Cycle the Balkans

Resort:Cycle the Balkans
Operator: Exodus
Destination: Albania
Price From: £2099.00

Overview


Explore 4 countries by bike.

The Balkans offers an intoxicating mix of beautiful countryside,
fast-developing cities and historic towns. Our first ride ends at the UNESCO
town of Ohrid on the vast lake of the same name, from here the route leads up
towards the border with Kosovo. Small towns and villages dot the route as we
wind our way across into Montenegro and through the heart of the imposing
Durmitor Mountains. As the route suggests, there is a good mix of climbing
and flat riding, with a few stops along the way to visit or see places of
interest. Sunshine and sea come in the form of the Bay of Kotor on the
Adriatic, a dramatic setting to end the ride. Few other regions offer such
cultural and natural variety along with a true sense of discovery.

Highlights

UNESCO Town of Ohrid
Magnificent Mavrov Lake and National Park
Breathtaking Durmitor, part of Dinaric Alps

Itinerary

Day 1
Start Tirana

The group flights usually arrive in Tirana in the early afternoon and the
group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. Land Only clients
should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. 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.

Hotel Austria or similar

Day 2
Transfer to Lake Ohrid; cross the border into Macedonia; visit St Naum
monastery before ending in Ohrid Town.

This morning we start with a transfer to the northern side of Lake Ohrid.
Upon arrival, the bikes will be unloaded and adjusted to everyones
comfort. Our ride starts with cycling along the scenic shore of Lake Ohrid
towards Pogradec. After reaching Tushemisht, just 4 km east of Pogradec,
lunch will be served at a waterfront restaurant. We will continue cycling in
the afternoon, crossing over into Macedonia, and visiting the monastery of St
Naum. The road then takes us through Galicica National Park to Ohrid Town.

Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world, came into existence during
the Pliocene epoch as a result of tectonic shifts. It is home to unique flora
and fauna and the lake is one of the largest biological reserves in Europe;
with 212 known endemic species and a surface area of 358 km2 it is probably
one of the most diverse lakes in the world.

Villa Royal View or similar

Day 3
Climb to a high plateau bounded by mountains; continue following the gorge to
Debar.

Leaving Lake Ohrid behind, we start today by climbing 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 plain of individual farms in the
Debar region. Our ride finishes in the city of Debar where we rest for the
night.

Hotel Leon or similar

Day 4
Cycle towards Lake Mavrovo.

Today we cycle toward Lake Mavrovo. Spreading over an area of about 780
square kilometres (300 sq mi), the Mavrovo National Park features deep
canyons, snowy peaks and blue lakes as well as dense forests providing a
habitat for an arrayof wildlife. We enjoy cycling through this diverse
National Park, we reach our hotel in the afternoon at the foot of the Bistra
mountains.

HotelRadika or similar

Day 5
*Transfer from Mavrovo to the*Kosovo border; continue through Brezovica and
Sharri National Park.

Transferring out of Mavrovo National Park, we reach the border crossing with
Kosovo.We will ride through Brezovica, an area frequented by skiers in the
winter. We continue into Sharri National Park, which was recently established
in 2013. It is still relatively undiscovered with huge areas of intact
ecosystems home to several threatened species in Europe, making it an
important ecological area to protect.

Hotel Pine or similar

Day 6
Climb up to Prevalle through the forest of Kodra e Diellit; descend to the
historic city of Prizren.

From the ski resort of Brezovica, we cycle up to Prevalle through the forest
of Kodra e Diellit before a long descent to the historic city of Prizren,
Kosovo’s cultural capital. Kosovo’s second biggest city is rich with history
and traditions and is surrounded by incredible nature. Throughout history,
Prizren has played a vital role in the region. The 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.

Hotel Theranda or similar

Day 7
Free day in Peje

Today we transfer from Prizren to Peje where we will overnight. Today we have
the opportunity to visit another beautiful city in Kosovo before heading to
Montenegro tomorrow.

Day 8
Transfer to border with Montenegro; cycle from the border to Berane via
Rozaje.

This morning we transfer to the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. We
start cycling from the border and enter Montenegro. We will cycle down to
Rozaje, the city is surrounded by magnificent mountains and we will see both
Hajla and Turjak mountain. The area is covered in large forests and
abundantwith flowers. We then continue to Berana,located on the Lim river
where we spend the night.

Hotel Berane or similar

Day 9
Pedal to Andrijevica and on to Kolasin; magnificent views of the rugged
Albanian Alps.

Leaving Berane behind, our ride this morning is along 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 will
have impressive views of the Albanian Alps and we should be able to spot the
mountain of Jezerca, the second highest peak in Albania, on a good day. This
evening we spend the night in Kolasin, a ski resort during the winter months.

Hotel Cile or similar

Day 10
Short transfer to Mojkovac; cycle through the Tara Canyon before reaching
Zabljak.

After a short transfer to Mojkovac, we start cycling through the Tara Canyon,
one of the deepest river canyons in Europe. We will also have the chance to
see the famous Tara bridge before reaching Zabljak our final destination for
the day. The town is in the centre of the Durmitor mountain region at an
altitude of 1,456 metres, it is the highest situated town on the Balkans.

Hotel Enigma or similar

Day 11
Morning climb out of Zabljak through the Durmitor region; descend to
Pluzine/Rudinice.

Our day starts with a long climb out of Zabljak. As we ascend through the
Durmitor region we see the magnificent mountain ranges with its dramatic high
peaks. 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 farm
stay.

Etno Selo Izlazak (guesthouse)

Day 12
Cycle towards Niki, Montenegros second largest city.

Today we have an easier cycle toward Niki, 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.

Hotel Trim or similar

Day 13
Short transfer to Vilsu; cycle to the Bay of Kotor.

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 will 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.

Hotel Marija 2 or similar

Day 14
Transfer to Bar; cycle close to Lake Shkodra; Finish Shkodra.

This morning we drive to 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!

Hotel Tradita or similar

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