Cycle the Balkans

15 Days
From CAD 4940
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Unknown

Rating


(19 reviews)

Experience Overview

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 at the Bay of Kotor, a perfect end to the ride.
Profile
— Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (12 hotel, 2 guesthouse) — 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 — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (12 hotel, 2 guesthouse) — 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 — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. Average daily distance: 37mi (60km)Number of days cycling: 12There will be a support vehicle available at all times. Limited seats availableTerrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent poor condition On our route, there are some potholed sections and some unsurfaced areas. The terrain is undulating with some long, tough climbs. When cycling through Montenegro, there are several long, dark tunnels. Bike lights are provided locally but if you have powerful bike lights at home, we recommend bringing them with you.
Group Description
Group normally four to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and two dinners are included. Food in the Balkans is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from the Mediterranean, combining Turkish, Greek and Italian tastes. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Due to the fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate, the Balkans still have a subsistence culture and show very little signs of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to have been reared/grown not too far from your plate. Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey and coffee or tea. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb with fish dishes such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in mezze form with a variety of vegetables, salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. Your guide will recommend the best restaurant options in the towns.
Transportation
We use private minibuses for the airport transfers and transfers to and from the activities.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Sky 2 Hotel, Rruga Reshit Çollaku 38, Tirana, Albania Phone: +355 4 225 3781 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, though the afternoon is preferable as there is a welcome dinner in the evening. There will also be a welcome briefing around 6pm, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Tirana Airport (TIA) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 30 to 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to Tirana Airport (TIA) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro have a temperate, Mediterranean climate. March 15 is officially the first day of spring and things really start to heat up toward the end of the month when clear skies and balmy temperatures provide a nice way to ease into the heat of summer. Summer brings sunshine and maximum temperatures of 20C-35C (68F-95F). Summer days are long with sunrise before 6am and sunset after 8.30pm. Evenings tend to be cooler, so it is a good idea to bring layers. Please note, we cycle through mountainous regions where weather can be unpredictable so expect rain at any time. July and August tend to be the driest months but it can still rain. In the mountains, it is usually cold in the mornings and evenings.
Spending Money
Please budget at least €10 per meal. Depending on what you choose to eat and drink, this could come to more. Please budget around €10 for entry into some of the local attractions.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Tipping is at your discretion but many clients wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip, we suggest €3-€5 per day for the guide and €2-€3 per day for the driver. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.

Highlights

  • — 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

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4228

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: tivities.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: MVU

StartStarts: Tirana, Albania

FinishFinishes: Tirana, Albania

DurationDuration: 15 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Unknown

Includes

  • — All breakfasts and two dinners included — All accommodation — Local bike hire

Accommodation

Hotels
Throughout this tour, we stay in a variety of accommodation in both cities and rural areas. We use hotels of a three-star standard. For two nights, we stay in more remote areas where we stay in locally run guesthouses and experience a warm welcome. Rooms here tend to be more basic. They will be a mixture of double and triple rooms with shared bathrooms. Single accommodation is available on request. Please note, single rooms are not available in the guesthouses due to a limited number of rooms.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4940 (CAD 329 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Start Tirana

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. Accommodation: Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)

2
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Ohrid; cross the border into North Macedonia; visit the Monastery of St Naum before ending in Ohrid town

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. Accommodation: Villa Royal View (or similar)

3
Day 3: Climb to a mountain-bound high plateau; follow the gorge to Debar

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. Accommodation: Hotel Leon (or similar)

4
Day 4: Cycle towards Lake Mavrovo

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. Accommodation: Mia's Favorite Hotel (or similar)

5
Day 5: Transfer from Mavrovo to the Kosovo border; continue through Brezovica National Park and the Sharri mountain range

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. Accommodation: Hotel Pine (or similar)

6
Day 6: Climb to Prevalle through the forest of Kodra e Diellit; descend to the historic city of Prizren

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. Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)

7
Day 7: Free day in Peje

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. Accommodation: Hotel Dukagjini (or similar)

8
Day 8: Transfer to Montenegro border; cycle to Berane via Rozaje

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. Accommodation: Hotel Berane (or similar)

9
Day 9: Pedal to Andrijevica and onto Kolasin; magnificent views of the rugged Albanian Alps

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. Accommodation: Hotel Cile (or similar)

10
Day 10: Short transfer to Mojkovac; cycle through the Tara Canyon before reaching Zabljak

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. Accommodation: Etno Selo Sljeme Guesthouse (or similar)

11
Day 11: Morning climb out of Zabljak through the Durmitor region; descend to Pluzine

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. Accommodation: Zvono Guesthouse (or similar)

12
Day 12: Cycle towards Nikšić

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. Accommodation: Hotel Trim (or similar)

13
Day 13: Short transfer to Vilsu; cycle to the Bay of Kotor

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. Accommodation: Hotel Marija 2 (or similar)

14
Day 14: Transfer to Bar; cycle close to Lake Shkodra; finish Shkodra

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. Accommodation: Hotel Tradita (or similar)

15
Day 15: End Shkoder

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.

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

Reviews

 

Clara Davies   -  Traveled, April 2024

The best trip so far .. A fantastic introduction to the Western Balkans. Good fitness is required, some tough climbs but scenery is so worth it! Most Inspirational Moment More than one! Tara Gorge and Dumitor mountains both awe inspiring! Thoughts on Group Leader Dymitri was fantastic - always calm, kind and informative- his knowledge of the history of this region is extensive, he seems to enjoy sharing his knowledge. Great menu choices too! Advice for Potential Travellers Get fit! Highly recommend this fabulous trip - made by stunning scenery, great guide in Dymtri and Visi the driver, delicious food, and on the whole good accommodation. Suggestions It would be helpful to have a pictorial representation of the days elevations in the itinerary.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/20/2024

 

Stephanie Morris   -  Traveled, October 2023

Lots of brilliant views but hard cycling A good trip. The views in the mountains and along the gorges were amazing. There were some long hard rides uphill and some long downhills. The trip was well organised with some transfers between places. The guide organised coffee stops, lunch and evening meal restaurants most of which were good. Most Inspirational Moment The ride from Zabljak to Pluzine through the Durmitor National Park. The limestone scenery was spectacular and round each corner there was an amazing view. It was a tough uphill climb but worth it for the views. Thoughts on Group Leader Julien was very good with a great sense of humour He was well organised and knew the route well. He suggested nice restaurants for lunch and dinner and we all ate together. He was great at meal times sorting out the bill for each person/ couple. The support drivers were friendly and really helpful. He did set a fast pace and there were long stretches between regrouping. Advice for Potential Travellers Take layers to wear - it was cold in the mountains so gloves and a buff/ hood were needed. Take a head torch/ front bike lights for cycling through the tunnels which were unlit and the lights on the bikes didn’t really light your way. Do a few long climbs to get fit beforehand! Although the bikes were good your upright position on long uphills meant the saddles weren’t that comfortable! Gel saddle or extra padding! Take snacks for refuelling. Suggestions We cycled along some busy roads with quite a lot of traffic. The drivers didn’t always slow down and came very close resulting in a few near misses. We stopped on the mountain roads if we heard a coach or lorry coming along because they often cut you up.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/27/2023

 

Brian Sherrell   -  Traveled, April 2023

Challenging climbs with amazing scenic views A fantastic itinerary through four Balkan countries, all offering scenic views, good cycling , excellent food and just enough historic places of interest. Challenging cycling climbs rewarded with spectacular long descents. Most Inspirational Moment The ride through the Tara Canyon reaching the famous Tara Bridge. Endless fantastic photo opportunities. Thoughts on Group Leader What an excellent guide Dhimo was. Professional, helpful, knowledgeable, choosing good routes and pointing out places of interest. In depth knowledge of the region culture, language and currencies. Fantastic help choosing unique restaurants, ordering appropriate local tasty dishes and organising an easy method to pay all the individual bills. Complete empathy with all group members. Good sense of humour. A really good guide and companion who I would like to consider a new friend. Of note Viz, the driver also contributed significantly to the success of this tour. Advice for Potential Travellers You need to be quite fit but if you are, you will struggle to find better views on any tour. End of April / early May was a good time to visit. All countries were safe and culturally interesting. I have been on several Exodus cycling holidays and this is one of the best. Suggestions I strongly recommend this trip for adequately keen and fit cyclists.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/20/2023

 

Richard Sharp   -  Traveled, April 2023

My Favourite Exodus Trip Yet The tour is well paced for both distance and difficulty through beautiful scenery with some long climbs and exhilarating descents. We travelled the first two weeks of May and were very lucky with the weather with the rain staying away for almost all of the trip. The tour took us through glorious sunshine and took us right up to the snow. Thoughts on Group Leader Dimitry (Dimi) and his almost inexhaustible knowledge of the complex history of the region led the cycling & Elvis (Vici) with his careful, patient driving provided vehicular support. They worked fantastically well together, had every situation under control and were a pleasure to travel with. Together they showed us some of the highlights for the beautiful Balkans and made us feel extremely comfortable/welcome. Suggestions In summary I feel extremely lucky to have been on this trip. Some of magic was the chemistry between those in the party but a huge part of it was the part Dimi & Vici played making everything work so beautifully. They deserve my gratitude and hope you are lucky enough to take the tour with this partnership.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/15/2023

 

Alex Barbier   -  Traveled, November 2022

reat way to discover the Balkans Great trip and fantastic itinerary going through 4 countries ( crossing the borders by bike, was a lot of fun!). This trip is more on the challenging side with long climbs and several days spent in the mountains. The views from the mountain roads were fantastic and made us forget about the climbs. It was also a fantastic way to discover the history of this region going form Ottoman empire to Communist / modern era. The food was really good, a lot of local cheeses, grilled vegetables and olive oil. Great to refuel after a day spent cycling! The hotels selected were great and some of them even features a hot tub and a sauna to relax in the evening. Most Inspirational Moment The day spent going up and down Durmitor us the highlight for me. Unspoilt nature, quiet roads and great 360 degrees views. Thoughts on Group Leader Dimitri and the Support driver "VC" were great, providing a very detailed and clear briefing every morning. Always happy to answer our questions. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack several Layers! The temperatures on this trip vary a lot! We had cold mornings in the mountains but very hot days once we were cycling the bay of Kotor. I found myself starting a couple of days with long sleeves gloves and hat and finishing in short sleeve jersey, zip open by the end of the day.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/04/2022

 

Jeremy Mortimer   -  Traveled, September 2022

Great introduction to Balkans with cycling most days. Met expectations – 4 countries in 2 weeks. Well constructed itinerary for the two weeks. Centrally located Hotels were good. This is a cycling trip with quite long well graded uphills and downhills most days. Sturdy (heavy) bikes handled the down hills confidently. Cultural visits were limited to a couple of hours in Ohrid, Peje & Prizren and Kotor. We did get an afternoon in Tirana to explore by our selves. Food was good – lots of cheese and seasonal veg. Friendly locals smoke a lot! Weather went from hot and humid to very wet to cool and then back to hot. Roads were generally quite but some sections were busier. Roads surfaces were mainly better than the UK, driving standards were variable – very few other cyclists on the road. Most Inspirational Moment The descent into Kotor Bay takes a lot of beating. Montenegro mountains, Prizren and Peje in Kosova, and Lake Orhid were also great. Thoughts on Group Leader Leader and assistant both excellent and hard working! Interaction with clients was good. Advice for Potential Travellers It got quite cold in the mountains - pack a few warm layers. And water proofs. Consider bringing decent bike lights for the tunnels. A couple of the tunnels were very dark the provided lights were feeble. Infrastructure in these countries is good. We used Euros - In Albania and Macedonia you get change in local currently. Card payment common. ATMs common. Food was good - we may have been lucky that there was lots of seasonal produce. Some wonderful cheeses. Vegetarian options possibly a little repetitious. Vegans would find it a challenge.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/16/2022

 

Anthony Turner   -  Traveled, September 2022

cSeptember 2022 trip An interesting holiday but I would have liked to have spent less time in Montenegro and more time in Albania and Kosovo. The cycling was generally good, but I was surprised by the number of busy roads used and I would personally rate this trip higher than 4 out of 7 considering the amount of climbing involved. The Giant hybrid bikes provided were very robust, but rather slow and heavy, which could be frustrating on a long mountain climb. Bring your own bike if you can if you enjoy climbing. The standard of the hotels was generally good, with only a few poor quality hotels in Montenegro. Thoughts on Group Leader Dimitri our guide was excellent, as was our support driver. Advice for Potential Travellers I personally would not recommend this trip if you are vegetarian (as I am) and certainly not if you are vegan. Vegetarian options were limited and vegan options generally non-existent. It is not mentioned within the trip notes, but I would recommend bringing a set of good quality bike lights as you cycle through a number of unlit tunnels and the lights provided were poor quality. I would also recommend bringing along a GPS cycle computer if you have one to allow you to better judge distances, road gradients etc. and a set of SPD pedals if you usually ride clipless. It is also worth noting that it can get very cold up in the mountains where it was two degree Celsius the morning we set off from Zabljak. I would therefore recommend packing a pair of leggings and warm hat and gloves.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/07/2022

 

Gerard Feeney   -  Traveled, June 2022

June 2022 Great scenery especially Montenegro Most Inspirational Moment Cycling through the Dormitor mountains Thoughts on Group Leader Dimitri was a very capable and helpful leader Advice for Potential Travellers Enjoyed the trip but make sure you're fit , there's lots of climbing Suggestions I didnt enjoy cycling in the tunnels which had no lights. the lights provided on the bikes weren't adequate

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/15/2022

 

clare mcnulty   -  Traveled, August 2019

A challenging and beautiful journey through Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro with breath-taking scenery. The cycling was challenging with lots of climbing, but the bikes that we were provided with were perfectly geared for and suited to the terrain. There were regular re-groups on the hills as everyone climbs at their own pace and is able to enjoy the holiday at a pace that suits them. Delicious healthy and reasonably priced meals were provided in the hotels and cabins that we stayed in. Our guide Joshua was knowledgeable and efficient and provided us with information each day about the route and some background history. He arranged for a local guide in each country we visited to give their personal perspective and an opportunity to ask questions about the complex history of the region. Most Inspirational Moment The climb through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro with its wild and rugged scenery, exposed to the elements. The very welcome Turkish coffee brewed on a portable gas stove at the top, before the stunning descent through switch backs and short tunnels. At out destination in Rudinice, we were greeted with a dramatic sunset with a double rainbow across the mountains, a delicious roast lamb dinner and comfortable stay in a log cabin. Standing up high on the castle walls at Prizren, Kosovo, hearing the call to prayer from across the city from the many mosques below with the Pashtrik mountains in the distance. The opportunity for quiet reflection on the beautiful climb through no man's land between North Macedonia and Kosovo. The thunder and lightning on the last part of our descent into Berane which thanks to our guide we avoided the worst of. Thoughts on Group Leader Joshua and drivers Toni and Juli made a great team - very welcoming, funny and approachable. Joshua gave detailed descriptions of the route ahead such as rough roads, descents, metal grids, tunnels, city traffic and any inclement weather. He gave advice on how to negotiate these safely and as a result there were no serious mishaps. We regrouped regularly after climbs and descents. Coffee stops and meals were efficient with a group tab system. We were given some free evenings to explore the area we were staying in and make our own arrangements for dinner which was nice to have a bit of freedom to explore/take a break from the group. This safety conscious but relaxed and friendly approach worked well and it felt like a holiday! Advice for Potential Travellers Take layers for cycling: the mountains were cool in Montenegro and we did encounter some rain. For the descent from Durmitor I was regretting not having my long finger gloves! Rehydration tablets I did have a slightly upset stomach on a couple of occasions, which was fixed with loperamide! Take Euros with you to pay for meals/settle the tab at the end of the holiday. Suggestions I would recommend this trip, it was fantastic.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/10/2019

 

David Tompkins   -  Traveled, April 2023

Amazing scenery in lands that are Europe, but not Europe A great trip covering some (as yet) relatively un-visited parts of Europe. I was inspired to book after reading ‘To The Lake’ by Kapka Kassabova, but had no idea how spectacular the mountain scenery would be or how vexed the relationships between Albania, Kosovo, N Macedonia and their neighbours to N, E & S – credit to our guide (Dhimo) for bringing this to life. I’d like to return to hike the Accursed Mountains and spend more time around Ohrid / Prespa under warmer conditions. Most Inspirational Moment I was overwhelmed (to the point of tears) by the frescoes within the churches of the Patriarchate of Pec. The bazaar in Peja was a distinct disappointment, but the Patriarchate was a must-see for me. That it is the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church - but situated in Kosovo and protected by the local police force - speaks volumes for regional history. Other than scenery and culture, I was keen to see wildflowers: and was not disappointed. The alpine meadows in Durmitor were awash with Muscari, orchids and gentians (amongst others) while the high passes were ablaze with crocuses wherever the snow had receded. Breath-taking. As was the constant waft of jasmine at low altitudes - particularly in and around Kotor. Thoughts on Group Leader Dhimo set a good pace - and made life extremely easy for the group, tallying food and drink expenses in his little green book for periodic payment (in whichever currency group members happened to have in greatest quantity). His penchant for classic British comedy (Fawlty Towers) also made for a gently humorous atmosphere throughout Advice for Potential Travellers The history of the Western Balkans is extremely complicated. Whilst many of the overnight stops aren't featured in the relevant lonely planet guide, it does include a reasonable overview of this history. You will need to be a confident cyclist. The route is on public roads and close passes were constant in all four countries (although there was no obvious malice on the part of drivers, they just weren't used to giving cyclists any room). Other than in the run-in to Kotor, traffic levels were moderate - but expect this to change over the next few years as visitor numbers increase. Travelling as a vegetarian (lacto-ovo) was fine - cheese features at every meal, and roasted veg are readily available (as are pasta and pizza options). Travelling as a vegan would be a challenge. The museums in Tirana are excellent, with unflinching presentations of the challenges presented by Albania's recent communist and post-communist history. Learning about the growth of the police state and widespread betrayals / persecution was eye-opening (and humbling). Take out a few Lek from an ATM in the city and see some of the sights on your first afternoon - mulliri coffee shops do a decent latte and pistachio bun if you need refreshment (a wide range of savoury options is available in the Tirana Castle area). The Adrion bookstore in Skanderbeg Square is well worth a look. Suggestions We tended to arrive at our hotels during early afternoons, leaving plenty of downtime. Since the cycle routes sometimes passed sights of cultural interest (such as the Sveti Jovan Bigorski monastery in North Macedonia) I would have preferred to spend time visiting these at the cost of an hour or two of pre-dinner idleness. Exodus could consider 'culture plus' tours with this feature, without much effort. In a similar vein, it would be great if the local operator could circulate basic maps and/or 'things to do' at overnight stops with no obvious points of interest (eg Berane) - or some basic ground rules (can we wander where we like in Durmitor National Park, or only on marked paths? Are there any trails near the accommodation that we might want to have a go at? etc). The hybrid bikes provided were great for the road conditions. We avoided long, unlit road tunnels and the provided bike lights were OK for alerting other traffic to our presence but pretty useless for illuminating the road ahead if pedalling at any speed. Local beer and wine were (almost) universally excellent. We had an extra night in Tirana at the end of the trip thanks to a BA IT failure. Credit to Dhimo for arranging accommodation and getting us into the city - but thereafter we had no support from either the local operator or Exodus. We were all experienced grown-ups and sorted ourselves out, but I expected better customer care and follow-up from Exodus.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/22/2023

 

Mary Amann   -  Traveled, May 2019

Great climbs, wonderful scenery, good food and company. The challenges were so worth while. The guide and driver/mechanic Dimitri and Juli were lovely guys. Juli made you smile every time he passed us slogging up the hills ?? We saw different kinds of villages and towns, some busy some remote, all with their own charm. Having everything organised for you frees your mind to just enjoy the wonderful scenery and sweeping descents (some a little scary). Most Inspirational Moment Cycling up a remote valley, seeing traditional farming and hearing the calls for prayer. Cycling through beautiful no-mans land between borders. The first view of The Bay of Kotor. Thoughts on Group Leader Lovely guy. Advice for Potential Travellers Take lots of layers for hot or cold weather. We had a lot of rain and it got cold. Definitely take light overshoes, they take no room. Suggestions I didn't get much hill practice in, living in Essex but your climbing ability does improve every day. I loved how different this holiday was, it was very different to the Indochina I did.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/14/2019

 

Jill Sumner   -  Traveled, June 2019

4 counties in 15 days! The Balkans cycle trip has magnificent, spacious mountains and lakes. It’s an adventure, not knowing exactly what the weather or the mountains will challenge you with. A discovery each day, staying in high alpine mountains or by the spectacular Lake Ohrid. Likewise, the sea at Kotor and absorbing the cultures and religions of each country. Most Inspirational Moment The people on the trip all gelled through the rough and smooth times, making it the best trip ever, for me. The dramatic skies and snow on the hills after rain. Also, cycling up the never ending hills, then free wheeling for miles. Thoughts on Group Leader Dhimitraq is a very good leader quietly in control and sorting out any problems. Julio is an excellent driver, entertainer and watchful carer, looking out for everyone. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a good waterproof jacket and warm clothes. Waterproof shoes wouldn't go a miss either. Suggestions I went on this trip to see an unknown and unspoilt part of the world and was not disappointed, I will go back!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/14/2019

 

Dave & Ann Gouldney   -  Traveled, June 2019

Stunning This has to be without doubt the most fantastic trip we have ever done, with breath-taking scenery around every corner. Josh, Dhimitri and Juli were full of local knowledge, well organised and complimented each other as a team. If you have never cycled a steep hill without some motivational Queen or Ram Jam then you have never met Juli! Accommodation and food varied, as you might expect, but was well above what we have experienced on other trips and generally superb. The roads were quiet for the most part, but some busy sections with manic drivers have to be negotiated, but no worse than in the UK. Most Inspirational Moment The mountains of Montenegro and the Tara canyon were particular hi-lights, but when you just thought you had reached peak scenery and taken every possible photo, around the corner was even better. Thoughts on Group Leader Josh was great and is really passionate about The Balkans and their history. We would have learnt a lot if not so tired after the days cycling. We had thorough briefings about the rides ahead and he would often take personal responsibility for minor things that went wrong that were really out of his control. Dhimitri is full of knowledge and is quietly efficient, even to the point of serving us breakfast at one slow hotel. Juli is loudly efficient, caring and tremendous fun! Advice for Potential Travellers The climbs tend to come in big hits, which can mean 2-3 hours of constant climbing. We managed them all though and thank you for all those who waited patiently for us at the top! Be warned though, despite the mammoth climbs, miles and the burning of 27,000 calories, somehow we still managed to put on weight ! All those lovely cheesy dishes, beer and coke I think. Suggestions Our only concern now is how do we top that ?

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/09/2019

 

David Innes   -  Traveled, June 2019

Brilliant Balkans! Exodus has done well to allow us to cycle the best bits of 4 different countries in 2 weeks. Some epic climbs but all manageable and the grading at ‘moderate/ challenging’ is about right. You always got to enjoy the downhills as well. The accommodation was fine except for one guesthouse which I believe has now been removed from the itinerary. Remember, this is a new trip and Exodus are still ‘ fine tuning’ it. Food was excellent and the group as a whole gelled well together. If you want to cycle 4 countries that are uncommon to cycle in, I would not hesitate in recommending this trip Most Inspirational Moment Cycling the unbelievably beautiful P14 road in Montenegro which must be one of the best in Europe. It had only opened the week before due to massive dumps of snow and we went in late May! Thoughts on Group Leader Demetri lead the group with quiet authority and arranged a kitty for food which was a good way of doing things, but must have been a nightmare to organise! A wee bit more info on the various places visited would have been appreciated. Our driver and bike mechanic was ebullient and a bit hyperactive but was a good driver. He could have benefited from more equipment though ( ie a footpump that could be used with schrader valves- several of the bikes had these and we were fortunate none of them had a puncture). Bike maintenance during the trip could have been better Advice for Potential Travellers Take a few waterproofs as the weather can be unpredictable. If you are thinking about it, just book it!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/19/2019

 

Lorna Mitchell   -  Traveled, June 2019

Do it This is an opportunity where you get to see and absorb four countries in one trip, lots of uphill’s, but there is always a downhill on the other side. If you like cycling, good food, beautiful scenery and an adventure, I would recommend this trip. Most Inspirational Moment It has got to be the climb out of Zabljak through the Durmitor region. The most scenic route on a bike ever!! Tara Canyon second - you can just "Lose Yourself" there. Thoughts on Group Leader Dhimitri was our group leader. I must say he did an amazing job briefing us the night before and nothing was too much trouble for him throughout the trip. He organised the most amazing food for us, keeping a running total of the bill, which wasn't easy when there are multiple currencies involved. It made our lives easy. He is a genius, very kind and trusting. Juli was his wingman and kept us entertained, watered, snacks, tunes en route and the bikes running smoothly throughout the trip. Excellent safe driver and can reverse a trailer to a tee!! The two of them made a great team and worked hard to make our trip enjoyable, what an asset they both are to Cycle Albania. Advice for Potential Travellers Try the black chocolate ice cream in Kotor and have a walk around. Take some warm clothes for the downhills in the mountains. No need for the uphills. Suggestions Just book it and go

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/27/2019

 

Stephen Allan   -  Traveled, May 2019

Stunning scenery Having completed a number of Exodus cycling trips this is up there with one of the most stunning for scenery. There are a number of long tough climbs which we completed in very hot weather but you are rewarded with fantastic views and great descents. Most Inspirational Moment Cycling through the Tara Canyon, over Durmitor pass and the descent to the Bay of Kotor were fantastic experiences. Thoughts on Group Leader In general the group leader was good but communication should have been better and some friction between the guides was obvious. A lot of basic bike issues were experienced by the group during the trip and the guides appeared to be lacking the tools, parts and skills to properly rectify which needs to be addressed for future trips. Advice for Potential Travellers The weather appears to vary widely throughout the tour season. Having completed the tour late June the weather was very hot and dry with most days reaching 30+ degrees. While we were melting during the day a lot of the accommodation is in the mountains and can be chilly in the evenings. Also for a stress free trip I wouldn't recommend taking your own bike. Security was a little lax and the transport wasn't geared up for transporting bike bags. Suggestions In general the accommodation was good but having paid a single supplement it did feel at times that you are allocated the worst of the rooms (i.e. no working air-con, no balcony). Previous reviews refer to cycling on busy roads but personally I found the majority of the cycling was on quiet roads although there were some busier roads.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/13/2019

 

Bernard & Heidi Kelly   -  Traveled, May 2019

4 x magnificent countries Awesome canyons, mountains rivers and lake views whilst cycling through 4 Balkan Countries. A great variety of scenery and some challenging hills and satisfying downhills make this an excellent choice for those who enjoy great views and cycling. Most Inspirational Moment The Tara Canyon is just spectacular and the Durmitor Mountains where the view keeps changing around every bend were possibly the most beautiful varied countryside we have had the pleasure to cycle in. The first views of the Bay of Kotor take your breath away. Thoughts on Group Leader Josh is fairly new and enthusiastic to guiding. The trip is still in its infancy and he is trying to fine tune it. He is building his knowledge of the 4 countries and has a passion for the Balkans but we did occasionally encounter language barriers as none of the team spoke Macedonian but this was soon rectified by him Juli, or Dhimitraq. Juli our driver is a real fun character, full of life, who has friends everywhere and is always making new ones. He makes sure everyone is hydrated on the rides and checks on everyone at regular intervals. Dhimitraq is the quiet one but has lots of knowledge and passion for the countries visited and cycling. He balances the team dynamics. We loved the walks he took us on around the lake and up to the castle. Advice for Potential Travellers The hills are in big chunks which we were not used to..... some were 10 - 15 km long with 600-800m of elevation gain with little or no respite. They are quite challenging but saying that all of our group managed them. The reward is beautiful scenery and some awesome long descents. There were a couple of poorer condition roads which were ok on the climbs but made the downhills slower and more challenging and for me less rewarding. We had fantastic weather 40 deg most days but the weather can be variable as our guides said a few weeks earlier it had been deep snow and ice. Worth taking a bright front light and a back light for the few tunnels that you have to cycle through. Suggestions If you have an adventurous spirit and love to cycle through awesome scenery (and love cheese!) then get yourself booked on this trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/08/2019

 

Robin Williams   -  Traveled, June 2019

Excellent trip Beautiful weather and scenery in a part of Europe that gets easily overlooked. Lots of uphill cycling but you do get the long downhills as compensation. The guides Dhimitri and Juli were great – always helpful and Juli (also the driver) scuttling back and forth to ensure everyone was OK and had enough water. Would recommend this trip and the local provider Cycle Albania. Most Inspirational Moment If you mean 'What were my highlights?' then: Old Town of Ohrid Tara Canyon and the zipwire ride across the gorge. Painted Mosque at Tetovo Durmitor National Park Kotor Thoughts on Group Leader Group leader Dhimitri was good and always briefed the night before on the next days cycling and during the ride for meet up points. Juli was excellent (he used to be a guide) and was on top of his game as well. When my wife had an accident they both stepped up a gear and Juli called a contact who could translate at the hospital for us. Nothing was too much trouble for these guides. On a negative note - (1) They were focussed on the cycling and had to be badgered to say anything about the area/countries we were in. Many requests had to be made before any history/politics were forthcoming. (2) This is a fault that we have found before on Exodus trips - the guides are so focussed on meeting the main group flying in that they don't leave any meet-up info at hotel receptions for those overlanding or arriving at a different time. Advice for Potential Travellers When you reach Ohrid (N. Macedonia) go for a walk around Old Town and around Kotor (Montenegro).

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/22/2019

 

Julie Reynolds   -  Traveled, May 2019

Cycling in the Balkans This is a nice trip with some nice scenery to see but there is quite a lot of cycling on busy main roads. We had pretty bad weather which we were not really banking on which I think spoilt the trip to some extent. Most Inspirational Moment Surviving the cycling in the rain! Thoughts on Group Leader Dhimitraq was quiet and efficient. He organised the trip well. He arranged some amazing lunches and dinners for us and kindly took the stress out of paying for them all in various currencies by paying for us and running an IOU. We had some good laughs as we got to know him better, largely at Juli’s antics! Juli our driver was a character never to be forgotten! Never still and always full of life, “Zebedee” had us in stitches the whole way. The transfers were always an experience and I still can’t believe that we did actually get to listen to the whole of Bohemen Rhapsody! Both went out of their way to take us on extra little tours or arrange guides for us and worked extremely hard. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you take a full selection of clothes to cover cold weather and wet weather.. Be prepared for cycling on busy main roads with a good amount of traffic including lorries. Suggestions I think it would be helpful for exodus to provide more and more accurate information with regards to the weather. I dont think the description in the notes was sufficient and possibly misleading which can lead to people being unprepared and getting very cold and wet. Having paid a single supplement I couldn’t help feeling that a lot of the time I was placed in inferior rooms to those who hadn’t.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/03/2019

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