Cycle the Balkans

Begin your adventure in Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country. Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at our hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a welcome dinner. Want to explore Tirana further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Start this morning with a transfer to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world at an estimated 2m years old. Upon arrival, the bikes are unloaded and adjusted to everyone’s comfort. Our ride starts along the scenic shore towards Pogradec. After reaching Tushemisht, just 2.5mi (4km) east of Pogradec, we enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Continue cycling in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the clifftop Monastery of St Naum.

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. Our first stop is the historic town of Ohrid. Before lunch, you can explore on a guided tour, which takes in the cobblestone streets, Church of St John at Kaneo, and views over the lake. Continuing our 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 we approach Struga, the landscape becomes even more enchanting, with the river flowing into Lake Ohrid. We arrive in Struga in the afternoon, where you can relax by the riverbanks or experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

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

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

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

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