Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro

990.00

A breathtaking three-country journey rich in stunning views and unforgettable roads. This adventure offers a chance to explore incredible places, enjoy the early summer in the mountains, and cover scenic kilometers through unique landscapes. Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro will reveal some of their treasures to us.

If you love cycling, mountains, and challenges, you are warmly welcome to join our group of travelers. In 2024, a group of 10 cycling enthusiasts completed this route and declared it one of the most beautiful. That’s why this experience will also be offered in 2025 – a true delight for cycling enthusiasts.

Category:
 

Description

Time: September 7-14, 2025
Trip duration: 8 days (5 working days)

We will continue to explore the stunning Balkan countries. This time, mainly Albania with its famous mountain roads and the beautiful Albanian Alps. We will also visit Kosovo to see part of Europe’s newest country and enjoy the benefits of Montenegro. I am offering an unforgettable cycling trip through Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Yes, three countries in one trip, countless mountain serpentines, mountain passes, gorges, and historic cities. During the trip, we will visit the southernmost fjord – Kotor Bay, Valbona Valley National Park with the best views of the Albanian Alps, the stunning Rrapsh serpentine, and Skadar Lake. In total, approximately 700 km of a vacation in the mountains.


How difficult will it be?

The difficulty level of the trip is intended for experienced riders.

Informative article about how Velomens trips take place.

During the seven cycling days, we will cover approximately 700 km, with daily distances ranging from 90 to 130 km. Riding will mostly be on paved roads. The daily distance is not very long, but remember that most riding will be in the mountains, which will create additional challenges. The highest mountain pass reaches 1800 m above sea level. On the longest days, over 2000 meters of elevation gain will be covered. If you’ve cycled at least 120 kilometers in mountainous terrain in one day, this trip is perfect for you!


What to pack and who carries it?

Pack so lightly that carrying it yourself will not be an issue. Each participant will need a very small bike bag of 7 to 10 liters to store all the necessary items. Remember, we will sleep in apartments, do laundry, and ride through populated areas – food will be readily available in the towns.

Actually, there are very few items you’ll need to bring along.

Weather conditions

Late summer in the Balkans with still hot weather on the coast and pleasant conditions in the mountains. The expected air temperature during this time will range from +18°C in the mountains to +33°C on the coast and lowlands. Most importantly, there is a low chance of precipitation during this period. A perfect time for a cycling trip.


Roads?

We will ride on beautiful roads with generally low traffic intensity. At least 90% will be paved roads of medium/good quality. Only a small portion will be gravel roads, but even these will be manageable with a road bike.

 

Trip program

September 7

Riga – Tivat

05:45 Meeting at Riga airport. 07:10 – 08:50 direct flight Riga – Tivat.
1 km to the apartments, where we will prepare bicycles for the trip and leave bike boxes.
Today’s route is a 67 km ride from Tivat to Skadar Lake. We will pass through the famous Budva resort before reaching the mountains, this time only up to an elevation of 300 meters. However, the first day already includes approximately 1400 meters of elevation gain.
Overnight in apartments near the lake.

September 8

Montenegro/Albania

A 128 km ride to the town of Puke in the Albanian mountains. We will cross the border, visit the city of Shkodra, and then head into the wild Albanian mountains via smaller mountain roads. Today, we will climb to an elevation of 900 meters.
Overnight near Puke.

September 9

Albania

A 128 km ride along mountain roads to Valbona Valley National Park, offering the best views of the Albanian Alps, which truly resemble the Dolomites of Italy. The Valbona Valley is situated at an altitude of 1000 meters.
Overnight at a guesthouse in the Valbona Valley.

September 10

Albania/Kosovo

A relaxed start to the day in Valbona Valley. This day involves only an 80 km ride, mostly downhill. We will cross the border to cover part of the route in Kosovo.
Overnight in Peja, Kosovo.

September 11

Kosovo/Montenegro

We will start the day by conquering the highest mountain pass of the trip, climbing to an elevation of 1800 meters and crossing the border back into Montenegro. In total, a 127 km ride on mountain roads with 2600 meters of elevation gain.
Overnight near Gusinje, Montenegro.

September 12

Albania/Montenegro

A 95 km ride, mostly through Albania, once again enjoying the Albanian Alps and breathtaking mountain serpentines. We will also see and ride one of Albania’s most famous mountain roads – the Rrapsh serpentine.
In the afternoon, we will cross the border back into Montenegro to stay in its capital city.

September 13

Montenegro

A 115 km ride back to the starting point near Tivat Airport. The journey to Kotor Bay will not be boring, as we will sample some of Montenegro’s most beautiful mountains and enjoy the fjord of Kotor Bay from the best viewpoint.
In the evening, we will prepare bicycles for the flight and rest after a long week.
Overnight in apartments where we initially left our bike boxes.

September 14

Tivat – Riga

07:00 Departure to the airport.
09:30 – 13:10 direct flight to Riga.

Accommodation

All nights during the trip will be spent in accommodations with all amenities. Mostly holiday homes, apartments, and hotels rated 2-3 stars. Accommodations are selected with the highest possible Booking.com ratings, considering location as well.
Living arrangements: 2 to 3 people per room.
All accommodations will provide bed linen and towels, so there’s no need to worry about that.

Food

In some accommodations, it will be possible to have dinner and breakfast for an additional fee. During the day, we will visit stores and eateries along the way.


Cycling group

The trip will be made with a group of 8 cyclists. The trip will be led by Krišjānis Ratiniks, who has led several trips in the Balkans.


Necessary items and equipment:

  • Gravel/road bike;
  • helmet;
  • cycling clothes;
  • light everyday clothing;
  • Small 7-10 liter bike bag.

Trip price: 990 EUR

Included in the price:

  • Air tickets for the direct flight Riga – Tivat – Riga;
  • 25 kg bicycle transport on the plane;
  • 23 kg checked baggage;
  • 8 kg hand luggage;
  • All accommodations during the trip;
  • Planned routes for each day and GPX files;
  • Assistance and consultation in case of technical issues;
  • Trip organization and guidance;
  • Great photos during the trip.

Not included in the price:

  • Meals;
  • Health insurance.

Insurance

After booking the trip, I recommend purchasing travel insurance (from Swedbank or another reliable insurance company) to cover risks that may prevent participation in the trip and ensure peace of mind during the trip itself.

If you have any questions, write to me:

  • Velomens@gmail.com
  • +371 28-37-33-29

 

Additional information

Samaksas veids

Full price, only reservation