Desription
DAY-1 Arrival
Rendezvous at Tiranë airport and transfer to hotel in Tiranë city centre. Meet the rest of the tour group over a relaxing dinner.
Driving distance : 17km / 25min
Day-2: Tiranë - Pogradec
After a two hour transfer we will reach the northern side of Lake Ohrid, from where we will start cycling along the scenic shore towards Pogradec. Lunch at a waterfront restaurant before arriving in Pogradec. The afternoon can be spent either relaxing at the beach in front of the hotel or crossing over into Macedonia by bike and visiting the monastery of St Naum.
Driving distance : 120km / 2hr | cycling distance : 40km | elevation : 62m
Day-3: Cycle from Pogradec to Korcë
Leaving Lake Ohrid, we climb to a high plateau bounded by mountains. Continue following the gorge for a while until the hills open up, leading to a vast plain and a colourful patchwork of individual farms. Day ends with a short walking tour of Korcë, climbing cobbled streets and steps to a viewpoint overlooking the town and surrounding countryside.
Distance : 51 km | elevation : 412m
Day-4:Cycle from Korcë to Sotirë
We leave behind the agricultural plateau of Korcë, ascending steadily into the border mountains through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wild flowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie ahead, climbing into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains and over the Barmash Pass at 1,159m. Overnight at Sotirë farm, nestled in its own tranquil valley.
Distance : 71 km | elevation : 1171m
Day-5:Cycle from Sotirë to Përmet
A climb out from Sotirë to a high grassy plateau surrounded by soaring peaks, before reaching the source of the River Vjosa and descending through its spectacular gorge to Leskovik. Continue descending to Çarshovë and then follow the corniche route high above the river to Përmet, famed for its cuisine and strong raki. Option of a 4km excursion to thermal pools accessed via an ancient bridge.
Distance : 52 km | elevation : 615m
Day-6:Cycle from Përmet to Gjorokastër
Continue along the valley towards Këlcyrë, the distant shark's tooth peaks, which guard a further gorge. Ride between them to the confluence of the Drinos, following yet another gorge. This opens out into a wide plain with the town of Gjirokastër (city of 1,000 steps) high above on the right. Gjirokastër, a ‘museum’ town, is perhaps the most beautiful in Albania. Explore the charming cobbled alleyways between the white-walled buildings, visit a fascinating traditional house and climb to the citadel.
Distance : 70 km | elevation : 412m
Day 7:Cycle from Gjirokastër to Saranda
After a brief transfer, we cycle to Sarandë. This is the gateway to southern Albania on the Ionian coast, sandwiched between the high mountains and the sea. A short ride on a rustic ferry brings us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, one of the country's most important archaeological treasures, where the influences of various ancient peoples including the Greeks and Romans are clearly visible.
Distance : 70 km | elevation : 525m
Day 8: Cycle from Saranda to Himarë
A rollercoaster ride, we leave as the early morning mist is burnt off by the sun, climbing steeply out of Sarandë to a rocky plateau. Then it's over cols into bays and around headlands, always with the stunning mountain scenery to the right and coastal views to the left before descending to the long beach and the bay of Himarë, where there’s plenty of time for a swim in the clear blue water.
Distance : 53 km | elevation : 1064m
Day 9: Cycle from Himarë to Vlorë
Today’s ride is not only the most challenging but also the most spectacular in Albania. You will gradually climb from sea level up to 1,000m through forests, gorges and hairpin bends. After lunch in the beautiful national park of Llogara we will descend towards Vlorë for an afternoon’s relaxation by the Ionian sea.
Distance: 63km | elevation: 1658m
Day 10: Departure - Transfer to Tirana Airport
Depending on flight times, we may have the opportunity to visit the city of Vlorë before our transfer back to Tiranë and Mother Teresa Airport.
Driving distance: 160km / 2.5hr
