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).

*Hotel Millenium or Similar*

Day 2

We begin with one of the most demanding days of the tour. After a quick
transfer to Korcë, 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 Korcë beer (Albania’s most popular).

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

*Farma Sotira Hotel or Similar*

Day 3

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 Carshove 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*

Day 4

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*

Day 5

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*

Day 6

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 *

Day 7

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*

Day 8

End Vlorë. Those on the group flight will be transferred to Tirana airport
(approx. 2.5hr drive).