Albania - North to South

Joanne & Simon Belton, Matamata, New Zealand

Can you think of a better way to meet a bunch of random people from anywhere in the world? This ride showed the great mountainous expanse of Albania, the contrasts within the country itself, and how far the country has advanced since the end of communism. Our guide Arjan was every passionate about his country and was never hesitant to share his views and information. Our support man Elvis was outstanding. Nothing was too much effort for him, and he was always there offering you water, a banana, packet of nuts, or chocolate bar whenever you were in need - it was like you were holding a sign with your order on it. 

Happy pedalling!

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.

Phillip Stapleton, Bognor Regis, England, UK

I've been on a good number of cycle tours and this one was right up there with the best. Albania is a fascinating mix of the traditional and the modern with history a plenty and scenery to die for. The people were so friendly and the occasional drivers that passed, so courteous. Our guide, Aryan was excellent working tirelessly to show us the best that Albania has to offer. My advice is to go there soon before too many other people discover this gem.

Kieran Kelleher, Kanturk, Ireland

Another excellent redpsokes tour which I would highly recommend. Albania is an great destination & a great way to see the countryside. Some preparation is needed beforehand for this tour as the initial part in the North is in the mountains & along with the terrific climb on the last day cycling, it is challenging but well worth it.

Bryan Crosland, Swansea, Wales

A thoroughly enjoyable and well organised trip, with great company, excellent food, and brilliant guides Arjan and Juli. This is another great trip in the redspokes itinerary.

Claire Waddington, Crawley, Australia

Had another great redspokes holiday - thank you!

Michael Heath, Nuneaton, England, UK

Absolutely superb trip and my eyes were really opened to this stunning country. I took a lot of convincing to travel here, but I'm so glad I did make the effort. Friendly people, great food, great cycling on safe roads and a good standard of hotel all around. Put this country on your bucket list before it becomes discovered properly by the tourists.

Greg Challis, Sheffield, England, UK

This was a great trip with thoughtful support from our guides Arjan and Julian. Albania is wonderful place to cycle. The mountains are remote and beautiful, the people incredibly friendly and the history and heritage fascinating.

Steve Trudgeon & Anne Scaife, Harrogate, England, UK

We really enjoyed the Albania tour with its challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. The guides love of their own country was inspiring. They could not do enough for us. The route and scenery were outstanding. The accommodation was all of a very good standard, allowing us to recover in comfort from each day's efforts. We would highly recommend this trip.

Malcolm Thoms, Fife, Scotland

Albania: great holiday and people, excellent food and guide!

Karine, London, England, UK

I felt a bit out of range when I first arrived on this tour as the average participant age was higher than mine. However I had a lot of fun on this tour!!!! The cycling part was excellent. Really well organised and a paradise for cyclists. Arjan was helpful to guide us and give us information on the country. July went above his duties to make sure everybody was having a good time. A fantastic experience overall :)

Sarah Meldrum & Jeremy Bolton, Edinburgh, Scotland

Great trip exploring a new country. A nice mix of hard cycling with some easier days and some great swimming opportunities to relax.