Cycling Accros Albania

Vlorë – Ploc – Kalivaç – Tepelenë
After an early breakfast and briefing our cycling trip begins. We will pass near the oldest mosque in Vlora and follow the famous Muradije road until we reach the ruins of the ancient city of Amantia. After a visit of the ruins and the amphitheater we will continue to Shkozë, where we will hop on a boat to cross the Vjosa River. A few minutes later we will reach Kalivaç, from where we cycle for 31 more kilometers to Tepelenë. After check in we will have a relaxed evening exploring the city and tasting good raki.

Travel information:
Distance: 77 km
Max Altitude: 649m

Tepelenë – Bënçë – Progonat – Nivicë – Këlcyrë – Bënjë – Përmet
The first stop on this day is at a 270 years old water mill built by Ali Pashë Tepelena in Bënçë and has been operational ever since. The second stop will be at the waterfall of Progonat. One of the most beautiful in Albania and a compulsory picture stop for many travelers. We will further continue to the Nivica Canyon, one of the Egyptian vultures’ last remote bastions in Europe.
Like everything in the Balkans, this region is also steeped in history, being a place where Illyrian, Macedonian, Roman, Norman and Ottoman troops have travelled in each-others’ footsteps through the centuries, to be followed by the soldiers of both great wars of the 20th century. You will hear many stories related to them while enjoying lunch in the garden of a local household. After lunch we will reach the thermal springs of Bënja. A welcoming stop to rest sore muscles, the springs are found next to a beautiful Ottoman stone bridge and at the entrance of the breathtaking Langarica canyon. We will have dinner and spend the night in Përmet, only a few more kilometers away.

Travel information:
Distance: 99 km
Max Altitude: 950 m

Përmet – Gjirokastër
Today, a ride of about 2,5 hours will take us to the UNESCO protected town of Gjirokastër, known also as the birth-place of the infamous dictator Enver Hoxha and the most famous Albanian writer, Ismail Kadare.
In the afternoon a walking tour of the cobbled stone alleys will take us
through the old bazaar to the Argjiro fortress on top of the hill overlooking the city. There we will discover its rich history and visit the houses of some of the oldest and richest families in Gjirokastër, to marvel at their unique architecture and the antique artefacts housed within. Gjirokastër is also well known for its delicious traditional dishes and stone-grounded coffee, both of which you will have a chance to savor.

Travel information:
Distance: 60km
Max Altitude: 371 m

Gjirokaster -Sarande
A 20 minute drive will take us to the village of Jorguzat from where our cycling for the day begins along the twisting and scenic road to Muzina Pass. We will proceed until we reach the Vivari channel, where we will visit the Archaeological Park of Butrint. Arguably the most important archaeological site in Albania, Butrint was founded by the Epirotes and later became a renowned Roman colony, before an earthquake flooded it in in the middle ages.
In the afternoon, cycling to Sarandë, we will return on the coast again. There, following an evening stroll on the seaside promenade and dinner at the Lëkursi castle, with and amazing view of the city, we will spend the night.

Travel information:
Distance: 66 km
Max Altitude: 798 m

Saranda -Himara
Today we will be cycling past numerous coastal villages to arrive at our next stop, Porto Palermo, an otherworldly bay with a peninsula in the middle, which houses a castle built by Ali Pasha to honor his Greek wife, to whom he gifted it. During this ride you will notice the remnants of tens of mushroom-shaped bunkers built by a paranoia-fueled communist regime, as the bay of Porto Palermo used to be also a top-secret submarine base during communist times.
We will taste some mediterranean food by the bay and a short final ride will bring us to Himarë to spend the nights.

Transfer information:
Distance: 66 km
Max Altitude: 615 m

Himarë – Vlorë
We leave Himarë and engage in the challenging climb of the Visha Pass, followed by
another panoramic section above the coast. After the village of Dhërmi, the great ascent of the Llogara pass awaits us. This is the highest point on the coastal road between Vlorë and Sarandë and is arguably one of the most scenic coastal roads in Europe. A regular switchback above the Ionian coast and besides the Çika Mountain, assure a spectacular and challenging ride. However the support vehicle will be always present. Near the highest point of the pass, we will have lunch in a panoramic restaurant, again with plenty of tasty traditional food.
In the afternoon we will be treated to a long downhill ride into a winding alpine road that
marks the end of our challenge and leading back to Vlorë.
Afterwards we will take a bus transfer to Tirana to celebrate the end of the trip at the famous ‘Blloku’, former residence of the Albanian communist elite.

Transfer information:
Distance: 70 km
Max Altitudes: 1054 m

Tirana -Tirana Airport
Free time to explore the city, followed by a transfer to the airport and departure.
End of our service.