Albania Tour 8 Days Cycling Trip

Airport – Tirana: 30 min
Accommodation in Tirana, Hotel Idea.

After collecting your luggage, you will be welcomed by one of our agents at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can begin your discovery of Tirana by visiting its numerous museums: the National Historical Museum retracing the history of Albania or the Bunk'art 2, a museum housed in a vast underground bunker and the House of Leaves which allows you to understand the history of espionage in Albania during communism. You can also take the time to admire the colorful facades of the city's buildings, testimony to the post-communist era of the early 90s.
You can then stroll through the Shetitorja Murat Toptani district to admire the ramparts of Tirana Castle, the Tanners' Bridge, the Et'hem Bey mosque and the Pazar i Ri bazaar.

Optional activities:
-Bunk'Art 2
-National History Museum
-The New Bazaar of Tirana (Pazari i Ri)
-The Blloku

Restaurant options:
Oda Restaurant:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oda+-+Traditional+Albanian+Restaurant/
Era Restaurant:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restaurant+Piceri+Era+%22Blloku%22/
Lulishte 1-Maji:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lulishte+1+Maji/

You will have a stay overnight in Tirana.

Tirana-Tushemisht 2h30 130 km Lin-Tushemisht Cycling trip: 26 km Starting altitude: 714 m Arrival altitude: 695 m (Maximum altitude:735m | Minimum Altitude:690m) Cumulative negative altitude difference: 312 m Cumulative positive altitude difference: 293 m (Altitude difference between departure and arrival:-19m) Accommodation in Tushemisht, Millennium Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Today, you will collect the bike to continue the tour. There will be a porivate transfer from Tirana to Lin. In Lin, you will begin your cycling journey. Throughout this tour, you will be accompanied by the driver if necessary. From D2 to D7, you will travel by bike. At the end of the day on D7, you will have a private transfer from Tepelene to Tirana, to the hotel. This morning, we are heading towards the south and to Lake Ohrid. Along the way, you will pass through the town of Elbasan with its pretty citadel and the Clock Tower. Before reaching the village of Tushemisht, we will cross the Via Egnatia, one of the oldest trade routes of antiquity. Built by the Romans, it was the only road to connect Rome to Constantinople. Also, stop at the village of Lin, nestled on the shores of the majestic Lake Ohrid. The crystal clear waters of the lake blend harmoniously with the traditional houses and cobbled streets of the village. You can observe the locals going about their ancestral fishing activities and visit the small churches and historical sites of the village. From here, you will start your bike tour to Tushemmisht village. You will admire two villages on the shores of Lake Ohrid, near North Macedonia, well maintained by its inhabitants, offering a peaceful living environment. This tour will allow you to discover the natural beauty of the region. You will depart from Lin, pass through traditional villages, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Ohrid, and explore unspoiled natural areas. End of the day, you will arrive in Tushemisht. During the dictatorship, Tushemisht was an example of prosperity and propaganda film shoots took place there. Tours offered in Tushemisht: - Walk around the village - The village center - The Church of Saint-Pantaléon - Hiking Tushemisht-Saint Naum (Macedonia) Restaurant Suggested: Bujtina Ollga: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3hvojwPb4xmHnw3E7 Villa 31: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6xPSyCqPCGxBFDe29 Night in Tushemisht

Podgoria- Bregas (Korçe) Cycling trip: 53 km Starting altitude: 698 m Arrival altitude: 882 m (Maximum altitude:919m | Minimum Altitude:692m) Cumulative negative altitude difference: 344 m Cumulative positive altitude difference: 528 m (Altitude difference between departure and arrival:184m) Accommodation in Korce, in a homestay. Meals included:Breakfast. Today, your excursion begins in Podgorie, a small town located in the Korce region. The route takes you through picturesque rural landscapes with lush green fields, rolling hills and traditional villages. You will have the opportunity to cross mountains and descend into charming valleys, offering spectacular views of the surrounding nature. Along your route, you will be able to interact with local people, experience their hospitality and perhaps taste some local culinary specialties. Your final destination is Bregas, a village located in the Korce region. You can explore the village or soak up the Albanian culture. This route also offers the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Albanian countryside, with its picturesque landscapes and panoramic views. Then, you will take the road towards the town of Korça to spend the night. Korça, a town located in the southeast of the country and close to the Greek and Macedonian borders, is one of the most important towns in Albania, nicknamed “Little Paris”. You will set off on foot to discover the city and its Old Bazaar district (Pazari i Vjetër) with its traditional houses, its shaded terraces, its shops, its small streets… Visits Offered in Korça: - The cemetery of French soldiers - National Museum of Medieval Art - Orthodox Cathedral - Mirahori Mosque - Old bazaar district - Gjon Mili Museum of Photography - Former French High School - Museum of the first Albanian school Restaurant options: Vila Cofiel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EBHyAaw3Mo7ivtnr6 Hani i Pazarit “Boutique Hotel”: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cKUPZD94VMzG3cDf7 Taverna Vasili: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZWMxQ5QRSTyRdkip8 Night in Korça.

Korca-Rehove: 42 min 30 km Korçe- Rehove Cycling trip: 42 km Starting altitude: 881 m Arrival altitude: 1153 m (Maximum altitude:1156m | Minimum Altitude:865m) Cumulative negative altitude difference: 476 m Cumulative elevation gain: 748 m (Altitude difference between departure and arrival:272m) Accommodation in Rehove, homestay. Meals included:Breakfast. This morning, you will be heading to another beautiful excursion through the Albanian mountains and countryside. Your tour will start in the town of Korce, then the route takes you through picturesque mountains and magnificent rural landscapes. You will pass through traditional villages and green fields. One of the highlights of this tour is Morava Mountain, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Morava Valley. Then, your final destination is the village of Rehove, a charming village nestled in the heart of the mountains of the Korce region. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and spectacular natural setting make it an authentic place where you can experience Albanian rural life. You will have the opportunity to meet local people, taste authentic Albanian cuisine and learn about the local culture. It's a great place to relax and reconnect with nature. Night at Rehove in a homestay.

Rehove – Farma Sotira Cycling trip: 32 km Starting altitude: 1154 m Arrival altitude: 994 m (Maximum altitude:1154m | Minimum Altitude:820m) Cumulative negative altitude difference: 786 m Cumulative positive altitude difference: 626 m (Altitude difference between departure and arrival:-160m) Accommodation in Leskovik, Farma Sotira. Meals included:Breakfast. On this day, a scenic drive through the Albanian countryside awaits you, offering the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the region. Your adventure begins in the charming village of Rehova. You will enjoy this route which will take you through picturesque rural landscapes, with green hills, cultivated fields and traditional villages. On the way to Farma Sotira, you will pass through areas of unspoiled nature, where you can appreciate the natural beauty of the area, including forests, rivers and valleys. You then arrive in the small town of Leskovik to meet villagers and discover how a sheepfold operates in Albania. This will be an opportunity to taste local products such as raki and candied nuts. This bike tour offers an authentic experience of the Albanian countryside, with a beautiful combination of nature, culture and relaxation. Optional activities in Leskovik : • Farm visit • Horse ride • Walking tour • Apitherapy Restaurant options: Possibility of catering only on site. Night at Leskovik, Farma Sotira. You then stop in the small town of Leskovik to meet villagers and discover how a sheepfold operates in Albania. This will be an opportunity to taste local products such as raki and candied nuts. Crossing the Germenj-Shelegur National Park and stopping for lunch at Farma Sotira, a farm inn well known to all travelers. Continue to the town of Permet, nicknamed the “city of roses” and the main gateway to the national parks of the Hotova-Dangëll fir and especially the Vjosa, which will be the main theme of the day. Considered one of the last wild rivers in Europe, the Vjosa has just obtained (in 2023) the status of National Park. Along the way, don't miss the Strembec hike. Departing from the village, this route will take us through the Nemerka massif to the Sopoti Falls with a panoramic view of the Vjosa river valley. When we arrive in Permet, we will enjoy this pleasant town located on the banks of the Vjosa. For this day, you have the opportunity to go horseback riding, rafting on the Vjosa River or take part in a local cooking class. Optional activities at Allows: ● Walking tour ● Mountain biking ● Hiking ● Traditional cooking class Restaurant options: Antigone Restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restorant+Antigonea/ Trifilia Restaurant:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bar+Restaurant+Trifilia/ Restaurant Hotel Alvero:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Alvero/ Night in Përmet in a small family hotel.

Farma Sotira-Permet Cycling trip: 62 km Starting altitude: 991 m Arrival altitude: 236 m (Maximum altitude:1122m | Minimum Altitude:234m) Cumulative negative altitude difference: 1490 m Cumulative positive altitude difference: 735 m (Altitude difference between departure and arrival:-755m) Accommodation in Allows, Small Family Hotel. Meals included:Breakfast. Today, you will leave Farma Sotira towards the town of Permet. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the area at every turn. On your way to Permet, you will pass through traditional Albanian villages, where you can experience the local culture, admire traditional stone architecture, and perhaps interact with the welcoming locals. One of the major attractions of this tour is also the Vjosa River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe. You can take a break near the river to enjoy its crystal clear waters and pebble beaches. Your final destination is the town of Permet, known as a flowery town and a real agrotourism stopover in the country. The landscape that will accompany you during this day will be fabulous. You will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at the know-how of the region's artisans and their local products such as their jams, wines, raki, embroidery, etc. Optional activities in Permet: • Walking tour • Rafting • Traditional cooking class Restaurant options: Antigone Restaurant: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restorant+Antigonea/ Trifilia Restaurant:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bar+Restaurant+Trifilia/ Restaurant Hotel Alvero:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hotel+Alvero/ Optional activities: • Visit to the church of Leuse • Langarica Canyon Explorations • The thermal waters of Benja • Hiking Night in Përmet in a small family hotel.

Tepelene-Tirane: 2 hrs 30 mins 200 km Lets-Tepelene Cycling trip: 43 km Starting altitude: 991 m Arrival altitude: 236 m (Maximum altitude:1122m | Minimum Altitude:234m) Cumulative negative altitude difference: 1490 m Cumulative positive altitude difference: 735 m (Altitude difference between departure and arrival:-755m) End of the day, private transfer from Tepelene to Tirana. In the evening you will return the bikes to the Idea hotel, one of our agents will take care of it. Accommodation in Tirana, Hotel Idea. Meals included: Breakfast. Today, your excursion begins in the charming town of Permet, famous for its hot springs, impressive gorges and relaxing ambiance. During your cycling tour, you will pass through a variety of landscapes, including winding roads along the Vjosa River, lush green fields, picturesque hills and traditional villages. You will follow the Vjosa River throughout your journey, providing plenty of opportunities to relax near its banks, swim in its crystal clear waters or simply admire the beauty of this last great wild river in Europe. Then, you will head to the town of Tepelene, located on the banks of the Vjosa River. Tepelene is renowned for its fascinating history, including Tepelene Castle, which dominates the town. You can explore the city, visit historical sites and taste local cuisine at local restaurants. At the end of the day, you will leave for the Albanian capital. In the evening, we advise you to go to the Bloc, which was at the time a place reserved for the political elite and which is, today, the trendiest district of Tirana. You will have the opportunity to have a drink there and discover the typical atmosphere of Albanian bars. Night in Tirana, Hotel Idea.

Tirana – Airport: 30min 20km Depending on your flight schedule, you will enjoy your last hours in Albania by strolling through the city center of Tirana and then transfer to the airport. It is time for us to say “Mirupafshim” and wish you a safe return!