Main Information
Return to the Balkans for an unforgettable cycling journey through Montenegro and Albania.
Following our memorable first trip to Montenegro in 2023, we are returning to the region with an expanded itinerary that also explores Albania.
The journey begins with a taste of Montenegro in Kotor and Cetinje before crossing the border into Albania.
Why Albania?
For decades, Albania was isolated from the world under Enver Hoxha’s tightly controlled communist dictatorship. This long period of isolation left the country behind many of its neighbours in economic and infrastructure development.
Today, Albania is regaining momentum and investing strongly in tourism.
Its appeal is remarkable: the Albanian Alps rise in the north, while the Albanian Riviera stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Between them lie historic towns and cultural landmarks, while Tirana, the capital, is rapidly embracing the 21st century.
This trip brings together two of the Balkans’ most captivating countries in one distinctive cycling adventure.
Trip Details
- Destination: Montenegro – Albania
- Duration: 9 days
- Dates: 29 August – 7 September 2027
- Hotels: 2-4 stars
- Meals: All meals included
Travel Information
- Arrival: Podgorica (TGD), Montenegro
- Departure: Tirana (TIA), Albania
Options and Pricing
- Non-rider discount: 10%
- Rental bike: Available
- Rental e-bike: Available
- Price: €4,850.00
Ride Statistics
- Total distance: 583 km
- Average daily distance: 84 km
- Total climbing: 9,700 m
- Average daily climbing: 1,385 m
MORE INFORMATION
Pricing
- Twin room: 4,850 euros pp
- Single supplement: 850 Euros
- Rental bike: 750.00 Euros
- Rental e-bike: 800.00 Euros
Own bike fee: 200 Euros. This fee applies to guests bringing their own bikes. It helps cover the additional time our mechanics and support team may need for inspection, setup, and repairs when bikes arrive in poor condition.
Payment terms
A deposit of 1,000 Euros is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 120 days before the trip begins.
Included
- Nine nights of accommodation in 2–4-star hotels.
- Cultural visits.
- One SFIDA Cycling jersey.
Meals included
- Nine breakfasts.
- Nine lunches.
- Nine dinners.
Not included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal hotel extras, such as minibar and spa charges.
- Tips for staff.
Support
- Experienced ride leaders and at least one mechanic.
- A staff-to-client ratio of 1:4.
- Fully equipped support vans available throughout each ride.
- On-ride nutrition and supplies, including gels, energy bars, drink mix, water, fruit, tools, pumps, spare tubes, and tyres.
- A professional first aid kit.
Cancellation policy
In response to post-COVID changes in international travel, and in line with most hotels’ terms and conditions, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 120 or more days before the trip starts: Your deposit will be refunded, minus any non-reimbursable expenses.
- 90 or more days before the trip starts: You will receive a partial refund of the trip cost, less the 800 Euros cancellation fee, any non-recoverable hotel charges, and any other costs already incurred in preparing the trip.
- Less than 60 days before the trip starts: No refund or credit towards any future trips is available.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit and book your international flights. Please make sure your policy covers the following:
- International flights.
- Reimbursement of amounts paid if you need to cancel for any reason.
- Damage to your rental bike (see our terms and conditions).
Reserving your spot
To reserve your place, you must pay the full deposit. Because hotels are now stricter about holding rooms for groups, we cannot hold or confirm a spot until we receive the deposit.
Itinerary
Arrival in Podgorica
After pickup at Podgorica Airport, we will transfer to our hotel in Kotor.
Once we arrive at the hotel, there will be time for lunch, bike assembly, and preparation for the riding days ahead.
Opening Ride
In the early afternoon, we will set out on a scenic ride around the Bay of Kotor. The route includes a short ferry crossing at Lepetani and a stop in the beautiful seaside village of Perast.
Before dinner, we will walk up to Kotor Fortress for panoramic views over Kotor and the surrounding bay.
Day 1 Ride Details
- Route: Day 1 route
- Distance and climbing: 42 km / 575 m
- Hotel: Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro
Today’s ride is spectacular from the outset. Leaving Kotor, we quickly gain altitude on one of the region’s most scenic serpentine roads, with sweeping views over the Bay of Kotor.
We will climb towards the Njegoš Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen, one of Montenegro’s most striking and atmospheric landmarks.
At the summit, we will climb the 461 steps to visit the mausoleum and take in the dramatic mountain landscape.
After the visit and lunch, we will enjoy a long, smooth descent to Cetinje, Montenegro’s fascinating former royal capital.
Cetinje is known for its historic official buildings and diplomatic heritage.
Our hotel reflects that history: before the Balkan Wars, the building served as the Bulgarian embassy.
Day 2 Ride Details
- Route: Day 2 route
- Distance and climbing: 56 km / 1,835 m
- Climbs: Krstac, Njegos Mausoleum.
- Hotel: Hotel Gradska Cetinje
Today we leave Montenegro after a rewarding introduction to this small Balkan country. From here, the journey turns towards Albania—one of Eastern Europe’s most fascinating destinations.
From Cetinje, we follow quiet secondary roads towards Podgorica, skirt Montenegro’s capital, and continue to the Albanian border.
After crossing into Albania, we begin the scenic Leqet e Hotit climb—a manageable ascent with rewarding views.
Beyond the summit, the route follows the Montenegrin border to Koplik, our base for the night at the gateway to the Albanian Alps.
Day 3 Ride Details
- Route: Day 3 route
- Distance and climbing: 111 km / 1,610 m
- Climb: Leqet e Hotit.
- Hotel: NOOR Boutique Hotel Koplik
Today’s route is straightforward but demanding we ride from Koplik to the summit of Thorës Pass, then descend to the picturesque village of Theth in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Thorës Pass is an HC climb covering 41 km and gaining 1,620 m of elevation.
Once in Theth, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this alpine village, set at 1,000 m amid spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 4 Ride Details
- Route: Day 4 route
- Distance and climbing: 54 km / 1,750 m
- Climb: Thores Pass.
- Hotel: Hotel Theti.
In the morning, we ride back towards Koplik, beginning with a 750 m climb from Theth to the summit of Thorës Pass.
From the pass, we retrace our route to Koplik—this time enjoying a 41 km descent rather than the climb.
We then continue to Shkodër, where the ride ends. After exploring the city, we transfer to Tirana, stopping at Krujë Castle en route.
Krujë Castle is a landmark of great significance in Albanian history.
We finish the day in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant modern capital, where we will spend two nights.
Day 5 Ride Details
- Route: Day 5 route
- Distance and climbing: 71 km / 800 m
- Climb: Thores Pass from Teth.
- Hotel: Mak Albania Hotel
Today is a rest day from riding, dedicated to exploring Tirana and discovering Albania’s capital.
We will take time to visit the city’s key sights and experience its culture at a relaxed pace.
Hotel: Mak Albania Hotel
Today’s longer ride takes us to Berat, one of Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
We plan to leave Tirana early so that we can make the most of our time in Berat.
Our visit includes the celebrated Ottoman houses of the Mangalem Quarter, Berat Castle, and the Gorica Quarter. We will also sample Albanian food and wine from the surrounding vineyards, both characteristic of the region.
Day 7 Ride Details
- Route: Day 7 route
- Distance and climbing:118 km / 1,520 m
- Climb: Koxhalites.
- Hotel: Hotel Colombo
After yesterday’s longer stage, today’s shorter ride takes us to Vlorë.
Set on the coast where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, Vlorë is the final destination of our journey.
Its history stretches from ancient Greek civilisation to the modern era, shaped by the many cultures that have passed through the region.
We will spend our final two nights here, enjoying an ideal setting in which to conclude the trip.
Day 8 Ride Details
- Route: Day 8 route
- Distance and climbing: 86 km / 615 m
- Hotel: Hotel Vlora Priam by Meliá
For our final ride, we tackle one of Albania’s most scenic climbs.
Llogara Pass crosses the national park of the same name and climbs to 1,000 m before a spectacular descent back to sea level.
We finish the ride in Dhërmi, a charming village on the Ionian Sea. After lunch, we transfer back to Vlorë for a relaxed final afternoon and evening.
Day 9 Ride Details
- Route: Day 9 route
- Distance and climbing: 52 km / 1,230 m
- Climb: Llogara Pass.
- Hotel: Hotel Vlora Priam by Meliá
After breakfast, we transfer to Tirana Airport (TIA). The journey takes approximately two hours, and we expect to arrive by noon.
Please plan your onward travel accordingly.