Meet your guide at Tirana airport and transfer east to Pogradec, on the shore of UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid. Bike fitting and route briefing at the hotel, then time for a first stroll along the lakefront at Tushemisht. Overnight: lakefront hotel in Tushemisht village.
Roll out along the lakeshore, then climb from about 700 m to 900 m for sweeping views before a quiet road between two small lakes and through farming villages. Lunch near Korça, then a stop at a local apiary for honey tasting before reaching Albania's 'Little Paris'. Cycling: 45 km. Overnight: comfortable central hotel in Korça.
The queen stage: an early start and a long climb over the Qarri Pass from about 1,000 m to 1,300 m, with a mountain coffee stop for local herb tea on the way. Descend into Gërmenj National Park for a farm-to-table dinner. Cycling: 72 km. Overnight: family-run mountain farm in Gërmenj National Park.
A mostly downhill day into the Vjosa valley with a picnic lunch en route, then a soak in the natural thermal pools at Bënja before rolling into Përmet, the 'city of roses'. Cycling: 62 km. Overnight: small welcoming hotel in Përmet.
Ride the first 30 km through the Kelcyra gorge beside the Vjosa, one of Europe's last wild rivers, with a coffee stop at the Tepelena springs. Arrive in UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra for lunch, then a guided walk through the stone old town, the castle and the Skenduli House. Cycling: 60 km. Overnight: stone-built hotel in Gjirokastra's old town.
A gentle warm-up, then the Muzina Pass between roughly 300 m and 600 m before dropping to the Ionian coast at Saranda. After lunch, drive to the UNESCO ruins of Butrint Archaeological Park. Cycling: 54 km. Overnight: comfortable hotel near Saranda's seafront.
Trade the bike for the minibus and follow the Albanian Riviera north with photo stops along the way, arriving in the capital by late afternoon for a free evening in Tirana. Overnight: central hotel in Tirana, near Skanderbeg Square.
Free time in Tirana for a last coffee or souvenirs before your transfer to the airport.
This is a cycling tour and requires a moderate level of fitness. Days include sustained climbs, long descents and some sections on gravel or broken road surfaces.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Riders need to be able to mount, balance and control a bicycle unassisted in traffic.
If you or anyone in your group has specific accessibility needs, tell us before you book. We will give you an honest answer about what this tour can accommodate — including saying so when the answer is that it can't.