Albania by Bicycle: the Unesco Sites and the South Coast

Name: Albania by Bicycle: the Unesco Sites and the South Coast
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 1190 EUR
Availability: InStock

Albania

Look at the map

albania-by-bicycle-the-unesco-sites-and-the-south-coast

See all the photos

Look at the map

Half

E-bike tours, Bike Tours

Duration

10 days

Duration

485Km

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!

With group

Meet new people by starting with a group experience, always supported by an experienced guide throughout the journey!

4/5 Medium-Easy

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

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.

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

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ 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 13 to 29 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?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.