Cycling in Albania

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you’ll get to travelling back in time. It wasn’t until the collapse of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania in 1991 that the world got its first glimpse of the country within. Huge snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches, rural villages, a genuine subsistence culture and an exceptionally friendly welcome is ...
26%
$2,504
From$1,855
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Immerse yourself in a previously isolated country
    • Cycle from mountain plateaux to the Albanian Riviera
    • Visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Butrint
    • Fishing villages, national parks and thermal springs

What's this trip about?

    Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you’ll get to travelling back in time. It wasn’t until the collapse of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania in 1991 that the world got its first glimpse of the country within. Huge snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches, rural villages, a genuine subsistence culture and an exceptionally friendly welcome is what you will find here. We cycle through the very best of Europe’s beautiful unknown, beginning our tour on the Macedonia border, biking towards the ancient town of Gjirokastra passing soaring peaks and lush green valleys. From here, we begin our descent to the Albanian Riviera, passing Unesco-listed Butrint and Llogara National Park, before relaxing by the sea at our hotel in Vlorë.Discover the beauty of this previously isolated country by bike

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPogradec
End CityVlore

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Albania

Activities

  • Cycling
  • History

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts and 2 dinners included
    • All accommodation
    • Transfer for group flights
    • Local bike hire

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Pogradec

We start in Pogradec, at our hotel on the shore of Lake Ohrid. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy this lakeside location. Accommodation: Hotel Millennium (or similar)

Day 2 Transfer to Korçë; steady climb through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wildflowers; cycle towards Grammoz Mountain and over the Barmash Pass to Gërmenj

We begin with one of the most demanding days of the tour. After a quick transfer to Korçë, we begin cycling and leave behind the agricultural plateau, climbing steadily into the border mountains through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wildflowers. Numerou...

Day 3 Cycle through high grassy plateaux surrounded by soaring peaks before descending to Carshove and on to Benje; ride to thermal springs for a swim

In the morning, there is a climb out from Germenj to a high grassy plateau close to the Greek border, surrounded by soaring peaks before reaching the source of the River Vjosa and descending through its spectacular gorge to Leskovik. We continue descending to Çarshove...

Day 4 Valley ride towards Kelcyra; after lunch at Tepele Waterfalls transfer to Gjirokastra for afternoon city tour

Today is one of the easiest days. We continue along the valley towards Kelcyra with its distant shark-tooth peaks, which guard a further gorge. We ride between these gorges until the two rivers meet. After lunch at the waterfalls of Tepelene, we drive (approximately 3...

Day 5 Transfer up the Muzina Pass, long descent to Sarandë via the coast and the Unesco site of Butrint

After breakfast, we load the bikes on to the support vehicle and transfer up to Muzina Pass (approximately 45 minutes), the gateway to southern Albania, for a spectacular downhill ride to Sarandë. On the Ionian Coast, Sarandë is sandwiched between the high mountains a...

Day 6 Spectacular coastal ride to the long beach of Himarë Bay

Climbing steeply out of Sarandë to a rocky plateau, we enjoy a spectacular coastal ride over cols into bays and around headlands. Always with the mountains to the right and sea to the left, we continue along before descending to Himarë, a small Communist-era fishing v...

Day 7 Ride towards Vlorë; optional climb to the Llogara Pass; long descent through Llogara National Park finishing by the coast

Today’s route is as challenging as it is spectacular as we cycle the most demanding ride of the tour; it will show you how strong you have become. In the morning, there is a climb out of Himarë, which naturally is rewarded with an enjoyable downhill. We then have anot...

Day 8 End Vlorë

This cycling tour of Albania comes to an end after breakfast. But if you’d like a muscle-soothing post-trip break, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in our hotel by the sea in Vlorë.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,855
Price per day$232
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
18 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
$2,100
$2,385
25 Apr 2025
02 May 2025
$2,250
$2,535
16 May 2025
23 May 2025
$2,250
$2,535
23 May 2025
30 May 2025
$2,250
$2,535
06 Jun 2025
13 Jun 2025
$2,250
$2,535
13 Jun 2025
20 Jun 2025
$2,250
$2,535
29 Aug 2025
05 Sep 2025
$2,250
$2,535
05 Sep 2025
12 Sep 2025
$2,250
$2,535
12 Sep 2025
19 Sep 2025
$2,250
$2,535
10 Oct 2025
17 Oct 2025
$2,175
$2,460

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,151
Great
3,276
Average
615
Disappointing
145
Terrible
186
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Cycle Albania

Albania is incredibly beautiful. It has some of the most spectacular mountain scenery that will forever be etched in my memory. Cycling is a fantastic way to see...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous trip

Beautiful country with a mixture of forest, coast and mountains. Our group bonded really well; we had lots of laughs and lots of encouragement for each other up th...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

go before it gets commercial

a great trip with some tough climbs. good company and great weather, thanks Exodus the long climb on the last day. 1600 meters of climbing in the day, tough but re...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Cycling Albania

A really good trip, ticked all the boxes - good cycling, stunning scenary, great weather, good food, great group to travel with and an excellent trip leader For me...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A must do Cycling challenge

A great Cycling trip that had it all. Breathtaking mountain landscapes and coastal scenery with fabulous food and wines to be had. My group of 13 fit club cyclists...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
View Profile

It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Single supplement
    • E-bike hire

Accommodation

6 days cycling with 100% vehicle support 100% tarmac with some poor sections Quiet undulating route with some long but gradual climbs Group normally 4 to 16 plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs 5 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses E-bike hire available on request,On this door-to-door cycling adventure, we mostly stay in three- or four-star hotels and guesthouses. These are comfortable and well located for our adventure but, with tourism still developing in Albania, relatively simple. Below are a couple of hotels our guests typically enjoy.   Gërmenj: Farma Sotira (night 2) In a tranquil valley within Germenj-Shelegur National Park and with fresh water running down from the mountains, Farma Sotira is a simple, tranquil place to stay. It is also a working farm, so dinner is mainly created from homegrown produce and prepared using traditional methods. We sleep in two-room wooden cabins (each room has twin beds). Each cabin has a communal bathroom.  Sarandë: Hotel Nertili (night 5) The waters of the Ionian take centre stage at the beachfront Hotel Nertili, where all rooms have a balcony with sea views. There’s also a private beach area with sundecks and parasols, plus a bar and restaurant with a sea-view terrace.   Worth knowing  Single accommodation is available on request. Please note, single rooms may not be available in the guesthouses in Germenj and Benje due to a limited number of rooms.  The hotels we use in Himarë (Hotel Prinos or Hotel Dhima) and Guesthouse Coli are simpler than the other hotels used on this trip. While basic, all are ideally located for our adventures (the Himarë options are by the beach and Guesthouse Coli by thermal springs).
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts and two dinners included. Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country and particularly Mediterranean combining Turkish, Greek and Italian tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Under the leadership of Enver Hoxha (the communist leader of Albania from 1944 to 1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to the world. However, owing to the fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much a subsistence culture and show very few signs of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to have been reared/grown not too far from your plate. Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey, and coffee or tea. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb, while fish dishes might include trout or whitebait. Courses often come in meze form, complemented by a variety of vegetables, salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. Your guide will recommend the best options when in the towns.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Five nights in hotels, two nights in guesthouses
  • Six days cycling with full vehicle support
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver. Minimum age: 16
  • Trip can be combined with Cycle Macedonia & Northern Albania
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-MVA

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >