Cycle the Balkans

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Start in Tirana

   Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country. In the evening, your guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions before the group goes out for a welcome dinner.

   • Sky 2 Hotel
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Transfer to Lake Ohrid; cross the border into North Macedonia; visit the Monastery of St Naum

   You'll start this morning with a transfer to beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world at an estimated 2m years old. Upon arrival, the bikes will be unloaded and adjusted to everyone’s comfort.

   The ride starts along the scenic shore towards Pogradec. After reaching Tushemisht, just 2.5mi (4km) east of Pogradec, the group will enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. The cycling continues in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the Monastery of St Naum.
   
   
   
   

   • 21.7 miles
   • -32.8 ft
     393.7 ft
     426.5 ft
   • Hotel Millennium (or similar)
   • Breakfast
3. Day 3Climb to a mountain-bound high plateau; follow the lake road to Ohrid; finish in Struga

   Set off on a scenic ride to Struga, taking a picturesque route alongside Lake Ohrid. The day begins with an ascent through lush landscapes, offering views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
   
   Your first stop is the historic town of Ohrid. Before lunch, you can explore on a guided tour, which takes in the cobblestone streets, the Church of St John at Kaneo, and views over the lake.
   
   Continuing your ride, cycle along the lake edge, enjoying the tranquil waters and sounds of nature. The path meanders through quaint villages, where you can observe traditional ethnic Albanian life in Macedonia. As you approach Struga, the landscape becomes even more enchanting, with the river flowing into Lake Ohrid.
   

   You'll arrive in Struga in the afternoon, where you can relax by the riverbanks or experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
   
   
   

   • 30.4 miles
   • 
     1,640.4 ft
     1,640.4 ft
   • Vila Europa (or similar)
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4Climb to a high plateau; follow the gorge to Debar; cross into Albania

   Leaving Lake Ohrid, you'll climb to a high plateau bounded by mountains. You'll continue to follow the gorge for a while until the hills open, leading to a vast patchwork of farms in the Debar region, where you'll stop for lunch. The ride finishes in the town of Peshkopi, where you'll rest for the night.
   
   
   
   

   • 47.8 miles
   • 164 ft
     2,788.7 ft
     2,624.7 ft
   • Hotel Piazza (or similar)
   • Breakfast
5. Day 5Cycle to Kukës

   Gear up for an exhilarating ride to Kukës, traversing along the highest peak in Albania, Mount Korab, and the countryside. Your journey begins with a warm-up along scenic roads lined with greenery and mountain views. As you pedal away from Peshkopi, the route climbs, offering a rewarding challenge with each ascent.
   
   Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you head through villages, where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Albanian life. As you approach Kukës, which is nestled at the confluence of two rivers, the terrain becomes more dramatic, with striking mountains and valleys surrounding it. Upon arrival, take time to explore the town, known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning vistas.
   
   You'll tackle challenging hills today, some with a 20% gradient; if you feel like a break, you can jump in the support vehicle.
   
   
   

   • 44.7 miles
   • -1,148.3 ft
     5,249.3 ft
     6,397.6 ft
   • Hotel Gjallica (or similar)
   • Breakfast
6. Day 6Climb to Prevalle through the forest of Kodra e Diellit; descend to the historic city of Prizren

   The day starts with a smooth descent from Kukës, giving you the chance to soak up views of the mountain and Fierza Reservoir.  As you cycle along Fierza, the turquoise waters spread before you, framed by cliffs and greenery. This part of the journey is a visual feast, perfect for capturing photos and enjoying the serene atmosphere, so you make a few stops along the way.
   
   Reaching Gjakova in the afternoon, take time to explore this lovely town and its historic bazaar.
   
   
   

   • 37.3 miles
   • 
     3,280.8 ft
     3,280.8 ft
   • Hotel Çarshia e Jupave (or similar)
   • Breakfast
7. Day 7Transfer to Montenegro border; cycle to Berane via Rožaje

   Transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border this morning, where you'll start cycling and enter Montenegro. You'll ride down to Rožaje, a city surrounded by mountains including the peaks of Hajla and Turjak.
   
   You'll then regroup and jump in the support vehicle to cross a long tunnel, before jumping back on your bikes and continuing cycling to Berane.
   
   
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • -1,968.5 ft
     2,952.8 ft
     4,921.3 ft
   • Hotel Berane (or similar)
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8Pedal to Andrijevica and onto Kolasin; magnificent views of the rugged Albanian Alps

   Leaving Berane, you'll cycle a flat road to the small town of Andrijevica. From here, you'll take a narrow road with spectacular scenery all the way up to Kolasin. On your left-hand side, you'll have impressive views of the Albanian Alps, and should be able to spot Jezerca mountain, the second-highest peak in Albania. Just before arriving at Kolasin, you'll regroup for a short transfer through a tunnel. After, you'll have a short, easy ride to your hotel.
   
   
   

   • 37.9 miles
   • 820.2 ft
     3,280.8 ft
     2,460.6 ft
   • Hotel Cile (or similar)
   • Breakfast
9. Day 9Cycle through the Durmitor mountains before reaching Žabljak

   After a short transfer to Okuka, you'll leave behind the agricultural plateau of Kolasin, ascending steadily into the mountains through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wildflowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie ahead, as you climb into the heart of the Durmitor mountains. You'll overnight in Žabljak. The town is in the centre of the mountains at an altitude of 4,777ft (1,456m), making it the highest town in the Balkans.
   
   

   • 37.9 miles
   • 2,270.3 ft
     5,042.7 ft
     2,772.3 ft
   • Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar)
   • Breakfast
10. Day 10Morning climb out of Žabljak through the Durmitor region; descend to Rudinice

    Your day starts with a long climb out of Žabljak. As you ascend through the Durmitor region, you'll see the dramatic high peaks of the mountains. After a challenging ride this morning, you are rewarded with a long descent to Rudinice village, where you'll spend the evening at a small, quiet farmstay.
    
    

    • 26.7 miles
    • -2,624.7 ft
      2,624.7 ft
      5,249.3 ft
    • Konak Guesthouse (or similar)
    • Breakfast
11. Day 11Cycle towards Vir; transfer to Cetinje

    From Rudinice, you'll ride ups and downs along the main road above the Komamica River, heading south toward Vir. After lunch, transfer to the city of Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro and the location of several national institutions, including the official residence of the president of Montenegro.
    
    
    

    • 28.6 miles
    • 
      2,854.3 ft
      2,854.3 ft
    • Hotel Dapcevic and Apartments (or similar)
    • Breakfast
12. Day 12Cycle Kotor Bay

    Today is one of contrasts as you travel from the highlands down to the Adriatic Coast. You'll initially head west, gradually ascending to Lovćen National Park, home to the mausoleum of the Montenegrin ruler and poet Petar II Petrovic Njegos. The road then passes through a dry, rocky landscape before reaching the lunch stop at a roadside restaurant in the town of Njeguši.
    
    The rest of the day is mostly spent going downhill. The narrow road descends through a series of hairpin bends with views of the inlet of Kotor Bay some 2,135ft (650m) below. After reaching Kotor, you'll cycle alongside the shoreline to reach Dobrota, a town on the outskirts of Kotor.
    
    
    

    • 29.8 miles
    • -2,296.6 ft
      2,952.8 ft
      5,249.3 ft
    • Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)
    • Breakfast
13. Day 13Free day in Kotor

    Enjoy a free day to explore the medieval city of Kotor. Built in the 15th century, it is completely encircled by walls with entrance gates to the west, north and south. The city is overlooked by Mount Lovčen and contains several squares, a cathedral, churches and a network of narrow streets.
    

    • 35.4 miles
    • Hotel Marija 2(or similar)
    • Breakfast
14. Day 14Transfer to Bar; cycle close to Lake Shkodra; finish Shkodra

    This morning, the group will drive to the coastal town of Bar. From here, cycle close to Lake Shkodra and cross the border back into Albania.

    This evening, the group will enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner in Shkodra.

    
    
    

    • 23 miles
    • -656.2 ft
      492.1 ft
      1,148.3 ft
    • Hotel Tradita or similar
    • Breakfast and Dinner
15. Day 15End of tour in Shkoder

    The tour ends after breakfast and check out.
    

    Either began your return journey home or, if you’d like to explore some more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
    

    • Breakfast