Arrival in Tirana and transfer from the airport to the hotel, where you will be greeted by our bike guide. Initial introductions, relaxed dinner, and a briefing on the upcoming days.

We start directly from the capital, Tirana, on whose outskirts we are immediately immersed in a completely different, rural world: Welcome to Albania, a land of contrasts! Passing rolling hills, lush meadows, small lakes, and sleepy villages, we cycle on this first day to the historically important city of Kruja, once the fortress of the Albanian national hero and spectacularly situated in the mountains – the approach to the city involves passing steep rock faces. We spend the night and dine at the best hotel in the area ("Panorama"), with good food, comfort, and a fantastic view.

Today we climb from Kruja up into the mountains on a spectacular and practically traffic-free asphalt road. The highest point of the day is the Shtame Pass, nestled in the shade amidst pine forests and part of a national park. Here begins the authentic world of central Albania, far from the tourist crowds, but brimming with tradition and proverbial hospitality. A 20 km descent on wild dirt roads, built a hundred years ago by the Italians and now what nature has left of them, takes us down to the small town of Burrel and the Mat River. For the final leg of the day, you have the choice between a gentle descent or an extra 15 km with some beautiful trails – including a few singletracks! We'll have dinner and spend the night in a small, family-run hotel in the town of Burrel ("Vila Bruci").

We begin the day with a short transfer that takes us halfway up the mountainous region between Mat and Diber. Soon we're biking up dirt tracks to a high plateau seemingly untouched by time: old stone houses, horses plowing the fields, hardly any vehicles – and friendly people everywhere. Another fantastic and long descent takes us down to the Drin River, from where a shuttle takes us to Peshkopi, our destination for the day. We'll spend the night again in the town's best hotel.

After three days of biking and two more ahead, we're treating ourselves to a relaxing day today. We're in the rural town of Peshkopi, near the Macedonian border, and we'll explore this lively place with a morning stroll. After lunch at a working-class restaurant serving home-style cooking – not exactly your typical tourist spot – we'll take a short bike ride to the village of Rabdisht, where we'll spend the night in a beautiful guesthouse (Guesthouse Sabriu). We're now in one of Albania's most traditional villages, with houses built entirely of stone – another walk is a great option for those interested.

Today begins with an asphalt section through the region's cherry orchards, before we cross the Drin River again and descend into a secluded mountain valley via dirt roads. The route takes us past one of Albania's most traditional villages, with fences woven from branches, livestock grazing in the lanes, and the local children looking quite astonished by us bikers. We earn the highest point and the subsequent descent past alpine huts with a short push – a chance to use our other muscles for once. Our overnight stay is a truly memorable experience: we are guests of the Hupi family in their ancient fortified house, where simple conditions are compensated for by warmth and authenticity. The sister is a wonderful cook, the son entertains us enthusiastically – and we are immersed in Albanian life. Overnight stay at the "Bulqiza Traditional Guesthouse".

Today, our final day, is a relaxed drive – mostly downhill – along a fantastic asphalt road with sweeping views from Bulqize down to Klos. Pure enjoyment and pride in our accomplishments of the past few days! A bus transfer then takes us from Klos back to the capital, Tirana, in about two hours. We celebrate our week together with a farewell dinner at a delicious seafood restaurant. A week full of lasting impressions – from this surprisingly positive Albania, brimming with adventure, unspoiled nature, and friendly people.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Upon request, we would be happy to arrange an additional week at one of Albania's beautiful beaches.