A week of guided and moderate-to-challenging cycling through mountains and down to the Albanian Riviera, staying at a working farm and guest house en route. The first outing is through the Grammoz Mountains and over the Barmash Pass (1159m). Another climb awaits as we take in the magnificent, often snowy peaks in the distance ascending to magnificent plateaus near the Greek border, and then down through river valleys, stopping at waterfalls and continuing along mountain ridges. The ancient town of Gjirokaster (City of 1,000 Steps) is a highlight. From here we descend to the coast to very different scenery in Butrint National Park. Also a UNESCO site, it boasts ancient Greek and Roman ruins that jut out into the sea. Cycling up to Llogara National Park is a spectacular route through the Llogara Pass at 1,000m above sea level although you can always use the support vehicle if you think this one is too tough for you. Either way, you will love this trip up to the country's magnificent black pine forests where eagles soar above. A final coastal treat awaits at Vlore, on the Albanian Riviera. This section of the Ionian coastline is packed with beautiful beaches, and Vlore is just one of them, a Greek city founded in 6th century BCE. This is where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1912 and an ideal place to celebrate the great feeling of freedom you will have gained cycling through its mountain wilderness. This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.
Hotel
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