Ionian Ascents: Albania, Macedonia and Greece by Road Bike

Passports and Visas

Health

No vaccinations are needed.

Weather

During the summer it is mostly warm, with cool early mornings and temperatures rising to around 25C mid-day and falling rapidly at night in the mountains as the sun goes down. A fleece and long trousers for the evening are fine. Rain is a possibility, therefore you will need waterproofs. Sun cream is a must, as is a covering for your head.

Food

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Albanian cuisine is characterized by the use of various Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, black pepper, mint, basil and rosemary. Vegetables are used in almost every dish. Albanian farmers grow every vegetable present in the Mediterranean region and a farmers market takes place early each morning. Meat (lamb, beef, rabbit and chicken) is used heavily in various dishes in most of the country and seafood specialties are very common in the coastal areas.

Drink

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price.

Solo Travelers

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Extra Expenses

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra euros for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest that €6-8 per person per day is appropriate.

A Note on Albania's Accommodation Tax: This nightly accommodation tax in Albania varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is generally between 3 - 10 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why we do not include it in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.

Money

In just the last year or so ATMs connected to the major international networks have appeared in towns and cities everywhere, which makes travel here much easier. Only the larger hotels and travel agencies accept credit cards, and in only a handful of establishments outside Tirana. Major banks can offer credit-card advances. Every town has its currency market, which usually operates on the street in front of the main post office or state bank. Such transactions are not dangerous or illegal and it all takes place quite openly, but do make sure you count the money twice before tendering yours. The advantages are that you get a good rate and avoid the 1% bank commission. There are currency exchange businesses in major towns, usually open 8 am to 6 pm, and closed on Sundays. The euro and the US dollars are the favourite foreign currencies. You will not be able to change Albanian lekë outside the country, so exchange them or spend them before you leave.

Passports and Visas

Health

See here for recommendations and detailed information.

Weather

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, making it a popular destination year-round. Average temperatures are about 12°C (54°F) in winter and 26°C (79°F) in summer, though heatwaves in July and August can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F), especially inland. Northern and mountainous regions are cooler and wetter, while the southern areas and islands are sunnier and drier. Coastal destinations benefit from refreshing sea breezes, but the meltemi wind in the Aegean can be strong during summer, which is important for ferry travelers and sailors to keep in mind. Overall, visitors should be prepared for strong sun and high heat in summer, pack lighter layers for spring and autumn, and expect cooler, wetter conditions in winter, especially in the north.

Food

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Greek cuisine highlights fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and rich Mediterranean flavors. Seafood is widely enjoyed, especially in the islands, with dishes like grilled octopus and fried calamari. Meat lovers can savor classics such as souvlaki (grilled skewers) and moussaka (a layered eggplant and meat casserole). Traditional dishes like spanakopita (spinach pie) and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) showcase Greece’s love of herbs, olive oil, and vegetables. Sweet treats include baklava (layers of pastry with nuts and honey) and loukoumades (honey-dipped dough balls). Visitors should also try Greek salads topped with feta, tangy tzatziki, and the country’s famous wines and ouzo.

Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Drink

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and a regular supply of refreshments are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price.

Solo Travelers

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Extra Expenses

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra Euros for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest that €5-10 per person per day is appropriate.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country, but that is not a guarantee, especially in mom & pop shops in rural areas.

A Note on Greece’s Climat Crisis Resilience Tax: This nightly accommodation tax in Greece varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is generally between 3 - 10 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why we do not include it in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.

Money

The currency used in Greece is the Euro (€).

Passports and Visas

Health

No vaccinations are needed.

Weather

Macedonia generally has sunny and warm weather during the spring and autumn, dry hot summers and cold and rainy winters. May-October is an excellent time to visit, as it's the warmest and driest part of the year. July and August have the most sun and are the best months to visit the lakes. Average temperature in the summer is 73 F/23 C, but a sweater may be needed in the evenings and at higher altitudes. Please also be aware that weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change quickly.

Food

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Macedonian cuisine is noted for the freshness of salads and for its use of red capsicum and beans. Macedonian pastries are well-known and are extremely popular and eaten on a daily basis. We shall make sure you sample as much local cuisine as you wish. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Drink

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Alcoholic drinks are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price.

Accommodation

As Macedonia is an emerging tourist destination with limited hotel capacity there is a chance we may have to substitute listed hotels with ones of equal or higher rating. We will inform you of any changes in advance.

Solo Travelers

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Extra Expenses

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra euros/dollars for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest that Euro 4-5 per person per day is appropriate.

Money

Macedonia's currency is the denar (MKD) and is not convertible outside the country. Restaurants, hotels and some shops will accept payment in Euro (usually) and US dollars (sometimes). Small private exchange offices throughout central Skopje and Ohrid exchange cash as do the banks. ATMs can be found in all of the major towns and tourist centres but not in out-of-the-way places. Travellers cheques are a real hassle to change and we advise against relying on them, except as a form of emergency back-up money. Credit cards are widely accepted, but don’t take it for granted, even at a hotel or restaurant.

A Note on Macedonia's Accommodation Tax: This nightly accommodation tax in Macedonia varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is generally between 3 - 10 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why we do not include it in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.