Overview
Holiday style:
Rent a bike and have a magical tour all over Albania from city to city. Wake up with the sun rise of Durres and sleep with the sunset of Berat. You will be amazed from the view and you will explore it better with a bike rather than a car. Accomodations will be provided in hotels.
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Short description:
| DURATION: | 11 Days |
| TRIP CODE: | D11-FSS |
| GROUP SIZE: | 4-12(max) |
| MIN AGE: | 15 Years old |
| MAX ALTITUDE: | 2000m |
| ACCOMODATION: | Hotel x 11 nts |
| MEALS: | 10 breakfasts 10 lunches and 10 dinners |
| DEPARTS: | June until September |
| JOINING POINT: | Tirana Airport |
| IMPORTANT: | Make sure your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run before you purchase your air tickets and make any other travel arrangements |
Brief Itinerary:
DAY 1
Airport-Tirane
Time:21 min
Distance: 17,1 km
DAY 2
Tirane-Pogradec
Time: 2h 21m
Distance:128km
DAY 3
Pogradec-Korce
Time: 42min
Distance:39km
DAY 4
Korce-Germenj
Time: 1h 33min
Distance:72km
DAY 5
Germenj-Permet
Time: 1h 40min
Distance:63km
DAY 6
Permet-Gjirokaster
Time: 1h 10m
Distance:61km
DAY 7
Gjirokaster-Sarande
Time: 1h 30m
Distance: 62km
DAY 8
Sarande-Himare
Time:5h 37m
Distance:242km
DAY 9
Himare-Vlore
Time: 3h 5m
Distance:101km
DAY 10
Vlore-Tirane
Time:2h 36m
Distance:153km
DAY 11
Tirane-Airport
Time: 21 min
Distance: 17,1 km
Product Description
Details
DAY 1 - Tirane
We meet in Tirana. Depending on when you arrive, hopefully you can check out the town. There is plenty to see like: The Clock Tower next to the Et'hemBey Mosque government buildings, The Tabakëve and Terzive bridges,The Palace of Culture,The monument to Mother Albania, The Palace of Congress, and President Resident, all this wonderful buildings, extended, along the Bulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, The Bulevard of Albanian History.We’ll have e welcome dinner and a trip briefing.
Overnight in Tirana.
DAY 2 - Pogradec
We will transfer out of Tirana to avoid a busy road and then bike the descent towards the northern end of Lake Ohrid. Transfer to Pogradec (distance: 75 mi. / 120 km / 2 h), on the shores of Ohrid Lake. This is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, and is valued by biologists for its unique flora and fauna. Once equipped and fitted with our bikes we start cycling from lake Ohrid, climbing to an elevated plateau with some great views over the blue waters of this splendid lake surrounded by mountains. In the afternoon, you can choose between relaxing at the beach in front of the hotel or crossing over to Macedonia by bike and to visit the monastery of St.Naum. The ride finishes in Tushemisht as the sun sets over the ancient waters of Ohrid.
Overnight in Tushemisht.
DAY 3 - Korce
Today’s ride begins with a climb out of the lake valley to the mountain-flanked plateau above. You will have some warm-up riding before the big hill, and if it doesn’t appeal to you, the van is always available to boost you to the top. After pulling yourself away from the gorgeous views of the valley below, the ride continues through a colourful patchwork of lost-in-time farmland on wonderfully empty rural roads. After a day on the road make sure not to miss the bustling markets of the mountain city of Korcë, your destination for the night.
Overvnight Korca.
DAY 4 - Germenje
Today is a long hilly day but you’ll barely notice as you soak up the stunning mountain scenery. Leave behind the agricultural plateau of Korce, climbing steadily into the border mountains through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wild flowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie ahead, climbing into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains . Your ride will conclude after summiting the Barmash Pass (1159m/ 3800ft) and descending into a pine-covered valley, where you will spend the night in the peaceful solitude of the lush mountains. It is picturesque place with only nature around us. We will have trout for dinner.
Overnight in Sotire.
(44 miles/71 km; elevation gain: 3842 ft/1171 m)
DAY 5 - Permet
Again you will begin the day with a climb, but the descent (~1000m/3280ft over 50km/31mi) will make up for it. Descending through majestic gorges surrounding the gentle town of Leskovik, all the way to Cashovë, the hardest decision you’ll have is whether to pull over and gape at the jaw-dropping scenery or enjoy the ride all the way to the bottom! We continue down to Cashove and then follow the corniche route high above the river to Benje. After some Albania’s delicacies for lunch on the town Benje, you will have the chance to refresh at the thermal springs nearby. We follow the wonderful cliff road high above the river to Permet, situated on a bluff above the river.
Overnight in Permet.
DAY 6 - Gjirokaster
Today's ride is fairly flat without any sharp climbs as we head for one of Albania's most scenic destinations A short but dramatic drive of about one hour will bring us to the historic town of Gjirokastër, another UNESCO Heritage site that is home to some truly stunning Ottoman architecture. Gjirokastër is magnificently set between the towering Gjerë Mountains and the Drino River, providing us with a beautifully scenic arrival by vehicle from Permet as we pass through the Drino Valley and the Kelcyra Gorge. The 'City of 1000 Steps', Gjirokaster, has a charming bazaar area with Ottoman houses and small shops facing narrow cobbled streets.
Overnight in Gjorokastër.
(45 miles/70 km; elevation gain: 1352ft/412 m)
DAY 7 - Sarande
Today’s ride takes you from the interior mountains to the beautiful coast of the Ionian Sea. A great day of cycling ahead as we descend through the scenic countryside to Saranda. We have a short section on the main road before a healthy climb and a nice descent on our way to Saranda, the southernmost city on the Ionian coast. We have an undulating ride on some backroads as we make our way to a small ferry that takes us over to Butrint, a Unesco World Heritage Site. This historically relevant site was once both a Greek colony, and a Roman city and bishopric. You will see the ruins of an amphitheatre built in the 3rd century, which would once have been able to hold 1500 people. After exploring the ruins of Butrint the ride continues along the scenic Albanian Rivera before arriving in Sarandë, a maritime city perched between lofty mountains and the tropical sea.
Overnight Saranda.
(45 miles/70 km; elevation gain: 1722ft/525 m)
DAY 8 - Himare
We ride North out of Saranda to a rocky plateau. It is a roller coaster of a ride today, ascending and descending as the sun burns off the morning mist. Expect a hilly day today as you follow the stunningly picturesque coast, with endless seascapes on your left, and lofty mountains on your right. You will enjoy a long decent at the end of the day as you come to the seaside town of Himara. Although this town is renowned as a favourite destination in Albania due to the proximity to beautiful sandy beaches, you will find that it is still relatively relaxed and peaceful.
Overnight in Himare.
(32 miles/52 km; elevation gain: 3491 ft/1064 m)
DAY 9 - Vlore
Today’s ride is not only the most challenging but also the most spectacular in Albania. We go through Dhermi and then you will gradually climb from sea level up to 1,000m through forests, gorges and hairpin bends, through the intimidating llogara pass. It is not steep, but you can see almost the entire climb in front of you and it does seem to go on and on. There are fantastic views during the climb of everything that you have left behind. After lunch in the beautiful national park of Llogara an adrenaline pumping descent puts you back on the coast along winding roads to Vlorë, a popular resort town, and your destination for the night.
Overnight Vlore.
(39 miles/63 km; elevation gain: 5439 ft/1658 m)
DAY 10 - Tirane
Today we will transfer to Berat, another UNESCO site, and one of the country’s oldest towns, with settlements dating back as far as 2000BC! You may visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum located in the church of St. Mary inside Berat Castle. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of religious images and is named after one of the most important icon painters of the 16th century, whose work shows clear post-Byzantine and Venetian influences. Have lunch and after this we will transfer back to Tirana .
Overnight in Tirana.
DAY 11 - Departure
Wake up in the morning, have breakfast, and then free time to prepare for the departure. we will transfer you to Mother Teresa Airport or to your hotel in Tirana, in case you have extended your stay.
Dates and Prices
WHAT'S INCLUDED AND NOT INCLUDED
What's included
* English-speaking local guide
* Group airport transfers
* All meals throughout the holiday
* All land transport required by the itinerary
* National park entrance fees
* All excursions mentioned in the itinerary.
What's not included
* Travel insurance
* Visas
* Airport taxes
* Airport transfers other than group transfers
* Extra activities and excursions
* Tips for local staff
* Miscellaneous personal expenditure
SUPPLEMENTS
Rooming on tour & Single Room Option (Not applicable to self-guided holidays).
Most group tours are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book as an individual, you will be roomed with someone of the same gender. However, on many tours we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room. On some of these tours a single room will be provided at some of the night-stops but for logistical reasons not all. Individual Trip Notes clarify this. If, for whatever reason, we are unable to provide a single room as outlined in the Trip Notes, we will refund a proportion of the supplement paid to us for the Single Room Option.
Where you are able to purchase a single room, the price does not necessarily guarantee you a single room for every night of the tour.
All of our group tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travelers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation.
Please refer to the tour notes where the single room option availability is detailed on a night by night basis for this tour, and the price for the available nights is detailed on the dates & prices tab by departure date.
For Self-Guided trips the Single Room supplement offers the option of a single room each and is charged per person. The Single Room supplement also applies to the third person in a party of three that will be accommodated in a single room.
PRE POST TOUR SERVICE
Transfers
If you need a pre tour transfer from the airport to the hotel, or the other way around Post tour transfer, from the hotel to the airport, please let us know sending by email your request. After we will make all the arrangement for you.
Accommodations
If your flight comes days in advance, or you want to stay longer than other participants of your tour, we can arrange the accommodation for you. If you are interested please send us a request to the follow email address: info@ivisitalbania.com
DATA
Please send us an email at info@ivisitalbania.com, asking for availability.
Participants & Transit
I Visit Albania consciously chooses to travel in small groups. For this trip, the maximum 16 participants. We guarantee a trip based on the minimum number of permanent participants. This destination is that a minimum of 6 participants. A journey can already with fewer participants are guaranteed. The minimum age for these trips is 18 years.
100% No Surcharge Guarantee
Once booked and confirmed we will guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. You will not be approached to pay fuel surcharges unlike the vast majority of other adventure tour operators.
Tour Prices
Tour prices shown on this website are a guide only. For flight-inclusive group tours the selling price at the time you book your holiday could be different to that shown here, due to current flight availability. Please refer to the trip notes for details of what is included in the cost.
Tour Durations
The tour duration shown above is based on the Land Only length of the tour. Please be aware that the flight inclusive duration of the tour may be longer.
Tour Itineraries
Please be aware that the specific itinerary on some of our tours may differ depending on departure date. Please check the relevant trip notes for the most up-to-date information regarding the trip itinerary.
Child Prices
Child prices applicable for ages 11 and under at time of travel. (Not applicable to self-guided holidays as these are currently sold to adults only).
Price Changes
Any changes to prices will be kept updated on this web page, in accordance with above.
Tour Information
ACCOMMODATION
During this trip we stay in different types of accommodation which are always attractive and nicely situated. We stay mostly in small hotels.
Standard - Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities.
Accommodation and service levels in Albania are generally very good. We try to use smaller, family-run hotels and pensions that might not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, but they do provide a warm welcome, a comfortable place to stay and the chance to gain a better understanding of local life.
ROOM LAYOUT AND SINGLE
* If you go, you do not pay extra fee for traveling alone. We or assume that you are sharing a room (or tent if applicable) with a fellow traveler of the same gender. If you prefer to have your own room, you can for € xxxxx, - additional books a single room.
* If you travel as a couple, share together a room (or tent). You can choose between a 'twin' or a 'double'. A twin room has two twin beds; one has a double bed. Some hotels only have twin rooms and sometimes all doubles have been forgiven so you still have two twin beds.
* If you travel with three of them, two people sharing a double or 'twin' room (or tent) and one participant is assigned to a twin room (or tent) with another fellow traveler of the same gender. If you prefer to have your own room, you can for € xxxxxx, - additional books a single room.
When making the reservation you can specify what kind of room layout you desire.
BUDGET INFO
You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.
The reference amount of pocket money for this trip is € 250, - per person. This amount is an average of what travelers in recent years have spent during this trip to meals and refreshments, additional excursions, entrance fees, any local airport taxes and gratuities. Of course, your own spending habits this also decisive. Souvenirs are therefore not included. During the trip several (optional) excursions, you spot (using the tour leader) can book. If a better excursion can be booked in advance, then it will be listed in the itinerary and on the booking form. So you can still give your group an individual accent.Food
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
Light lunch £: 4.00
Dinner £: 10.00
Drink
The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.
Bottle of Beer £: 1.50
Water £: 0.50
OPTIONAL - EXURSIONS
Some free time has been allowed for you to explore on your own or with your travelling companions.
TIPPING - TOUR LEADER
At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
The amount 20 euro, of tipping is a directive except the tips of the Dutch or local tour guide. Travelling is common to eg. Drivers, cooks and guides to tip. Gratuities are often an indispensable supplement to the income, which is usually a whole family depends. In many cases you can give a tip itself. Common expenses (group tips, entrance fees, etc.) are usually paid from the joint pot for which a contribution is requested to all participants. When you are satisfied with the tour leader yourself, you like him / her, of course, give a tip.
TIPPING - LOCAL CREW
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approx. €20 for tipping.
In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
