Culture and Sun
5-Day Vlora Cycle: Explore Albania's coast & culture. Gjirokaster, Himare and beaches. Starts April 22nd. Learn more & book online!
Culture and Sun Tour
The Culture and Sun Tour is the perfect blend of history sun and fun at the beach. We will cycle by Southern Albania’s most famous beaches in the south while visiting many of Albania’s cultural monuments. in around 270 KMs or 160 miles of cycling.
Our First stop from Vlora will be Gjirokaster which is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage City with impressive Ottoman architecture. You will taste their traditional dishes only from that city and explore the cold world bunkers and visit Albania’s largest castle.
Then we will cycle over to Sarande for a day relax on the beach and visit Ksamil which is the most beautiful beach in Albania with it’s crystal clear blue water. After that we will cycle the steep climbs to Himare another one of Albania’s charming beach towns. along the way will visit a castle along the way.
Then we will hop into the van to Dhemri, the road between Dhmeri and Himare is too difficult to cycle as it is too steep. We will visit the beaches of Dhmeri and take pictures of the cliffs then cycle up 1000 meter Llogara Pass and have a congratulating coffee at the top with a group picture. It is all down hill back to Vlora. Next day we will set up your transfer back to Tirana airport.
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, 3 Gjirokastor: Hotel Argjiro
Day 4 Sarande: Hotel Demi
Day 5 Himare: Hotel Dhmira
Day 6 Dhmeri: Hotel La Brisa
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 Sept 22nd
Day 1: Vlora to Himare via Llogara Pass
Cycling Camp: Vlora Cycling Camp
Starting Point: Vlora, Albania
Ending Point: Himare, Albania
Route Highlights:
Llogara Pass: A challenging mountain pass offering stunning panoramic views of the Albanian Riviera and Ionian Sea.
Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the ride.
Route Description:
Day 1 will involve a challenging yet rewarding climb up Llogara Pass. The ascent starts gently from Vlora, gradually becoming steeper as you gain altitude. The pass reaches a maximum elevation of 1,056 meters (3,464 feet), offering panoramic views of the Albanian Riviera on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. The descent from Llogara Pass to Himare is a thrilling experience, with winding roads and stunning coastal scenery.
Additional Information:
Distance: Approximately 50-60 kilometers (31-37 miles)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
Difficulty: Challenging due to the steep climb up Llogara Pass.
Recommended Gear: Road bike, cycling clothing, helmet, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks.
Points of Interest:
Llogara National Park
Llogara Pass viewpoint
Himare beach
Click here for more detailed map
Day 2: Sept 24 Himare to Saranda via Porto Palermo Castle
Route Highlights:
Porto Palermo Castle: A historic Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
Coastal Scenery: Continue to enjoy stunning coastal views along the scenic SH8 road.
Route Description:
Day 2 will take you from Himare to Saranda, with a detour to visit the picturesque Porto Palermo Castle. The route follows the scenic SH8 road, winding along the coastline and offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. The detour to Porto Palermo Castle adds approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) and 30 minutes to the total travel time.
Additional Information:
Distance: Approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Recommended Gear: Road bike, cycling clothing, helmet, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks.
Points of Interest:
Porto Palermo Castle
Ksamil Beach
Saranda Bay
Click here for a more detailed map
Day 3: Sept 25 Saranda to Gjirokastor
Route Highlights:
Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Southern Albanian Mountains and Vjosa Valley.
Historic Landmarks: Visit the ancient city of Gjirokastor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its many historic landmarks, including the Ottoman-era fortress and the Zekate House.
Local Cuisine: Experience the flavors of Gjirokastor by sampling qifqi, a traditional Albanian dish made with lamb or goat meat.
Route Description:
Day 3 will take you from Saranda to Gjirokastor, a journey through the scenic Southern Albanian Mountains and Vjosa Valley. The route follows the SH8 road, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Once in Gjirokastor, you can explore its historic landmarks, including the Ottoman-era fortress, the Zekate House, and the many other museums and churches.
Additional Information:
Distance: Approximately 33.8 kilometers (21 miles)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Recommended Gear: Road bike, cycling clothing, helmet, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks.
Points of Interest:
Ottoman-era fortress
Zekate House
Gjirokastor Castle
Archaeological Museum of Gjirokastor
Bazaar of Gjirokastor
Vjosa Valley
Click here for a detailed map
Day 4
We will cycle back to Vlora and pass through Tepelena the town famous for their water. We have one climb then it is all fast descent and flat back to Vlora. It will be an 80 trip.
Length 80 miles
Total Ascent 3,120 ft or around 1000 meter
Highest point 1385 ft
Click here for detailed map
Day 6
Day 5
We bid you Farewell:
We drive you to Tirana Airport: until next time hopefully you come back soon!
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