Led by an experienced cycling guide the itinerary is best for low to mid-experienced bikers. With a total cycling distance of 310km (avg 51km/day), we have designed this journey as a mix of active adventure and cultural experiences to the heritage sites and local villages of southern Albania. The cycling journey starts at the town by the Ohrid Lake to Korca plateau continuing to the mountainous region of Kolonja to Vjosa river valley ending to the coastal Albanian Riviera. Accommodation takes place at boutique hotels while visits to local restaurants are a great opportunity to enjoy the amazing Albanian cuisine.
- Accommodation at boutique hotels, very well located and excellent reviewed. Breakfasts included. Lunches and dinners upon your request.
- Professional cycling leader throughout the journey.
- Pick-up car during the trip.
- Bike hire.
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Off-road adventure at Gjirokaster countryside. (optional)
- All visited attractions entry fees.
Welcome dinner by the Ohrid Lake
Meet our representative at the Tirana Airport and drive to southeastern town, Pogradec. Accommodate at the hotel by the Ohrid Lake. Meet with the guide and escort driver and discuss the itinerary and fit the bicycles. Dinner and overnight in Pogradec.
Cycle through the Korce plateau
Leave the hotel and cycle along the Ohrid lake then climb up the Plloca pass. Leave the national road and continue cycle through the Korca plateau. Enjoy the landscape views of the surrounding mountains and arrive in Korca town by the afternoon.
Within the country, this town is known as ‘little Paris’. It is its cobblestone streets, promenade, and beautiful villas with rose gardens, restaurants and the welcoming locals who give this well-deserved status to Korca.
Distance: 46km
Elevation Max: 913m
Elevation Min:715m
Elevation gain:510m
"Gramozi" Mountain Views
Today is a moderate cycling level with climbing ups and downs. The itinerary goes through the remote town of Erseka ending to Germnj village in Kolonja region. The views of Gramozi mountain during the cycle are amazing, the highest mountain in the south. The terrain is an old road partially renovated recently with less car traffic.
Distance: 68km
Elevation Max: 1200m
Elevation Min: 854m
Elevation gain:1256m
Cycle to Vjosa River Valley
Start the cycle through a narrow road with very little traffic. Recently this part of the country has more visitors than ever because of its peaceful wild nature, amazing views of the mountains, remote villages, high mountains, and river valleys. End the cycle at Benja thermal water natural baths for well deserved to relax then enjoy a traditional meal at a restaurant nearby. Transfer to Gjirokaster for overnight.
Gjirokaster began its life in the 12th century as a fortress of a local feudal family and due to its location in the crossroads of the trading routes, the city’s importance began to grow during the Ottoman rule. This UNESCO World Heritage town is known for its character architecture of its fortress-houses, rich folklore heritage mentioning iso-polyphony and birthplace to Nobel candidate Ismail Kadare and the evil communist dictator of Albania after WW2.
4x4 off road journey
After 3 days of cycling, we suggest organizing an off-road adventure to Zagorie National Park. The itinerary starts from the hotel and continues with a visit to Roman ruins Adrianopol city then a visit to the 6th-century Byzantine church at Labova village. Continue the off-road adventure through the national park ending to the Cajup Pass at about 1800m altitude where we will organize a lunch at the shepherd’s hut with fresh ingredients. Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Cycle to UNESCO World Heritage Butrint
Leave the hotel and transfer by car to Muzina Pass where we will start the cycle. The itinerary goes through a narrow road mostly covered by trees and shadows ending up to Kasmil beach and Butrint Archaeological site. After the tour of the site, cycle along the Ionian sea to the hotel in Saranda town.
Butrint is the most important archaeological site of Albania, listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1992. The city was found by the Epirote tribe of the Chaonians and reached its peak during Roman rule when Julius Caesar and Octavian Augustus designated the city as a Roman colony. The city lost its glory with the barbaric raids but continued to exist as a bishopric center under the Byzantines and later the Ottomans and Venetians. Nestled in heart of Butrint National Park the dense forest preserved the ruins perfectly until 1928 until Italian archaeologist Ugolini started the excavations to find the city as we see today. Many legends are hidden in the ruins, especially those of the lost city of Troy.
Distance: 60 km
Elevation Max: 560m
Elevation Min: 0 m
Elevation gain: 525m
Cycle along the Albanian Riviera coastline
Today is one of the most beautiful trails in Albania. The cycle will go through the picturesque villages of Albanian Riviera. The cycling level is moderate with climbing up and down. The view of the Ionian Sea on the left and high mountain on the right will accompany all the time. The trip ends up in the town of Himara.
Himara is a small seaside town at the Albanian Riviera. The views of the Ceraunian Mountains and the Ionian Sea dominate the town’s horizon.
Distance: 50km
Elevation Max: 320m
Elevation Min:16m
Elevation gain:1060m
Cycle to Dhermi Beach
Today is the last cycle of the trip. It starts with a very difficult climbing up to Visha Pass 1.8km distance at a steep of 20%. The trip ends up at another beautiful village of the Riviera. Dhermi is a picturesque village at the slope of the Ceraunian mountain. The Dhermi Beach and Drimadhe Beach nearby the village are known for the crystal clear water and rocky beaches.
Distance: 20km
Elevation Max:340m
Elevation Min: 0m
Elevation gain:460m
Relax by the beach
A well deserved relaxing day by the beach before driving to Tirana. At Dhermi you can enjoy seafood lunch by the beach.
Farewell and departure
Transfer to Tirana Airport for your transfer back home.
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