Albania - Southern

On 12 nights, accommodation will be in 3-4 star hotels of the Albanian Tourist Board grading system with en-suite facilities. One night will be in a guesthouse with en-suite facilities (Single supplements will need to pair up on this night), and one night will be in cabin. Each cabin has 2 rooms, sharing a bathroom. All rooms are based on two people sharing with breakfast and evening meal included. Lunches are included on all cycling days. Vegetarian/fish meals may be available if requested.

Adequate breakfasts are provided at the accommodation. Lunches will be taken at local restaurants, except one day in the mountains when a packed lunch will be provided. Evening meals are traditionally meat based, but vegetarian and pescatarian food is also available on request (in advance). Desserts are not normally served.

The tour covers the area of the country south of Tirana. It is mountainous, and the cycling can be quite strenuous. The main roads follow valleys, often following rivers that have carved out huge gorges. There is an extensive plateau around Lake Ohrid and Gjirokastra, providing a patchwork landscape of fields and remnants of the collective farms.

The beautiful Ionian coast is heavily indented, the land being covered in pine forest offering some shade to the new road as it snakes its way up and down through fishing villages. There will also be the opportunity to visit the ruins of the ancient Greek archeological site of Butrint.

Inland, the museum town of Gjirokastrai allow you to wander through its cobbled alleyways, taking in their architectural beauties of white- washed Ottoman houses whose courtyards are covered in trailing vines shaded by trees. In contrast, buzzing Tirana, like any other European city, has cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels and shops.

This tour is classified as a 6 and suitable for experienced touring cyclists. Roads are sealed and generally in good condition, but there are some rough stretches. On several days there are demanding climbs, but the distances are generally modest, and a support vehicle will carry all luggage and provide assistance to tired riders if requested. It is not practical to ride as one group, and you are free to progress at your own speed. We will regroup occasionally throughout the day. GPX files and detailed route instructions will be provided approximately 3 weeks prior to the start of the tour. There will be rest days in Gkirokaster and Himare.

Details of routes and further tour information will be distributed approx four weeks before the tour departs. GPX routes and maps will be supplied

As this is a land only holiday, it is very important that you note that neither your leader, nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point. Should you fail to arrive at the appointed meeting point, for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional costs you may incur in order to meet up with the tour group. Before finalising travel arrangements to meet the tour you should ensure that you have read and understood our booking conditions. Should this tour not attract sufficient bookings to reach the minimum operating size, we may cancel the tour at any time up to 10 weeks before departure. It is therefore recommended that you book fully flexible and refundable transport and accommodation , or wait until you have been informed that the tour will go ahead, as in the event of the tour being cancelled we will not be responsible for any losses incurred.

The maximum group size will be 14, the minimum 10 (including the Tour Leader).

At this time of year the weather should be sunny and warm, with cool early mornings and temperatures dropping rapidly at night in the mountains as the sun goes down. Rain or thunder storms are possible in the mountains. It is recommended you take a fleece and long trousers for evenings and waterproof cycling jacket and gloves in case of rain. Sunscreen is essential, as is a covering for your head.

You are welcome to take your own bike at your own expense. Bikes can be transferred from the airport at a cost of 60 euros and this applies from 1 to 4 people, provided that you are on the same flight. However bikes will be available at no extra charge. The bikes are Giant Roam 0 with flat handlebars. Ratios of rear 11x36, front 26/36/48 and have hydraulic brakes It is recommended that you bring your own helmet and saddle along with pedals if you use SPD's or like. Several weeks before the tour they will want to know which type of bike you need, your height and/or frame size required and if you will be bringing your own saddle and pedals. Please note, though, that neither Neil Wheadon or Bikexplore accept any liability for participants using hire bikes. You are entirely responsible for the safety and suitability and maintenance of the bike you ride. Cycle hire is not part of your holiday contract.

You will be given daily maps and enough information to navigate during the tour. If you want more information, try the Bradt Travel Guide - Albania – ISBN-13 978 1 84162 387 0

The currency in Albania is the Lek (approximately 115 Lek = £1)

Please ensure that your insurance covers you for medical emergencies and also repatriation of your bike, should this be necessary, and ensure that the single item limit on your luggage is adequate to cover your camera or similar item you bring. You should bring your insurance documents with you. Before booking you should check the Foreign Office ‘Travel Advice by Country’ at www.fco.gov.uk/ or on 0845 850 2829. Bikexplore cannot accept responsibility for any costs that may be incurred due to insufficient insurance cover.