The Ups and Downs of Albania A brilliant week. I have done many grade 3 trips which are very much a holiday with cycling but this grade 5 trip is very much a cycling trip plus a holiday. You will need to be pretty fit or a cyclist to get the best out of this foray into the mountains. Nevertheless you can easily tailor your trip with the odd trip to the broom wagon bus. It will be well worth whatever level of challenge you accept the scenery is stunning beautifully rugged and remote. Cannot fault the accommodation, food or guides Both junid the guide and Tuni the driver did everything they could to make this run smoothly and it did.As usual with this operator's trips the group make the difference and I was lucky to hit on a fabulous mix of lovely people.
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.
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.