Day 1Arrival in Tirana
After you have landed and arrived in Albania's largest city, Tirana, we encourage you to head out to explore this legendary city.
MealsDinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Tirana
Bicycle trips
Albania
Albania by bike
Cycling tour in Albania – with a local guide
Albania – an incredibly exciting destination
Crystal clear water. Lush landscapes. Breathtaking viewpoints. Albania is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean – and perfect to experience from a bicycle seat!
Join us on an exciting journey through mountains and valleys, coast and culture, together with our skilled, local guides. With their local knowledge, you will get an insight into an Albania few know about – and guaranteed new memories to take home.
From mountain passes to Mediterranean beaches
The tour starts at the border with North Macedonia and takes you south to the coast – through a landscape full of contrasts. We are talking mountains, lakes, ancient stone towns, and small villages, combined with tasty food and warm hospitality.
This is the trip for those who like active holidays and want something a little out of the ordinary. The cycling routes are varied, and you will get both challenges in the hills and tranquility by the sea.
Quick facts about Albania
We are always pleasantly surprised when we visit Albania. Here we are met by open and friendly people, a magnificent landscape, and culinary experiences that really get the taste buds going.
Feedback from participants on previous Albania trips:
“Beautiful country and landscape, many waterfalls, good food and friendly people! Our guide did everything to ensure we had a great time. Albania is indescribably beautiful – highly recommended.”“Everything worked excellently, a fantastic trip in every way. Armand is an experienced and knowledgeable guide, and we learned a lot about Albania. Nice to be an international group and not just Norwegians. Beautiful nature, good hotels and partly demanding cycling with a lot of climbing. The hybrid bikes were sturdy and rolled well.”
In the early 1990s, Albania finally opened up for tourists after decades as a closed communist state. Back then, it was said that a journey here was like traveling back in time. Today, Albania is developing rapidly and has been named one of the year's most exciting travel destinations several times. Now you have the opportunity to discover this fascinating country from the bicycle seat!
Quick facts about the trip
You fly to Albania's capital, Tirana, and spend the first night there. Then the journey continues by bus eastwards – towards the border of North Macedonia, where the cycling adventure begins.
The route takes you south, through dramatic mountain passes, lush valleys and small villages, before you end up on the coast with white beaches and azure blue sea.
Along the way you stay at unique places – from great hotels to simple, charming accommodations in the mountains. On one of the nights, for example, you stay at a trout farm, far from people – but close to nature.
This is an active and eventful trip where you really get to experience Albania from the inside.
The trip in numbers
Average distance per day: approx. 59 km
Total distance of the trip: approx. 475 km
Average cycling time per day: approx. 5 hours
Longest distance in a day: approx. 72 km
Total elevation gain in meters: approx. 6000 m
Total elevation loss in meters: approx. 7200 m
This is a trip for those who enjoy being active and do not shy away from climbing elevations – the reward comes in the form of views, nature, and a sense of achievement.
UNESCO World Heritage list and unique accommodations
On your way south through Albania, you pedal through beautiful agricultural areas, dramatic mountain passes and coastal stretches with crystal clear water and quiet beaches. Along the way, you visit places on the UNESCO World Heritage list – and gain insight into a culture that still feels authentic, honest and quite untouched.
The accommodations are as varied as the landscape – from comfortable hotels to a simple log cabin on a remote trout farm. The common denominator? The hospitality.
Quick facts about Albania
Albania is located between Greece and Montenegro, along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A pleasant Mediterranean climate awaits you here – perfect for active cycling days! And the best part? The price level is still relatively low. That means good food, coffee and local experiences without shocking your wallet.
Daily stages
The daily stages range from 40 to 70 kilometers, and some days offer up to 1600 meters of elevation gain. Here you get sweat, views, and mastery! This trip is suitable for you who enjoy cycling, appreciate good food and wine, and like the idea of an active holiday a bit out of the ordinary.
Quick facts about Albania
We are always pleasantly surprised when we visit Albania. Here we are met by open and friendly people, a magnificent landscape, and culinary experiences that really get the taste buds going.
Feedback from participants on previous Albania trips:
“Beautiful country and landscape, many waterfalls, good food and friendly people! Our guide did everything to ensure we had a great time. Albania is indescribably beautiful – highly recommended.”“Everything worked excellently, a fantastic trip in every way. Armand is an experienced and knowledgeable guide, and we learned a lot about Albania. Nice to be an international group and not just Norwegians. Beautiful nature, good hotels and partly demanding cycling with a lot of climbing. The hybrid bikes were sturdy and rolled well.”
In the early 1990s, Albania finally opened up for tourists after decades as a closed communist state. Back then, it was said that a journey here was like traveling back in time. Today, Albania is developing rapidly and has been named one of the year's most exciting travel destinations several times. Now you have the opportunity to discover this fascinating country from the bicycle seat!
Quick facts about the trip
You fly to Albania's capital, Tirana, and spend the first night there. Then the journey continues by bus eastwards – towards the border of North Macedonia, where the cycling adventure begins.
The route takes you south, through dramatic mountain passes, lush valleys and small villages, before you end up on the coast with white beaches and azure blue sea.
Along the way you stay at unique places – from great hotels to simple, charming accommodations in the mountains. On one of the nights, for example, you stay at a trout farm, far from people – but close to nature.
This is an active and eventful trip where you really get to experience Albania from the inside.
The trip in numbers
Average distance per day: approx. 59 km
Total distance of the trip: approx. 475 km
Average cycling time per day: approx. 5 hours
Longest distance in a day: approx. 72 km
Total elevation gain in meters: approx. 6000 m
Total elevation loss in meters: approx. 7200 m
This is a trip for those who enjoy being active and do not shy away from climbing elevations – the reward comes in the form of views, nature, and a sense of achievement.
UNESCO World Heritage list and unique accommodations
On your way south through Albania, you pedal through beautiful agricultural areas, dramatic mountain passes and coastal stretches with crystal clear water and quiet beaches. Along the way, you visit places on the UNESCO World Heritage list – and gain insight into a culture that still feels authentic, honest and quite untouched.
The accommodations are as varied as the landscape – from comfortable hotels to a simple log cabin on a remote trout farm. The common denominator? The hospitality.
Quick facts about Albania
Albania is located between Greece and Montenegro, along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A pleasant Mediterranean climate awaits you here – perfect for active cycling days! And the best part? The price level is still relatively low. That means good food, coffee and local experiences without shocking your wallet.
Daily stages
The daily stages range from 40 to 70 kilometers, and some days offer up to 1600 meters of elevation gain. Here you get sweat, views, and mastery! This trip is suitable for you who enjoy cycling, appreciate good food and wine, and like the idea of an active holiday a bit out of the ordinary.
Highlights
The beautiful, hilly landscape
The delicious, local food
The pleasant price level in the country
Albania's exciting history
Small, unspoilt villages
An evening at the trout farm – simple luxury, local food and genuine hospitality
Available dates & Contact info
Would you like more information about the trip?
Program
The program is preliminary, and changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make adjustments for any typographical errors, currency fluctuations, and price changes.
The program is preliminary, and changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make adjustments for any typographical errors, currency fluctuations, and price changes.
Day 2Qafe Thane – Pogradec
You travel by bus to the border between Albania and Macedonia where this tour truly begins. Here, you get on your bike and head towards neighboring Macedonia. The group will have lunch here in the city of Ohrid. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lake Ohrid is surrounded by mountains on all sides – beautiful!
Then, the tour continues along the coast to Tushemisht, the second border crossing between Albania and North Macedonia.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Pogradec
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Day 3Pogradec – Korçë
The day begins with a climb out of the valley where Lake Ohrid lies; you are going up to the plateau above the lake. From here, you can look out over the lake and both neighboring countries, North Macedonia and Greece. This high plateau is surrounded by high mountains and is a beautiful sight!
After tearing yourself away from the magnificent view, the journey continues through a patchwork of fields and agricultural areas. The roads have almost no traffic. Here, you are truly in the countryside.
After such a day on the bike, a trip to the bustling market in Korçë in the afternoon is a perfect fit.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Korçë
DistanceApprox. 51 km
Day 4Korçë – Sotirë
You start today's stage by leaving the agricultural plateau where Korçë is located, cycling along the beautiful mountains that form the border with North Macedonia / Greece. The landscape here consists mostly of barren rock and cliff formations, with hints of wild flowers along the roads.
Ahead of you, there are now multiple peaks and valleys as you climb into the heart of the Grammos Mountains. The group continues over the Barmash Pass (1159 m above sea level) and all the way to the small town of Sotirë, idyllically located in the Gjirokastër valley.
You will have lunch in Erseka, approx. 45 km from Korçë.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Sotire
DistanceApprox. 72 km
Day 5Sotire – Benje (Permet)
The group climbs out of the Sotire Valley and up to a grassy plateau surrounded by high and wild mountain peaks. Once up on the plateau, at the source of the Vjosa River, a spectacular descent begins into a gorge towards Leskovik.
From here, the journey goes downhill, where you follow the mountainside high above the Benje river.
After lunch, the group takes a short trip to the lovely, warm springs at the end of the Langarica Canyon for a bath.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Benje
DistanceApprox. 52 km
Day 6Benje – Gjirokastër / Gjirokastra
Today you continue along the valley towards Këlcyrë – the “shark-tooth-like” mountains that guard the entrance to the next gorge. You cycle between these, all the way to where the different parts of the Drino River meet.
You are now inside another gorge. This opens up to a wide and large plain with the city of Gjirokastra high up to the right.
Gjirokastra is called "the city of 1,000 steps". A visit to the castle at the top of the city is a 'must'.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch,
AccommodationAccommodation in Gjirokastër
DistanceApprox. 72 km
Day 7Gjirokastër / Gjirokastra – Saranda (via Butrint)
Saranda is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, squeezed between high mountains and the sea. A very cozy holiday resort town with a wonderful atmosphere.
Nearby, we find the ancient ruins of Butrint. Butrint is one of Albania's most important archaeological excavation sites, with roots dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch,
AccommodationAccommodation in Saranda
DistanceApprox. 70 km
Day 8Saranda – Himara / Himarë
Today's ride is a roller coaster of a bike ride. You start while the sun burns away the night mist, cycling out of Saranda and up to a rock plateau above the city.
Then, it's over hilltops, into small coves and bays, and around headlands, all the while with the incredible view of the mountains on your right and the sea on your left.
Towards the end of the stage, you roll down to the long beach and bay where Himarë is located. Spectacular!
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Himara (Himarë)
DistanceApprox. 53 km
Day 9Himara / Himarë – Vlore
Today's route is as spectacular as it is challenging. You cycle up to the Llogara Pass, 1000 meters above the crystal blue sea. Up here, you enter a national park where you can find black pine, the Eurasian otter, and the golden eagle, among other species. The park is incredibly beautiful and is an oasis of protected forest.
After lunch, the group cycles more or less downhill all the way to the trip's final destination, Vlorë.
This is a demanding day on the bike, but perhaps also the highlight of the trip – and definitely a day you will remember for a long time to come!
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Vlore
DistanceApprox. 65 km
Day 10Departure Day from Albania
Goodbye for this time, and departure to Tirana and the airport.
Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for typos and currency/price changes. The program is preliminary, changes may occur.
MealsBreakfast
Day 1Arrival in Tirana
After you have landed and arrived in Albania's largest city, Tirana, we encourage you to head out to explore this legendary city.
MealsDinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Tirana
Day 2Qafe Thane – Pogradec
You travel by bus to the border between Albania and Macedonia where this tour truly begins. Here, you get on your bike and head towards neighboring Macedonia. The group will have lunch here in the city of Ohrid. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lake Ohrid is surrounded by mountains on all sides – beautiful!
Then, the tour continues along the coast to Tushemisht, the second border crossing between Albania and North Macedonia.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Pogradec
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Day 3Pogradec – Korçë
The day begins with a climb out of the valley where Lake Ohrid lies; you are going up to the plateau above the lake. From here, you can look out over the lake and both neighboring countries, North Macedonia and Greece. This high plateau is surrounded by high mountains and is a beautiful sight!
After tearing yourself away from the magnificent view, the journey continues through a patchwork of fields and agricultural areas. The roads have almost no traffic. Here, you are truly in the countryside.
After such a day on the bike, a trip to the bustling market in Korçë in the afternoon is a perfect fit.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Korçë
DistanceApprox. 51 km
Day 4Korçë – Sotirë
You start today's stage by leaving the agricultural plateau where Korçë is located, cycling along the beautiful mountains that form the border with North Macedonia / Greece. The landscape here consists mostly of barren rock and cliff formations, with hints of wild flowers along the roads.
Ahead of you, there are now multiple peaks and valleys as you climb into the heart of the Grammos Mountains. The group continues over the Barmash Pass (1159 m above sea level) and all the way to the small town of Sotirë, idyllically located in the Gjirokastër valley.
You will have lunch in Erseka, approx. 45 km from Korçë.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Sotire
DistanceApprox. 72 km
Day 5Sotire – Benje (Permet)
The group climbs out of the Sotire Valley and up to a grassy plateau surrounded by high and wild mountain peaks. Once up on the plateau, at the source of the Vjosa River, a spectacular descent begins into a gorge towards Leskovik.
From here, the journey goes downhill, where you follow the mountainside high above the Benje river.
After lunch, the group takes a short trip to the lovely, warm springs at the end of the Langarica Canyon for a bath.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Benje
DistanceApprox. 52 km
Day 6Benje – Gjirokastër / Gjirokastra
Today you continue along the valley towards Këlcyrë – the “shark-tooth-like” mountains that guard the entrance to the next gorge. You cycle between these, all the way to where the different parts of the Drino River meet.
You are now inside another gorge. This opens up to a wide and large plain with the city of Gjirokastra high up to the right.
Gjirokastra is called "the city of 1,000 steps". A visit to the castle at the top of the city is a 'must'.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch,
AccommodationAccommodation in Gjirokastër
DistanceApprox. 72 km
Day 7Gjirokastër / Gjirokastra – Saranda (via Butrint)
Saranda is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, squeezed between high mountains and the sea. A very cozy holiday resort town with a wonderful atmosphere.
Nearby, we find the ancient ruins of Butrint. Butrint is one of Albania's most important archaeological excavation sites, with roots dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch,
AccommodationAccommodation in Saranda
DistanceApprox. 70 km
Day 8Saranda – Himara / Himarë
Today's ride is a roller coaster of a bike ride. You start while the sun burns away the night mist, cycling out of Saranda and up to a rock plateau above the city.
Then, it's over hilltops, into small coves and bays, and around headlands, all the while with the incredible view of the mountains on your right and the sea on your left.
Towards the end of the stage, you roll down to the long beach and bay where Himarë is located. Spectacular!
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Himara (Himarë)
DistanceApprox. 53 km
Day 9Himara / Himarë – Vlore
Today's route is as spectacular as it is challenging. You cycle up to the Llogara Pass, 1000 meters above the crystal blue sea. Up here, you enter a national park where you can find black pine, the Eurasian otter, and the golden eagle, among other species. The park is incredibly beautiful and is an oasis of protected forest.
After lunch, the group cycles more or less downhill all the way to the trip's final destination, Vlorë.
This is a demanding day on the bike, but perhaps also the highlight of the trip – and definitely a day you will remember for a long time to come!
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Vlore
DistanceApprox. 65 km
Day 10Departure Day from Albania
Goodbye for this time, and departure to Tirana and the airport.
Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for typos and currency/price changes. The program is preliminary, changes may occur.
MealsBreakfast
Day 1Arrival in Tirana
After you have landed and arrived in Albania's largest city, Tirana, we encourage you to head out to explore this legendary city.
MealsDinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Tirana
Day 2Qafe Thane – Pogradec
You travel by bus to the border between Albania and Macedonia where this tour truly begins. Here, you get on your bike and head towards neighboring Macedonia. The group will have lunch here in the city of Ohrid. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lake Ohrid is surrounded by mountains on all sides – beautiful!
Then, the tour continues along the coast to Tushemisht, the second border crossing between Albania and North Macedonia.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Pogradec
DistanceApprox. 40 km
Day 3Pogradec – Korçë
The day begins with a climb out of the valley where Lake Ohrid lies; you are going up to the plateau above the lake. From here, you can look out over the lake and both neighboring countries, North Macedonia and Greece. This high plateau is surrounded by high mountains and is a beautiful sight!
After tearing yourself away from the magnificent view, the journey continues through a patchwork of fields and agricultural areas. The roads have almost no traffic. Here, you are truly in the countryside.
After such a day on the bike, a trip to the bustling market in Korçë in the afternoon is a perfect fit.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Korçë
DistanceApprox. 51 km
Day 4Korçë – Sotirë
You start today's stage by leaving the agricultural plateau where Korçë is located, cycling along the beautiful mountains that form the border with North Macedonia / Greece. The landscape here consists mostly of barren rock and cliff formations, with hints of wild flowers along the roads.
Ahead of you, there are now multiple peaks and valleys as you climb into the heart of the Grammos Mountains. The group continues over the Barmash Pass (1159 m above sea level) and all the way to the small town of Sotirë, idyllically located in the Gjirokastër valley.
You will have lunch in Erseka, approx. 45 km from Korçë.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Sotire
DistanceApprox. 72 km
Day 5Sotire – Benje (Permet)
The group climbs out of the Sotire Valley and up to a grassy plateau surrounded by high and wild mountain peaks. Once up on the plateau, at the source of the Vjosa River, a spectacular descent begins into a gorge towards Leskovik.
From here, the journey goes downhill, where you follow the mountainside high above the Benje river.
After lunch, the group takes a short trip to the lovely, warm springs at the end of the Langarica Canyon for a bath.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Benje
DistanceApprox. 52 km
Day 6Benje – Gjirokastër / Gjirokastra
Today you continue along the valley towards Këlcyrë – the “shark-tooth-like” mountains that guard the entrance to the next gorge. You cycle between these, all the way to where the different parts of the Drino River meet.
You are now inside another gorge. This opens up to a wide and large plain with the city of Gjirokastra high up to the right.
Gjirokastra is called "the city of 1,000 steps". A visit to the castle at the top of the city is a 'must'.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch,
AccommodationAccommodation in Gjirokastër
DistanceApprox. 72 km
Day 7Gjirokastër / Gjirokastra – Saranda (via Butrint)
Saranda is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, squeezed between high mountains and the sea. A very cozy holiday resort town with a wonderful atmosphere.
Nearby, we find the ancient ruins of Butrint. Butrint is one of Albania's most important archaeological excavation sites, with roots dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch,
AccommodationAccommodation in Saranda
DistanceApprox. 70 km
Day 8Saranda – Himara / Himarë
Today's ride is a roller coaster of a bike ride. You start while the sun burns away the night mist, cycling out of Saranda and up to a rock plateau above the city.
Then, it's over hilltops, into small coves and bays, and around headlands, all the while with the incredible view of the mountains on your right and the sea on your left.
Towards the end of the stage, you roll down to the long beach and bay where Himarë is located. Spectacular!
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Himara (Himarë)
DistanceApprox. 53 km
Day 9Himara / Himarë – Vlore
Today's route is as spectacular as it is challenging. You cycle up to the Llogara Pass, 1000 meters above the crystal blue sea. Up here, you enter a national park where you can find black pine, the Eurasian otter, and the golden eagle, among other species. The park is incredibly beautiful and is an oasis of protected forest.
After lunch, the group cycles more or less downhill all the way to the trip's final destination, Vlorë.
This is a demanding day on the bike, but perhaps also the highlight of the trip – and definitely a day you will remember for a long time to come!
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AccommodationAccommodation in Vlore
DistanceApprox. 65 km
Day 10Departure Day from Albania
Goodbye for this time, and departure to Tirana and the airport.
Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for typos and currency/price changes. The program is preliminary, changes may occur.
MealsBreakfast
Map
Included & practical info
Included & practical info
Included
Additions
Other information
Guides
Local guide - English-speaking
Local guides at home and abroad
Our local guides know the trails, shortcuts, and favorite spots – and will take you to places you would hardly find on your own. English-speaking, passionate, and ready to show you the real destination.
Read more
Packing list
Packing list
This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.
This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.
Mandatory
Recommended
Feedback from customers
Feedback from customers
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