Cycle the Balkans Tour with 19 Reviews by Exodus Adventure Travels

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Tirana, Albania

Ends

Shkoder, Albania

Highlights

Discover the best of the Balkans by bike, guided by an expert tour leader

Cycle alongside the 2m-year-old shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia

Ride along the highest peak in Albania, Mount Korab

Challenge yourself against the Durmitor mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps

Experience the traditions and cultures of four unique countries

Itinerary

Discover the untamed beauty of southeastern Europe on the Cycle the Balkans tour, a 15-day bicycle adventure through Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Starting in Tirana and concluding in Shkoder, this small-group journey invites experienced travelers to immerse themselves in history-laden towns, dramatic mountain landscapes, and vibrant regional cuisines. Pedal through the UNESCO-listed town of Ohrid, challenge yourself on the rugged ascents of the Durmitor mountains, and unwind by the serene Bay of Kotor. The trip’s unique selling point lies in its off-the-beaten-path route, granting riders the chance to experience the Balkans’ authentic charm and lesser-visited gems by bike. With guided support and all accommodations included, it’s the ultimate tour package for adventurous cyclists hungry for culture, scenery, and discovery.

day 1 - Adventure starts in Tirana

Begin your adventure in Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country.

Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at our hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a welcome dinner.

Want to explore Tirana further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)

day 2 - Transfer to Lake Ohrid; into North Macedonia; visit the Monastery of St Naum

Start this morning with a transfer to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world at an estimated 2m years old. Upon arrival, the bikes are unloaded and adjusted to everyone’s comfort.

Our ride starts along the scenic shore towards Pogradec. After reaching Tushemisht, just 2.5mi (4km) east of Pogradec, we enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Continue cycling in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the clifftop Monastery of St Naum.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Millennium (or similar)

day 3 - Climb to a mountain-bound high plateau; follow the lake road to Ohrid; finish in Struga

Set off on a scenic ride to Struga, taking a picturesque route alongside Lake Ohrid. The day begins with an ascent through lush landscapes, offering views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Our first stop is the historic town of Ohrid. Before lunch, you can explore on a guided tour, which takes in the cobblestone streets, Church of St John at Kaneo, and views over the lake.

Continuing our ride, cycle along the lake edge, enjoying the tranquil waters and sounds of nature. The path meanders through quaint villages, where you can observe traditional ethnic Albanian life in Macedonia. As we approach Struga, the landscape becomes even more enchanting, with the river flowing into Lake Ohrid.

We arrive in Struga in the afternoon, where you can relax by the riverbanks or experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Meals:Breakfast

Others:Vila Europa (or similar)

day 4 - Climb to a high plateau; follow the gorge to Debar; cross into Albania

Leaving Lake Ohrid, we climb to a high plateau bounded by mountains. We continue to follow the gorge for a while until the hills open, leading to a vast patchwork of farms in the Debar region, where we stop for lunch. Our ride finishes in the town of Peshkopi, where we rest for the night.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Piazza (or similar)

day 5 - Cycle to Kukës

Gear up for an exhilarating ride to Kukës, traversing along the highest peak in Albania, Mount Korab, and the countryside. Our journey begins with a warm-up along scenic roads lined with greenery and mountain views. As we pedal away from Peshkopi, the route climbs, offering a rewarding challenge with each ascent.

Enjoy the fresh mountain air as we head through villages, where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Albanian life. As we approach Kukës, which is nestled at the confluence of two rivers, the terrain becomes more dramatic, with striking mountains and valleys surrounding us. Upon arrival, take time to explore the town, known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning vistas.

We tackle challenging hills today, some with a 20% gradient; if you feel like a break, you can jump in the support vehicle.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Gjallica (or similar)

day 6 - Cycle to Gjakova, Kosovo

The day starts with a smooth descent from Kukës, giving us the chance to soak up views of the mountain and Fierza Reservoir.

As we cycle along Fierza, the turquoise waters spread before us, framed by cliffs and greenery. This part of the journey is a visual feast, perfect for capturing photos and enjoying the serene atmosphere, so we make a few stops along the way.

Reaching Gjakova in the afternoon, take time to explore this lovely town and its historic bazaar.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Çarshia e Jupave (or similar)

day 7 - Transfer to Montenegro border; cycle to Berane via Rožaje

Transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border this morning, where we start cycling and enter Montenegro. We ride down to Rožaje, a city surrounded by mountains including the peaks of Hajla and Turjak.

We then regroup and jump in the support vehicle to cross a long tunnel, before jumping back on our bikes and continue cycling to Berane.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Berane (or similar)

day 8 - Pedal to Andrijevica and onto Kolasin; magnificent views of the rugged Albanian Alps

Leaving Berane, we cycle a flat road to the small town of Andrijevica. From here, we take a narrow road with spectacular scenery all the way up to Kolasin. On our left-hand side, we have impressive views of the Albanian Alps, and we should be able to spot Jezerca mountain, the second-highest peak in Albania. Just before arriving at Kolasin, we regroup for a short transfer through a tunnel. After, we have a short, easy ride to our hotel.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Cile (or similar)

day 9 - Cycle through the Durmitor mountains before reaching Žabljak

After a short transfer to Okuka, we leave behind the agricultural plateau of Kolasin, ascending steadily into the mountains through a landscape of barren rock interspersed with wild flowers. Numerous cols and valleys lie ahead, as we climb into the heart of the Durmitor mountains. We overnight in Žabljak. The town is in the centre of the mountains at an altitude of 4,777ft (1,456m), making it the highest town in the Balkans.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar)

day 10 - Morning climb out of Žabljak through the Durmitor region; descend to Rudinice

Our day starts with a long climb out of Žabljak. As we ascend through the Durmitor region, we see the dramatic high peaks of the mountains. 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 farmstay.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Konak Guesthouse (or similar)

day 11 - Cycle towards Vir; transfer to Cetinje

From Rudinice, we ride ups and downs along the main road above the Komamica River, heading south toward Vir. After lunch, transfer to the city of Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro and the location of several national institutions, including the official residence of the president of Montenegro.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Dapcevic and Apartments (or similar)

day 12 - Cycle Kotor Bay

Today is one of contrasts as we travel from the highlands down to the Adriatic Coast. We initially head west, gradually ascending to Lovćen National Park, home to the mausoleum of the Montenegrin ruler and poet Petar II Petrovic Njegos. The road then passes through a dry, rocky landscape before reaching our lunch stop at a roadside restaurant in the town of Njeguši.

The rest of the day is mostly spent going downhill. The narrow road descends through a series of hairpin bends with views of the inlet of Kotor Bay some 2,135ft (650m) below. After reaching Kotor, we cycle alongside the shoreline to reach Dobrota, a town on the outskirts of Kotor.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

day 13 - Free day in Kotor

Enjoy a free day to explore the medieval city of Kotor. Built in the 15th century, it is completely encircled by walls with entrance gates to the west, north and south. The city is overlooked by Mount Lovčen and contains several squares, a cathedral, churches and a network of narrow streets.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

day 14 - Transfer to Bar; cycle close to Lake Shkodra; finish Shkodra

We drive to the coastal town of Bar this morning. 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.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Tradita (or similar)

day 15 - Adventure ends in Shkoder

The trip ends today. Either began your return journey home or, if you’d like to explore some more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts and two dinners included

Transport

All transport and listed activitiesGroup arrival and departure transfers available

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Others

Local bike hire

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Cycle the Balkans

4.8

based on 19 reviews

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