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Discover the beauty of this previously isolated country by bike
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. *Hotel Millenium or Similar*
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. *Farma Sotira Hotel or Similar*
Distance in Km: 72
Distance in Miles: 45
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. *Guesthouse Coli*
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
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. *Hotel Cajupi or Similar*
Distance in Km: 46
Distance in Miles: 28
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. *Hotel Nertili or Similar*
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
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. *Hotel Rondos or Similar *
Distance in Km: 54
Distance in Miles: 33
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. *Hotel Coral or Similar*
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 40
End Vlorë. Those on the group flight will be transferred to Tirana airport in the morning (approx. 2.5hr drive).
* 5 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses
* 6 days cycling with full vehicle support
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver. Min age 16
yrs
* Trip can be combined with Cycle Macedonia & Northern Albania
* E-bike hire available on request
All breakfasts and 2 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
1944-1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to
the world. However due to the lush fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs
and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much a subsistence culture and
show very little 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, with fish dishes
ranging from trout to whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form
complimented with a variety of succulent vegetables, salad, freshly baked
bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and of course, raki. Your guide will
recommend the best options when in the towns.
* 5 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses
* 6 days cycling with full vehicle support
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver. Min age 16
yrs
* Trip can be combined with Cycle Macedonia & Northern Albania
* E-bike hire available on request
This trip is classified Road
Activity Level: 4 (Moderate/Challenging)
Average daily distance 60km (37 miles)
No. of days cycling: 6
Vehicle support (with limited seats)
Terrain and route: 100% tarmac, where some sections are in a poor condition
with potholes and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some
long, but gradual climbs. The optional climb on day 7 (1043m) is the most
challenging, although there is always the option of the support vehicle to
get you up to the pass. We aim to use quiet roads where possible, although on
one occasion we need to pass busy sections in order to reach the quiet roads
beyond.
Hotels & Guesthouses
On Days 2 and 3, we are deep in the Albanian countryside and we stay in
comfortable guesthouses. In Germenj we stay in Sotira Farm that is nestled in
a tranquil valley, with fresh water running down from the mountains. It is
also a trout farm, so you may find dinner to be fresh from the stream. Here
we stay in wooden cabins that contain two rooms with twin beds in each room.
Each cabin of two rooms will share their own communal bathroom. In Benje we
stay in a guesthouse that is only a few kilometres from the thermal springs
and Ottoman bridge. Run by a local family, dinner will often be taken out on
the veranda where you will be served their own homegrown produce. Again,
rooms here are a little more basic than hotels, each with an ensuite
bathroom.
For the remaining nights, we use hotels that are of a comfortable 3 and
4-star standard, all with ensuite rooms.
Single accommodation available on request from £120. *Please note, single
rooms may not be available in the guesthouses in Germenj and Benje due to a
limited number of rooms.*
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver
All breakfasts and 2 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
1944-1985), Albania became a self-sustaining country due to its isolation to
the world. However due to the lush fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs
and Mediterranean climate, they are still very much a subsistence culture and
show very little 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, with fish dishes
ranging from trout to whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form
complimented with a variety of succulent vegetables, salad, freshly baked
bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and of course, raki. Your guide will
recommend the best options when in the towns.
For the airport transfers and transfers to and from the activities we will
use private minibuses.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London *
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Pogradec and ending in Vlore*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Pogradec in the afternoon
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks
before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Albania has a temperate, Mediterranean climate. March 15th is officially the
first day of spring and things really start to hot up toward the end of the
month when clear skies and balmy temperatures provide a nice way to ease into
the heat of summer. Summer brings sunshine and maximum temperatures of
between 20-35 degrees Celsius. Summer days are long with sunrise before
6:00am and sunset after 8:30pm.
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
Gloves and padded shorts
Waterproof jacket
Sun cream and lip salve
Sunglasses/eye protection
Warm jacket for evenings
Warm layer for cooler cycling days
Small daysack
Favourite energy snacks
Mosquito repellent
Beach towel and swimming things
Hairdryer
Panniers are provided with the bikes. If you want to carry more with you
during the day we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack.
A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but we recommend that you bring your
own painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit.
*Local Bike Details:* Giant Roam (men) and Giant Rove (women) hybrid bikes
with front suspension.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:* £90.
E-bikes available on request for a supplement. Electric bikes offer all the
thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial
difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 25mph) assists your
pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further,
see more, have more fun. They are just perfect if you want to try a trip with
companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder
grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you
need it.
There are no restrictions on the import of Albanian currency, though local
exchange rates are invariably better than those at home. The exchange does
fluctuate considerably, so it is best to check just before departure.
For lunches you should budget approx. £4-7 (650-1000 Lek) according to
whether we buy a picnic lunch or sit in a café. Approx. £6-12 (1000 - 2000
Lek) should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.
You'll find that the prices vary in Albania. In the mountains you can expect
to pay lower prices, for example, 90p (150 Lek) for a local beer or glass of
local wine, and 50p (70 Lek) for a large bottle of water. Prices tend to be
slightly higher along the coast. A beer is approx. £1.50-2 (250-300 Lek),
bottle of wine £9 (1500 Lek), large bottle of water £1 (150 Lek), soft
drink £1.50 (250 Lek).
On day 4 in Gjirokaster, there are opportunities to buy souvenirs and local
crafts.
*Optional visits*
Castle of Gjirokaster - 200 Leke
Skenduli House - 200 Leke
Butrint - 700 Leke
Tipping is entirely at your own discretion. Your leader will advise about
tipping in restaurants but the general rule is to round up your bill. Our
local leaders are paid fairly for their work with Exodus, however, if you
wish to show your appreciation a tip of around £2-£3 (US$3-4.50) per person
per day would be appreciated. By definition, gratuities are not something
that can be included in the tour price.
* Travel insurance
* Visas and vaccinations
* Single supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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