Culture and Sun
From €1,395 per person — 2 sharing
9-Day Vlora Cycle: Explore Albania’s coast & culture. Gjirokaster, Himare and beaches.
9 days · 378 km · 4,760 m climbing · Challenging · From €1,395 pp
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
This is a challenging tour for experienced riders: 378 km and 4,760 m of climbing over 7 riding days, including the Llogara Pass. If you ride hills weekly, you are ready; if you are unsure, ask Jared — he will give you an honest answer before you book.
What does the €1,395 price include?
Guiding by Jared throughout, support van, 3–4-star hotels, park entrances and Tirana airport transfers. Meals are not included — you buy your own lunches and dinners; breakfast is included where the hotel includes it.
How does booking work?
Send an enquiry with your dates. Jared confirms availability personally, then a flat $250 per person deposit holds your place. No payment is taken before your dates are confirmed.
Why this tour is different: you are not buying a seat in a catalogue. The 9-Day Culture & Sun is guided start to finish by Jared Fontaine, the rider who lives on this coast and climbs Llogara as his home training ride. Groups stay small, the route runs Vlorë → Dhërmi → Himarë → Sarandë → Gjirokastër → Përmet → Vlorë, and Day 6 is a true rest day in Gjirokastër — castle, old town, and legs back for the ride home.
Culture and Sun Tour
Sun and Culture Road Cycling Tour: Vlora to Sarandë and Beyond
Overview:
This 9-day cycling tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Albania's southern coast. Starting in Vlora, you'll embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey that includes iconic climbs, picturesque villages, and historic sites.
Highlights:
Llogara Pass: Conquer this challenging climb, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Dhërmi and Himarë: Discover these charming coastal villages, known for their beautiful beaches and traditional architecture.
Sarandë: Explore this vibrant city, offering a mix of ancient history and modern amenities.
Gjirokastër: Immerse yourself in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its Ottoman architecture and castle.
Përmet: Relax in the rejuvenating thermal springs of this historic town.
Cycling Information:
Total Distance: 235 miles (378 kilometers)
Total Climbing: 15,615 feet (4,760 meters)
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty: Challenging, suitable for experienced cyclists.
Day 1: Arrival in Vlora (airport pickup from Tirana)
Day 2: Vlora to Dhërmi
Day 3: Dhërmi to Himarë
Day 4: Himarë to Sarandë
Day 5: Sarandë to Gjirokastër
Day 6: Gjirokastër rest day
Day 7: Gjirokastër to Përmet
Day 8: Përmet to Vlora
Day 9: Departure — we drop you at Tirana Airport, or wherever you want to go next.
Additional Information:
The tour includes accommodation and bike support.
Participants should be in good physical condition and have experience cycling in hilly terrain.
This is a challenging tour built for experienced riders. Not sure if it’s right for you? Ask Jared — he’ll give you an honest answer before you book.
Book your tour in advance, as spaces are limited.
This cycling tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Albania's southern coast. With its challenging climbs, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion, this tour is sure to create unforgettable memories. Meals are not included — guests buy their own lunches and dinners; breakfast is included only where the hotel itself includes it in the room rate.
What's included
8 nights in hand-picked 3–4-star hotels
Support van with driver, following the group
Guiding by Jared throughout
Tirana airport pickup on Day 1 and drop-off on Day 9
Your bike assembled on arrival
Entrance to parks on the route
What's not included
Meals — lunches and dinners are your own (breakfast is included only where the hotel itself includes it in the room rate)
Flights to and from Tirana
Travel and health insurance (strongly recommended)
Bike hire (available at extra cost — just ask when you enquire)
Personal expenses
Accommodation
After a long day in the saddle cycling you want a decent sleep. This is why we have hand picked the hotels you will stay at and they are all at least 3 star so that you will have a nice sleep to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the next day’s challenges.
We have the option for single rooms and double rooms. A few rooms will have a balcony.
Hotels
Day 1 Vlora: Hotel Duka
Day 2, Dhërmi: Hotel La Brisa
Day 3 Himare: Hotel Dhmira
Day 4 Sarande: Hotel Demi
Day 5 Gjirokastër: Hotel Argjiro
Day 6 Gjirokastër: Hotel Argjiro
Day 7 Permet — hotel confirmed at booking
Day 8 Vlora: Hotel Duka
Seamless Arrival & Vlora Exploration:
Airport pickup: We'll whisk you from Tirana Airport to your Vlora hotel (2–3 hours).
Bike assembly: Relax, we'll get your bike ready to roll.
Vlora highlights: Explore charming churches and pristine beaches on a scenic cycle.
Day 1
Day 2: Vlora to Dhërmi
Overview:
Today's ride is a challenging but rewarding ascent up the Llogara Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding countryside. The descent to Dhërmi is equally scenic, with winding roads and picturesque villages.
Route Highlights:
Llogara Pass: A steep, 1,027-meter climb with panoramic views of the Albanian coast.
Dhërmi: A charming coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and traditional architecture.
Cycling Information:
Distance: Approximately 50-60 kilometers
Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 meters
Terrain: Mostly uphill in the morning, followed by a long downhill descent.
Climb Details:
Llogara Pass:
Average gradient: 7-8%
Maximum gradient: 12%
Length: Approximately 15 kilometers
Difficulty: Challenging, but manageable with proper preparation.
Tips:
Pace yourself during the climb to avoid burning out.
Take advantage of the rest stops along the way to hydrate and enjoy the views.
Use a low gear to reduce strain on your legs.
Other Points of Interest:
Llogara National Park: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of this protected area.
Dhërmi Beach: Relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of this popular beach.
Dhërmi Castle: Visit the ruins of this medieval fortress overlooking the village.
Day 3: Dhërmi to Himarë
Overview:
Today's ride is a relatively easy coastal journey with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. You'll pass through picturesque villages, including the charming town of Vuno, and visit the historic Porto Palermo Castle.
Route Highlights:
Porto Palermo Castle: A Venetian fortress perched on a rocky peninsula.
Vuno: A charming coastal town with traditional stone houses and a beautiful beach.
Himarë: A vibrant coastal town with traditional stone houses and a stunning beach.
Cycling Information:
Distance: Approximately 16-17 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 358 m
Terrain: Mostly flat along the coast.
Points of Interest:
Porto Palermo Castle: Explore the castle's interior and enjoy the panoramic views.
Vuno: Visit the town's quaint streets, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, or relax on the beach.
Himarë Beach: Relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of this popular beach.
Himarë Castle: Visit the ruins of this ancient fortress overlooking the town.
Day 4: Himarë to Sarandë
Overview:
Today's ride is a relatively easy coastal journey with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. You'll pass through picturesque villages, including the charming town of Borsh, and visit the ancient city of Butrint.
Route Highlights:
Borsh: A charming coastal town with a long sandy beach.
Butrint National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins and diverse wildlife.
Sarandë: A vibrant coastal city with a beautiful promenade and lively nightlife.
Cycling Information:
Distance: Approximately 50-55 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 1,039 m
Terrain: Mostly flat along the coast.
Points of Interest:
Borsh: Enjoy a swim at the long sandy beach or explore the town's quaint streets.
Butrint National Park: Explore the ancient ruins of the city, including the amphitheater, basilica, and baptistery.
Sarandë: Visit the castle, promenade, or simply relax on the beach.
Day 5: Sarandë to Gjirokastër
Overview:
Today's ride is a challenging climb through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër, known for its Ottoman architecture and historic significance.
Route Highlights:
Mount Çika: A challenging climb with panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Gjirokastër: A UNESCO World Heritage city with well-preserved Ottoman architecture and a historic castle.
Cycling Information:
Distance: Approximately 60-65 kilometers
Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 meters
Terrain: Mostly uphill in the morning, followed by a downhill descent.
Points of Interest:
Mount Çika: Enjoy the panoramic views from the summit of this mountain.
Gjirokastër Castle: Explore the historic castle and its surrounding fortifications.
Old Bazaar: Wander through the charming streets of the old bazaar and shop for local handicrafts.
Ottoman Houses: Admire the beautiful architecture of these traditional houses.
Enver Hoxha Bunker: Visit this underground bunker, a relic of Albania's communist past.
Day 6: Gjirokastër Rest Day
A day off the bike to explore Gjirokastër on foot — wander the old town’s cobbled streets and visit Gjirokastër Castle. Your legs will thank you.
Day 7: Gjirokastër to Përmet
Overview:
Today's ride is a challenging climb through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You'll pass the historic town of Tepelena on the way to Përmet, famous for its natural thermal springs.
Route Highlights:
Tepelena: A historic town with thermal springs and Ottoman architecture.
Përmet: A charming town surrounded by mountains and rivers.
Cycling Information:
Distance: Approximately 60-65 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 312 m
Terrain: Mostly uphill in the morning, followed by a downhill descent.
Points of Interest:
Tepelena: Relax in the thermal springs, explore the town's historic center, and visit the Tepelena Castle.
Përmet: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Vjosë River and explore the town's traditional architecture.
Day 8: Përmet to Vlora
Overview:
Today's ride is a long but scenic journey through the Albanian countryside, offering stunning views of the Vjosë River and surrounding mountains.
Route Highlights:
Vjosë River: Enjoy the picturesque scenery of this beautiful river.
Cycling Information:
Distance: Approximately 129 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 874 m
Terrain: Mostly flat, with a 6 mile hill at the end
Points of Interest:
Vjosë River: Take a break to enjoy the scenery or swim in the river.
Day 9
We bid you Farewell:
Departure — we drop you at Tirana Airport, or wherever you want to go next.
From €1,395 per person (2 sharing) · $250 per person deposit to reserve
Full terms: Booking & Policies