BalkansTT Tirana-Trikala Hard/Soft/Road
from 30 June to 7 July 2024
The ancient Greeks – who knew a lot- they have created an extraordinary civilization by developing arts and commerce on the mild shores of the Mediterranean, but the gods put them up there, on the almost unreachable mountain tops, that symbolized its majesty and power.
And we, New Centaurs, Roaring Men on Two Wheels, We will explore the lands of myth where ancient Aromanian was spoken, Romance language of the Southern Balkans, between south-eastern Albania, North Macedonia, and the mountain range of extreme northern Greece.
The ascent to the highest peaks will be a real challenge, Every step steeped in legends and myths, Passing through majestic landscapes and ancient sanctuaries, Sacred Wells, Legendary Springs and Caves, Keepers of secrets and wonders of the past; Once you reach the top, You will be rewarded with heavenly views and the feeling of being welcomed into a space suspended between human and divine reality.
What you'll like the most? The paths, all of an extraordinary intensity, or the mystical vibration, which culminates in the visit to Meteora?!?
Join us on this amazing adventure, where history and mythology blend with unspoiled nature, lifting us up to the presence of the Gods ...
Program
day 1 • Sunday 30 June 2024
Tirana: Let's get ready for the event! Meeting in the afternoon at the hotel in Tirana – hours 18,00 briefing followed by a convivial dinner
day 2 • Monday 1 July
Towards Berat, The “City of a Hundred Windows”
The caravan sets off from Tirana, with the Gruppo Stradale and OFF Soft ploughing the provincial road SH3, while the OFF Group immediately tackles a fascinating dirt road in the mountains. In the afternoon, the Road Group heads west to reach Fier and explore the archaeological site of Apollonia. Meanwhile, the two OFF groups head to Gramsh, tackling the impressive Kleiner Pass. The day ends in Berat, The “City of a Hundred Windows”, with a guided tour of Albania's oldest university.
Approximately 160 Km lo Stradale and 200 OFF
day 3 • Tuesday 2 July
Let's start climbing mountains …
The Road Group starts towards Polican and Corovode, Crossing the canyon of the Osum River to Permet, with a detour to the evocative thermal baths of Petran. Meanwhile, the Soft and Hard Group plunge into a fabulous dirt road through the Mali Tomorrit Natural Park, heading to picturesque Kelcire. Hence, They are divided into exciting paths, with the Soft Group descending from Bodar towards Permet and the Hard venturing around the summit of Mount Tomorr.
Approximately 130 Km lo Stradale and 200 OFF
day 4 • Wednesday 3 July
… in the presence of the Gods
The Road Group descends towards the Greek border, then up to Korce and Pogradec via the picturesque road of the lakes of Orid and Prespa in Macedonia. Meanwhile, the OFF Hard Group launches into a formidable dirt road in the Kombetar Park, while the OFF Soft explores the border road to Greece, crossing the wonderful Galligica Park. The day ends in Bitola for a well-deserved rest.
Approx. km 250
day 5 • Thursday 4 July
WOWwww … Pindov Park!
The Road Group heads towards the Greek border, crossing a scenic road that leads to Kastoria Lake and the forests north of Pindov Park. The two OFF Groups enjoy a mix of dirt and paved roads through the Selekta Planina and Pindov Park.
Approximately 240 Kilometer
day 6 • Friday 5 July
We are breathless in the presence of the Meteors
The two OFF Groups chew on tough off-road all day long, while the Road Group heads towards Metsovo through the vast region of Pindov Park, with the possibility, if everything goes smoothly, of a detour to visit the Vikos Gorges; the day culminates in Kalambaka, The “City of Meteora”.
Approx. Km 210
day 7 • Saturday 6 July
Today we play!
In the morning guided tour of Meteora, Then it's time to play, with differentiated routes ad hoc for each group, within the formidable landscapes of Pindov Park!
Approximately 160 Kilometer
day 8 • Sunday 7 July
Let's go back to humans
We say goodbye to the fascinating Metsovo with a tear and walk along the south shore of the Aoos Spring Reserv Lake, and then reach Lake Ioannina with a spectacular route, where we take a short break before taking the highway that will take us to the port of Igoumenitsa for the return to Italy.
Approx. Km 170