Cycle the Balkans

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 4,668 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 454 Per Person
 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Tirana
 Trip Finishes
Shkoder
15 Day Cycle the Balkans Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro
Trip Style
Cycling
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely / Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
MVU

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 15 Day Cycle the Balkans. Spanning a swathe of southeastern Europe, the Balkans offer the best of the continent in one intriguing package: history-drenched towns,cloud-brushing mountains and exceptional cuisine. We take to the saddle for this trip, allowing us to easily integrate into the lesser visited (but no less intoxicating) destinations of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Along the way, we visit the Unesco-listed lakeside town of Ohrid, tackle the ups and downs of the imposing Durmitor mountains and enjoy a sun-and-sea flop...read more at the Bay of Kotor, a perfect end to the ride.

Itinerary

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

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

We start this morning with a transfer to beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world and one of the largest biological reserves in Europe.

Upon arrival, the bikes will be 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. We continue cycling in the afternoon, crossing into North Macedonia and visiting the Monastery of St Naum. The road then takes us through Galicica National Park to Ohrid town. Stay: Villa Royal View (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 up, leading to a vast patchwork of individual farms in the Debar region. Our ride finishes in the city of Debar where we rest for the night. Stay: Hotel Leon (or similar) (B).

Today we cycle toward Lake Mavrovo, the largest artificial lake in the country. It lies in Mavrovo National Park, where deep canyons, snowy peaks, blue lakes and dense forests provide a habitat for all sorts of incredible creatures, including wolves, bears and lynx. We cycle through this diverse national park and reach our hotel at the foot of the Bistra mountains in the afternoon. Stay: Mia's Favorite Hotel (or similar) (B).

Transferring out of Mavrovo National Park, we reach the border with Kosovo. We ride through Brezovica, an area frequented by skiers in the winter, and continue into Sharri National Park, a still relatively undiscovered area home to wild boar, wolves, bear, lynx and roe deer. Stay: Hotel Pine (or similar) (B).

From Brezovica, we cycle up to Prevalle, another ski resort, through the forest of Kodra e Diellit before a long descent to historic Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo. This city is known in this region of the Balkans for its gastronomy and wines, traditional handicrafts and wonderful mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.

This afternoon, we go on a city tour to explore the old town. Stay: Hotel Centrum (or similar) (B).

Today we transfer from Prizren to Peje where we stay overnight. Today we can visit another beautiful city in Kosovo before heading to Montenegro tomorrow. Stay: Hotel Dukagjini (or similar) (B).

This morning, we transfer to the Kosovo-Montenegro border. We start cycling from the border and enter Montenegro. We cycle down to Rozaje, a city surrounded by magnificent mountains including the peaks of Hajla and Turjak. The area is covered in large forests and abundant with flowers. We then regroup and jump in the support vehicle to cross a long tunnel, before jumping back on our bikes and continue cycling to Berana. Stay: Hotel Berane (or similar) (B).

Leaving Berane behind, we cycle a flat road to the small town of Andrijevica. From here, we take a magnificent 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 the mountain of Jezerca, 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 for tonight. Stay: Hotel Cile (or similar) (B).

After a short transfer to Mojkovac, we start cycling through the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in Europe. We also have the chance to see the Tara Bridge, a spectacular arch bridge made of concrete, before reaching Zabljak. The town is in the centre of the Durmitor 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 Zabljak. As we ascend through the Durmitor region we see the dramatic high peaks of the magnificent mountain ranges. 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: Zvono Guesthouse (or similar) (B).

Today we have an easier cycle toward Nikšić, the second-largest city in Montenegro, situated at the foot of Trebjesa Hill. It is the largest municipality by area and second-most inhabited after the capital Podgorica. Stay: Hotel Trim (or similar) (B).

After a short transfer to Vilsu, we cycle to the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Medieval towns encased by dramatic mountains surround the lake and have been inhabited since antiquity.

In the afternoon, we have time to visit the old city walls. For dinner, take the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the waterfront and sample the fresh seafood on offer. Stay: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar) (B).

This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Bar. 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).

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit the Unesco-listed town of Ohrid in North Macedonia
  • Experience the magnificent Mavrov Lake and nationalpark
  • Challenge yourself against the Durmitor mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps

  • 11 nights in three-star hotels, two nights in guesthouses
  • 12 days of cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
  • 90 percent paved, 10 percent poor condition
  • Undulations throughout with some tough climbs
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost
  • All breakfasts and two dinners included
  • Local bike hire

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

From gentle rides through the French countryside to challenging expeditions across Asia & more. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Availability

Exclusive Savings
Friday 26 Apr 2024
Friday 10 May 2024
Status
From: $4,920 $4,822
Save $98 Enquire
Last Minute Deal
Friday 10 May 2024
Friday 24 May 2024
Status
From: $5,122 $4,668
Save $454 Enquire
Last Minute Deal
Friday 24 May 2024
Friday 07 Jun 2024
Status
From: $5,122 $4,668
Save $454 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 07 Jun 2024
Friday 21 Jun 2024
Status
From: $5,125 $5,022
Save $103 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 23 Aug 2024
Friday 06 Sep 2024
Status
From: $5,125 $5,022
Save $103 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 06 Sep 2024
Friday 20 Sep 2024
Status
From: $5,125 $5,022
Save $103 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 20 Sep 2024
Friday 04 Oct 2024
Status
From: $5,125 $5,022
Save $103 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 25 Apr 2025
Friday 09 May 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 09 May 2025
Friday 23 May 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 23 May 2025
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Friday 20 Jun 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 20 Jun 2025
Friday 04 Jul 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 22 Aug 2025
Friday 05 Sep 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 05 Sep 2025
Friday 19 Sep 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 19 Sep 2025
Friday 03 Oct 2025
Status
From: $5,330 $5,223
Save $107 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

15 Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek (Exodus)

15 Days Chamonix Chamonix

Operated By: Exodus

From 6,801
Save 269
15 Day Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn (Exodus)

15 Days Les Bossons Randa

Operated By: Exodus

From 5,929
Save 129
15 Day Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek (Exodus)

15 Days Les Bossons Les Bossons

Operated By: Exodus

From 4,219
Save 96
15 Day Highlights of Turkey (Exodus)

15 Days Istanbul Istanbul

Operated By: Exodus

From 4,322
Save 96