Arrive in Tirana to meet at the hotel at 18:00
Albania has a fascinating history. In modern times. Following the fall of the communist regime in 1990 the country which previously had little external exposure has rapidly modernised. Today we can visit communist tunnels, a large public square and modern architecture. For those that have brought your bikes it is a chance to reassemble them.
The city of Shkodër is one of the oldest cities of Albania, with a history of thousands of years. Shkodra is the capital of Northern Albania. Explore historic sites like Rozafa Castle, visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere and affordable food.
We start our cycling journey through the flatlands of Northern Albania, passing through Koplik and Ivanaj. We then climb the beautiful Serpentine Road as it switch backs its way through the mountains. We descend to Tamare, at 235 metres; a regional centre for local agriculture.
Crossing into Montenegro, we’ll feel the change in landscape and atmosphere as we approach the picturesque mountain town of Plav, nestled beside its serene lake.
Leaving the peaceful lakeside town of Plav, we start cycling through Montenegro’s rugged mountain interior. The route follows scenic roads that wind through alpine valleys, pine forests, and small traditional villages, offering constant views of dramatic peaks and pristine countryside. This is one of the most beautiful and rewarding rides of the tour, with a mix of steady climbs and thrilling descents along quiet mountain roads.
We start with a short 20 minute transfer to Okuka. Today’s stage takes us from the alpine town of Kolašin deep into the Durmitor National Park region, home to Montenegro’s highest peaks and most dramatic scenery. The route climbs steadily through dense pine forests, open mountain plateaus, and remote highland villages. We’ll cycle along quiet, winding roads with breathtaking views and experience the raw wilderness that makes this area so special. Arrive in Žabljak, Montenegro’s highest town and gateway to Durmitor, where we can relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Leaving the high mountain town of Žabljak, today’s ride takes us on one of the most spectacular cycling routes in Montenegro. The journey begins with a scenic ride through Durmitor National Park, where towering peaks, deep canyons, and alpine meadows unfold at every turn. We’ll follow quiet mountain roads across the Durmitor plateau before beginning an impressive descent toward Plužine, set beside the emerald waters of Piva Lake.
We continue to the west of Durmitor National Park to finish the day descending to Niksic, Montenegros second largest city with a population of 66000
We continue through the mountains heading for the Adriatic coast, our destination, Cetinje. Founded in 1482, it is the honorary capital of Montenegro due to its heritage as a long-serving former capital. (Picture - By Koroner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4705186)
We head through Lovcen National Park to finish the day on the Adriatic coast at Kotor
Rest day in Kotor, relax and recover after the mountain stages. Wander through the charming old town, explore its Venetian walls and narrow cobbled streets, or simply unwind by the sea.
A lovely steady morning to say farewell to Montenegro to re-enter Albania before a transfer back to Tirana.
The tour finishes after breakfast at 09:00
Land Only - £1850
A deposit of £350 per person is payable upon booking, with the final balance of £1500 per person to be paid by 6th February 2027 (12 weeks before departure)
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
Before 8th February 2027
£350 (deposit)
8th February 2027 through to departure
£1500 (full amount)
Complete the online booking form. It is also very helpful to email neil at neilwheadon1@gmail.com when you book
The price of £1850 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 8 people taking part in the holiday and is calculated at a rate of Euro 1.16 to £1 Sterling (based on exchange rates published https://www.xe.com on Wednesday 02nd September 2026; please note Booking Conditions). If there are insufficient bookings by Monday 08th February 2027, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
This Holiday is classed as Moderate Energetic. However don't forget that there is always a back up vehicle to support you. The terrain varies between flat and hilly with farmland, pastureland, valleys and mountain views to enjoy. We will be travelling through the Northern part of Albania and Montenegro.
The tour starts at our first night hotel in Tirana, and finishes at Tirana International airport (Nënë Tereza)
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. It is very important that you note that neither your Tour Manager 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 time for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses you may incur in order to meet up with the tour group. Before finalising travel arrangements, you should ensure that the tour is definitely going ahead.
Should there be insufficient bookings or pandemic travel restrictions are re-imposed, we reserve the right to cancel the tour at any time. It is therefore recommended that you book fully flexible and refundable transport and accommodation or wait until you have been told the tour will go ahead. In the event of the tour being cancelled we will not be responsible for any losses incurred outside what you pay us.
The holiday ends at our final hotel in Tirana.
On several days, there will be a need to transfer bikes to the start or from the finish and this is included.
We will use WhatsApp to communicate details like café stops, meal arrangements, places of interest and any emergencies on route. Ideally everyone will bring a smart phone and be happy to be included in the group.
If you are unable to join the WhatsApp group I and the back up guide will make every reasonable effort to stay in touch.
The maximum number of participants will be 15 including the Tour Manager.
For our holiday we will stay in hotels that are a good standard.
Rooms are en-suite and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. If you are a single person and wish to not share a twin room, please indicate this on the booking form and pay the supplement. Prices are based on two people sharing a room.
When booking with a partner, the default position is to supply a double bed. However if you would prefer to sleep in twin beds please tell the Tour Organiser and I will do my best to provide this. In some cases twin beds are normally provided.
Only a few single rooms are available. Please note single rooms can be of a lower standard than twin or double rooms even though they may incur a supplement.
Breakfasts will be provided throughout the tour. On the cycling days breakfast and lunch will be provided for us. Six dinners are provided. We will frequently be travelling through rural areas and will stop at cafes during the rides whenever possible but you should buy and carry sufficient food and drink in case of emergencies.
Check which meals are provided in the Payment Schedule and ensure you have access to sufficient monies to cover any meals you will need to buy.
Check that you have informed the Tour Manager of any dietary requirements in your Booking Form. Please remember to pack any medications that you need to take regularly.
Health – please check the current Foreign Office advice
For Albania: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania
For Montenegro: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro
In particular note; to enter Albania, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Cycle hire is included in the tour price. You are advised to bring your own helmet, pedals, shoes, gloves, eye protection and cycle clothing: A medium sized Ortlieb pannier is provided.
Allocation of individual bikes with correct frame sizes will take place closer to the tour departure date.
Tool kits, pumps and mechanical assistance will be provided. Helmets are advised, though are not mandatory; if you do not intend to wear one, please check that your insurance will cover you in the event of a claim.
You are very welcome to bring your own bike. A touring cycle, hybrid, tandem, recumbent or lightweight road bike would all be suitable for this holiday, since we will endeavour to avoid tracks if possible. You should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low bottom gear (eg. small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended; if unsure about gears, please talk to the Bikexplore Organiser about them. Mudguards are optional but demonstrate respect to those who are following you in wet weather. Lights are recommended in the very unlikely event of arriving back late and useful if walking outdoors at night. A bell is advised and bring a bike lock for security. Water bottles are required to ensure you are hydrated at all times.
You will not need to carry luggage, but a rack-top pack or bar bag will be useful for carrying wet weather gear, spare clothing needed for the day, camera, emergency rations and a map.
The holiday is for 14 days and has 9 cycling days. This is a moving on holiday staying in a different location on most nights.
There will be a driver, van and bike trailer on this tour. This can be used at any stage should you wish to not cycle a section. The trailer is a bespoke design and designed to carry bicycles. If you do bring your own bike every care will be taken in its transportation but ultimately it is your own responsibility.
Most of the roads are minor and used by rural/tourist traffic and will be hilly in parts. We may need to use some busier roads at times, but avoid them as much as possible. Most of each cycling day may be spent cycling. People will be expected to ride at their own pace and often in loose groups, at around 10-12 mph on the flat, slower up hills, usually meeting up at cafes for lunch and refreshment breaks. You will be notified of the two or three available or recommended refreshment stops each day.
It is expected that you may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore, this is okay. You are on holiday.
It is essential to get out on your bike and do some 60km rides before the tour starts.
There may be steep descents too, so you should be able to negotiate these safely.
Please note it may not always be possible to follow the itinerary exactly due to road works or weather etc, as things do not always go as planned. In these circumstances, you will be advised of alternative arrangements.
The Leader will not always be at the front of the group but may be anywhere within it, as circumstances require, so you will need to be aware of the route and likely stopping places each day.
The dates for this tour have been deliberately chosen to avoid the summer heat of the Balkans where temperatures have been rising. The average temperature in May is 19 degrees (13-24 average) Rainfall tends to fall as showers and is sporadic. Humidity averages 66%.
Clothing, suitable for a range of temperatures is needed and possibly smarter, warmer clothing for the evenings. Waterproofs/windproofs may be needed. Sun cream, lip balm and sun glasses are recommended along with insect repellant and bite cream. The best protection from the sun is to cover up. Daytime temperatures are likely to be cooler in the hills - and there should be little or no rain (best to bring a light rain jacket just in case). You may need a windproof/thermal for evenings and for early morning descents from hill stations as it can feel cool.
Culture– please check current Foreign Office advice
For Albania: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania/safety-and-security.
For Montenegro: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro/safety-and-security
A gpx, of each day’s route will be provided before the start of the tour.
I will also supply a tour booklet that describes each day with maps and places of interest along the way. If you are running a GPS device, I would recommend acquiring a local map of the area. I can provide one for you for Garmin devices
For UK nationals traveling abroad, travel insurance is essential. Please check if your insurer has requirements for cyclists eg wearing a helmet.
Current Covid and Influenza vaccinations are recommended for participants of 75 years of age and over and those deemed medically vulnerable.
It is recommended that you are vaccinated against hepatitis A and tetanus. You should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice for travelers.
See https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/2/albania#Vaccine_Recommendations and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/2/montenegro#Vaccine_Recommendations
UK citizens must hold a passport that is still valid for at least three months at the end of the tour and have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter Montenegro.
Holders of non-UK passports are advised to check whether they require a visa.
You can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, for tourism or business.
Montenegro is not part of the Schengen area. Visits to Montenegro do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area
The local currency in Albania is the Lek. If you wish to take a secondary currency, the Euro is the currency of choice.
The local currency in Montenegro is the euro.
Tipping in Montenegro is not mandatory, but it is a common and appreciated gesture, especially for good service. A standard tip is between 10% and 20% in restaurants, though rounding up the bill is also a common practice. It's best to pay tips in cash directly to the staff member, as a service charge may not always be included on the bill, and tips left on a card might not be received by the employee.
our Manager: Neil Wheadon.
Email :- neilwheadon1@gmail.com
Mobile 07577 701230 – Email contact is preferred
I have led over 80 tours for CTC Holidays and now Bikexplore to many countries all over the world
Hybrid Bikes
Giant Roam
SIZE : 43 CM – 58.6 CM
SHIMANO DEORE 30 SPEED
LOCKOUT SUSPENSION
M447 HYDRAULIC DISCBRAKES
SCHWALBE MARATHON TIRES
700 C WHEELS
RACK FOR PANNIER
EBike
Giant Explore E+ with Yamaha motor and 500 W batteries capable of covering 100 km on a single charge.
SIZE : 43 CM – 59 CM
SHIMANO 10 SPEED
LED LIGHTS
Back up vehicle and trailer
This tour comes with the support of a dedicated van and trailer, operated by one of our multilingual guides. Our vans accommodate up to 7 riders along with all the group’s luggage, ensuring comfort and convenience. The lightweight trailers, custom-built for us in Austria, can transport up to 24 bikes, providing ample space and efficiency for our gear