Culture and Sun


8-Day Vlora Cycle: Explore Albania's coast & culture. Gjirokaster, Himare and beaches. Starts April 22nd. Learn more & book online!

Culture and Sun Tour

Sun and Culture Road Cycling Tour: Vlora to Sarandë and Beyond

Overview:

This 8-day cycling tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Albania's southern coast. Starting in Vlora, you'll embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey that includes iconic climbs, picturesque villages, and historic sites.

Highlights:

  • Llogara Pass: Conquer this challenging climb, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

  • Dhërmi and Himarë: Discover these charming coastal villages, known for their beautiful beaches and traditional architecture.

  • Sarandë: Explore this vibrant city, offering a mix of ancient history and modern amenities.

  • Gjirokastër: Immerse yourself in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its Ottoman architecture and castle.

  • Përmet: Relax in the rejuvenating thermal springs of this historic town.

Cycling Information:

  • Total Distance: 235 miles (378 kilometers)

  • Total Climbing: 15,615 feet (4,760 meters)

  • Duration: 8 days

  • Difficulty: Challenging, suitable for experienced cyclists.

Day 1: Vlora to Dhërmi

  • Start your tour with a challenging climb up Llogara Pass, rewarded with stunning coastal views.

  • Descend to the picturesque village of Dhërmi, known for its beautiful beaches and traditional architecture.

Day 2: Dhërmi to Himarë

  • Enjoy a relatively easy coastal ride to Himarë, another charming village with a stunning beach.

  • Explore the historic Porto Palermo Castle, perched on a rocky peninsula.

Day 3: Himarë to Sarandë

  • Continue your journey along the coast to Sarandë, a vibrant city with a beautiful promenade and lively nightlife.

  • Visit the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 4: Sarandë to Gjirokastër

  • Embark on a challenging climb through the mountains to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage city with well-preserved Ottoman architecture.

  • Explore the historic castle, old bazaar, and traditional Ottoman houses.

Day 5: Gjirokastër Day Trip

  • Take a day to further explore Gjirokastër, including the Enver Hoxha Bunker and the Ethnographic Museum.

Day 6: Gjirokastër to Përmet

  • Descend to the historic town of Tepelena, known for its thermal springs and Ottoman architecture.

  • Continue your journey to Përmet, a charming town surrounded by mountains and rivers.

Day 7: Përmet to Vlora

  • Enjoy a scenic ride through the Albanian countryside, passing through the Vjosë River valley.

  • Ascend Llogara Pass for one final panoramic view before descending to Vlora.

Day 8: Departure

  • Relax on the beach in Vlora or explore the city before your departure.

Additional Information:

  • The tour includes accommodation, meals, and bike support.

  • Participants should be in good physical condition and have experience cycling in hilly terrain.

  • The tour is suitable for cyclists of all levels, with options for shorter or easier routes.

  • Book your tour in advance, as spaces are limited.

This cycling tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Albania's southern coast. With its challenging climbs, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion, this tour is sure to create unforgettable memories.

Accommodation

After a long day in the saddle cycling you want a decent sleep. This is why we have hand picked the hotels you will stay at and they are all at least 3 star so that you will have a nice sleep to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the next day’s challenges.

We have the option for single rooms and double rooms. A few rooms will have a balcony.

Hotels

Day 1 Vlora: Hotel Duka

Day 2, Dhmeri: Hotel La Brisa

Day 3 Himare: Hotel Dhmira

Day 4 Sarande: Hotel Demi

Day 5 Gjirokastor: Hotel Argjiro

Day 6 Permet TBA

Day 7 Vlora: Hotel Duka

Day 8 Transfer back to Tirana International Airport


Seamless Arrival & Vlora Exploration:

  • Airport pickup: We'll whisk you from Tirana Airport to your Vlora hotel.

  • Bike assembly: Relax, we'll get your bike ready to roll.

  • Vlora highlights: Explore charming churches and pristine beaches on a scenic cycle.

Day 1

Day 2: Vlora to Dhërmi

Overview:

Today's ride is a challenging but rewarding ascent up the Llogara Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding countryside. The descent to Dhërmi is equally scenic, with winding roads and picturesque villages.

Route Highlights:

  • Llogara Pass: A steep, 1,027-meter climb with panoramic views of the Albanian coast.

  • Dhërmi: A charming coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and traditional architecture.

Cycling Information:

  • Distance: Approximately 50-60 kilometers

  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 meters

  • Terrain: Mostly uphill in the morning, followed by a long downhill descent.

Climb Details:

  • Llogara Pass:

    • Average gradient: 7-8%

    • Maximum gradient: 12%

    • Length: Approximately 15 kilometers

    • Difficulty: Challenging, but manageable with proper preparation.

  • Tips:

    • Pace yourself during the climb to avoid burning out.

    • Take advantage of the rest stops along the way to hydrate and enjoy the views.

    • Use a low gear to reduce strain on your legs.

Other Points of Interest:

  • Llogara National Park: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of this protected area.

  • Dhërmi Beach: Relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of this popular beach.

  • Dhërmi Castle: Visit the ruins of this medieval fortress overlooking the village.

Day 3: Dhërmi to Himarë

Overview:

Today's ride is a relatively easy coastal journey with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. You'll pass through picturesque villages, including the charming town of Vuno, and visit the historic Porto Palermo Castle.

Route Highlights:

  • Porto Palermo Castle: A Venetian fortress perched on a rocky peninsula.

  • Vuno: A charming coastal town with traditional stone houses and a beautiful beach.

  • Himarë: A vibrant coastal town with traditional stone houses and a stunning beach.

Cycling Information:

  • Distance: Approximately 16-17 kilometers

  • Elevation Gain: 1,176 ft

  • Terrain: Mostly flat along the coast.

Points of Interest:

  • Porto Palermo Castle: Explore the castle's interior and enjoy the panoramic views.

  • Vuno: Visit the town's quaint streets, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, or relax on the beach.

  • Himarë Beach: Relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of this popular beach.

  • Himarë Castle: Visit the ruins of this ancient fortress overlooking the town.

Day 4: Himarë to Sarandë

Overview:

Today's ride is a relatively easy coastal journey with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. You'll pass through picturesque villages, including the charming town of Borsh, and visit the ancient city of Butrint.

Route Highlights:

  • Borsh: A charming coastal town with a long sandy beach.

  • Butrint National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins and diverse wildlife.

  • Sarandë: A vibrant coastal city with a beautiful promenade and lively nightlife.

Cycling Information:

  • Distance: Approximately 50-55 kilometers

  • Elevation Gain: 3,409 ft

  • Terrain: Mostly flat along the coast.

Points of Interest:

  • Borsh: Enjoy a swim at the long sandy beach or explore the town's quaint streets.

  • Butrint National Park: Explore the ancient ruins of the city, including the amphitheater, basilica, and baptistery.

  • Sarandë: Visit the castle, promenade, or simply relax on the beach.


Day 5: Sarandë to Gjirokastër

Overview:

Today's ride is a challenging climb through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër, known for its Ottoman architecture and historic significance.

Route Highlights:

  • Mount Çika: A challenging climb with panoramic views of the surrounding region.

  • Gjirokastër: A UNESCO World Heritage city with well-preserved Ottoman architecture and a historic castle.

Cycling Information:

  • Distance: Approximately 60-65 kilometers

  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 meters

  • Terrain: Mostly uphill in the morning, followed by a downhill descent.

Points of Interest:

  • Mount Çika: Enjoy the panoramic views from the summit of this mountain.

  • Gjirokastër Castle: Explore the historic castle and its surrounding fortifications.

  • Old Bazaar: Wander through the charming streets of the old bazaar and shop for local handicrafts.

  • Ottoman Houses: Admire the beautiful architecture of these traditional houses.

  • Enver Hoxha Bunker: Visit this underground bunker, a relic of Albania's communist past.


Day 6: Gjirokastër to Përmet

Overview:

Today's ride is a challenging climb through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You'll visit the historic town of Tepelena, known for its thermal springs and Ottoman architecture.

Route Highlights:

  • Tepelena: A historic town with thermal springs and Ottoman architecture.

  • Përmet: A charming town surrounded by mountains and rivers.

Cycling Information:

  • Distance: Approximately 60-65 kilometers

  • Elevation Gain: 1,023 ft

  • Terrain: Mostly uphill in the morning, followed by a downhill descent.

Points of Interest:

  • Tepelena: Relax in the thermal springs, explore the town's historic center, and visit the Tepelena Castle.

  • Përmet: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Vjosë River and explore the town's traditional architecture.

Day 7: Përmet to Vlora

Overview:

Today's ride is a long but scenic journey through the Albanian countryside, offering stunning views of the Vjosë River and surrounding mountains.

Route Highlights:

  • Vjosë River: Enjoy the picturesque scenery of this beautiful river.

Cycling Information:

  • Distance: Approximately 80 miles

  • Elevation Gain: 2,869 ft

  • Terrain: Mostly flat, with a 6 mile hill at the end

Points of Interest:

  • Vjosë River: Take a break to enjoy the scenery or swim in the river.

Day 8


We bid you Farewell:

  • We drive you to Tirana Airport: until next time hopefully you come back soon!

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