Albania - North to South

edspokes classic Albanian cycling holiday takes you to one of Europe's secret treasures. As recently as 1991 Albania opened to the outside world after years of isolation. Tourism is still in its infancy and Albanians give visitors a warm welcome. 70% of the country is mountainous with spectacular landscapes and pristine coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. There are many national parks and several World Heritage Sites.

Albania offers exciting and relatively unchartered cycle routes and temperate weather conditions with a Mediterranean climate in the lowlands second only to Spain in annual sunshine quotas. Whilst cycling through unparalleled natural panoramas you'll enjoy traditional Albanian hospitality, wonderful cuisine, a colourful blend of eastern and western influences and have opportunities to discover the country's rich history and culture. Albania is fast growing in popularity as a cycling destination. Take the opportunity to visit now.

redspokes fourteen-day Albania cycling holiday begins in the vibrant capital city Tirana. Heading north, we take a dramatic boat trip on the Komani Lake and begin cycling a beautiful mountainous route to Peshkopi following an ancient Roman trade route, the Via Publica. We ride on through gorges and past cascading waterfalls. Our Albanian North to South cycling tour includes a visit to the Macedonian UNESCO World Heritage town of Ohrid, (City of Lights) before riding around the lake towards Pogradec and back into the Albanian mountains, heading southward to Korçë. Korçë has Illyrian and Ottoman historical roots and close to the Greek border, this is Albania's cultural capital, with a traditional bazaar and a museum of medieval art.

We ride up into the Gramoz Mountains, with a view of snow-capped peaks in the distance, cycling over the Bramash pass then head down into the valley beyond to reach our remote and beautiful accommodation for the night in verdant forested surroundings. Cycling on we stop at the hot springs in Benje and reach majestic world heritage town Gjirokaster.  Built by wealthy landowners, Gjirokaster is a beautifully preserved Ottoman town with steep cobbled streets and a 4th Century Castle and is the birthplace of Albania's former communist leader: Enver Hoxha.

Crossing countryside and more mountains to the Ionian coastline we then follow the Albanian Riviera in a northward direction enjoying stunning sea views and white sandy beaches. Our cycling holiday ends in the small coastal town Orikum. We will transfer back to Tirana for your journey home.