What goes up must come down This trip was a calculated risk - who do you know whos been to Albania? However, it paid off. It was a great trip, memorable for the fantastic cycling experience, friendly population, superb local cuisine and the skills and helpful nature of the guide and driver/mechanic. The pound in your pocket went a long way too. The challenge rating is accurate - it is tough on some of the hills, especially combined with searing 40+C heat. No one should feel shame in hopping on the bus in those circumstances. We had superb people in our guide (Junid) and driver. Both put heart and soul into making our lives easier and the experience very enjoyable. The bikes were of a great standard and needed to be to tackle the inclines. The route was well designed and took in stunning scenery. The highlight was the Macedonian foray and the UNESCO listed Tuen of Ohrid.
Northern albania and Macedonia cycling Wow - certainly a challenge, but so worth the sweat of the uphill undulations! Stunning scenery, beautiful lakes and very comfortable accommodation all the way. Go do this trip - it will push you - but it is worth it.
If you like cycling in the mountains with stunning views and quiet roads you will love this trip. The trip is graded as a 4 and this is accurate as there are some hard climbs on quite a few of the days. The views at the top make them all worth while. For the first few days you are on a ridge high up with the lake below. You then go down to the lakes and cross into Macedonia which is equally as spectacular.The road surfaces are really good for 99% of the time and much better than those we have at home. The traffic is very quiet and so for most of the holiday we had the roads to ourselves.This was our third holiday with this tour company and was equally as good as the others we have been on. Albania is a hidden gem and it was so good to go there before the mass tourists arrive.Hotels were all good and actually better than many of the other trips we have been on with this company,
