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Cyclist at Bourolos Pass

Albania

From the highlands to the Riviera

8 Days / 7 Nights
Challenging
Cyclist at Bourolos Pass

Albania was isolated from the rest of the world until the early 1990s. Today, it’s a vibrant and welcoming country with unique attractions. Ancient sites define this still largely unknown region—amphitheaters, castles, and churches stand as silent witnesses to a grand past. You’ll cycle through stunning landscapes, starting from the bustling capital, Tirana, to Lake Ohrid, surrounded by towering mountains and home to the famous Monastery of Saint Naum. Discover the French-influenced city of Korça, the breathtaking scenery of Erseka and Permet, and the lesser-known gems of the Esater region near Greece. This cycling tour is incredibly diverse, featuring UNESCO sites like Gjirokastër, Berat, and Butrint, relaxation in the Benja hot springs, the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, and plenty of culinary surprises along the way.

Your cycling adventure kicks off in the vibrant Albanian capital, Tirana. After immersing yourself in its rich history, the journey leads you through the serene landscapes of rural Albania. You'll ride past the picturesque shores of Lake Ohrid, with stunning views of the Gramoz Mountains. As you make your way to Germenj, you'll marvel at the natural beauty of Shelegur National Park and pause at the Borova War Memorial. Riding past the steaming hot springs of Benje, day four unveils a true highlight: the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokaster.

With the coast as your destination, you can look forward to wild rivers and karst springs, with the archaeological site of Butrint being a true highlight. Sarandë and Himarë are charming coastal gems, where the shimmering sea and picturesque harbors provide the perfect finale to your cycling journey through Albania.

  • The fascination of the Albanian capital: Tirana is a vibrant melting pot where modern energy meets a rich history shaped by Ottoman and communist influences. At its heart lies Skanderbeg Square, surrounded by landmarks such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National Museum. The lively Blloku district has transformed into a hotspot for cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • An insight into the archaeology of Butrint: Originally founded as an ancient Greek colony, Butrint later flourished as a Roman city before becoming an important episcopal center during the Byzantine era. Explore its remarkable archaeological sites, including a well-preserved ancient theater, Roman baths, an early Christian basilica, and Venetian fortifications. Nestled within the scenic Butrint National Park, this historic site offers a breathtaking glimpse into centuries of civilization.
  • Explore the “City of Stones”: Perched dramatically on a mountainside, Gjirokaster boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Its charming cobblestone streets are lined with well-preserved stone houses, reflecting the town’s rich heritage. Overlooking it all, the imposing Gjirokaster Fortress offers not only a deep dive into history but also spectacular panoramic vistas.

Cycle from Albania’s highlands to the sea, tackling both ascents and descents along the way. Each day, you’ll cover between 40 and 70 kilometers, with the option to skip particularly steep sections via transfers arranged by our team. Along your journey, you'll pass spectacular cultural sites and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this underrated country. Over eight days, you'll not only fuel your adventure with incredible experiences but also savor the flavors of Albania’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. 

Savor the journey and the unforgettable memories you’ll take home. Eastern Europe has even more to explore—discover our cycling tours in Montenegro, Croatia, or Romania!

Itinerary at a glance

From the highlands, you’ll cycle down to the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Explore the stone city of Gjirokastër and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, swim in the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, and savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

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

The day begins with a transfer from Tirana to Korça, following the scenic Shkumbin River and passing by Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s deepest lakes. From there, you’ll cycle through Albania’s rural landscapes, with the breathtaking Gramoz Mountains as your backdrop, continuing through remote villages along the green border with Greece. The ride takes you to Erseka, the highest town in Albania, before reaching the charming village of Rehove. Cobblestone streets, historic churches, and old houses shape the character of the village, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before leaving Rehove and cycling into the mountains toward the Germenj-Shelegur National Park. You can stop at the Borova War Memorial to explore the history of World War II. After crossing the scenic Barmash Pass, you’ll arrive at your destination, surrounded by nature.

You’ll cycle toward Leskovik, enjoying a scenic descent to the beautiful Vjosa River, the last wild river in Europe. From there, you’ll visit the healing hot springs of Benje for a refreshing dip. Afterward, a transfer will take you to the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër, where you’ll stay in the heart of the old town. Enjoy dinner in one of the charming local restaurants and let the atmosphere of this historic city enchant you.

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.

After your days of cycling, enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing day on the coast. After breakfast, you can spend the morning at the beautiful beaches of Himarë. In the afternoon, a transfer will take you back to the capital, Tirana, where your Albanian cycling adventure comes to an end.

Transfer to the airport

Other variations of this tour

Difficutly Level

Challenging

For the daily stages, you should have a good basic level of fitness. The roads are mostly quiet and well-paved, though you’ll encounter some rougher sections in the mountains. During the 8-day tour the more challenging segments will be covered by transfers.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Men's Rental Rental - Symbol photo
Men's bike

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accomodation in 3***-hotels and pensions
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (English)
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 15 kg)
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)

  • All transfers according to the programme
  • Rental bike
  • Navigation app and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Tirana airport

Things to note

  • Please note that a valid passport is required for this tour.
  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Minimum number of participants: 2 persons
  • This tour is a partner tour.
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Isabella Graf

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Isabella Graf
Travel Specialist
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