Itinerary

Day One – Arrival in Tirana
Accommodations – To be confirmed, Tirana
Meals – Welcome Drink & Light Bites

Welcome to the beginning of your Albanian adventure! We encourage guests to arrive in Tirana a day or two early to settle in and explore the compact, walkable capital at your own pace. Wander through vibrant Skanderbeg Square, visit museums chronicling the nation’s fascinating history and post-communist transformation, or simply soak in the lively café culture. In the early evening, we gather for a welcome drink and tour orientation. Here, you’ll meet your guides and fellow travellers, preview the scenic journey ahead, and pick up local dinner recommendations before our cycling journey officially begins tomorrow morning.

Day Two – Tirana to Lake Ohrid & Tushemisht
46 km / 28.6 mi (+300 m)
Accommodations – Enkelana Hotel, Tushemisht
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, we depart Tirana and journey east toward Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and most biodiverse lakes. After lunch and a bike fitting in the lakeside village of Tushemisht, we pedal along the southern shoreline, crossing into North Macedonia. Passing quaint fishing villages and hidden coves, we arrive at the historic Monastery of Saint Naum. From here, a private boat carries us across crystal-clear waters to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid—the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”—where our bikes await for onshore exploration. We cross back into Albania by late afternoon, leaving time for a swim or a waterfront stroll before dinner.

Included Experiences: Saint Naum Monastery visit, private boat cruise across Lake Ohrid to UNESCO Ohrid & lakeside happy hour

Day Three – Tushemisht to Korçë
50 km / 31.1 mi (+500 m)
Accommodations – In Gallery Hotel, Korçë
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving the lakeshore behind, our route climbs gradually into the fertile agricultural plains surrounding Korçë. Long celebrated as the intellectual and cultural heart of Albania, Korçë is famous for its pivotal role in the National Awakening, its arts heritage, and its vibrant café culture. This afternoon, we explore the beautifully restored Old Bazaar and sample regional delicacies, with time to visit the renowned National Museum of Medieval Art. As evening falls, the city’s plazas come alive with conversation, and our dinner is accompanied by traditional Korçë serenaders.

Included Experiences: Local cheese factory tour & tasting, Raki bar tasting & Korçë serenading musical performance during dinner

Day Four – Korçë to Sofra Kolonjare via Voskopojë
63 km / 39.1 mi (+850 m)
Accommodations – Sofra Kolonjare Hotel, Sofra Kolonjare
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we pedal into the rolling, dramatic landscapes of southeastern Albania. Our morning ride ascends to the historic mountain village of Voskopojë, once a major Balkan cultural capital, where we stop to admire its preserved Orthodox churches and enjoy a mid-morning coffee. Continuing into the Kolonjë region, we arrive at Sofra Kolonjare, a charming family-run farm retreat. After a fresh farm-to-table lunch, we tour the estate’s gardens and vineyards, roll up our sleeves for a traditional regional cooking class, and gather around the table to share the feast we prepared together.

Day Five – Sofra Kolonjare to Kulm
46 km / 28.6 mi (+800 m)|
Accommodations – Kulm Vitalonga, Radanj
Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Prepare for an exhilarating ride across the Kolonjë Highlands, one of the most rewarding stretches of cycling in the country. Winding through deep pine forests, alpine meadows, and quiet mountain settlements, expansive horizons open up in every direction. By midday, we stop at Farma Sotira for a relaxing lunch and an introduction to apitherapy and sustainable highland farming. A short afternoon pedal brings us to Kulm Vitalonga, our secluded mountain sanctuary. The rest of the day is yours to unwind with a nature walk to the mountain lake or a gentle stretch before a dinner inspired by highland flavours.

Day Six – Kulm to Gjirokastër via Petran
54 km / 33.6 mi (+550 m)
Accommodations – Kërçulla Hotel, Gjirokastër
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Today’s route descends toward the Vjosa River—one of Europe’s last wild, free-flowing rivers—framed by the towering Nemërçka Mountains. We cycle past picturesque villages before stopping in Petran for lunch by the water and a tasting highlighting southern Albanian culinary entrepreneurship. A short transfer brings us to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Gjirokastër, the famed “City of Stone.” After an afternoon guided walk exploring its hillside Ottoman architecture and fortress, the evening is yours to wander the cobblestone alleys of the Old Bazaar and choose from local dining spots for dinner.

Day Seven – Muzina Pass to Sarandë via Butrint
53 km / 32.9 mi (+450 m)
Accommodations – Siro Kerma / Nili Deluxe, Sarandë
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Beginning at the crest of the Muzina Pass, we enjoy a sweeping descent into a lush Mediterranean landscape of olive groves, citrus orchards, and coastal lagoons. Pedalling around the Butrint Peninsula with views of Corfu across the strait, we reach a traditional waterside restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, a private local guide leads us through the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park, uncovering layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history. We finish the day at our seaside hotel in Sarandë, leaving time for a swim in the Ionian Sea before dinner overlooking the water.

Day Eight – Sarandë to Dhërmi via Porto Palermo
40 km / 24.9 mi (+800 m)
Accommodations – Zoe Hora, Dhërmi
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Our final ride traces the dramatic Albanian Riviera northward, cycling between azure waters and rugged coastal hills dotted with stone villages. We pause for coffee with panoramic sea views before pedalling into Porto Palermo for lunch by the bay. In the afternoon, weather permitting, we board a private boat to discover secluded coastal coves and enjoy a refreshing swim en route to Dhërmi. We conclude our tour at Zoe Hora, a meticulously restored hillside village retreat, where we gather for a festive farewell dinner with live music and local wine to toast an unforgettable week.

Day Nine – Departure to Tirana
Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Savour a leisurely morning taking in your final views of the Ionian coastline over breakfast. We begin our return journey toward Tirana, breaking up the drive with a farewell farm-to-table lunch at a beloved regional agriturismo. Afterward, we transfer guests directly to Tirana International Airport for flights home, or assist those choosing to extend their holiday along the Riviera or onward to Greece.

*Please note: Itinerary is subject to change to provide our guests with the best tour experience.

Tour Dates

Inclusions

• 8 nights boutique accommodation & mountain retreats

• All breakfasts (8)

• 6 lunches (including farm-to-table estate lunches)

• 6 dinners

• Welcome reception with drinks & light bites

• Full van support & luggage transfers

• 1 experienced bilingual guide  + 1  bilingual driver

• Snacks, refreshments and water throughout rides

• Daily Ride With GPS app route notes

• Smartphone mount on bike

• All entrance fees and ticketed experiences (including UNESCO site admissions, guided tours, boat excursions, tastings, and live cultural performances)

Bike Rentals

E-Bike Giant Explore E+ 🇨🇦 $595/guest 🇺🇸 $430/guest Shimano 10 speed M447 hydraulic disc brakes Schwalbe marathon tires 700 x 45 c wheels LED lights Pannier rack

Tour FAQ

Coming soon!