15 days tour

Cycle The Balkans

$ 3,120 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $3,120.00

Cycle The Balkans

This tour includes:

Guide

Group normally four to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver.

Others

Transfer for group flights Local bike hire

Accommodation

Throughout this tour, we stay in a variety of accommodation in both cities and rural areas. We use hotels of a three-star standard. For two nights, we stay in more remote areas where we stay in locally run guesthouses and experience a warm welcome. Rooms here tend to be more basic. They will be a mixture of double and triple rooms with shared bathrooms. Single accommodation is available on request. Please note, single rooms are not available in the guesthouses due to a limited number of rooms.

Meals

All breakfasts and two dinners are included. Food in the Balkans is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from the Mediterranean, combining Turkish, Greek and Italian tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Due to the fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, the Balkans still have a subsistence culture and show very little signs of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to have been reared/grown not too far from your plate. Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey and coffee or tea. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb with fish dishes such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form with a variety of vegetables, salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. Your guide will recommend the best restaurant options in the towns.

Transport

We use private minibuses for the airport transfers and transfers to and from the activities.

Not included:

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Visas and vaccinations โ€” Single supplement โ€” E-bike hire

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle The Balkans

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Tirana (Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Tirana (Dinner)

      Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions before we all go out for our welcome dinner. Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Transfer To Lake Ohrid; Cross The Border Into North Macedonia; Visit The Monastery Of St Naum Before Ending In Ohrid Town (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Transfer To Lake Ohrid; Cross The Border Into North Macedonia; Visit The Monastery Of St Naum Before Ending In Ohrid Town (Breakfast)

      We start this morning with a transfer to beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world and one of the largest biological reserves in Europe. Upon arrival, the bikes will be unloaded and adjusted to everyoneโ€™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. We continue cycling in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the Monastery of St Naum. The road then takes us through Galicica National Park to Ohrid town. Accommodation: Villa Royal View (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Climb To A Mountain-Bound High Plateau; Follow The Gorge To Debar (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Climb To A Mountain-Bound High Plateau; Follow The Gorge To Debar (Breakfast)

      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 up, leading to a vast patchwork of individual farms in the Debar region. Our ride finishes in the city of Debar where we rest for the night. Accommodation: Hotel Leon (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Cycle Towards Lake Mavrovo (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Cycle Towards Lake Mavrovo (Breakfast)

      Today we cycle toward Lake Mavrovo, the largest artificial lake in the country. It lies in Mavrovo National Park, where deep canyons, snowy peaks, blue lakes and dense forests provide a habitat for all sorts of incredible creatures, including wolves, bears and lynx. We cycle through this diverse national park and reach our hotel at the foot of the Bistra mountains in the afternoon. Accommodation: Miaโ€™s Favorite Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Transfer From Mavrovo To The Kosovo Border; Continue Through Brezovica National Park And The Sharri Mountain Range (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Transfer From Mavrovo To The Kosovo Border; Continue Through Brezovica National Park And The Sharri Mountain Range (Breakfast)

      Transferring out of Mavrovo National Park, we reach the border with Kosovo. We ride through Brezovica, an area frequented by skiers in the winter, and continue into Sharri National Park, a still relatively undiscovered area home to wild boar, wolves, bear, lynx and roe deer. Accommodation: Hotel Pine (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Climb To Prevalle Through The Forest Of Kodra E Diellit; Descend To The Historic City Of Prizren (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Climb To Prevalle Through The Forest Of Kodra E Diellit; Descend To The Historic City Of Prizren (Breakfast)

      From Brezovica, we cycle up to Prevalle, another ski resort, through the forest of Kodra e Diellit before a long descent to historic Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo. This city is known in this region of the Balkans for its gastronomy and wines, traditional handicrafts and wonderful mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. This afternoon, we go on a city tour to explore the old town. Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Free Day In Peje (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Free Day In Peje (Breakfast)

      Today we transfer from Prizren to Peje where we stay overnight. Today we can visit another beautiful city in Kosovo before heading to Montenegro tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Dukagjini (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Transfer To Montenegro Border; Cycle To Berane Via Rozaje (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Transfer To Montenegro Border; Cycle To Berane Via Rozaje (Breakfast)

      This morning, we transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border. We start cycling from the border and enter Montenegro. We cycle down to Rozaje, a city surrounded by magnificent mountains including the peaks of Hajla and Turjak. The area is covered in large forests and abundant with flowers. We then regroup and jump in the support vehicle to cross a long tunnel, before jumping back on our bikes and continue cycling to Berana. Accommodation: Hotel Berane (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Pedal To Andrijevica And Onto Kolasin; Magnificent Views Of The Rugged Albanian Alps (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Pedal To Andrijevica And Onto Kolasin; Magnificent Views Of The Rugged Albanian Alps (Breakfast)

      Leaving Berane behind, we cycle a flat road to the small town of Andrijevica. From here, we take a magnificent narrow road with spectacular scenery all the way up to Kolasin. On our left-hand side, we have impressive views of the Albanian Alps and we should be able to spot the mountain of Jezerca, the second-highest peak in Albania. Just before arriving at Kolasin, we regroup for a short transfer through a tunnel. After, we have a short easy ride to our hotel for tonight. Accommodation: Hotel Cile (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Short Transfer To Mojkovac; Cycle Through The Tara Canyon Before Reaching Zabljak (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Short Transfer To Mojkovac; Cycle Through The Tara Canyon Before Reaching Zabljak (Breakfast)

      After a short transfer to Mojkovac, we start cycling through the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in Europe. We also have the chance to see the Tara Bridge, a spectacular arch bridge made of concrete, before reaching Zabljak. The town is in the centre of the Durmitor mountains at an altitude of 4,777ft (1,456m), making it the highest town in the Balkans. Accommodation: Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Morning Climb Out Of Zabljak Through The Durmitor Region; Descend To Pluzine (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Morning Climb Out Of Zabljak Through The Durmitor Region; Descend To Pluzine (Breakfast)

      Our day starts with a long climb out of Zabljak. As we ascend through the Durmitor region we see the dramatic high peaks of the magnificent mountain ranges. After our challenging ride this morning, we are rewarded with a long descent to Rudinice village, where we spend the evening at a small, quiet farmstay. Accommodation: Zvono Guesthouse (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 12: Cycle Towards Nikลกiฤ‡ (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Cycle Towards Nikลกiฤ‡ (Breakfast)

      Today we have an easier cycle toward Nikลกiฤ‡, the second-largest city in Montenegro, situated at the foot of Trebjesa Hill. It is the largest municipality by area and second-most inhabited after the capital Podgorica. Accommodation: Hotel Trim (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Short Transfer To Vilsu; Cycle To The Bay Of Kotor (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Short Transfer To Vilsu; Cycle To The Bay Of Kotor (Breakfast)

      After a short transfer to Vilsu, we cycle to the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Medieval towns encased by dramatic mountains surround the lake and have been inhabited since antiquity. In the afternoon, we have time to visit the old city walls. For dinner, take the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the waterfront and sample the fresh seafood on offer. Accommodation: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: Transfer To Bar; Cycle Close To Lake Shkodra; Finish Shkodra (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Transfer To Bar; Cycle Close To Lake Shkodra; Finish Shkodra (Breakfast,Dinner)

      This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Bar. From here, we cycle close to Lake Shkodra and cross the border back into Albania. This evening, we enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner in Shkodra. Accommodation: Hotel Tradita (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15: End Shkoder (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: End Shkoder (Breakfast)

      The trip ends today. Either began your return journey home or, if youโ€™d like to explore some more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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