Albania

Arrival in Tirana. After the transfer from the airport to the hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Albania’s capital.

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a two-hour transfer, during which you'll gather your first impressions of the Albanian landscape, passing through deep valleys, fertile farmland, and a series of small towns. The cycling tour begins in Qafe Thane with a descent and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Soon, you’ll ride along the lake’s shore, an important fishing resource, where you’ll see boats and fish vendors along the roadside. The small restaurants in the village of Tushemisht are perfect for a lunch break before you cross the border into North Macedonia to visit one of the region’s main attractions—the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Saint Naum. Afterward, you’ll head back to Tushemisht.

After an ascent with views of Lake Ohrid, you’ll reach a high plateau. Here, horse-drawn carts are more common than tractors. Soon, you’ll arrive in the largest city in southeastern Albania, situated on a plateau beneath the Morava Mountains. Charming villas and wide boulevards testify to the city’s former prosperity when it was an important trading hub. Visit the iconic cathedral and the rich collection of icons at the Museum of Medieval Art, or simply stroll along the bustling promenade in the evening, where many bars invite you to relax.

Today features one of the most challenging stages of the tour. You’ll follow one of the most scenic routes in Albania through the highlands around the town of Erseka, along the Greek border, and past the wildflowers of Germenj-Shelegur Park. Your accommodation for the night is nestled amid the mountains and forests.

The day begins with a short ascent, followed by a winding road toward the village of Leskovik. Keep an eye out for wildflowers, sheep, and colorful beehives along the way. After Leskovik, you’ll embark on a long descent toward the Greek border into the Vjosa Valley, shaped by one of Europe’s last wild rivers. The road flattens out, and soon you’ll reach the village of Carshove, where you can stop for a coffee before covering the last 20 kilometers to your accommodation. Throughout the journey to the small village of Benja, enjoy stunning views of the Nemercka Mountains. While you marvel at the snow-capped peaks, relax beneath an Ottoman stone bridge in the thermal springs—an unforgettable moment.

Cycling along the Vjosa River, you’ll descend from the Nemercka Mountains to the town of Kelcyra. After crossing the river, a transfer will take you to a centrally located hotel in Gjirokastër. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets that connect the fortress-like Ottoman mansions of this UNESCO city.

After the transfer, enjoy a spectacular descent toward the Ionian coast. Soon, you’ll reach the "Blue Eye," a breathtaking karst spring that’s absolutely worth a short stop. After a long downhill ride, you’ll follow the Bistrica River. Continue toward the UNESCO site of Butrint, passing by Lake Butrint and citrus farms. Cross the narrow channel on a rustic cable ferry and explore the rich archaeological history of Butrint. Next, head to Ksamil, where you can enjoy a seafood lunch and swim around the islands. The final 17 kilometers will take you along the coast, leading to the seaside town of Sarandë.

The first part of the road to Himarë takes you away from the coast, passing through the villages of Nivica and Shen Vasil. After a longer ascent, you'll spend most of the remaining ride with views of the Ionian Sea and the rugged coastal mountains. Charming villages, citrus groves, and olive plantations line the road from the modern port city of Sarandë to the submarine bunkers of Porto Palermo and the Ali Pasha Castle. Upon reaching the laid-back coastal town of Himarë, you can relax on the pebble beach before having dinner at one of the seaside promenade restaurants.

Today, you’ll tackle a long ascent along the Albanian coast. Afterward, you’ll descend through a valley to Vlorë, arriving in Radhimë. A transfer will take you from Radhimë to your accommodation in Tirana. Take your time for dinner in vibrant Tirana and reflect on your cycling journey through southern Albania over a glass of wine on your final evening.