Cycling Tour South Albania 8 Days

Your Albanian adventure begins as you arrive in Tirana, where a friendly driver greets you at the airport and escorts you to your centrally located 3-star hotel (or similar). Settle into your accommodation and then set out to discover the vibrant capital at your own pace. Wander through the lively New Bazaar, soak up the energy of Skanderbeg Square, or delve into the city’s communist past. As evening falls, unwind with a cocktail in the fashionable Blloku district, savoring the anticipation of the journey ahead.

After a hearty breakfast, set off from Tirana for a scenic drive to Grabovica in the Korçë region. Following a bike fitting, embark on a picturesque cycling journey through rolling farmland, where the rural charm of Albania comes alive. Arriving in Korçë, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery before checking into your hotel (or similar) in the atmospheric Old Bazaar. Spend the afternoon exploring the renowned Museum of Medieval Art or strolling the city’s lively boulevards. As night falls, delight in a traditional dinner accompanied by the soulful serenades that make Korçë famous.

Leaving the Korçë plateau behind, embark on a challenging yet rewarding cycling stage. Ascend to the breathtaking Bramash Pass, traversing the scenic Kolonja Highlands and skirting the Greek border. Marvel at the towering Gramos Mountains and the vibrant wildflowers of Germenj-Shelegur Park. Pass through the tranquil town of Erseka, where the road becomes quieter and the landscape more serene. End your day with a hearty farm dinner and a peaceful night under the stars in this mountain haven.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast on the farm before cycling towards Leskovik, descending through stunning mountain scenery towards the legendary Vjosa River. Arrive in the village of Bënjë, where you can unwind in the soothing thermal springs nestled in tranquil surroundings. Later, a comfortable transfer brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër. Check into your charming hotel (or similar) in the heart of the old town, and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic stone houses, immersing yourself in the city’s rich Ottoman and Albanian heritage.

After breakfast, your bikes are loaded for a transfer to the Muzina Pass, where you begin a thrilling descent towards the Ionian coast. Pause to marvel at the mesmerizing Blue Eye, a vibrant karst spring surrounded by lush greenery. Continue cycling along the Bistrica River and through scenic countryside to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed site brimming with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins. Savor a seafood lunch in Ksamil and take a refreshing swim to the nearby islands before cycling the final stretch to your seaside hotel (or similar) in Saranda.

Leave the coast behind for a challenging ascent to the villages of Nivica and Shen Vasil, rewarded by sweeping views of the Ionian Sea. Traverse the dramatic landscapes of the Albanian Riviera, where shimmering beaches meet rugged mountains. Pass through charming villages and olive groves before reaching Porto Palermo, renowned for its submarine bunkers and the historic Ali Pasha Castle. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and a stroll to the castle for panoramic coastal views. Arrive in Himare in the afternoon, where you can relax on the pebble beach and dine at a seaside restaurant before retiring to your hotel (or similar).

Prepare for one of the most exhilarating climbs along the Albanian coast as you ascend the legendary Llogara Pass, rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Ionian shoreline. After reaching the panoramic balcony near the summit, enjoy a thrilling descent into the valley, arriving in the coastal village of Radhime. From here, a comfortable transfer returns you to Tirana. For those seeking a more relaxed day, opt to spend time on Himare’s beautiful beach before joining the transfer later in the afternoon. Celebrate your journey with a well-deserved dinner and a glass of wine in lively Tirana, reflecting on your unforgettable adventure.

Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final morning in Tirana. Savor a coffee in a bustling café, browse the vibrant New Bazaar for unique souvenirs, or visit the intriguing Bunkart 2 and House of Leaves museums, both offering fascinating insights into Albania’s recent history. When it’s time to leave, a seamless transfer ensures you reach the airport or international bus station comfortably, concluding your remarkable journey through southern Albania.