At a Glance
Experience a unique and off beaten cycling adventure on this 15 days journey of discovery across spectacular peaks of the Balkans trails traversing four of the best countries from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia. Bike in comfort to explore historic cultural influences, sample delectable cuisines, and unravel the alluring mysteries of the Balkans as you alternate the untraversed wilderness of the European Continent.
Your adventure starts in Tirana, an exquisite fun-filled city in Albania dotted with beautiful architectural gems and sophisticated cuisines to arouse your taste buds. Soak up immersive vistas en route to visit St Naum monastery in Macedonia before arriving in Ohrid Town where you wallow in the majesty of Lake Ohrid, one of the world's oldest lakes. Challenge your biking adroitness as you climb to a high plateau ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 14 nights accommodation from guesthouses to 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis
- Meals as specified
- Travel by private bus
- Cycle with partial vechicle support (limited seats), local cycling leader and driver
- Local bike hire (e-bike available at additional cost)
Itinerary
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Making your own way from the airport, your adventure begins at your hotel in Tirana, the ever-bustling capital city of Albania enclosed by huge mountains and hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea at a distance. You’ll stay at Hotel Austria. Unwind in your en suite room or indulge in a refreshing drink from the bar. For those in pursue of adventure, just steps away from the hotel is the Main Square. Meander its quaint alleyways filled with an array of cafes, boutique stores and historic landmarks. Explore the Opera House National Theatre and Historical Museum that are nearby for a cultural and historical introduction to spectacular Albania. Come evening, your guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions, before savouring a delightful welcome dinner together. |
Hotel Austria, Tirana or similar
Dinner |
Level 4, Approx. 60 km (37 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 150 m (492 ft), Elevation loss: 350 m (1148 ft) We begin this morning with a transfer to Lake Ohrid's northern shore. On arrival, all bikes will be unloaded and adjusted for proper maintenance to ensure everyone bikes in comfort. As we head toward Pogradec, en route, we cycle along the picturesque shore of Lake Ohrid. Exploring onward, we pause to enjoy a hearty lunch served at a wide beachfront restaurant in Tushemisht, just 4 km east of Pogradec. Our afternoon cycling will be completed by a visit to the St. Naum Monastery and an enjoyable crossing into Macedonia. Traversing across the scenic routes, we bike Galicica National Park to arrive at Ohrid Town. The iconic town harbours Lake Orchid, one of the world's oldest lakes. The Pliocene epoch saw geographical shifts that led to the formation of the quaint Lake Ohrid. The lake is one of the largest biological reserves in Europe and is home to distinctive flora and fauna. With 212 known endemic species and a surface area of 358 km², it is likely one of the most diverse lakes in the world. Later, we head to our stylish accommodation for the night, Hotel Villa Royal View. A 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Settle in your elegant rooms with balconies exposing you to immaculate views of the lake. Afterwards, you can opt to go to the dazzling spa area that features a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam bath. Treat yourself to a deserving spa session or a dip in the jacuzzi. Order a delicious meal from the Royal’s restaurant and delight in its flavours in the ambiance of the outdoor terrace. |
Villa Royal View, Ohrid or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 67 km (42 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 500 m (1640 ft), Elevation loss: 550 m (1804 ft) After setting out from the grand Lake Orchid. Our next destination brings us to ascend a high plateau cradled among huge mountains. Following the narrow gorge, we travel beyond the hills to eventually reach the huge plain of individual farms in the infamous Debar region. On getting to Debar, our trip this evening comes to an end. We overnight at Debar to unwind and rejuvenate after today's challenging ride. Our hotel for tonight is the charming Hotel Coral, a peaceful hotel situated in a quaint area at the entrance of Debar. Room decor perfectly reflects the serene atmosphere. Settle in and perhaps make your way to the fine restaurant with a terrace offering views towards Lake Debar. |
Hotel Leon, Debar or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 61 km (38 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1000 m (3281 ft), Elevation loss: 300 m (984 ft) After a hearty breakfast, we join an exciting trip to Lake Mavrovo. The Mavrovo National Park, which covers an area of roughly 780 square kilometres (300 square miles), has steep valleys, snow-capped hills, azure lakes, and dense woods that serve as a habitat for a variety of wildlife. In the afternoon, at the base of the Bistra mountains, we arrive at our accommodation after enjoying cycling through this unique National Park. You’ll stay at the mountain resort, Hotel Radika in Western Macedonia, in Mavrovo National Park, surrounded by a pristine forest overlooking the Mavrovo Lake. Settle in your ensuite room before soothing your muscles at the spa complete with a sauna, hot tubs and a steam bath; a perfect end to your day |
Hotel Radika, Mavrovo or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 72 km (45 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1300 m (4265 ft), Elevation loss: 1050 m (3445 ft) Cycling the plain routes, we head towards the Kosovo border crossing after leaving Mavrovo National Park. We bike graciously through Brezovica, a peaceful region that is an ideal winter ski destination popular among skiers. The Sharri National Park established in 2013 is next on our itinerary. The park has vast tracts of untamed ecosystems that are home to several endangered species in Europe. It's a crucial natural area that needs to be protected since it is still mostly unexplored. You’ll stay at a charming and soulful mountain retreat at Hotel Pine, located in the heart of Brezovica. Unwind in your cosy ensuite room, relax by the outdoor terrace setting for an ideal fusion of peace and serenity boasting mountain views. |
Hotel Pine, Brezovica or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 650 m (2133 ft), Elevation loss: 1100 m (3609 ft) After an exciting experience at the ski resort of Brezovica, we bike through the Kodra e Diellit forest to Prevalle before making a long descent to Prizren, the ancient city that serves as the cultural centre of Kosovo. This second-largest city in Kosovo is steeped in history and tradition. It also serves as a sanctuary to numerous stunning natural beauties. Prizren has always had a significant impact on the area. In this part of the Balkans, the city is well-known for its delectable cuisine and wines, customary handicrafts, and stunning aggregate of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. This afternoon, engage on and adventure into the city to explore the old town. Tonight, we’ll be staying at a stylish hotel situated in the centre of Prizen next to Lumbardhi river promenade filled with bars and cafés. Unwind at the picturesque terrace or make use of the central location and venture into town boasting an array of local restaurants for dinner. |
Hotel Theranda, Prizen or similarBreakfast |
Today, create your own adventures with a full day to uncover Peje’s wonders at your leisure. Take the opportunity to visit this beautiful city in Kosovo before heading to Montenegro tomorrow. Exploring Peje, you alternate between mountains of great nature with attractive landscapes, rich biodiversity, flora and fauna, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, etc. Depending on your preferences, meander the Main Square – an antique area with beautiful, lively, and clean pedestrian streets lined with souvenir and jewellery shops. You can enjoy traditional Tavas at Kulla e Zenel Beut and also move further to visit the Old Bazaar, the Patriarchate of Peja, and other notable cultural monuments that dot the interesting city. After your day of exploration, make your way to our hotel for the night, a beautiful hotel poised in dazzling Peje. An excellent destination you can unwind and kick your feet up after the long hours of moving around. |
3 or 4 star hotel in PejeBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 56 km (35 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 900 m (2953 ft), Elevation loss: 1500 m (4921 ft) On our two wheels, we transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border this morning after a satisfying breakfast. From the border, we continue cycling until the route opens to the vast Montenegro. We bike in style down to Rozaje, an astounding city surrounded by magnificent mountains, here we take pleasure in grand Hajla and Turjak mountain views. Large trees and a profusion of flowers are seen throughout the region. We call it a day at Berane, a beautiful area situated along the Lim River where we overnight. You’ll stay here in beautiful Berane, 41 km from Plav Lake at Hotel Berane. Bask in the serenity on the spacious terrace overlooking River Lim and surrounding mountains with astonishing outdoors sitting area making eating local specialties in their restaurant a treasured delight. |
Hotel Berane, Berane or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 61 km (38 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1000 m (3281 ft), Elevation loss: 750 m (2461 ft) Our ride this morning is down a level route to the small village of Andrijevica after leaving Berane behind. From here, we travel up to Kolasin on a lovely, winding road through picturesque countryside. On a clear day, the mountain of Jezerca, Albania's second-highest peak will be our panoramic host, as well as the stunning vistas of the Albanian Alps right on our left. Kolasin, a ski resort in the winter, is where we spend the night this evening. You’ll stay at a family-run hotel centrally situated at 960 m above sea level, 8.5 km from the Kolašin Ski Resort. Unwind in your cosy ensuite rooms that are warm, homely and comfortable. |
Hotel Cile, Kolašin or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 53 km (33 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1100 m (3609 ft), Elevation loss: 500 m (1640 ft) After a brief journey to Mojkovac completed with breathtaking vistas along the way, we begin riding through one of Europe's deepest river valleys, the Tara Canyon. Before arriving in Zabljak, where we will spend the rest of the day, we will also have the opportunity to see the renowned Tara bridge. The Zabljak town where we overnight is situated at an elevation of 1,456 metres above sea level in the middle of the Durmitor mountain range, making it the highest Balkan settlement. You’ll stay at Hotel Enigma, situated in the heart of the Durmitor National Park. Settle in your quaint ensuite room boasting mountain views before a refreshing drink by the bar. |
Hotel Enigma , Zabljak or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 57 km (35 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1000 m (3280 ft), Elevation loss: 1500 m (4921 ft) A challenging ascent out of Zabljak kicks off our day. We climb out of Zabljak in the morning through the Durmitor region, then descend to Pluzine/Rudinice. As we travel upward into the Durmitor region, we glimpse the majestic mountain ranges with their strikingly tall peaks. The steep descent to Rudinice hamlet, where we spend the evening at a chic, peaceful farmstead, brings us to the end of today's invigorating adventure. You’ll stay at a charming local run guesthouse, Etno Selo Izlazak. A haven of peace and quiet and an amazing place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is traditional but also has elements of the modern age. Here, you can enjoy quality food along with nature at the beautiful restaurant. |
Etno Selo Izlazak Breakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 450 m (1476 ft), Elevation loss: 850 m (2789 ft) After a hearty breakfast, we have a shorter ride today as we head for Nikšić, Montenegro's second-largest city, which is located at the base of Trebjesa Hill. After the capital Podgorica, it is the municipality with the greatest area and second-highest population. We take the advantage of the leisure pace cycle today, to fully explore the historic city and get to enjoy total relaxation at our resort before we traverse to our next destination. You’ll stay at Hotel Trim, located in Nikšić right next to the Trebjesa Park. Unwind at the sauna, hot tub or indulge in a relaxing massage at the beautiful spa. |
Hotel Trim, Nikšić or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 250 m (820 ft), Elevation loss: 1000 m (3281 ft) This morning, a quick transit to Vilsu enriches us with mesmeric scenery offered en route as we ride in style onward to the lovely Bay of Kotor. Around the lake are ancient towns shielded by imposing mountains that date back to antiquity. Come afternoon, we take a tour to wallow in the magnificence of the ancient city walls. In the evening, use the opportunity to merry in an al fresco dinner on the waterfront sampling the fresh seafood and traditional dishes on offer. You’ll stay at Hotel Marija 2 located within the walls of the charming Old Town Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in ensuite rooms or laze by the terrace featuring panoramic views of Mount Lovćen and the bay. |
Hotel Marija 2, Kotor or similarBreakfast |
Level 4, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 150 m (492 ft), Elevation loss: 350 m (1148 ft) After a hearty breakfast, we take a short transfer to Bar. From there, we cycle near Lake Shkodra to marvel at the natural wonder housed in the lively city of Shkodra. Afterward, we cross the border back to the amazon Albania. As we come close to the end of our enthralling adventure this evening, we take the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner in Shkodra! You’ll stay at a traditionally decorated boutique hotel situated in Shkodër, one of the oldest and most historic places in Albania. Retreat in your quaint ensuite rooms or relax by the terrace or bar. Come evening, gather together for a farewell dinner in Shkodër to celebrate beautiful memories of your enthralling adventure. |
Hotel Tradita, Shkodër or similarBreakfast, Dinner |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Tirana, Albania
- The finish point is Shkoder, Albania
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Tirana. The closest major airport is Tirana International Airport and is 19 km from the center of Tirana.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Tirana making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro have a temperate, Mediterranean climate. March 15th is officially the first day of spring and things really start to hot up toward the end of the month when clear skies and balmy temperatures provide a nice way to ease into the heat of summer. Summer brings sunshine and maximum temperatures of between 20-35 degrees Celsius. Summer days are long with sunrise before 6:00am and sunset after 8:30pm. Evenings tend to be cooler, so it is a good idea to bring layers. We will be cycling through mountainous regions where weather can be unpredictable so rain can be expected at any time. July and August tend to be the driest months.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 4 Moderate/Challenging
Level 1: Leisurely
If you can ride a bike and enjoy gentle exercise, these trips are an ideal introduction to a cycling adventure. No routes are entirely flat, so expect some short climbs and descents. Maximum daily height gain is approximately 985ft (300m). The average daily distance is 12mi to 25mi (40km to 70km); on rare occasions, you may cycle up to 32mi (50km). Longer days are often optional.
Level 3: Moderate
You need to be in good health and reasonably fit. Moderate trips are ideal for occasional/weekend cyclists or fitter riders looking for a more relaxed adventure. Off-road trips do not require experience. Expect average daily distances between 25mi and 43mi (40km and 70km); on rare occasions, you may cycle up to 62mi (100km).
Level 5: Challenging
Fitness is vital. Challenging trips require confidence in your ability and physical condition. They are equivalent to an extended period of cycling at home. Mountain biking experience is essential for Challenging off-road trips, as they will involve some technical riding. Expect average daily distances between 31mi and 56mi (50km and 90km); on rare occasions, you may cycle up to 75mi (120km).
Level 7: Tough
Experience of the trip’s cycling style is essential, with long days on the saddle and tougher terrain both on- and off-road. You need complete confidence in your fitness and technical ability to cope with difficult or steep terrains, rough surfaces and longer distances. Tough trips are ideal if you’re looking to test yourself. Expect average daily distances between 50mi and 62mi (80km and 100km); on rare occasions, you may cycle up to 100mi (160km).
Split grades
Where a trip falls between two grades, we use an intermediate or ‘split’ grade, for example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).
Average daily distance 60km (37 miles). Number of days cycling is 12. There will be a support vehicle available at all times. Limited seats available.
The terrain and route is 90% tarmac, 10% poor conditions. Throughout the route, there are some sections in a poor condition with potholes and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some long, tough climbs. When cycling through Montenegro there are a number of long dark tunnels. Bike lights are provided locally but if you have good powerful bike lights, we also recommend to bring them with you.
Throughout this tour, we stay in a variety of accommodation in both cities and rural areas. We use hotels that are of a comfortable 3 and 4-star standard, all with ensuite rooms. At some points of the trip, we stay in more remote areas, here we stay in locally run guesthouses where you will experience a very warm welcome. Rooms here tend to be more basic.
Single accommodation is available on request. Please note, single rooms are not available in the guesthouses in Rudinice due to a limited number of rooms.
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Giant Roam (men) and Giant Rove (women) hybrid bikes with front suspension.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip at an additional cost. Please contact us to book.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting rucksack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride. Please note, panniers are provided with the bikes
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
