Albanian Alps Bike/Trek 2006
Come bike and trek with us for ten days from July 1 through July 10, 2006.
Trip Narrative
Day 1. Tirana is a growing, bustling, city with all amenities. The National Museum is a great way to
acquire an understanding of the Albanian people. There is a huge park immediately adjacent to the city,
where it is possible to hike or bike.
Day 2. Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti) is THE national hero of Albanians. After training by the Ottoman Turks to be a military leader and administrator, he returned to Albania and held off those same Turks for twenty years when they invaded Albania. We will visit his home in Kruje, a museum village and then stop at his monument in Lezhe, located on the site of an old monastery. Both sites are very moving.
We will then go north to Albania’s second largest city, Shkoder, where we will visit the ancient site of Rozafa’s castle, including its museum. We can bike or ride in the minibus. This city of 70,000 has all amenities, including internet cafés and many, many restaurants and night spots. We will stay in the Rozafa Tourist Hotel. For an additional charge, the Coloseo Hotel is available.
Day 3. We travel via minibus to Koman, board a ferry for one of the most dramatic boat rides in the world, through the Drin River gorge with its 2,000 foot limestone cliffs. At the upper end of this ride, we will overnight in Bajram Curri, a small city with Muslim history, spending the night in a hotel.
Day 4. The mountains begin, with a trip up the Valbona River, arguably the most beautiful river in Albania. We can either ride mountain bikes or ride in the minibus, or combine the two. At Rrogam, a tiny village at the head of the valley, we will spend the night with local families.
Day 5. The mountains are all around us, and we will trek over a high pass to Theth. This route is stunning, providing views of the Albanian Alps all around us, including Jezercy, the tallest mountain in the Balkans. We will stay with families in Theth. ownhills on the road than can be biked. Those who just wish to view the scenery could also ride the minibus. Overnight in the hotel in Qafe Bordolic
Day 6. Spending the day in Theth, we have several options; biking the Shala River Valley; biking or with
the minibus over the pass to Boga and back; trekking in the mountains; or just relaxing, enjoying this
awesome mountain valley and its people. A second night with a family in Theth.
Day 7. A trek over the next pass to Qafe Bordolic takes a full day. Non-trekkers could choose to accompany the minibus as it travels from Theth to Qafe Bordolic, a full day’s drive. There are several long downhills on the road than can be biked. Those who just wish to view the scenery could also ride the minibus. Overnight in the hotel in Qafe Bordolic.
Day 8. From Qafe Bordolic down the Cemi River Valley is one of my great rides. The valley is a gash through the limestone Alps, with crystal clear water containing trout. Hardcore riders will pump out of the valley to Rapsh and scream downhill to Hoti. Less aggressive members can ride in the minibus, perhaps stopping for a swim in the river. We will overnight in Shkoder, back at the Rozafa.
Day 9. There are some great backroads near Shkoder that allow us to get a good look at rural, but not mountainous villages and farming. There are also some more extreme routes for the hardcore. For the casual, Shkoder has internet cafes, lots of restaurants, a nice university. Late in the afternoon, we will travel back to Tirana and overnight in a hotel there.
Day 10. Around Tirana and Depart. Depending upon departure time, more touring is possible in Tirana, including a trip to the ancient city of Durres.