Cycling in Albania: Mountains to the Riviera – 8 Days
From Lake Ohrid over mountain passes to the Albanian Riviera, with a support vehicle.
Tour overview
This 8-day cycling holiday crosses southern Albania from the mountains to the sea on good touring bikes, with a tour leader, a support vehicle and a group of six to sixteen. You stay six nights in hotels and one in a guesthouse, with every breakfast and three dinners.
From Pogradec on Lake Ohrid you climb towards Grammoz Mountain and over the Barmash Pass, staying on a working farm, then ride across high grassy plateaux to the thermal springs at Benje for a swim.
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An easier valley ride leads to the stone town of Gjirokastra, before a long descent to Sarandë via the ruins of Butrint. Spectacular coastal riding along the Albanian Riviera takes you to Himarë, and a final challenge over the Llogara Pass ends by the sea at Vlorë.
The physical rating is medium, with some long climbs. This holiday suits fit cyclists who want an adventurous ride through a little-known country.
Trip highlights
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The Barmash Pass (Day 2)
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Benje thermal springs (Day 3)
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Gjirokastra (Day 4)
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Butrint (Day 5)
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The Albanian Riviera (Day 6)
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The Llogara Pass (Day 7)
Your route
9 stops from Pogradec to Vlorë
- Pogradec Day 1
- Korçë Day 2
- Gërmenj Day 2
- Benje Day 3
- Gjirokastra Day 4
- Butrint Day 5
- Sarandë Day 5
- Himarë Day 6
- Vlorë Days 7–8
Why choose this tour
Mountains and coast on two wheels. Bike hire and a support vehicle included.
Best suited to
- Keen cyclists
- Active travellers
- Adventurous first-timers in Albania
- Solo travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Pogradec, Albania to Vlorë, Albania
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Day 1 · Pogradec, Lake Ohrid Pogradec
Lakeside start.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Korçë, Barmash Pass, Gërmenj Gërmenj
Over the Barmash Pass.
- Hotel
- Farm hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3 · Carshove, Benje Benje
Plateaux and hot springs.
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 · Këlcyrë, Tepelenë, Gjirokastra Gjirokastra
Valley ride and stone town.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Muzina Pass, Butrint, Sarandë Sarandë
Down to the coast.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Albanian Riviera, Himarë Himarë
The Riviera.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Llogara Pass, Vlorë Vlorë
The big climb.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Vlorë Vlorë
The holiday ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Pogradec (1 night) Hotel
- Gërmenj (1 night) Farm hotel
- Benje (1 night) Guesthouse
- Gjirokastra (1 night) Hotel
- Sarandë (1 night) Hotel
- Himarë (1 night) Hotel
- Vlorë (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 7 nights in hotels and a guesthouse
- Meals 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Touring bike hire
- Support vehicle and transfers
- Gjirokastra city tour and Butrint
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 6 lunches and 4 dinners
- E-bike upgrade
- Most lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You are new to cycling
- You want luxury hotels
- You want most meals included
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,229 per person, twin share, tour only. 36 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £1,413 (single supplement from £184).
Offer Reduced prices on selected dates, shown with the regular price crossed out. Book by 16 Oct.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need a visa for Albania?
No, UK citizens can visit Albania visa-free for up to 90 days.
How hard is the cycling?
Medium: daily rides include long climbs, and a support vehicle carries luggage.
Can I hire an e-bike?
Yes, at extra cost.
Which meals are included?
Every breakfast and three dinners.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement may be available; otherwise solo travellers share with someone of the same gender.
How many people travel together?
Between six and sixteen, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary