8 Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour in Albania

Daily itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana

After arriving in Tirana, you will check-in at the hotel, and later you can explore Tirana city. Alb Expeditions will let you know in advance about the meeting time with our guide for the main briefing. Your cycling guide will go through all the necessary details for your cycling journey in Albania.

• Accommodation: Hotel Starlight 4-star or similar
• Meals: No meals included

Day 2: Cycle from Pogradec to Korçë

The journey continues in Albania as you go on a picturesque 2-hour and 30-minute drive southeast towards Pogradec on the shore of Lake Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will do bike fitting and the cycle journey continues riding in the countryside of the beautiful lakeside town of Pogradec to the historic city of Korçë offering to this adventure a unique perspective on Albania’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. You will cycle through rolling hills and picturesque villages, experiencing fascinating farming practices that have sustained the agriculture communities for centuries. After arrival, check-in at the hotel and explore the cultural sites of Korca.

• Distance: 34 kilometers / 21 miles
• Elevation: +210 meters / +690 feet and -190 meters / -623 feet
• Accommodation: Hotel Vila Borgjeze 3-star, or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cycling the countryside roads as you continue towards Gramoz Mountain to Shelegur

Today, continue further south in Albania. You will cycle through the agricultural plateau offering you the scenic views of Gramos Mountain a natural boundary bordering Greece and Erseke the highest town in Albania which lies on a plateau of 1050 meters above sea level. You continue your ride on smooth roads and panoramic vistas to your tranquil place nestled in the middle of serene pine forest on the shores of Shelegur Lake. In the afternoon, you take a walk exploring the village and the surroundings.

• Distance: 75 kilometers / 45 miles
• Elevation: +1230 meters / +4035 feet and -1050 meters / -3445 feet
• Accommodation: Hotel Resort Mezini 4-star or Camping Farm Shelegur
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Cycle the Vjosa River Valley to Permet

Cycling through the forest and meadows, you arrive at the town of Leskovik. From here, a long and amazing descent leads you to the Vjosa River where you can see the mountains and villages in Greece, and on the way, there is the best view of the tour Nemercka Mountain range and Vjosa River meet together, creating a picturesque view.

After reaching Petran village, an optional short cycle to the thermal spring of Benje, walking over an old Ottoman bridge, you can go and swim in the pools built by locals. After an optional thermal springs visit, you will continue cycling to Permet a small town well known for traditional food and tasty ‘gliko’ sweets.

• Distance: 58 (70 km) kilometers / 36 miles (43.5 miles)
• Elevation: +510 meters / +1673 feet and -1252 meters / -4108 feet
• Accommodation: Hotel Villa Permet 4-star or Hotel Elma 3-star
• Meals: Breakfast

Optional ride

• Distance: 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles
• Elevation: +190 meters / +623 feet and -190 meters / -623 feet

Day 5: Cycle through Kelcyra gorge to Gjirokaster, the city of stones

Today is one of the easiest days. Following Vjosa River we cycle through Kelcyra Gorge and the beautiful landscapes. A short transfer for 30min to Gjirokaster following the Drino River valley. We arrive to the UNESCO town of Gjirokastra a hillside town defined by its castle, stone paved streets, the old Bazar, and old traditional stone houses characterized by their architecture.

Taking a short walk, you visit the castle which has a panoramic view of the old town, Drino River valley, and snow-capped mountains. You learn more about the history of the town, take a walk through old quarters, and visit an old house that is one of the best examples of Gjirokastra architecture. In the afternoon, you spend some time exploring the old bazaar.

• Distance: 62 kilometers / 38.5 miles
• Elevation: +430 meters / +1,410feet and -390 meters / -1,280feet
• Distance: 38 kilometers / 30 miles
• Elevation: +210 meters / +690 feet and -520 meters / -1706 feet
• Accommodation: Hotel Kastro 4-star or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Short transfer to Muzina Pass, continue the ride to the UNESCO site of Butrint, to Saranda

Today is the first day on the Ionian Coast as you start with a short transfer to Muzina Pass, where bikes are prepared and the journey begins. The beautiful countryside along the way as you cycle through Butrint National Park, taking a short old styled ferry ride, you reach Butrint archeological site. You have a chance to visit the UNESCO site Butrint, the best archeological site in Albania.

Located near Saranda and the Greek border Butrint is one of the most important and most visited archeological sites in Albania, and it became part of UNESCO in 1992. Firstly inhabited by an Epirote tribe and later the tribes from Corfu settled here and started to build it. Butrint was an ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus. Here, you can take a tour inside Butrint archaeological site and explore the magnificent ancient ruins. After the visit to Butrint, you drive to Saranda enjoying the beaches of the Ionian Sea.

• Distance: 68 kilometers / 42 miles
• Elevation: +470 meters / +1542 feet and -1110 meters / -3609 feet
• Accommodation: Hotel Nertili 4-star, or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Cycle along the Albanian Riviera, exploring the picturesque villages along the coast

You start with a steady climb leaving the city of Sarande and following the coastal road visiting the way characteristic traditional villages. Pristine beaches, traditional hamlets, amazing traditional food, and breathtaking coastal and mountainous views combined with a warm welcome by locals are the definition of what to expect on this day. With its beautiful pebbly beaches, Himare is the place where you spend the night.

• Distance: 52 kilometers / 32 miles
• Elevation: +1065 meters / +3491 feet and -1065 meters / -3491 feet
• Accommodation: Hotel Chimaera 4-star, or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Himare to the airport

There will be an organized private transfer to the airport.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

About the tour

The best cycling months are from April 10th to July 1st and between September 1st and October 20th. July and August are very hot and not recommended for cycle tours. Road conditions in Albania are all asphalted and generally in good shape, but in some short segments it can be old asphalted roads and as a result, it will impact the traveling times. On some days, there will be cycling for about three to five hours total activity including breaks, coffee stops, lunches, and other activities. Unexplored and unknown for many years, Albania is a dream destination for many travelers.

• Activity level: Moderate