Main entrance to Tirana Cathedral

Our third bike tour of 2025 and one with a difference. Earlier this winter the prospect of some autumn sunshine was very appealing and scrolling through various holiday options I discovered a supported bike ride through Albania. It seemed very reasonably priced and I was attracted by the fact it proposed a mix of cultural highlights but a focus on riding as well. So many organised bike tours seem to have very short cycle days.

As the holiday got closer I started to realise that we had signed up for something more adventurous than my romantic rose tinted first impressions. Hence a few training rides including a 105km ride from Andy and Sue’s to home in the middle of a heat wave and a couple of hilly rides when we got out to Nendaz. Now feel in good shape and looking forward to the next few days.

The journey out here from Geneva went smoothly, especially after we changed our parking to an on airport location from the ‘cheapy’ parking’ I had initially booked. Bit of a mistake that. Getting a taxi from the airport worked well and my fears about scamming/ overcharging were totally misplaced. 

We had time once checked in to have a quick walk round some of Tirana, get a feel for the city and were very lucky to visit Tirana’s Cathedral “The Resurrection of Christ”.  This is a new cathdral, only built between 2001 and 2005. Notable impressions:

• the 46m tall bell tower composed of 4 Paschal candles, joined together around a central shaft of stairs leading up to two open floors with 16 bells topped off by a 4 sided clock. The symbolism of the candles represent the 4 Evangelists who proclaimed the Resurrection.
• the mosaic relief in the central dome. The 12 rays radiating out represent the idea of rays of Divine Light which spread outside through the encircling small windows in the dome.
• This dome has a 26m inner diameter and is 23m high so both impressive in scale and exceptionally beautiful.
• The suspended central bronze chandelier comprising 120 candles

We missed visiting the Tirana Castle and mosque as we needed to get back for 6.00 for our briefing. On first impressions the city felt very chaotic and intimidating. However, walking round was good as I felt much safer than I thought I would. Good presence of tourist police, people hanging out taking photos, chatting and being considerate to each other.

Half our group had arrived, 8 from Dublin were missing and turned up for Breckie. Of the others 4 ladies from the US on regular bikes, another US couple on their own tandem, 2 brothers from Germany and a Norwegian couple who are on the self guided version. We went out for a really good meal, meze style and it was nice chatting and getting to know some of our travelling companions for the rest of the trip. Slept well and am writing this on the bus as we travel to our start point for Day 1 at Lake Ohrid. We got out of the city quickly and are now driving through beautiful green low level mountains and ridges.