs of the Langarica Canyon for a swim.

Day 6: Bernje – Gjirokastër (70 km; +/-427 m)
The day begins by cycling along the valley heading to Kelcyra, and then soon entering another gorge nestled between the mountains. Once we reach the Drino River, a vast plain opens up with the city of Gjirokastër. This is one of the oldest Albanian cities, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Turkish, and Albanian cultures intersect; as such, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005.

Day 7: Gjirokastër – Saranda (70 km; +/-525 m)
Today's stage will take us from Gjirokastër to Saranda, along the Ionian coast, stopping at Butrint, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We recommend visiting its archaeological park as it contains remains from various epochs and civilizations, encapsulating the entire ancient history of the Mediterranean.

Day 8: Saranda – Himara (52 km; +/-1064 m)
Starting from Saranda, our route takes us climbing towards a rocky plateau offering a breathtaking view of the sea. A fun, up-and-down route, with the azure sea always on our left, prepares us for the downhill ride to reach the long beach and bay of Himara.

Day 9: Himara – Vlore (64 km; +/-1590 m)
Today will be a challenging but spectacular day, really ending in style with the climb to the Llogara Pass, in the heart of the homonymous National Park. Overlooking the sea, we can admire the golden eagles and centuries-old black pine forests. After lunch, it's all downhill to Vlore. Among the things to see in Vlore, we absolutely recommend: the history museum, which houses hundreds of archaeological artifacts found in the city, the Muradie Mosque, and the Albanian Independence Monument, commemorating the date of November 28th, 1912, when Ismail Qemali declared Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Day 10: Vlore
After breakfast, transfer to Tirana Airport and end of services.

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By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

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✅ What is included in the trip?

  • Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
  • Overnight stay and breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Bike rental
  • Welcome briefing
  • GPS or navigation APP
  • Guide
  • Vehicle support
  • 9 dinners
  • 8 lunches

❌ What is not included?

  • Local telephone assistance 7/7
  • Transfers not listed as "Included"
  • City tax
  • Tips
  • Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
  • Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
  • Extras
  • Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"
  • Detailed description and maps of the itinerary

💸 Cancellation fees

  • Time Range
  • Full refund
  • More 29 days of departure
  • 75%
  • From 29 to 13 days before departure
  • 50%
  • Up to 7 days before departure
  • Not refundable

Albania by Bicycle: the Unesco Sites and the South Coast

  • To start the journey exploring the beautiful city of Tirana, with its museums, monuments, historical buildings, parks and lovely rainbow-colored houses
  • To discover the historic center of the small town of Ohrid, located on the border between Albania and Macedonia: a charming gem among Orthodox churches and Ottoman-style houses
  • To get to know Pogradec, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known for its clean waters and the stunning view of the mountains
  • To explore the lively city of Korce, often referred to as the Little Paris of Albania, famous for the large cathedral, but especially for the shops and artisan workshops that populate the picturesque historic center
  • To tackle extraordinary climbs through a landscape of rock and wildflowers, passing through the heart of the Grammoz Mountains up to the Barmash pass
  • To immerse yourself in the heart of the Vjosa Valley, surrounded by wonderful mountains, and in the thermal springs located on the banks of the Langarica Canyon
  • To visit the UNESCO Heritage city of Gjirokastër, one of the oldest Albanian cities, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Turkish and Albanian cultures blend
  • To visit Butrint and its splendid UNESCO archaeological park, which contains all the testimonies of the ancient history of the Mediterranean
  • To lose yourself in the postcard-like views of Himara, one of the sunniest cities in Albania, with its coast, countryside, riviera and mountains
  • To visit some of the symbolizing places of Vlore, such as the Muradie Mosque and the Albanian Independence Monument, which commemorates November 28, 1912, the date of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire
  • To discover the different facets of Albania by bike, pedaling through mountains, rivers, beaches and UNESCO sites

🙋 Frequently asked questions

  • Can I bring my own bike?

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  • What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?

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  • How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?

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  • What is the cost of renting bicycles?

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  • Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?

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Organized by

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Cycle Albania

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Starting from 1190 per person

stariicon4.9/5on15 reviews
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Adults

Minimum participant number: 1

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