Cycling in Albania

Start Pogradec. Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and

transferred to our hotel in Pogradec, situated on the shore of Lake Ohrid

(approx. 3hr drive). The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy this lakeside

location.

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 wild flowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie

ahead, climbing towards Grammoz Mountain and over the Barmash Pass (1159m) to

Gërmenj, lying in its own tranquil valley. Here we relax at our

accommodation, Farma Sotira, which is also a working trout farm. Meals here

consist of organic produce that is reared or sourced from the farm itself.

Once you’ve finished eating your hearty dinner, you can sit and relax by

the open roaring fire in the dining area with a glass of homemade wine or a

bottle of Korçë beer (Albania’s most popular).



Cycle approx. 72km, total ascent approx. 1150m, total descent approx. 1050m.

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 and then follow the corniche

route high above the river to Benje situated on a ridge above the river.

After lunch at the guesthouse, we take a short ride to the thermal springs to

relax and soothe aching muscles. Both lunch and dinner will be served on the

peaceful terrace.



Cycle approx. 60km, total ascent approx. 687m, total descent approx. 1352m.

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 (approx. 30 mins) through the wide plain

toward the town of Gjirokastra (city of 1000 steps). The well-preserved town

is perched on the steep side of the Drino Valley, overlooking snow-capped

mountains. In the afternoon we take a cultural tour through the city and

explore its narrow cobbled alleys and 18th Century Ottoman houses. We also

visit the 13th Century castle and learn about the fascinating history of this

town, which has seen many rulers and has inspired poets, authors and artists.



Cycle approx. 46km, total ascent approx. 350m, total descent approx. 520m.

After breakfast we load the bikes on to the support vehicle and transfer up

to Muzina Pass (approx. 45 minutes), the gateway to southern Albania, for a

spectacular downhill ride to Sarandë. Located on the Ionian Coast, Sarandë

is sandwiched between the high mountains and the sea and is close to the

ancient remains of Butrint, which we visit on the way. A UNESCO World

Heritage Site, Butrint is located very close to the Greek border and is one

of the country’s most important archaeological sites, tracing its origins

back to the Greeks and the Romans. We have lunch at the site and continue

along the coast to Sarandë.



Cycle approx. 70km, total ascent approx. 725m, total descent approx. 1285m.

Climbing steeply out of Sarande to a rocky plateau, we enjoy a spectacular

coastal ride over cols into bays and around headlands. Always with the

stunning mountain scenery to the right and sea to the left, we continue along

before descending to Himarë, a small communist-era fishing village with a

small promenade filled with cafes, restaurants and ice cream stands. There is

plenty of time for a swim in the Ionian Sea, and our hotel is a short walk to

Potam Beach.

Cycle approx. 54km, total ascent approx. 1064m, total descent approx. 1064m.

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 another climb before our coffee break.

Our break is followed with a nice downhill, but we must climb yet again

before we regroup. We then come face to face with the long steady ascent to

the Llogara pass. At 1043m above sea level, this climb is completely

optional, so if you think it is too much then you can jump in the support

vehicle. However, if you are looking for an extra challenge, this climb comes

with a real sense of achievement, and the views are fantastic. At the pass

itself (which you will also see if you take the van) it is possible to see

across to Italy on a clear day. We recommend taking a warmer layer for

reaching the top of the pass. From here you enter Llogara National Park, home

to black pine, Eurasian otter and golden eagles. The park is a scenic expanse

of protected woodland that encompasses the forests on the northern side of

the Llogora Pass. We begin to descend and have lunch in the National Park. In

the afternoon we continue descending towards our hotel, which is located by

the sea just outside of the city. Here we can relax and take a dip in the

sea, the perfect reward for a hard day's cycle.



 Cycle approx. 65km, total ascent approx. 1630m (including the optional

climb), total descent approx. 1630m.

End Vlorë. Those on the group flight will be transferred to Tirana airport

in the morning (approx. 2.5hr drive).