Albania - North to South

Steve & Kathy Riegel, Rochester, NY, USA

Arjan and Tani are among the best guides and support we have ever experienced. They greatly helped our understanding of Albania and its history, and ensured every one of us had a deeply satisfying time. In addition to spectacular riding, the tour packed an amazing amount of cultural experiences into the days. We were thoroughly immersed in Albania, and are certain the country will do well based on the strong, warm-hearted people there. They really know how to cook! Best food ever.

Mark & Clare Elsegood, Glossop, UK

As experienced cycle tourists, but having never been on an organised group tour , would we do another group tour? - would we use redspokes? -would we recommend Albania? The short answer to all is yes , we would.

We came away with very positive feelings about it all. We are already considering another tour with redspokes next year . We may have been fortunate in that the group was populated with like minded, interesting and capable people and the Guide and driver were first class. The accommodation was better than expected with plenty of idiosyncrasies- this is Albania afterall. They added to the fun rather than caused real inconvenience. The food was a revelation - plentiful , fresh and tasty with a local bias as hoped.  Arjan and Tuani ( sp?) were great ambassadors for their country.

Albania itself was different but not as alien as we may have anticipated and we never felt threatened or particularly uncomfortable and had  a thoroughly enjoyable experience that we are keen to repeat.

Andrew Wiggans, Rochdale, England, UK

Becky & John Layton, San Francisco, USA

Our 4th redspokes tour and one of the best! The landscapes were positively gorgeous - dramatic mountains, brilliant lakes and rivers, colourful wildflowers, lush farmlands and jaw dropping coastlines. The first few days through the Albanian Alps were challenging, but a highlight of our trip and also the rest day at Ohrid was perfectly timed. The food was fresh, tasty, and plentiful at every meal. Our guide Arjan was fun, lively and had deep knowledge of the area and the road conditions. Albania's recent communist history and older Ottoman/Roman influences were fascinating.

We highly recommend this trip!

Eric Tofflemire, California, United States

Arjan was wonderful! Near the top of a 10k climb, at about 12% near the top, he was singing to us as we rode! He was a wellspring of local knowledge and history. My only question about the food is, how did I actually GAIN weight? Seriously, it was fresh, fabulous, and plentiful!

I can't say enough about the support. Tony (sp?) was a tremendous help. Many of us brought our own bikes, which he always kept cleaned, maintained, and safe throughout the trip. My bike arrived home in better shape than when I left! Thank You!

Fernanda Strang, São Paulo, Brazil

The best way of getting to know a country. Perfect! You can cover so many different places in a speed that allows you to experience the local atmosphere in a unique way. Guides and staff were great making the trip goes smooth. Beautiful landscape, impressive mountains. The food was so fresh and surprising in the best way. Absolutely recommend this trip and redspokes.

Linda Hoff, Malmo, Sweden

This is a fantastic trip around a fascinating and beautiful country. The mountains are impressive, the coastline stuning and the people very friendly and helpfull. Our guide and driver were an excellent team and very good amassadors for Albania.

Michael Litchfield, Emerald, Australia

A unique combination of great cycling, great accommodation and amazing food the best of any tour I have been on ! Arjan's passion for his country shone through by providing great insight into Albania's dark past.. Both he and Juli worked tirelessly to ensure we had a fantastic trip. Highly recommend.

Bruce Irving, Norwich, England, UK

Both guides are proud of their country and keen to show us everything. They were tremendous fun. We stayed in fanatastic places ranging from downtown Las Vagas, to super cool luxury and a farm stay cabin. All beach hotels were actually by the beach, perfect for a swim. The food was really superb and so healthy. Excellent Macedonian wine. Albania was well above my expectations I did almost everything I could but left without eating a goats head, so I will have to go back!

Kevin Thomasson, Poole, England, UK

Another great redspokes trip. I didn't know what to expect from post communist Albania. I was pleasantly surprised. A beautiful, lively, modern and very friendly country. Our guides Aryan and Juli did a great job looking after us in a friendly amusing and professional manner. redspokes rate it 6/10 more like 7/10. The scenery is varied ranging from stunning mountains to vivid blue seas. Excellent food and good local beers to rehydrate you at the end of the day.