Spend the first portion of the trip in North Macedonia, a country that claimed independence in 1991, and has a fascinating history beyond that. You’ll have a guided cycle tour of Skopje, the capital, and enjoy many traditional dinners with your group. Matka Canyon, a stunning region, lies close to Skopje, so you’ll ride from the city into the canyon with a break near Vrelo Cave for a boat exploration into the deepest underwater cave in Europe. Cycle within Mavrovo National Park to discover its pristine lakes and sweeping views of grassy, rocky hills around you. Your guide will keep you apprised of the religious and cultural relevance of all the sights you pass.

Once you head into Albania, you’ll notice a different kind of typical structure as you ride through the villages. Albania is a majority Muslim country, so rather than the churches you saw in North Macedonia, you’ll begin to notice the gorgeous domes of mosques and hear the call to prayer five times each day. The terrain in Albania varies as you move from the inland regions towards the coast. You’ll hit the largest lake in the Balkans and head north into Montenegro.

You spend the last few days of the tour in Montenegro near the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Ride along the Adriatic Highway to reach Kotor and revel in the beauty of one of the most scenic road sections of the tour. Wander the streets of Kotor on your last night, soaking up the Mediterranean-meets-medieval vibes of this seaside city.

This 10-day cycling tour includes a wide range of terrain and cultures—it’s jam-packed! If you want to experience cycling through mountains in North Macedonia, then riding along the coast in Albania and Montenegro, you’ve found your tour. Oh, and you can always top off each night with a shot of rakija, the local potent brandy distilled from fermented fruit.

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This tour starts and ends in Ohrid, North Macedonia. During the first half of the trip, you will become acquainted with Lake Ohrid, which straddles North Macedonia and Albania. Then you’ll traverse over to Lake Prespa. Ride around and between these two lakes, making several cultural stops to visit museums, monuments, and religious artifacts and compounds. Cycling around this region will open your mind to these unique countries that have only recently declared independence (Albania in 1912; North Macedonia in 1991), but the culture beyond their independence shines through. Your local guide is at your disposal if you have questions about the region.

You will learn about the history and traditions of North Macedonia and Albania, and witness why so much of this area is under national protection and conservation. The route will take you through Galichica National Park and Prespa National Park, guaranteeing the views from your bike will be of untouched and incredible wilderness. You ride through agricultural lands as well, and you’ll have the chance to engage with the farmers and learn about their local traditions and products.

If lakeside vistas, charming villages, and unique gastronomy and culture appeal to you, and you want this experience on a bike, consider this 8-day cycling tour of North Macedonia and Albania. A cycling tour is a fantastic way to explore this area of the Balkan Peninsula.

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Land in Tirana, Albania, to meet your hiking group and get acquainted with this multifaceted country. You’ll notice influences from a myriad of occupations from the Ottoman Empire to the more recent communist regime. For the first 3 days of the itinerary, you’ll be exploring Albania’s trails that lead to jagged peaks and through the mountains commonly referred to as the Albanian Alps or the Accursed Mountains. Dip into Montenegro for half a day to climb its highest peak and then cross the border back into Albania. In these areas, you’ll be hiking through alpine meadows and next to enormous jagged peaks, some of which may still be snow-capped.

Once you head into Kosovo, the adventure centres more around city tours and trails at lower elevations. Take a rest day to explore Prizren on your own, and have a locally-guided city tour in Pristina, the capital. Move into North Macedonia where your trail views will include more bodies of water as you walk around Lake Ohrid, and into Matka Canyon. When you visit the canyon, you’ll have an optional boat excursion to the deepest underwater cave in Europe. Wrap up the tour by discovering several North Macedonian villages, engaging with locals, and tasting traditional cuisine and drink.

Put your planning brain to rest and take this 11-day guided hiking tour through a few extraordinary Balkan countries.

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