Cycling Tour Of Albania

Our journey begins today amongst the forests of south-western Albania, lying some 175 kilometres to the south of Tirana. Home to black pine, Eurasian otter and golden eagles, the area is covered by the Llogora National Park, a scenic expanse of protected woodland that encompasses the forests on the northern side of the Llogora Pass. Arriving later this afternoon, we hopefully have time to relax and enjoy a little of our surroundings before dinner this evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Dinner

Leaving the hotel after breakfast we cycle up towards the Llogora Pass (800m), from where we head down into the picturesque village of Dhermi, nestling amongst the rocky slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains. From here we then continue on towards the Monastery of St. Theodore and Gjipe Bay, before stopping off in the coastal town of Himara for lunch. Continuing by bike this afternoon, we head next for Palermo Bay and the old fortress of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, before finally completing our day’s journey in the seaside village of Qeparo on the Albanian Riviera.

Total cycling distance approximately 53 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continuing along the Albanian Riviera this morning we pass through the small villages of Piqeras and Lukova en route to Saranda. The gateway to southern Albania, Saranda lies along the Ionian coast, sandwiched between the high mountains and the sea and close to the ancient remains of Butrint. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint is one of the county’s most important archaeological sites, tracing its origins back to the Greeks and the Romans. We’ll cycle out to the site this afternoon to pay a visit, before returning to Saranda for the evening.

Total cycling distance approximately 75 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we turn away from the coast and head inland, travelling by way of the Blue Eye Spring before tackling the climb up over the Muzina Pass and into the Drino Valley. Our next stop is the historic city of Gjirokastër, another UNESCO Heritage site that is home to some truly stunning Ottoman architecture. After checking in to our hotel, this afternoon we have a chance to explore its historic heart, taking in its beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings and the dominating presence of its Ottoman citadel, believed to be the second largest in the Balkans.
Total cycling distance approximately 60 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Gjirokastër is magnificently set between the towering Gjerë Mountains and the Drino River, providing us with a beautifully scenic ride this morning as we pass through the Drino Valley and on to the Kelcyra Gorge. Continuing on into the Vjosë River Valley we cycle through some of the most spectacular landscapes of our journey today, following the edge of the Trebeshinë-Dhëmbel-Nemërçkë Mountains on to the town of Permet. Famed for its cuisine and its strong raki, Permet provides us with an opportunity this evening to enjoy some traditional Albanian delicacies in a local restaurant.
Total cycling distance approximately 70 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Permet along an unsealed road this morning we cycle into the remote Skrapar region, just to the south-east of Berat. Filled with gorges, forests and mountain streams, the area is famed for its raki and its pagan legends. It is also home to the spectacular Osumi Canyon, one of Albania’s most majestic natural attractions. The last 13 kilometres of our ride today takes us through the canyon, following part of the course of the Osumi River down to Çorovoda, a city that some archaeologists believe to be the oldest in Albania.

Total cycling distance approximately 47 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Our final day’s cycling begins with us following the gentle waters of the Osumi down to-wards the beautiful town of Berat. As we continue along the canyon, the imposing walls of Mount Tomorr rise up before us, its dominating presence lording it over a national park that is home to a number of rare and endangered species. Our cycling adventure ends on the streets of Berat later this afternoon. Staying in a traditional hotel in the historic neighbourhood of Mangalemi, we should have some time to explore a little something of this World Heritage site before dinner.
Total cycling distance approximately 60 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Before we head back to Tirana this morning, we pay a visit to the Onufri Iconographic Museum, located in the sanctuary of St Mary’s Church in the inhabited quarter of Berat Castle. Home to a remarkable collection of religious paintings, the museum is named af-ter a famous 16th century icon painter whose works were characterised by post-Byzantine and Venetian influences. After visiting the museum we then continue to Rinas Airport, where our tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast