- 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
Cycle the Balkans
15 Days
Excluding Flights
15 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Tirana Shkoder
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)
Start Tirana
The group flights usually arrive in Tirana in the early afternoon and the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Essential Info
Is this 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: 12
- There will be a support vehicle available at all times. Limited seats available
- Terrain 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.
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.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Tirana
Location end: Shkoder
Transfer Details
Reviews
Add your own reviewVaried Cycling through four countries.
Nice opportunity to spent a couple of weeks cycling through varied terrain and four countries. Most of the time is spent in Montenegro, which is a very mountainous country.
Most Inspirational Moment
The day riding into Kotor was a highlight of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was full on in looking after us, but could use some more historical knowledge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We had a variety of weather on the trip from some rain and cool to some hot weather, so be prepared for a variety of weather. We travelled May 25 to June 7. By mid June it was quite hot, 30C plus.
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.
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.
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 Peć. 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.
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.
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.
Great 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.
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.
September 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.
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
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Friday Friday
25 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025
Friday Friday
09 May 2025 09 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 3 120 € Book with 780 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +432 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
23 May 2025 23 May 2025
Friday Friday
06 Jun 2025 06 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 3 120 € Book with 780 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +432 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
06 Jun 2025 06 Jun 2025
Friday Friday
20 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 3 120 € Book with 780 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +432 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
22 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025
Friday Friday
05 Sep 2025 05 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 3 120 € Book with 780 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +432 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
05 Sep 2025 05 Sep 2025
Friday Friday
19 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 3 120 € Book with 780 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +432 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesFriday Friday
19 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025
Friday Friday
03 Oct 2025 03 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 3 120 € Book with 780 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +432 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Cycle the Balkans
15 Days
Excluding Flights
15 Days
from