Albania: the whole coast with coach support

Outline programme:

Every day we swim in the Adriatic or Ionian Sea.

Albania is still little discovered, which makes it an all the more attractive destination for cyclists, especially those looking for adventure away from the tourist crowds. It offers dramatic nature, mountains, lake plains and also a Mediterranean coast with an azure sea. Combined with the hospitality of the locals and low prices, it is an ideal destination for cycle touring. On our tour you can get to know a land of contrasts – remnants of European “wilderness”, wonderful and almost forgotten regions, as well as modern elements in the cities. Set off with us on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the Balkans and conquer its highest peaks! Albania offers varied terrain: from the flats around the lakes and the coast to steep mountain passes in the Albanian Alps (the so-called “Accursed Mountains”). Roads: the main roads are asphalt, but in the mountains you will also find gravel roads and “off-road” sections. The landscape is impressive, raw, wild and authentic. The Albanian Alps are especially beautiful.

Itinerary:

Day 1: departure from Slovakia, boarding point by agreement. Transit through Hungary and Serbia to Montenegro and Albania.

Day 2: breakfast, cycling through the city of Shkodër from the Ura e Mesit bridge through the centre to the town of Shëngjin on the Adriatic coast, swimming, dinner, overnight stay in Shëngjin.

Day 3: breakfast, cycling Shëngjin – Durrës via the Patok lagoon (Albania is the only Balkan country known for lagoons), swimming, dinner, overnight stay in Durrës.

Day 4: breakfast, cycling Tirana – Krujë (47 km, 550 m), loading at Fushë-Krujë, overnight stay in Durrës.

Day 5: breakfast, cycling Durrës – Vlorë (70 km), transfer to the hotel in Vlorë, dinner, overnight stay.

Day 6: breakfast, cycling Vlorë – Himarë (65 km, 1,350 m), dinner, overnight stay.

Day 7: breakfast, cycling Himarë – Sarandë (53.4 km, 905 m), dinner, overnight stay in Ksamil.

Day 8: breakfast, cycling Ksamil – Butrint – Blue Eye (40 km, 400 m), loading the bikes, journey to Podgorica, dinner, overnight stay.

Day 9: breakfast, journey to Slovakia.

Route length: 30–70 km, difficulty: medium (an easier or harder variant can be chosen). Surface: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved. Recommended bike type: trekking, or mountain or road bikes. We can adjust the routes to be longer or shorter depending on weather and needs. We will cycle approx. 500 km.

Insurance: please note that we need your full details for every tour (first name, surname, date of birth, ID or passport number, personal ID number, telephone contact, e-mail address). We recommend taking out annual travel insurance that includes tour cancellation cover (indicative price 150 EUR). This is an annual policy valid for all trips in the year and we can arrange it for you. Annual insurance is very advantageous and necessary for people over 70. It is important for us to know whether you already have another type of insurance.