Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana to Pogradec
You'll arrive in Tirana and connect with your guide for a scenic 2-hour drive southeast to Pogradec on Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After checking into Hotel Millenium, there's a group briefing covering your cycling journey ahead. Dinner happens at a traditional local restaurant where you can get oriented with the other travelers.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at traditional restaurant in Pogradec)
Included Activities
- Group briefing on cycling journey details
- Dinner at traditional restaurant in Pogradec
Optional Activities
- Airport transfer from Tirana to Pogradec (50 EUR per person)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Ohrid - Day 2
Pogradec to Korçë
The cycling starts today from Pogradec to Korçë, covering 50 km with 510 m of climbing and 340 m of descent. You'll ride through rolling hills and small villages, seeing how traditional farming works in the region. The route takes you through diverse landscapes before arriving in this historic city. After settling into your hotel, you'll have time to walk around and check out the cultural sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling from Pogradec to Korçë through countryside
- Exploration of cultural sites in Korçë
Landmarks/POIs Korçë - Day 3
Korçë to Shelegur Lake
This is a longer day at 75 km with significant climbing of 1230 m and descent of 1050 m. You're heading south through the agriculture plateau with views of Gramos Mountain on the Greece border. Erseke, Albania's highest town at 1050 m, comes into view as you ride on smooth roads with panoramic vistas. After reaching Shelegur Lake in a pine forest setting, you'll explore the village and surrounding area on foot during the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling through agriculture plateau and scenic mountain views
- Afternoon walk exploring village and surroundings at Shelegur Lake
Landmarks/POIs Gramos Mountain Erseke Shelegur Lake - Day 4
Shelegur Lake to Permet
Starting through forests and meadows, you'll cycle to Leskovik then descend toward the Vjosa River with views of the Nemercka Mountain range. There's an optional 12 km side trip to Benje thermal spring where you can swim in local pools and walk across an old Ottoman bridge. The main ride covers 58 km with 510 m ascent and 1252 m descent, ending in Permet, a small town known for traditional food and local sweets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling through forest and meadows to Leskovik
- Descent to Vjosa River with panoramic views
Optional Activities
- Short cycle to thermal spring of Benje (12 km with 190 m ascent and 190 m descent)
- Swimming in thermal pools at Benje
- Walking across old Ottoman bridge at Benje
Landmarks/POIs Leskovik Vjosa River Nemercka Mountain Benje thermal spring Petran Permet - Day 5
Permet to Gjirokaster
One of the easier cycling days at 38 km with just 210 m of climbing and 310 m descent. You'll ride through Kelcyra Gorge following the Drino River valley to Gjirokaster, the city of stones and a UNESCO site. In the afternoon, head up to the castle for panoramic views, walk through historic quarters, visit a traditional stone house, and spend time browsing the old bazaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling through Kelcyra Gorge to Gjirokaster
- Visit to Gjirokaster Castle with panoramic views
- Guided walk through historic quarters
- Visit to traditional stone house
- Exploration of old bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Kelcyra Gorge Drino River Gjirokaster Gjirokaster Castle - Day 6
Gjirokaster to Saranda
After a short transfer to Muzina Pass where bikes are prepared, you'll cycle 68 km through Butrint National Park with 470 m ascent and 1110 m descent. A short old-style ferry takes you to the UNESCO archaeological site of Butrint, one of Albania's most important locations. You'll explore the ancient ruins from the former Greek and Roman city before driving to Saranda on the Ionian coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling through Butrint National Park
- Old-style ferry ride to Butrint
- Visit to UNESCO archaeological site of Butrint
- Exploration of ancient ruins at Butrint
Landmarks/POIs Muzina Pass Butrint National Park Butrint Saranda - Day 7
Saranda to Himare
Starting from Saranda, you'll climb steadily out along the coastal road, passing through traditional villages and experiencing pristine beaches and mountainous views. This 52 km ride has 1065 m of climbing and the same amount of descent, so it's fairly balanced. Locals tend to offer a warm reception as you move through hamlets, and the food here reflects regional flavors. The route finishes in Himare with its pebbly beaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling climb leaving Saranda
- Cycling along coastal road through traditional villages
- Coastal and mountain scenery exploration
Landmarks/POIs Saranda Ionian Sea Himare - Day 8
Himare to Airport
A private transfer takes you to the airport for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
