Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling amidst spectacular scenery redolent of Middle Earth in a time of innocence.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Poor. He did what he had to and no more. He kept a distance from the group, erecting an impenetrable wall comprising his mobile phone and an attitude that clearly communicated that it would be best for us if we didn't trouble him by talking to him more than absolutely necessary. He had no contact with me throughout the trip, and I felt too intimidated to dare to ask him any of the many questions I had about his wonderful country. I have been on many other Exodus trips on which the leader become a friend, adviser, support and encouragement - and all-around hero.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that they get an Albania guide who truly loves their job - most of the Exodus guides I've encountered have given their hearts and souls to the execution of their duties.

Suggestions

I hope the gentleman in question can be persuaded to give more time to his paying guests and less time to his mobile phone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the last and most challenging day and enjoying the camaraderie of the group. We had lots of fun and laughs! Really enjoyed the afternoon at the hot springs as well, incredible setting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis and Tani were both exceptional. Very supportive, knowledgeable, helpful and above all fantastic at their job! Very impressed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go! But get in some training before you go, ideally a few hills so you are saddle ready.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement of cycling up the ascents and the beautiful views all the way up and from the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis (Rizvanolli) was a phenomenal leader. He had the perfect balance of being caring and being chilled. I think he is one of life's genuinely really lovely human beings. What an asset he is to Exodus and a fantastic ambassador for his country which he clearly loves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took my own pedals and cleats which I think in hindsight was a mistake. The bikes provided aren't road bikes, they're hybrid bikes by necessity and I fund my chain sometimes came off unexpectedly, so its a bit dangerous when you're clipped in as you could fall before you can release your feet. I changed the pedals back to clipless after a bit and found this a much better and safer arrangement. Also take layers as it can get chilly as you climb. Take a few energy gels or bars as I got a bit hungry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing just how beautiful Albania is on so many levels. I felt honoured to have been able to get a glimpse of a country that has just opened its doors to the outside world. Everything from my perspective looked unspoilt and natural. People were really friendly and cheered us on along our journey.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was an amazing group leader and had a lot of work to do making sure we were all OK. I loved the way he spent time explaining things and helped me to understand the history of Albania from his own perspective and how it had affected his upbringing. Both him and our driver were really supportive and helpful at all times making sure we were OK, had enough to drink and kept us entertained especially when we or rather I struggled up some of those continuous hills that never seemed to end.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go as soon as you get the opportunity. Make sure you have a good pair(s) of shorts as you will be in the saddle for a long time. I brought a pair for each day of cycling and was happy they were well padded as I really needed them to be for the sake of my sanity!!!

Suggestions

The food was lovely and varied. I don't eat meat or fish but found that each meal we ate was cooked differently and there was not a lack of variety. Lots of meals were shared so we all just dug in and ate what we wanted from what was on offer. The plates kept coming out laden with tasty dishes. The chips I think were the best I have tasted even better than our UK ones!

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding the pass on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis(the leader) and Tani(driver) were fabulous, taking care of every detail for us before we even knew it had to be taken care of. They even managed a complete bike change one night for one member of the group without them noticing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go now. Don't hesitate.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to choose one, but maybe getting to the top of that looong climb on the last day. I also really appreciated the history and cultural info that Erlis imparted to us throughout the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was an amazing group leader! I had put in place a lot of structures that made our trip as easy and smooth as it could have been. He shared a lot of history and cultural information that really enhanced our travels and understanding of Albania. He was kind and patient and funny, and the trip would not have been as incredible without him at the helm. Tani, our driver/mechanic/snack procurer/hydrator was also an integral part of the group. He was incredibly thoughtful and accommodating, and anticipated needs we didn't even know we'd have.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip! The trip notes and packing list covered everything very thoroughly.

Suggestions

The trip was very well run, and truly excellent. I cannot say enough about how great Erlis and Tani are - they really made this trip this wonderful. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who can handle some challenging cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Llogara pass was one of the most powerful moments of the trip. The climb itself is not too hard - it is long and steady - but the hills on the way to the pass make the climb more challenging.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Erlis Rizvanolli. Erlis was incredibly trusting towards us from the word go: Every day we got a map with a description as part of our briefing which was a nice detail which I have not seen on other cycling tours. Erlis let us ride at our own pace and we would re-group at regular intervals and he did not feel the need to control us and always be in the lead - I really appreciated the freedom to ride how I chose, this is not something I have experienced on other Exodus cycling tours and it made this trip stand out from the others. Due to the meze (sharing) approach to eating, Erlis would pay for every meal and trusted us to record the cost of our food and drink and did not take any money from us until the end of the holiday. Erlis was well organized and the tour ran slick. Erlis went the extra mile to ensure we had a fantastic holiday and even got in the kitchen on the final morning to make our breakfast because the chef was hospitalized in a vehicle accident on his way to work.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Albania is not flat - be prepared to cycle up some hills. The Albanians also love cheese, there is usually one cheese dish per meal (sometimes two) but there was an abundance of food so if you are lactose intolerant do not worry!

Suggestions

Our support driver, Tani Kurti, was instrumental to the smooth operation of the cycle tour. Tani is a kind and patient soul, who looked after the back of the group and ensured no-one was left behind. Not only was Tani a careful and considerate driver, but he did whatever was needed to look after the group: he was our bike mechanic, driver, first-aider, waiter, group photographer and he always made sure we were well fed and hydrated whilst cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it up the Llogara Pass which was hot, very hilly but well worth it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erlis was fantastic. Very easy going, knowledgeable about the history of Albania and nothing was too much trouble for him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hill practice before coming, as the first day starts with some tough hills. Visit now before word gets out about how fabulous Albania and its people are.

Suggestions

Brilliant holiday - book it now and make sure you try the raki when you get there!

Most Inspirational Moment

Roman city of Butrint.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great service by our group leader Dimitri especially in managing and organising the coffee stops, lunches and evening meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you try the Iced coffee in cans. Lunches were lovely but maybe too much for lunchtime whilst cycling, show self restraint!

Suggestions

Exodus and Cycling Albania (local company) delivered another excellent cycling trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Alberian people were kind and generous. All interactions we had were totally positive. We felt welcomed everywhere we went. Both mountain and coastal areas were wonderful, very different in architecture, scenery and culture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dmitry was totally professional. Nothing was overlooked. He was very well prepared, kind, humerous and tireless. Our driver was on the ball with roadside bike adjustments, helping with baggage and a fabulous in- vehicle Playlist. His energy level was impressive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train,train, train. You will be glad you did. If in doubt of your desire to cycle like a fiend for a week; consider an ebike. Don't underestimate the hills. There is good reason that your guides supply snacks at every turn!

Suggestions

The first and last days are hard. However the bikes are perfect for the job, the roads surprisingly good and the guides know how to support you. Some of the middle days are less demanding, so it's nicely paced. The experience IA worth the tired legs.