Pedal & Past of Albanian Cultural Trip (From Tirana)

This is what an everlasting experience is all about: a cycling journey through the historic Via Egnatia Road towards the heart of Central Albania. Historic visits to Përmet, Korça, Gjirokastër, and Kelcyra. An adventure to one of the most amazing rivieras of the Balkans, with visits to Saranda, Butrint Archaeological Park, Ksamil, Blue Eye, and more.
Enjoy the most unique cycling experience through beautiful landscapes and stunning seashores.
Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Day 1: Cycling adventure from Tirana to Peqin – Exploring Elbasan’s Castle and Egnatia Road

The day starts with a short meeting with your guide who will assist you with everything needed for this tour. The adventure begins with a bike ride from Tirana to Elbasan, which is a beautiful panoramic road that offers stunning views (moderate difficulty). This 51 km tour will take us through some picturesque hills, an elevation gain of 1,055 meters, and a maximum elevation of 800 meters. We arrive at Elbasan and will have some free time to explore the ancient Elbasan Castle that has stood there for centuries. We continue our journey towards Peqin, and we will pedal another 38 km that is easier in difficulty, allowing us to enjoy the panoramic scenery of the countryside. Upon arrival in this small town, we will have free time to explore its main attractions and nature, and we will be prepared for a delicious dinner at Agrotourism Via Egnatia. This agrotourism is well known for its fresh, local, and traditional central Albanian food. This agritourism took its name from the historic Egnatia Road, an ancient trade route that once connected Adriatic/Dyrrachium (nowadays Durres) to Byzantium.

Day 2: Cycling Through Remote Villages to Belsh and Gramsh – Rural Life and Scenic Views

The day starts with breakfast at the hotel as we start our cycling adventure from Peqin to Belsh, following a 30km route along a panoramic road that takes us through remote villages. This is one of the most rural and amazing roads of central Albania. With a max elevation of 700 meters and a gentle climb through peaceful landscapes, this ride offers a perfect balance of cycling and cultural exploration. Once in Belsh, a town with over 84 lakes, we will have free time to relax and enjoy the stunning views of this small town. We hop back on our bikes to continue the journey from Belsh to Gramsh, for a 67 km ride through breathtaking landscapes. This route has a unique combination of lakes and mountains. The road has elevations ranging from 200 meters to 850 meters. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner at BioFarm restaurant, which is well known throughout Albania. This restaurant includes only organic and fresh food directly from their farm. Also, this restaurant offers a range of facilities, camping areas, sports grounds, and different adventure activities.

Day 3: Cycling ride to Korça – Exploring the Countryside and Local Culture

A fresh breakfast awaits us at the hotel, and we set off on a 70 km ride through the picturesque Albanian countryside, making our way toward Maliq Village. The route takes us through unique landscapes with gentle climbs, reaching a max elevation of 1,100 meters, and offering plenty of scenic stops along the way. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine. In Maliq, we will visit Honey Morava, a family-run business where you’ll learn about the art of beekeeping and the traditions passed down through generations.

From there, we cycle toward Korça, a 16 km journey on asphalt roads, allowing us to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Korça’s Bazaar. This area is renowned for its vibrant local culture, great food, and the beautiful music of Serenata Korcare, a type of local music. A city tour of Korça will begin, starting from the Resurrection Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Albania. We explore the Old Bazaar, where history and tradition blend together. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurat Hani I Pazarit Boutique Hotel, where you can try traditional food. Our day concludes with a relaxing stay at the Hani I Pazarit Boutique Hotel, which has a traditional feel and is located in the heart of Korça.

Day 4: Cycling through the Gramozi Mountains to Ersekë – A Journey into Nature

We begin our 70 km ride from Korça to Ersekë, cycling along the historic old road through a pine forest. The route is a moderately challenging ride, with an elevation gain of 1,239 meters and a maximum elevation of 1,152 meters, offering a satisfying ascent into the heart of the Gramozi Mountains. Our cycling passes through Ersekë, one of the highest altitudes in Albania, which has some of the most stunning views.

After arriving at our destination, the afternoon is free to explore Farma Sotira, an organic farm set in the mountains, where you can try the local hospitality and take some amazing photos and videos. A delightful dinner awaits us at the Restaurant Farma Sotira, known for its fresh, farm-to-table dishes made only with local ingredients. We spend the night at Farma Sotira, staying in cozy wooden bungalows and enjoying the landscapes that the Gramozi Mountains offer.

Day 5: Cycling Along the Vjosa River to Përmet – Thermal Waters and Relaxation

We start our 59 km ride from Farma Sotira to Përmet, cycling along the Vjosa River, the last wild river in Europe. The road conditions vary along the way, with some asphalt roads, a short segment of bumpy old asphalt, and a gravel section, offering a mix of cycling challenges. With an elevation gain of 693 meters and a maximum elevation of 1,035 meters, the ride is moderate in difficulty, making it a great day for exploring the river valley and surrounding landscapes.

In Benja Thermal Waters, we will have a stop and enjoy the natural hot springs, a perfect way to relax after a day of cycling through Albania’s beautiful countryside. Upon arriving in Përmet, we will have free time to explore this amazing town, known as the city of the Flowers. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at Restaurant Antigonea, a lovely spot that serves traditional Albanian dishes. Our stay will be at Villa Përmet, an architectural gem of historical value, known for its 54 windows, stone arches, and traditional roof. The villa’s unique style captures the essence of 1800s Albania, offering a comfortable and culturally rich place to rest for the night.

Day 6: Cycling to Gjirokastër – History, Culture, and Scenic Views

Our journey continues with a 60 km cycling journey from Përmet to Gjirokastër, passing through charming countryside and picturesque villages. The route follows asphalt roads with some moderate climbs, reaching an elevation gain of 650 meters and a maximum elevation of 476 meters.

We cycle through Kelcyra and stay on the main road to ensure a smooth and safe ride. The view on this route is wonderful, and you will be amazed by the enormous green landscape. The route becomes even more enjoyable as we pass Lekë Bridge, and the road continues toward Gjirokastër, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains. After reaching Gjirokastër, we will have free time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city on your own. We will visit the Castle of Gjirokastër, also known as the Castle of Argjiro, which is filled with legends and myths about its origin. The castle stands at 336 meters above the town and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. We will explore the Old Bazaar of Gjirokastër with its old and characteristic cobbled streets. A cozy visit to the Babameto House will follow, where the friendly hosts will welcome us with traditional coffee, sweets, and wonderful stories about the city.

A free time follows to explore the streets of Gjirokastër, before dinner at Citadel Restaurant, known for its perfect reviews and local flavors. Our day will end with an overnight stay at Hotel Fantasy, located at the highest point of the city, offering spectacular views of the castle, old town, and surrounding mountains.

Day 7: Cycling to Ksamil and Butrint – Natural Springs, Archaeology, and Coastal Views

A scenic 72.85 km ride from Gjirokastër to Ksamil will follow, a safe and picturesque route for cycling. We will head through Jorgucat and ascend the Muzina Pass, where the route offers stunning landscapes. We will stop at one of the most unique attractions of the South of Albania, which is the Blue Eye Natural Spring. This natural spring is known for its deep blue, crystal-clear water and the unique way it resembles a human eye. Also, this spring has a depth of fifty meters. We will continue our ride to Ksamil and Butrint, and this route is nothing short of a masterpiece. The views from this South Riviera are incredible, starting from the surrounding hills to the Butrinti Lakes. Upon arrival in Butrint National Park, we will witness one of the most incredible national parks of Albania.

The ruins here date back to the 7th century BC, and the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its connection to classical mythology as the site where exiles came after the fall of Troy. After exploring the ruins, we cycle a short distance to Saranda, a beautiful coastal town, where you’ll have free time to enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we dine at Restaurant Bequa, a wonderful spot offering fresh local cuisine with beautiful coastal views. Our day ends with a relaxing overnight stay at Toer Hotel, a cozy and welcoming hotel just a 5-minute walk from Saranda’s shores.

Day 8: Exploring the Albanian Riviera – Coastal Cycling and Scenic Views

The final day will see us set off on a 46 km ride along the stunning Albanian Riviera, with plenty of beautiful alternative bays to explore and panoramic views at every turn. As we cycle through the coastal roads, we make some rest stops at picturesque spots such as Shen Vasil, Piqerras, Borsh, and the charming Porto Palermo. These beautiful stops are some of the most wonderful views that you can see in South Albania. Many of these places are trending in social networks and offer amazing views. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant where we will enjoy freshly prepared meals. After this Riviera adventure, we complete our journey with a comfortable transfer to Tirana in the afternoon, concluding an amazing adventure throughout the Albanian South.