Imagine exploring the wild landscapes of Albania and North Macedonia by e-bike, praying in 15th-century mosques, and reflecting on Surah al-Kahf in a cave, atop a mountain, on a farm — all in 9 days. Fitrah Outdoors is back for year two of the Balkans adventure that's unlike anything else out there. 🚴🏽‍♀️🇦🇱🇲🇰🕌📿🏔️🌿🍽️👩🏽‍🍳

Trip Dates: Saturday, June 13 – Sunday, June 21, 2026 

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights 

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate 

Group Size: 6–10 Participants

With the mountains, rivers, valleys, caves, and ancient lakes of Albania and North Macedonia as your backdrop, Fitrah Outdoors is excited to lead this first-of-its-kind program for the second year in a row! Expect e-biking through national parks, hiking to panoramic summits, learning from local farmers and historians, and reflecting on the stories of Surah al-Kahf among some of Europe's last pockets of living traditional culture.

Electric bicycles make it possible to cover remarkable distances and elevation gains that would otherwise be out of reach — and our dedicated support vehicle carries all luggage throughout the journey, so you can soak up the stunning scenery and stay fully present in the experience.

• E-biking alongside Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid — Europe's oldest lake at 2 million years old

• Exploring four national parks across Albania and North Macedonia: Shebenik, Galicica, Prespa, and Fir of Drenove

• Kayaking Lake Prespa — one of the only places on Earth where you can dip your paddle into three countries at once

• Participating in a hands-on farm service project supporting local Borovë farmers 

• Learning to make traditional Burek with Grandma Bahia and Albanian aunties in Kamenicë village

• Praying at beautifully restored 15th-century mosques in both countries

• Recounting the stories of Surah al-Kahf in a cave, atop a mountain, and on a working farm
  

Our group stays in a curated selection of 4-star+ local guesthouses, house rentals, and hotels. All accommodations are based on double occupancy where available. If you're traveling with a friend or spouse — or have a roommate preference — simply note it in the comments section of your registration form.

All meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 (arrival) through breakfast on Day 9 (departure). Meals are sourced from local establishments featuring fresh produce, halal meats, and fish. Participants can also look forward to two home-cooked meals prepared by local Albanian families on farms in Borovë and Korçë. Additional beverages and snacks are not included.

• Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA) by 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

• Departing flights may leave any time after 8:00 AM on Sunday, June 21, 2026 from TIA.

• Airport transfers to/from TIA are included in package.

• On departure day, Sunday, June 21, participants may choose an early OR mid-morning transfer from Korçë to TIA (approximately 4 hours).

• Flights are not included. We strongly recommend carrying on all baggage and allowing ample connection time when booking.

• Travel insurance is not included but is strongly encouraged for all participants.

• Deposit: $500 (fully refundable until April 15, 2026)

• Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026

• Final Payment Due: May 15, 2026

Sulayman Christopher - Lead Guide

Sulayman Christopher grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and now calls Berkeley, California home. His love for bringing friends together to remember the Divine in natural settings led him to found Fitrah Outdoors in 2022 — and with Albanian roots and a longtime obsession with multi-day bike trips, leading this program was practically a no-brainer. This will be his fourth time exploring the Balkans since 2005, and he's just as excited as the first. Throughout the program, Sulayman guides the group in facilitated reflections on the stories of Surah al-Kahf at natural sites along the route.

Ryan Strom - Co-Guide

Currently living in Washington, D.C. and a native of Flint, Michigan, Ryan, AKA Abu Huraira, or the father of cats, is known in social circles for his prolific group bicycle trip planning skills--having organized over twenty trips since 2010!--and his love for feeding and petting cats, around the block and around the world. Ryan serves as the program route group lead to ensure that all participants have an exciting and safe E-Bike experience. This will be Ryan's fourth trip to Albania.

*The program will also include a total 3 English-speaking local Albanian and North Macedonian guides in Borovë (Days 2-3), Struga (Day 4), & Korçë (Days 7-8)

Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport (TIA), you'll be whisked away via private transfer to the charming village of Borovë, nestled near Shebenik National Park. Settle in and get ready for the adventure ahead. Overnight at Hotel Hasa, Borovë.

Gear up for an unforgettable day of e-biking and hiking through the wild beauty of Shebenik National Park. A knowledgeable local guide leads you through Akullit Cave, Borove Caves, and other hidden gems of the park. Cap the day with a fresh-catch fish dinner in a nearby village. Overnight at Hotel Hasa, Borovë, Albania.

Give back and connect with the land on a morning farm visit, rolling up your sleeves to assist local villagers with farm work. Refuel over an unforgettable lunch spread at the farming family’s village house.Then hop on your e-bike for a scenic ride from Shebenik National Park to Librazhd before transferring to the lakeside village of Lin for a breathtaking sunset over Lake Ohrid. Overnight at Erda Lakeside Guesthouse, Lin, Albania.

Cross an international border on two wheels! E-bike from Lin, Albania into North Macedonia, where you'll be welcomed by local Muslim leaders for a guided tour of the Helvetti Tekke and the historic Old City of Struga. Continue by e-bike into Ohrid's storied Old City and cool off with a swim at a local beach. Overnight at lakeside Villa Art Colony, South Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Today's ride is one for the books. Pedal from your lakeside village to the summit viewpoint of Galicica National Park — over 7,000 feet above sea level — with panoramic views stretching across both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Then descend thousands of feet down a stunning mountain pass to Oteševo. An optional swim in Lake Prespa awaits at the bottom. Overnight at Lakeview Hotel & Resort, Oteševo.

Start the day on the water with a peaceful kayak outing on Lake Prespa — one of the only places on Earth where you can dip your paddle into three countries at once. Spend the afternoon e-biking along the lake's shores and through the tranquil landscapes of Prespa National Park before arriving in the historic city of Korçë. Overnight at Historic Bujtina Sidheri Guesthouse, Korçë.

A day rich in history, faith, and flavor. Join Islamic historian Professor Nuredin Nazarko for a guided tour of Korçë's Islamic heritage, culminating in Jumu'ah prayer at the 15th-century Xhamia e Iljaz Mirahorit. Afterward, e-bike to the village of Kamenicë to meet Shepherd Cimci and a hands-on cooking class with the beloved Grandma Bahia. Overnight at Historic Bujtina Sidheri Guesthouse, Korçë.

Spend the morning e-biking to the historic village of Drenove for a moment of heritage reflection, then lace up for a hike through the ancient Fir of Drenove National Park — one of Albania's most serene and storied forests. Overnight at Historic Bujtina Sidheri Guesthouse Korçë.

After breakfast, private transfers depart for Tirana International Airport (TIA). Safe travels — and until next time!