Albania Bike Tour

May 22nd

Departure day

Albania

Destination

Intermediate

Difficulty level

Albania: Mountain Bike Expedition in Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, a country where East and West meet beautifully at every turn. Its rich history dating back to antiquity has been shaped by the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and, more recently, by the unique communist era of the 20th century. As a result, modern Albania offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, remarkable heritage, and authentic local culture.

This rich historical diversity can be seen in its charming stone cities, impressive hilltop fortresses, Orthodox churches, Ottoman mosques, and centuries-old traditional bazaars. At the same time, Albanian culture is characterized by the incredible warmth and hospitality of its people; every visitor is made to feel genuinely welcome through the country’s fierce sense of community and tradition.

From the Rugged Balkan Peaks to the Turquoise Riviera

In addition, Albania’s landscapes are astonishingly diverse and remain largely untouched by mass tourism. From the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea to the peaceful inland valleys and the rugged Albanian Alps, the country offers breathtaking scenery at every stage of the journey. Snow-capped peaks, dense forests, dramatic canyons, crystal-clear rivers, and winding mountain roads create an unforgettable backdrop for every single ride.

For cycling and adventure enthusiasts, Albania is an authentic and deeply rewarding destination. Quiet roads, scenic mountain passes, traditional villages, and spectacular coastal routes make every day in the saddle a new and exciting experience. Whether climbing through alpine landscapes or descending toward the sparkling Mediterranean coast, every kilometer reveals a different side of this extraordinary country.

Authentic Heritage and Mediterranean Flavors

Its gastronomy beautifully combines Mediterranean and Balkan influences with fresh local ingredients and time-honored recipes. Grilled meats, artisanal cheeses, seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, and premium olive oil are the true stars of a cuisine that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Beyond its landscapes and history, Albania offers something increasingly rare in Europe: pure authenticity. Here, a slower pace of life is embraced, ancient traditions are preserved, and visitors are invited to discover places that have remained untouched by commercial tourism. Along the way, a unique story is told through every village, mountain pass, and coastal road, ensuring that each day of the journey becomes an unforgettable experience.

Visiting Albania means discovering a genuine, welcoming, and surprisingly diverse country that remains one of Europe’s last undiscovered cycling frontiers. From the majestic Albanian Alps to the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera, every stage of the journey reveals something completely new!

DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL	Tirana, Albania
DEPARTING TIME	6:00 PM meeting in Tirana
SERVICES INCLUDED	Detailed GPS tracks for the entire route (GPS device must be mounted on your handlebar; device is not provided by the organization). Professional bilingual tour leader (Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French-speaking) throughout the tour. Expert local escort guide (Albanian, English, and Italian-speaking) managing regional logistics. Seven nights in selected 3 and 4-star hotels in double occupancy with breakfast included. Full board meal plan: seven dinners and colaciones/six lunches included during the itinerary. Travel medical and comprehensive accident insurance. Full mechanical assistance on the road and spare bike availability in case of breakdown. Group van transfer from Himarë to Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa. Dedicated support vehicle for internal transfers and daily luggage transportation from hotel to hotel. Official event cycling jersey.
NOT INCLUDED	Drinks and desserts at the included dinners and lunches. Airfares, airport taxes, and local tourist taxes (paid directly at check-in). Unscheduled transfers outside the official program, bike replacement parts, laundry services, or personal expenses. Single room supplement (optional). Bicycle rental. (It is possible to rent a high-quality hybrid bicycle with an aluminum frame, front suspension, and disc brakes, or an E-bike under the same conditions. Helmet is included in the rental).

Descounts

Additional information

Location	Albania
Duration	8 days
Dates	May, September

Spectacular bike tour in Albania, visiting Tirana, Korça, Germenj, Gjirokaster, Butrint, Saranda and Himare.

Day 1: Meet & great at the chosen hotel in Tirana

After checking in at the hotel, we will meet in the afternoon in the lobby for a first presentation with the guides. If your arrival is early, we suggest exploring the capital by taking a walk from the city center. In case of adverse weather conditions, a visit to the Bunk’Art National Museum is recommended to tour the different historical stages of Albania. After the briefing, we will go to a typical Albanian restaurant, where traditional food will be offered in a family-style dinner format. There you will have the opportunity to taste for the first time the exquisite gastronomy that Albania has to offer!

Day 2: Grabovice to Korça!

After a two-and-a-half-hour transfer to Grabovice, we begin pedalling towards Korçë, often considered the Paris of Albania. Along the way, we will make a short stop for coffee and enjoy a fantastic route through well-preserved crops and vineyards that characterize the ancient towns located between the starting point and the city. After arriving and checking in, we will go with the local guide to tour the city to visit one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the country, the first Albanian school, and enjoy a drink in the recently restored Old Bazaar. Thanks to significant investments from the European Union, the city was completely renovated, becoming one of the most interesting cultural and historical destinations in Albania…

Day 3: Korça to Germenj

We leave the agricultural plateau of Korçë to venture into more remote areas and villages, following the green border with Greece while the Gramoz Mountains remain on our left throughout the route. The landscape is beautiful and varied, changing from agricultural lands to high snowy mountains, depending on the time of year. After having lunch in Ersek, the highest-altitude city in Albania, we will continue ascending towards the Barmash Pass, located at 1,160 meters above sea level, to end the day in Germenj….

Day 4: Germenj to Përmet

We begin the day pedalling towards the southeast before turning sharply north towards the city of Përmet. An exciting 14 km descent takes us to the Vjosa River, considered one of the last wild rivers in Europe due to its practically intact and pristine nature. The stage will take us through a rural landscape of great beauty, composed of fields and vineyards under the permanent shadow of the Albanian mountains. Before arriving in Përmet, there is the possibility of detouring to the nearby town of Bënja, famous for its thermal waters. The waters of Bënja are naturally rich in minerals, and since antiquity, local inhabitants have attributed therapeutic properties to them…

Day 5: Përmet to Gjirokastër

After leaving Përmet, we resume the route following the Vjosa River towards Këlcyrë, where the river has formed an impressive 20 km canyon between the Trebeshina and Golika mountains. Later, we say goodbye to the Vjosa River to meet the Drino River, where the cycling stage ends, and we transfer to Gjirokastër, our UNESCO-protected city. After check-in, we will take a guided tour to see the citadel located at the top of the city, the bazaar where visitors usually buy authentic crafts and souvenirs, and finally, the Skenduli House….

Day 6: Gjirokastër to Sarandë

The day begins with a 30-minute transfer to the top of the Muzina Pass, located at an altitude of 550 meters, where we will start the cycling route. From there, we will enjoy a beautiful descent until reaching sea level and approaching Sarandë, the first coastal city of the trip. Upon entering the city, we will ride a circuit next to the Butrint National Park until reaching the southernmost tip of the country. We will cross the Vivari Channel on a wooden raft, which connects the Ionian Sea with Lake Butrint, and we will have lunch near the UNESCO-protected site of Butrint. After lunch, a guide will be waiting for us to visit the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Butrint, declared a World Heritage Site in 1992. Subsequently, we will make a short trip to Sarandë, accompanied for the rest of the day by views of the island of Corfu on our left….

Day 7: Sarandë to Himarë

A real roller coaster of ups and downs awaits us as we leave Sarandë to travel the famous “Albanian Riviera Route”. We will pass through some of the most beautiful villages in the country and by crystal-clear water beaches bathed by the Ionian Sea. The views are spectacular, with the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, while each ascent is rewarded with impressive descents between villages and along the coast. We will have a brief lunch in Porto Palermo, in front of a fascinating Venetian castle, to end the day in Himarë, an old fishing village where there will be time to relax on the beach and/or tour the center enjoying an ice cream. Farewell dinner after a fantastic tour….

Day 8: Good bye Albania

Airport transfer (3.5 to 4 hours of travel, depending on traffic and the time of year). It’s recommended to book flights departing after 15:00 hours. In case you want to stay in the Albanian Riviera, Himarë, Radhimë, and Vlorë are great places where to stay….