FAQs

North Macedonia eBiking Adventure

Travel

  • You are responsible for booking flights to Tirana.

    We will pick you up from Tirana Airport at 19:45 on arrival day and drop you off at 15:30 on departure day. These transfers line up with our recommended flights below.

  • London Stansted (STN) to Tirana (TIA) | Ryanair

    STN | 15:00 ✈ TIA | 18:55 | FR 8290
    TIA | 17:45 ✈︎ STN | 19:50 | FR 82191

  • We do not provide individual transfers for anyone arriving at different times, so if your flight times do not match up with the transfer times specified above, you will be responsible for making your own way to the accommodation. 

    If you arrive on an earlier flight than our listed one, we will be able to offer you a spot in the transfer from the airport.

    HOWEVER if your flight is very delayed, the transfer may not wait for you and you'll need to make your own way to the accommodation. If you depart on a later flight, you are welcome to use the transfer to the airport; this will have a drop off time at the airport for the specified flight time.

  • The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Please note there will be a border crossing that may impact the journey time.

  • Although our trip is based in North Macedonia, Tirana is the thriving, buzzy capital of Albania. If you have the time, a few days to explore the city is well worth it.

    Learn why the whole country is littered with strange concrete “mushrooms”, try local dishes and count the number of Mercedes cars that go by whilst you sip a coffee at one of the hundreds of cafes across the city.

  • We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together. 

Accommodation & Food

  • This eBiking holiday blends adventure with comfort in cozy, rustic hotels, with a dash of Balkan charm.

    For the first night, we’ll stay in a comfortable, basic hotel in Galichnik. For the rest of the trip we’ll move on to Popova Shapka to a great hotel with spa facilities and a swimming pool.

    Room set up

    • Twin room with bathroom - shared with another Gutsy Girl

    • Private rooms with private bathroom.

  • Yes, towels and hairdryers are provided.

  • Yes, laundry facilities are available at our second hotel in Popova Shapka.

  • Fill up on the true taste of North Macedonia with delicious breakfasts, farm to table dinners, grilled lunches, and organic cheese!

    Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotels, whilst lunches include a mix of packed meals and chances to dine out.

    Please note, we can cater for most dietary requirements, however, options for vegans may be limited. Please contact us to discuss.

  • Yes, we can accommodate all dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance for any dietary preferences to guarantee you receive the correct food during your trip.

Activities

  • Simple - because although you still need to peddle, change gear and negotiate different terrains, eBikes help add a bit of extra power when you need it most! They give more riders more freedom to reach those trickier summits or navigate longer distances.

    They’re also really fun!

  • You’ll be eBiking up to 45km a day for three consecutive days. There will be plenty of breaks on the routes and the chance to relax in the evenings with good food and a spa.

    Cycling will mainly be on gravel paths, with some steeper descents.

    A good level of fitness is needed, as well as a love for the mountains and cycling, and an appetite for both challenge and reward.

    • Mavrovo Highland Ride: Distance: 36-46 km (route depending), Ascent: 450 m, Descent: 630 m

    • Leshnica Valley Ride: Distance: 45 km, Elevation gain/loss: ±1240 m (roughly)

    • Vakaf Meadows Ride: Distance: 30 km, Elevation gain: 450m

    • Mavrovo Highland Ride: Distance: 36-46 km (route depending), Ascent: 450 m, Descent: 630 m

    • Leshnica Valley Ride: Distance: 45 km, Elevation gain/loss: ±1240 m

    • Vakaf Meadows Ride: Distance: 30 km, Elevation gain: 450 m

  • We always encourage Gutsy Girls to give everything a go, but the rides are varied and may not be for everyone, every day. You know your body best - listen to it and choose what suits you.

  • This eBiking holiday is rated moderate.

    It involves three consecutive days of cycling on demanding terrain, covering between 30-45km per day with significant ascents and descents. A good level of fitness is needed, as is confidence with cycling rocky, uneven paths. You also need a love of cycling!

    eBikes are also heavier than a non electronic bike so you need to be able to potentially lift or maneuver the bike.

  • The main difference between an eBike and a “normal” bike is the motor. You still have to peddle and change gears, but the motor helps give a bit of extra oomph to your natural rider power, making things a little easier when you need it most.

Gear & Packing

  • Yes! You can find a detailed packing list here.

  • Yes, a 15-25-litre daypack or saddlebag is ideal for carrying layers, snacks, water, and essentials.

  • North Macedonia in September can be very warm, but it will be cooler in the mountains, especially at night, so light layers may be best. Check the weather forecast before you go and adjust accordingly.

Other

  • No need to stuff your wallet with cash —credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. That said, it’s handy to carry a small amount of local currency for those occasional personal expenses. The Euro is widely accepted in North Macedonia.

  • There’s no upper age limit for our adventures—our Gutsy Girls community welcomes women from 18 to 70+! We never ask your age, only that you’re ready for a bit of adventure and a lot of fun.

    Most of our guests are between 24 and 60, with around 60% in their 30s and 40s. But once we’re out there—cycling over hills, hiking to breathtaking peaks, or paddling through remote waters—age truly becomes irrelevant. It’s all about sharing incredible experiences, laughing together, and building friendships that span generations.

  • Absolutely! We’d love for you to join us solo!

    Over 95% of our guests come on their own, and we’re all about helping you connect with like-minded adventurers. It’s a warm, welcoming vibe—come as you are, we can’t wait to meet you and make some amazing memories together!

  • At Gutsy Girls, our top priority is working with guides and instructors who embody our values—passionate, experienced, and dedicated to building women’s confidence in the outdoors. While we aim to have female guides wherever possible, the reality is there are fewer women in the industry, so occasionally, we work with male instructors.

    We carefully select those who are patient, friendly, and highly skilled, always keeping track of the feedback from our guests. We’re excited to see the number of female instructors grow as more women take to adventure sports!

  • If the weather doesn’t play ball, we’ll adjust the plan accordingly. Safety is always our top priority, and we’ve got plenty of indoor or alternative activities lined up, just in case. You’re in safe hands!