Overview
An eight day, self-guided Balkan adventure, cycling the UNESCO sites in Albania, starting in Pogradec, on the shores of Lake Ohrid, and finishing in Radhimë, on the Ionian Sea. Cycle through an array of magnificent Albanian landscapes, with views to the snowy peaks of the Gramos Mountains one day, and the magnificent Nemërçka Mountains the next. World Heritage Sites along the way include the remote town of Gjirokastër, with its Ottoman stone architecture, fortress and superb views, and the impressive Greek and Roman ruins in Butrint National Park. All within a beach pebble’s throw of Corfu.
- Lake Ohrid
- Gjirokastër
- Butrint National Park
- Sarandë
- Llogara Pass and Llogara National Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Pogradec
You are met at Tirana airport and transferred to Pogradec (group transfer scheduled at 2pm). Depending on your arrival time, we recommend a wander down to the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes (286m).
- Accommodation: Hotel Millennium or similar
Day 2: Korçë – Sotirë | 70km
Today begins with a transfer to Korçë to begin a route through a remote rural area dotted with small villages. Cycle through varied scenery, from agricultural areas to trails with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Gramos Mountains, on the border between Albania and Greece. Pause for lunch in Ersekë, before continuing towards Barmash Pass (1,160m) for a welcome descent to a trout farm and this evening’s accommodation. Tonight’s dinner includes the farm’s fresh fish, served alongside other delicious products produced on the farm, with an opportunity to sample local wines.
- Cycling for the day: 70km, ↑1170m
- Accommodation: Farma Sotira or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Sotirë – Përmet | 65km
Leaving Sotirë, cycle across forested plains surrounded by mountain peaks, to reach Leskovik. From here, the route descends toward the Greek border before following a path along the Vjosa River. From the guesthouse, there is an optional circular route to the famous Llixhat e Bënjës, natural thermal springs located underneath the 17th-century Kadiut Bridge. There are two main pools at the base of the bridge with four smaller pools further up Lengarica Canyon.
- Cycling for the day: 65km, ↑650m
- Accommodation: Elma Guesthouse or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Përmet – Gjirokastër | 60km
As the route leaves Përmet, the peaks of the Nemërçka Mountains begin to come into view. Continue along the Vjosa River toward Këlcyrë Gorge. At the confluence of the rivers Vjosa and Drino, the route changes direction to head through Drino Valley, passing Mount Lunxhëri to reach Gjirokastër. The historic centre of Gjirokastër is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its series of two-story houses which were developed in the 17th century. The town also has a bazaar, an 18th-century mosque and two churches of the same period.
- Cycling for the day: 60km, ↑420m
- Accommodation: Hotel Kastro or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Gjirokastër – Sarandë | 70km
Begin the day with a 30mins transfer to the top of the Muzina Pass (550m), before setting off on a downhill section towards the outskirts of Sarandë, the first coastal city of the tour. On the way, there is an optional circular detour to Butrint National Park, at the southernmost tip of the country, before hopping on a wooden ferry to cross the Vivari Channel which connects the Ionian Sea with Lake Butrint. The final stretch heads north along the coast toward Sarandë, offering views across to Corfu, only a couple of kilometres away at its closest point.
- Cycling for the day: 70km, ↑525m
- Accommodation: Hotel Nertili or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Sarandë – Himarë | 52km
Today’s cycle follows a route along the Albanian coast, taking you past beaches and traditional waterfront villages. With the mountains to one side and the Ionian Sea to the other, offering vistas across the water to Corfu, this section is one of the favourites days for many people. Stop for lunch at one of the coastal restaurants overlooking the Venetian Castle before continuing north towards the former fishing village of Himarë, now a beach resort and your place to stay overnight.
- Cycling for the day: 52km, ↑1064m
- Accommodation: Hotel Prinos, Dhima or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Himarë – Radhimë | 64km
The day begins with a steep climb toward Himarë Castle, a medieval fortress containing relics over 3,500 years old. From here, descend toward Llogara Pass, taking in the panoramic views of Livadh Beach far below. After a quick coffee break, begin the steep ascent along Llogara Pass which, although long, offers great views of the surrounding area. Once at the top, you can revel in the knowledge that the remainder of the route is either downhill or flat. The first part of the descent heads through Llogara National Park, before entering the coastal village of Radhimë, overlooking the Karaburun Peninsula.
- Cycling for the day: 64km, ↑1590m
- Accommodation: Hotel Coral or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast and transfer to Tirana airport (group transfer scheduled at 9.00 – please ensure that your departure flight is booked at 14.00 or later).
- Meals included: Breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms, except for Farma Sotira on day two which has a shared bathroom.
Click to view default accommodations
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate, with an average of 70km of cycling per day. Most routes follow quiet side roads (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of April until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season. July, August and September are the busiest months and resort towns may become overcrowded during these periods.
For more details, see our blog, the Best time to go to Albania.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
The recommended airport for this trip is Tirana. Complimentary arrival and departure transfers to this airport are included in the trip cost.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights in a private en-suite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, route notes and maps
- Hybrid bike rental with pannier (including spare inner tubes, multitool and pump)
- Support vehicle with driver for luggage transport
- Arrival and departure transfers from Tirana airport – departure transfer scheduled at 9.00 so please ensure that your departure flight is booked at 14.00 or later
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Helmet rental
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Supplements, options and extras
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- E-bike rental
Bike rental
Both hybrid bikes and e-bikes are available to rent on this tour – both models are equipped with front suspension and disk brakes. Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on availability, but the standard will be the same.
