Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you'll get to travelling back in time. It wasn't until the collapse of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania in 1991 that the world got its first glimpse of the country within.
Huge snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches, pretty rural villages, a genuine subsistence culture and an exceptionally friendly welcome is what you will find here.
We cycle through the very best of Europe's beautiful unknown, beginning our tour on the border of Macedonia, biking towards the ancient town of Gjirokastra passing soaring peaks and lush green valleys.
From here we begin our descent to the Albanian Riviera passing the UNESCO site of Butrint and Llogara National Park, before relaxing by the sea at our hotel in Vlorë.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start Pogradec.
Day 2
Transfer to Korçë; steady climb through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wild flowers; cycle towards Grammoz Mountain and over the Barmash Pass (1159m) to Gërmenj.
Day 3
Cycle through high grassy plateaux surrounded by soaring peaks before descending to Carshove and on to Benje; ride to thermal springs for a swim.
Day 4
Valley ride towards Kelcyra; after lunch at Tepele Waterfalls transfer to Gjirokastra for afternoon city tour.
Day 5
Transfer up the Muzina Pass, long descent to Sarandë via the coast and the UNESCO site of Butrint.
Day 6
Spectacular coastal ride to the long beach of Himarë Bay.
Day 7
Ride towards Vlorë; optional 1043m climb to the Llogara Pass; long descent through Llogara N.P. finishing by the coast.
Day 8
End Vlorë.
Price
From £1,249
What's Included
- All breakfasts and 2 dinners included
- All accommodation
- Transfer for group flights
- Local bike hire
