Cycle the Balkans

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

This morning we start with a transfer to the northern side of Lake Ohrid.
Upon arrival, the bikes will be unloaded and adjusted to everyone’s
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

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

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 array of wildlife. We enjoy cycling through this diverse
National Park, we reach our hotel in the afternoon at the foot of the Bistra
mountains.

Hotel Radika or similar

Day 5

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

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

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

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
abundant with flowers. We then continue to Berana, located on the Lim river
where we spend the night. 

Hotel Berane or similar

Day 9

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

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

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

Today we have an easier cycle toward Nikšic, 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

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

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