Cycle the Balkans

Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania and the cultural and political hub of the country.

In the evening, our guide holds a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions you may have before we all go out for our welcome dinner. Stay: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar) (D).

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. Stay: Hotel Millennium (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Vila Europa (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Piazza (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Gjallica (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Çarshia e Jupave (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Berane (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Cile (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Konak Guesthouse (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Dapcevic and Apartments (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar) (B).

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. Stay: Hotel Tradita (or similar) (B/D).

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 (B).