Albania UNESCO Bike Tour

Arrive and settle into your hotel. In the morning, you are free to explore the city on your own. Tirana is a cosmopolitan city of a little over half a million people with a pleasant climate and charming beauty.

In the evening, we meet for a tour briefing over dinner at a local restaurant where we try some Albanian delicacies. Albanian cuisine is a mix of Balkan and Mediterranean with Greek and Turkish influences, all of which combine to give Albanian food its distinct character. Make sure to try some popular delicacies including Ferges, a stew prepared using tomato sauce, cottage cheese, and peppers, Tarator, a cold yogurt appetizer, and Raki, an alcoholic drink made from twice-distilled grapes.

This is the first day of our cycling adventure. We begin the day by taking a two-hour shuttle transfer out of Tirana in a south-easterly direction to the shores of Lake Ohrid. Lake Ohrid is Europe’s oldest and its deepest lake. Because of its unique aquatic ecosystem that supports more than 200 endemic species, and the presence of several historic monuments along its shores, the lake was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

We begin the day’s biking with a descent down to the lake. We bike all the way to our hotel, where we stop for lunch. Post-lunch, we get back on our bikes and cross the international border into neighboring Macedonia to visit the Monastery of St. Naum. A charming stone building with red-tiled roofs perched in the shadow of the Galicica mountain, the monastery dates back to the 10th century CE.

After the visit, we return to our hotel and spend the rest of the day enjoying serene views of Lake Ohrid.

We start the day again with an hour-long shuttle transfer, continuing to travel in a southerly direction to reach the outskirts of Korce before beginning the day’s biking. Korce is a 15th-century town of about 75,000 inhabitants that is sometimes referred to as the Paris of Albania due to its cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and beautiful medieval architecture that includes a mosque and a cathedral.

We stop by for a lunch at Ersekë, one of the highest towns in Albania at an elevation of around 1050 meters (3445 feet), offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains..

Post lunch, we ride past quaint Albanian villages and vineyards fringed by the Morava mountains to arrive at the small village of Germenj where we stay for the night on a farm, offering a peek into the rural life of Albania. The farm lies within the Germenj-Shelegur National Park amidst pristine forests in southeastern Albania, at an altitude of 1000 meters. Wildlife footprints, including bear, wolf, hogs, and deer, are common sightings. The pine-dominated forests offer breathtaking mountain views, expansive wild meadows, and nearby lakes ideal for swimming stops.

We begin the day’s biking by heading in a south-easterly direction before taking a sharp northerly course towards the town of Permet. We are now close to the southern tip of Albania, having begun our journey from Albania in the north. The exhilarating 14km downhill ride brings us to the Vjosë River, often regarded as one of the last wild rivers in Europe due to its relatively untouched and pristine nature. The day’s ride sees us riding through some very beautiful countryside consisting of farms and vineyards swaying under the shadow of Albania’s omnipresent mountains.

Once we arrive at Permet, we head off to the nearby town of Benje, famous for its thermal springs. The waters of the springs at Benje are naturally rich in several minerals and have been known by locals since antiquity to possess therapeutic powers.

We continue our journey in a northerly direction along the river as we head towards the city of Gjirokaster. We arrive at Kroi i Pashait for lunch, pausing for a coffee break at Kelcyra Gorge overlooking the Vjosa River along the way. Following our meal, we transfer to Gjirokaster for a city tour. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokaster is also known as the “museum town” because of its rich architectural and cultural history. Several old houses in the city are built in white stone, and the streets are made of cobblestone, earning it the moniker of the “stone city”. We visit the Gjirokaster Castle, and Skenduli House, a famous 300-year old mansion. Gjirokaster is a thriving town of over 30,000 inhabitants and offers excellent options for experiencing Albanian culture at close quarters. Guests are free tonight to explore the city and try out local cuisine.

Today is planned as a semi-rest day and a day off the bike. Following breakfast, we transfer to Blue Eye, requiring a walk of approximately 2.5km since vehicles cannot access the entire route. This natural wonder is a breathtaking sight, featuring an underground spring with mesmerizing blue waters, surrounded by pristine and untamed wilderness. Here we have ample time to explore this natural wonder, followed by a chance to enjoy a coffee on-site.

Once we've savored the tranquility and natural splendor of the "Blue Eye," we transfer to Saranda. The destination for the day is the famous Albanian resort town of Sarande, which sits on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Sun, sand, and clear blue waters of the Mediterranean await us.

Today's adventure takes us on a gorgeous ride through the Butrint National Park, where we have the opportunity to visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. This archaeological gem showcases ruins dating back to the Greco-Roman era, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations.

As we pedal through the park, the panoramic views of the lake, Ionian Sea, and Corfu provide a stunning backdrop to our ride. The air becomes infused with the delightful scents of citrus fruits, as this region is renowned for its abundant citrus orchards, filling the air with a symphony of refreshing aromas.

Our route includes a fascinating crossing of the Vivari Channel aboard an intriguing wooden ferry. This unique experience allows us to seamlessly reach our lunch destination, located a mere 50 meters away from the awe-inspiring archaeological site. Indulge in a well-deserved meal while soaking in the historical ambiance and natural beauty of the surroundings.

After savoring our meal and immersing ourselves in the historical ambiance, we continue our loop back through the Butrint National Park. Today's journey is a truly remarkable adventure, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the stunning landscapes and rich historical tapestry that surrounds us.

We are now on the Albanian Riviera, and we continue our journey northwards by following Albania's beautiful Mediterranean coastline. The mountains loom to our east, while the dazzling blue waters of the Ionian Sea sparkle in the sun to our west as we ride through some of the beautiful scenery Europe has to offer. We stop for the night in Himare, a quaint fishermen’s village with white sand beaches. Himare is inhabited by Greek Albanians, and the culture and cuisine are a fusion of Greek and Albanian elements. You are free tonight to explore the town on your own.

While today's accommodation is modest, it boasts the finest sea views available.

Today is the final day of biking on our Albanian adventure, and we’ve saved the best for the last. We continue biking along the Albanian Riviera in a northward direction, climbing the hills of the Ceraunian mountain range and passing through pine-covered forests of the Llogara National Park. The day's ride presents a challenge ahead, beginning with an ascent of 800m to the base of Llogara Pass, followed by another 800m climb to its summit. With spectacular mountains on one side and the sea on the other, we descend 4km before stopping for lunch.

Later we bike through two of the most famous beaches in Albania - Dhermi and Jale. Dhermi, in particular, is famous for offering mesmerizing views of white sand beaches and azure Mediterranean waters on one side and glorious vistas of the snow-covered Maja e Cikes mountain on the other. We end the day’s biking at the famous resort town of Radhime and check into our hotel.

Later in the morning, we take a shuttle to Tirana Airport, a journey that lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, to continue your onward travels.