This 12-day cycling tour offers an immersive journey through Albania’s cultural treasures, UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning coastal views, and picturesque countryside.
From the vibrant capital of Tirana to the UNESCO cities of Berat, Gjirokastër, and Butrint, this tour combines moderate cycling with rich history, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty. Perfect for those looking for a more active and enriching holiday, this tour is suitable for cyclists of all levels, offering scenic, non-strenuous routes with support throughout. Tour Itinerary with Distances:
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana • Arrival & Orientation • Arrival: Arrive in Tirana and transfer to your 3-4 star hotel. • Orientation: Meet your guide and get an overview of the itinerary. • Evening: Explore Skanderbeg Square and the vibrant streets of Tirana. Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner. • Accommodation: 3-4 star hotel in Tirana.
Day 2: Tirana to Berat (UNESCO) • 90 km • Morning Ride: Cycle towards Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows”, aUNESCO World Heritage site. • Distance: 90 km (with transport assistance for some sections). • Afternoon: Explore Berat Castle, the old town of Mangalem, and the historic Gorica neighborhood. • Evening: Relax in Beratand enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Berat.
Day 3: Berat to Apollonia & Vlorë • 40 km + 30 km • Morning Ride: Cycle to Apollonia, an important ancient Greek city with ruins dating back to the 6th century BC. • Distance: 40 km to Apollonia. • Afternoon: Continue by bike or with transport to Vlorë, a city located on the Adriatic coast. • Evening: Relax in Vlorë by the seaside. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Vlorë.
Day 4: Vlorë to Gjirokastër (UNESCO) • 100 km • Morning Ride: Start the day with a transfer to a scenic point, then cycle through the picturesque Drino Valley to Gjirokastër. • Distance: 100 km (with transport assistance for some sections). • Afternoon: Explore Gjirokastër’s fortress, the Skenduli House, and the cobblestone streets of the old town. • Evening: Relax in this UNESCO-listed stone city. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Gjirokastër.
Day 5: Gjirokastër to Butrint (UNESCO) • 70 km • Morning Ride: Cycle towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, an ancient city that blends Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. • Distance: 70 km. • Afternoon: Explore the fascinating ruins of Butrint and its surrounding nature reserve. • Evening: Return to Sarandëfor an overnight stay. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Sarandë.
Day 6: Rest Day in Sarandë • Morning: Relax by the Ionian Sea or explore the local markets and streets of Sarandë. • Afternoon: Optional boat trip to the nearby island of Ksamil or visit the Blue Eye Spring. • Evening: Dinner by the sea with a sunset view over the Ionian Sea. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Sarandë.
Day 7: Sarandë to Himarë • 55 km • Morning Ride: Cycle along the stunning Albanian Riviera, passing through beautiful beaches and coastal villages. • Distance: 55 km. • Afternoon: Explore Himarë’s castle, visit the town center, and enjoy some time at the beach. • Evening: Relax and enjoy a leisurely evening in Himarë. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Himarë.
Day 8: Himarë to Vlorë • 65 km • Morning Ride: Cycle along the scenic coastal road and climb the famous Llogara Pass for breathtaking views. • Distance: 65 km. • Afternoon: Optional hike in Llogara National Park or relax in the park’s picturesque surroundings. • Evening: Return to Vlorë for an overnight stay. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Vlorë.
Day 9: Vlorë to Apollonia & Durrës • 40 km + 30 km • Morning Ride: Visit the ancient ruins of Apollonia, one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites. • Distance: 40 km to Apollonia. • Afternoon: Continue by bike or transport to Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest cities. • Evening: Explore the Roman Amphitheater, the Archaeological Museum, and enjoy dinner in one of Durrës’ many seaside restaurants. • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Durrës.
Day 10: Durrës to Tirana • 35 km • Morning Ride: Cycle back to Tirana, enjoying the rolling countryside along the way. • Distance: 35 km. • Afternoon: Upon arrival in Tirana, enjoy some free time to explore more of the capital city or shop for souvenirs. • Evening: Farewell dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant in Tirana. • Accommodation: 3-4 star hotel in Tirana.
Day 11: Tirana – Day Trip to Krujë • 50 km (optional) • Optional Ride: For those who wish to explore more, take a bike ride to Krujë, the historic town known for its medieval castle and the Skanderbeg Museum. • Distance: 50 km round trip (optional). • Afternoon: Explore the castle, bazaar, and enjoy the panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. • Evening: Return to Tirana and relax. • Accommodation: 3-4 star hotel in Tirana.
Day 12: Departure from Tirana • Morning: Transfer to the airport for your departure. • Optional: If time permits, visit the National History Museum or the Dajti Mountain for panoramic views of Tirana. • Accommodation: None (departure).
Included Services:
• Accommodation: 4-5 star hotels with breakfast included for the entire tour.
• Bikes: High-quality hybrid or e-bikes available for rent.
• Transfers: Luggage transfers between destinations, including transport assistance for some sections of the ride.
• Support: 24/7 hotline assistance for emergencies and route-related questions.
• Meals: Daily breakfast included, plus optional food experiences.
• Customizable Experiences: Optional visits to local wineries, farms, and cultural sites.
• Cycling Routes: Carefully selected, non-strenuous routes, with maximum daily cycling distances of 90 km on e-bikes.
• Wine and Food Experiences: Discover the best of Albanian wine and food at local wineries and restaurants.
Tour Types Available: 1. Family-Friendly Cycling: A relaxed and enjoyable tour suitable for families.
2. Food & Wine Tours: Explore Albania’s culinary heritage, including wine tastings and traditional meals.
3. Unique Cycling Routes: Discover hidden gems and spectacular landscapes.
4. Bike & Boat: Combine cycling with boat trips to explore Albania’s rivers and lakes.
Tour Price: • Price per Person: €2,000 for the 12-day self-guided tour, including accommodation, luggage transfers, and support services. \
• E-Bike Rental: €360 for the entire 12-day rental.
Group Size:
• Minimum: 10 participants.
• Maximum: 16 participants.
Commentaires