Albania by Bicycle: the Unesco Sites and the South Coast

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.