About This Tour:
Duration 8 Days
Live tour guide
Full Description:
Day 1: Tirana to Berat
– Distance: 90 km
– Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle hills.
– Difficulty: Moderate.
-Route: Depart from Tirana and ride southwest toward Kavaja, then continue through Lushnja to Berat. The roads are mostly paved and relatively smooth.
– Services: Water stops in Kavaja and Lushnja, restaurants along the way, bike repair shops in Berat.
– Accommodation: Stay overnight in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical architecture.
Day 2: Berat to Fier (via Apollonia)
– Distance:50 km
– Terrain: Flat to slightly hilly.
– Difficulty: Easy.
– Route: Ride from Berat to Fier, stopping to visit the ancient ruins of Apollonia along the way. The roads are well-maintained and offer scenic countryside views.
– Services: Cafés and restaurants in Berat and Fier, minimal services near Apollonia.
– Accommodation: Overnight in Fier, a mid-sized city with good hotel options.
Day 3: Fier to Vlora
– Distance: 35 km
– Terrain: Flat, with a few mild ascents.
– Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
– Route: Ride south from Fier to the coastal city of Vlora. The route is straightforward, with beautiful views as you approach the coast.
– Services: Plenty of services in Fier and Vlora, including bike shops and restaurants.
– Accommodation: Stay in Vlora, enjoying the seaside and exploring the local cuisine.
Day 4: Vlora to Himara
– Distance: 55 km
– Terrain: Mountainous with steep climbs and descents.
– Difficulty: Hard.
– Route: This day’s ride is challenging, with a steep climb over the Llogara Pass (1,043 meters) followed by a descent into the coastal town of Himara. The effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
– Services: Limited services on the pass, but plenty in Himara.
– Accommodation: Spend the night in Himara, a charming coastal town with crystal-clear waters.
Day 5: Himara to Saranda
– Distance: 55 km
– Terrain: Hilly with some moderate climbs.
– Difficulty: Moderate.
– Route: Continue south along the coastal road from Himara to Saranda. The road is winding and offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in Albania.
– Services: Services in Himara, Borsh, and Saranda, including cafés, restaurants, and bike repair shops.
– Accommodation: Overnight in Saranda, a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Greek island of Corfu.
Day 6: Rest Day in Saranda (Optional Boat Trip to Ksamil)
– Activity:Take a rest day to explore Saranda or opt for a boat trip to the nearby Ksamil Islands.
– Services:Full range of tourist services in Saranda.
– **Accommodation: Second night in Saranda.
Day 7: Saranda to Gjirokastra
– Distance: 60 km
– Terrain: Hilly with significant climbs.
– Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
– Route Leave the coast and head inland to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The road is hilly but well-maintained, with rewarding views as you approach the historic town.
– Services: Limited services on the road; full services in Gjirokastra.
– Accommodation: Overnight in Gjirokastra, known for its Ottoman architecture and rich history.
Day 8: Gjirokastra to Tirana (Transfer Day)
– Activity: Arrange for a vehicle transfer back to Tirana (approximately 230 km), as cycling this distance in one day would be challenging. Alternatively, split the journey over two days with an overnight stop in a smaller town.
Summary of Tour
– Total Distance: Approximately 345 km.
– Difficulty: Ranges from easy to hard, with most difficult sections involving mountain passes.
– Terrain: Mix of flat coastal roads, hilly inland routes, and challenging mountain climbs.
– Services: Available in all major towns and cities, with some stretches having limited services.
– Best Suited For: Intermediate to advanced cyclists comfortable with daily rides of 50-90 km and occasional climbs.
Price:
• €1400 per person using our E-bikes, for a self-guided tour.
• €1100 per person using your own E-bikes, for a self-guided tour.
Group Size:
• Minimum: 10 participants.
• Maximum: 16 participants.