UNESCO Sites Of Albania Bike Tour Reviews page 2
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★★★★★ David19
A vigorous adventure
This is an excellent tour for anyone who wants to do a lot of climbing far from the beaten tourist path with the leadership of an excellent, superbly organized cyclist.
On the other hand, it is not a great way to get to know a lot about Albanian culture or history. Even though we went to some sites of great historical and cultural significance, we didn't have much time there, and promises that we would have a guided tour were not always kept. I'd have liked to have had a rest day in Gjirokaster; it has a lot of history to explore.
This tour has lots of climbs, some of them quite steep. The bikes provided by the operator didn't have low enough gears, so most tour members walked some of the climbs. The tour operator has told me he has recognized this problem and has already ordered more suitable bikes for 2019.
The food was excellent in both quality and quantity, with very few exceptions. Most eating was family style. There were vegetarian options.
Our group was large--22 participants, six more than advertised--but so well organized that meals moved briskly.
All 22 of us regrouped several times each day on the road. This, plus the attentiveness of the guide and the sag driver, made it almost impossible to get lost, but it also meant the faster riders often waited for the laggards to arrive.
I liked the other riders. I think few whiners choose tours in the mountains of Albania.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept. 13, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- More than ten.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ BabyBoomer
Albania-Review by a Baby Boomer
I feel that the trip was right on he money as described. Cycling is a great way to experience a country. The food was terrific and the accommodations ranged from adequate (but best available) to reasonably decent. The bikes were well maintained, and I appreciate that the disks were replaced on the major downhills for the last few days. The route is challenging, and, if you have any doubts on your capability, go for the ebike option. Made all the difference for me. The support for water and sag, if required, was superb.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 13
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Leslie Reiser
Cycling in Albania is a must!
The UNESCO Sites of Albania tour is fantastic! From the beautiful sites of the countryside and towns to the people of Albania this trip is a must do. Most of us on the guided tour had e-bikes as this tour is challenging for regular bike enthusiasts. Our guide Julian was the best! He was very knowledgeable about cycling in Albania and history of his country. He made sure everyone was comfortable on the tour. Julian’s dad drove the support van and both he and Julian made sure the bikes were in top condition for cycling. The van was also available if you’re unable to cycle one day. Fortunately only one day was rained out so Julien arranged a van to take everyone along the route safely to the next hotel. This was our first guided tour (we’ve done self guided before) and we would do them again!
Book this tour!!!- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Nigel Crosby
Mountains of magic
We opted for self guided which suited the group perfectly.
The scenery was amazing and the locals very friendly 😊 -
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★★★★★ Janice
So happy in Albania
We couldn't have asked for much more on this trip. Cycling through breathtaking scenery was a fantastic way to experience Albania. Julian, our guide was bursting with knowledge, energy and enthusiasm, and ensured that everything ran smoothly without making anyone feel rushed. The roads were in very good condition and there was very limited traffic for the most part. The time on the bikes each day was perfect, giving challenges but also stops to allow everyone to drink in the scenery. The accommodations were all very clean, and had comfy beds. They varied in style which allowed us to have a unique experience each night.
I am an intermediate cyclist. With an ebike I had absolutely no problem with some of the challenging climbs and was able to set the power to suit my ability. We were also lucky to have an amazing group of people from around the world which was lovely.
Do it!-
BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member
Janice,
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so glad you enjoyed Albania's beautiful scenery, the accommodations, and the great group. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Julian. Thanks for riding with us!
Bozena
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★★★★★ Kirsten T
Wonderful biking trip
Amazing way to explore Albania. We were self-guided, but the guides were helpful in ensuring communicating with us to ensure that our luggage was being transported. Hotels ranged greatly in quality, some were great, all were adequate. Location of hotels was great as well. Bikes were great quality and had no issues (one flat tire). Biking was on roads, some were quite busy. Would have been nice to have more off road biking, but I'm not sure that Albania has those facilities. First bike tour for all of us, and I would definitely do more.
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★★★★★ Apurva M
Biking in beautiful Albania
Just an absolutely fantastic trip. The arrangements, hotels, meals were all immaculate
Tani and Teri, who were our guides, were fantastic..
As a vegetarian, no problem with food at all
Highly highly recommend this trip! -
★★★★★ Chris M
Take us back
Felt like we were able to see many different parts of the country and you can’t beat traveling by bike. The tour companies were great to work with as we had some travel challenges to work around. Inland the roads were scenic and quiet for riding, while the coast was stunning.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Paul G
First bike trip ever
I did the unguided tour with a friend of mine. This tour was a fantastic way to discover the wonderful country of Albania. The Albanian people that we met were warm and welcoming, and the scenery was awesome. I did the tour with an e-bike and the level of difficulty was quite manageable. I don't think I would have been able to do this tour without the e-bike assistance, although we did meet some people who did the tour without e-bikes. The hotels we stayed in, while not first class, were quite comfortable and well located. The trip was well organized and went smoothly.
We had a fantastic time!- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the 1st one.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Susan
Experience Albania
This was the perfect way to see and learn about Albania. Our guide, Juli, was knowledgeable and enthuastic about his country and shared his love of Albania throughtout the tour. His leadership style was inclusive and entertaining as each individual became a valuable member of our cycling group. The tour covered varied terrains that included open countryside, orchards, mountain view vistas and shoreline. We were rewarded with delicious family style meals that were fresh and authentic to Albania.
This was a lifetime experience!-
BikeTours.com staff reply from bozena_kusovac
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re so happy to hear how much you enjoyed the tour, the beautiful landscapes, and Juli’s guidance. Moments like yours are honestly the best part of our jobs!
Bozena
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★★★★★ Elspeth Miller
Informative, varied, engaging, active tour
The tour, although a group of 22, was well-organized, orderly and congenial. The Guide and Driver/Bike Mechanic were experienced, knowledgeable and patient. The route gave a good overview of the South’s historical sites and the guide’s pride in his homeland was charming. Riding a regular bike, one of 4 (the other 18 were on e-bikes), I never felt left behind and always had enough time to rest at our regular stops. The restaurants served delicious, nutritious meals to fuel us and the route was largely on quiet roads with challenging, but not too daunting ascents and exhilarating descents.
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★★★★★ James S
Great trip
Great trip. Scenery is amazing. From high mountains to the sea! Most roads were low traffic (except in towns). The last day had a bit more traffic on the climb but wasn’t too bad. (When the tunnel opens there will be less automobile traffic)There is definitely a lot of climbing (some steep - 10%). So consider an e-bike unless you’re an avid cyclist. Food was good. No problems as a vegetarian. Hotels were good. No problems (a couple were really luxurious).
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Faith M
Albania is gorgeous!
What a surprise to see the natural beauty of Albania by bicycle. We rode below snow capped peaks; through farmland; and along the Adriatic Coast. All of it was stunning. The riding was challenging and interesting without being too demanding. The bikes were very comfortable .Our guide was wonderful. He kept our bikes in tip top condition and kept his eye out for each one of us while riding. He shared his knowledge of Albania with us, and daily he recommended the best coffee and lunch stops. (We had an unguided trip). There was a variety of hotel styles and amenities, from basic to luxury.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- Two
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Raystrach
Superb Bike Touring
This bike tour was a great introduction to Albania and it highlighted the rugged beauty of the country and the warmth and friendliness of the people. The tour had a great balance of challenging terrain and beautiful rolling countryside. If you are not so keen on the challenge, e-bikes are available, so there is no excuse not to take this tour.
Some people questioned why we would go to Albania, fearing we might not be safe, but that was never an issue during the entire tour. We never felt anything but warmth and hospitality from the locals who would often wave and offer support as they drove by in their cars. That was a first.
We selected the guided tour(we normally go self guided) as it included all meals and we are glad we did. The food was great almost without exception and our guide Arjan ensured we got plenty of variety over the duration of the tour. He also managed the group brilliantly, allowing a little freedom in the individual pace of different sub groups, so that everyone could go at their own pace depending on how they felt on the day. We were lucky to have him.
The quality of the accommodation was a little uneven, but that was to be expected when a tour like this takes you to all parts of the country, from major towns to relatively remote provincial areas. All accommodation providers were doing their very best to give us an authentic Albanian experience. We got a good sense of the real Albania.
If you take the decision to take this tour, you will not regret it. It was up there with the best tours we ever done.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 12
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Lori Doering
Incredible experience!
Loved exploring Albania on bike! Our guide, Matao, was amazing! He went above and beyond day after day. The Albanian countryside, cities, people and food far exceeded any and all expe.
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★★★★★ Terry Aittama
Trip of a lifetime!
The UNESCO bike trip is definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for organization, bike route, accommodations, food, guide, and van driver/support. Albania is a beautiful country, still relatively untouched by tourism. Our guide Mateo and van driver Roxjens are the best. Mateo is very organized, communicates clearly about the day’s agenda, and has a good sense of humor. We had a luggage delay and Mateo went above and beyond to get our suitcases to us in the most timely manner possible. Roxjens is helpful, ambitious and always had a smile on his face. He changed my flat tire and had me back on the road in record time! The food is delicious and plentiful. There is a fun variety of accommodations, all very comfortable. Highly recommend this bike tour!
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- My first!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Siobhan Knox
Best Guided Tour Ever!
UNESCO Sites of Albania was the best guided tour I have ever done. Not only did the food and scenery exceed their reputations, the accommodations and bikes were excellent. More importantly, our guide and driver/mechanic were extremely efficient, knowledgeable, helpful, and cheerful—they left us wanting for nothing! I highly recommend it.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 13
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ john turco
beyond expectations
our guide Mateo and his assistant Rojxan were amazing. Tour was like a fine tuned watch.
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★★★★★ Vicki Jones
Awesome trip!
Perfect way to experience Albania! The itinerary was a good mix of city and countryside. The scenery was beautiful and the people were super nice. The length of time on the bikes each day was perfect- starting out slow and ending with a bang. We were glad that we got e-bikes. We got a little exercise but able to enjoy every minute. The food was great- always fresh and local. Our guide Mateo was very attentive, informative and helpful. His fluent English made things easy. Roxhens, the van driver
was always attentive, making sure we had plenty of water and charged batteries. This was our first guided bike trip and we highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience Albania!- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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